2024, OCTOBER 08 – Legendary Spanish midfielder Andrés Iniesta has officially brought his illustrious career to an end, choosing 8 October as the date to make the announcement – a nod to the iconic number 8 shirt he wore throughout his storied career.
Iniesta decided to step away from football after leaving UAE’s Emirates Football Club, where his contract expired in June.
Prior to his time in the Gulf, Iniesta spent five years with Japan’s Vissel Kobe a team formerly affiliated with FC Barcelona – the club where the Spaniard achieved his greatest successes.
During his remarkable 22-year tenure at Barcelona, Iniesta rose through the ranks of La Masia to become one of the club’s most celebrated players.
The midfielder also cemented his place as one of the all-time greats, beloved not only by Barcelona fans but by football lovers around the world.
At 40, Iniesta retires with a decorated career that includes nine LaLiga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies, many of which were won under Pep Guardiola‘s iconic team – often hailed as the best in football history.
Despite his club success, Iniesta’s crowning achievement came on the international stage. He earned 131 caps for Spain and scored the match-winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final against The Netherlands.
Iniesta also won two European Championships with Spain and collected numerous individual honours throughout his career. He famously finished second in the 2010 Ballon d’Or voting, behind Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi and ahead of fellow midfielder Xavi.
Having retired from international football in 2018, Iniesta remains Spain’s fifth-most capped player.