Barcelona and Spain legend Andrés Iniesta has officially announced his retirement from professional football.
The iconic midfielder shared the news on social media with a heartfelt video that included tributes from some of the sport’s greats, such as Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique, honouring his illustrious career.
At 40 years old, Iniesta’s journey concluded with final stints at Japan’s Vissel Kobe and UAE’s Emirates Club.
However, he will forever be remembered for his extraordinary legacy at Barcelona.
A product of the renowned La Masia academy, Iniesta spent 16 years with the Catalan giants, amassing 674 appearances and becoming one of the most decorated players in football history.
His trophy cabinet includes an incredible 28 titles with Barcelona, highlighted by four UEFA Champions League victories and nine La Liga titles.
Iniesta also enjoyed a glittering international career with Spain. He earned 131 caps and scored 13 goals, contributing to Spain’s dominance from 2008 to 2012 when they claimed three consecutive major international trophies including two European Championships (2008, 2012) and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
His crowning moment came in the 2010 World Cup final, where he scored the decisive goal in extra time against the Netherlands, securing Spain’s first-ever world title.
Notably, Iniesta remains the only player in history to have won man-of-the-match honours in the finals of the World Cup, European Championship, and Champions League.
His retirement marks the end of an era, and his influence on the game, both for club and country, will be felt for generations to come.
