Andres Iniesta, a former Barcelona and Spain midfielder, has announced his retirement from football after a 24-year career filled with numerous titles.
Born in Fuentealbilla, Spain, Iniesta joined Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy at 12 years old and made 674 appearances for the Spanish side, captaining them for three seasons. He scored the only goal of the 2010 World Cup final with a last-gasp strike, earning his country victory over the Netherlands.
Iniesta also played a key role in Spain winning the 2008 European Championship, snapping a 44-year trophy drought and being named player of the tournament when they successfully defended the title in 2012. He won nine LaLiga titles with Barca, four Champions League titles, six Copa del Rey crowns, two UEFA Super Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups, many of them alongside Xavi Hernandez, a rival for the accolade of being described as the best Spanish footballer of all time.
Iniesta was runner-up for the 2010 Ballon d’Or behind Lionel Messi on social media. He expressed his pride in his journey and the people who have accompanied him, expressing his love for his country and the hard work and sacrifice that have led to his success.
