Andrés Iniesta Explained

Andrés Iniesta
Full Name:Andrés Iniesta Luján[1]
Birth Date:11 May 1984
Birth Place:Fuentealbilla, Spain
Height:1.72 m[2] [3]
Position:Midfielder
Youthyears1:1994–1996
Youthclubs1:Albacete
Youthyears2:1996–2001
Youthclubs2:Barcelona
Years1:2000–2003
Clubs1:Barcelona B
Caps1:49
Goals1:5
Years2:2002–2018
Clubs2:Barcelona
Caps2:442
Goals2:35
Years3:2018–2023
Clubs3:Vissel Kobe
Caps3:114
Goals3:21
Years4:2023–2024
Clubs4:Emirates
Caps4:20
Goals4:5
Totalcaps:625
Totalgoals:66
Nationalyears1:2000
Nationalteam1:Spain U15
Nationalcaps1:2
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2000–2001
Nationalteam2:Spain U16
Nationalcaps2:7
Nationalgoals2:1
Nationalyears3:2001
Nationalteam3:Spain U17
Nationalcaps3:4
Nationalgoals3:0
Nationalyears4:2001–2002
Nationalteam4:Spain U19
Nationalcaps4:7
Nationalgoals4:1
Nationalyears5:2003
Nationalteam5:Spain U20
Nationalcaps5:7
Nationalgoals5:3
Nationalyears6:2003–2006
Nationalteam6:Spain U21
Nationalcaps6:18
Nationalgoals6:6
Nationalyears7:2004
Nationalteam7:Catalonia
Nationalcaps7:1
Nationalgoals7:0
Nationalyears8:2006–2018
Nationalteam8:Spain
Nationalcaps8:131
Nationalgoals8:11
Club-Update:19:19, 6 July 2024 (UTC)

Andrés Iniesta Luján (pronounced as /es/; born 11 May 1984) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. Widely considered one of the greatest midfielders of all time,[4] [5] [6] he was lauded for his balance, ball control and agility in close spaces, combined with his skill, composure, and flair on the ball. Iniesta has spent most of his career at Barcelona, where he played a major role in the club's success along with his midfield partners Xavi and Sergio Busquets.

Iniesta started his professional career through La Masia, the Barcelona youth academy, after an early migration from his birthplace, and impressed from an early age. He made his first-team debut aged 18 in 2002. He began playing regularly during the 2004–05 season and remained in the team until 2018. Iniesta was an integral part of the Barcelona sides that won two historic trebles in 2009 and 2015, and his 35 trophies, which includes nine La Ligas and four UEFA Champions League titles, make him the most decorated Spanish footballer of all time. After 22 years at Barcelona, Iniesta signed for J1 League club Vissel Kobe in 2018. After leaving the club in 2023, Iniesta signed for UAE Pro League club Emirates.

Iniesta played for Spain at the Under-16, Under-19 and Under-21 levels before making his international debut in 2006. He helped Spain win UEFA Euro 2008, playing every game and being selected in the Team of the Tournament. Iniesta was also a key member of the victorious Spanish team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup; he scored the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands, for which he was named the Man of the Match, and was selected to the tournament's All-Star Team. His performances in 2010 for both club and country saw him being runner-up to Lionel Messi for the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or. At UEFA Euro 2012, Iniesta led Spain to their second consecutive continental crown, again being chosen as the Man of the Match of the final against Italy, and was named the Player of the Tournament.

Iniesta has been named in the FIFA FIFPro World XI nine times and was chosen in the UEFA Team of the Year on six occasions. He was named in the All-time UEFA Euro XI. He won the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award in 2012 and was named the IFFHS World's Best Playmaker in 2012 and 2013. Besides his runner-up position in 2010, he also achieved third place in the 2012 Ballon d'Or.

Club career

FC Barcelona

Early career

Iniesta comes from Fuentealbilla, a small village in the province of Albacete, Castile–La Mancha, where he mostly played futsal due to the lack of football pitches in the village.[7] At the age of 12, while playing for Albacete Balompié in a junior seven-a-side tournament in Albacete, he attracted the attention of scouts from clubs around Spain.[8] His parents knew Barcelona's youth team coach, Enrique Orizaola, and he persuaded them to consider sending Iniesta to the Barcelona youth academy. Iniesta traveled there with his parents and visited La Masia, the farmhouse where the club houses its young players; the trip convinced them to enroll Iniesta in the Barcelona youth ranks.[9]

Iniesta says he "cried rivers" the day he left for La Masia and struggled being separated from his parents;[10] he was very shy and kept to himself while there.[11] He captained the Barcelona Under-15 team to victory in the Nike Premier Cup of 1999, scoring the winning goal in the last minute of the final, and was named player of the tournament. Just after Iniesta arrived at the club, then-captain Pep Guardiola famously told fellow midfielder Xavi: "You're going to retire me. This lad [Iniesta] is going to retire us all."[12]

2004–2008

Iniesta joined the first team during the tenure of Radomir Antić. On 29 October 2002, he made his first team debut in a 1–0 away win against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League group stage. In the 2004–05 season, he featured in 37 out of 38 league games—more than any other player—although 25 of these were substitute appearances. He scored twice as Barcelona won La Liga.[13] An injury to Xavi at the start of the 2005–06 season allowed Iniesta more regular starts in the centre of midfield, and he continued to improve and develop.[14] He played in 11 UEFA Champions League games, including a half-time appearance in the 2006 final, to replace Edmílson.[15] His contribution to the team was praised by manager Frank Rijkaard as Barcelona won a league and Champions League double.[16]

The 2006–07 season saw Iniesta's profile continue to rise and he earned plaudits for his willingness to play in any position for his team. In the pre-season, he lifted the Joan Gamper Trophy as the captain of the team after a 4–0 victory over German side Bayern Munich. Iniesta played for the first time as a left wing-forward for Barça in two Champions League matches against Levski Sofia, finding the net twice. In the first knockout stage of the same competition, he played in central midfield against Liverpool. Despite being moved around the pitch by manager Rijkaard, the 2006–07 season remains Iniesta's highest scoring thus far.

With the departure of Ludovic Giuly ahead of the 2007–08 campaign, Iniesta was able to switch his number 24 shirt for his preferred number 8.[17] Despite rumours of a possible transfer before the season,[18] he extended his contract to 2014 on 25 January 2008,[19] with his buy-out clause being raised to €150 million.[20] Don Balón, a member of European Sports Magazines, named Iniesta one of the most consistent performers in the previous two seasons of La Liga; he placed fifth in 2006–07 and fourth in 2007–08.[21] [22] He also placed ninth in the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year voting, gaining 37 total points.[23]

2008–09

At the start of the 2008–09 season, in September 2008, Iniesta was elected the fourth-choice captain behind, in order of preference, Carles Puyol, Xavi and Víctor Valdés; all four were products of the Barcelona youth system.[24] His performances throughout the season were highly lauded, and he received standing ovations both in Barcelona at the Camp Nou, as well as from rival supporters in away matches.[25] A leg injury sustained in mid-November 2008 left Iniesta sidelined until 3 January; initially expected to return to action in six weeks, he did not want to come back until he was 100 percent. Upon his return to action on 3 January, as a 65th-minute substitute against Mallorca, he scored a crucial goal after just ten minutes on the pitch and completed a Barcelona comeback in front of the Camp Nou.[26] 3 days later, he captained Barcelona for the first time in an official match, a 3–1 victory against Atlético Madrid at the Vicente Calderón in the round-of-16 first leg of the Copa del Rey.

Iniesta sustained another injury during a home match against Málaga, but returned to action for the first leg Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich on 8 April, which Barcelona won 4–0.[27] He scored a vital equaliser in the final minute of stoppage time during the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea, with a curling strike with the outside of his right foot 25 yards from goal, securing the tie on away goals as the match finished 1–1 at Stamford Bridge.[28] In the season review, Un Any Al Paradis, Iniesta wrote, "I connected with that shot with the outside, not the inside or the tip of my boot, but right from my heart, with all my might."[29]

Iniesta's goal against Chelsea sent Barcelona through to the final in Rome against defending champions Manchester United. Prior to the final, United manager Alex Ferguson identified Iniesta as Barça's biggest threat: "He's fantastic. He makes the team work. The way he finds passes, his movement and ability to create space is incredible. He's so important for Barcelona." Despite a thigh injury, Iniesta played and was influential in the game, providing the assist for the first goal scored by Samuel Eto'o as his team went on to win 2–0.[30] In his analysis, David Pleat wrote, "In the end the midfield artistry of Iniesta and Xavi, helped by [Lionel] Messi], was the critical factor."[31] After the game, United striker Wayne Rooney described Iniesta as the best player in the world.[32]

Iniesta received plaudits for his performances that season; Don Balón rated him as the league's most consistent performer.[33] Later that year, he placed fifth for the 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year award, with 134 votes,[34] and fourth for the Ballon d'Or, receiving 149 points.[35] Barcelona extended his contract by one year, until 2015, and raised his buy-out clause to €200 million.[36]

2009–2012

Barcelona won a second successive league title in the 2009–10 season, securing a record 99 points. Individually, however, Iniesta endured a campaign largely disrupted by recurring injuries. He missed pre-season fitness training due to the thigh tear suffered in the 2009 Champions League final.[37] Despite featuring in almost as many matches as the previous season, he did so mostly as a substitute, starting only 20 games throughout.[38] His season came to a premature end in April after he aggravated a previous calf injury during training.[39]

A contributing factor of Iniesta's fractured season were the episodes of psychological instability he suffered privately following the death of his close friend Daniel Jarque, a fellow footballer, in August 2009. Even when physically fit, he was often unable to complete training sessions or exert himself. After seeking psychological help, including from psychologist Inma Puig,[40] he experienced catharsis when he scored Spain's match-winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, which he dedicated to Jarque by revealing the message "Dani Jarque, always with us" written on his undershirt.[41] "I did it because I felt it deeply," Iniesta said at the time. "It showed that what is more important than rivalry, your team or your colours is to be human and a good person. I am delighted because it was the most important moment in my career."[42] Regarding the recurrent injuries that plagued his season, he said, "It was hard, but I will start with more desire than ever."

Iniesta scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season during the opening league fixture against Racing de Santander, lobbing the ball into the net from a distance of 30 yards.[43] Throughout the campaign, he received standing ovations from opposition fans, including at El Sardinero and the Vicente Calderón Stadium, in appreciation of his World Cup-winning goal.[44] Another standing ovation came on the home pitch of Espanyol in the Derbi barceloní, with the crowd acknowledging his friendship with Daniel Jarque, Espanyol's captain at the time of his death.[45] Iniesta was one of the three finalists for the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or alongside Xavi and Messi, placing as runner-up behind the Argentine.[46]

Iniesta started the 2011–12 season by scoring the opening goal in the second leg of the Supercopa de España against rivals Real Madrid. Barcelona went on to win the match 3–2 and the cup 5–4 on aggregate. One of his best goals followed in October against Viktoria Plzeň in the Champions League group stage after an interchange of passes with Messi. Iniesta played a record 51 matches unbeaten in La Liga, concluding with Barcelona's 2–0 defeat of Mallorca on 24 March.[47] In the Champions League, he ended a goal drought by scoring a vital goal against Milan in the quarter-finals. From there, he went on to score in the semi-final against Chelsea to make the scoreline 2–0, but the match ended 2–2, eliminating his team 3–2 on aggregate. Towards the end of the year, on 25 November, Iniesta was named man of the match after scoring one goal and providing three assists in a 4–0 win over Levante.[48] His performances earned him third place in the voting of the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or.[49]

2013–2018

Iniesta signed a new contract with Barcelona in December 2013, keeping him at the club until 2018.[50] As vice-captain, he regularly captained Barça throughout the club's second treble-winning campaign of the 2014–15 season, and became captain after Carles Puyol's retirement and Xavi's departure. Iniesta scored three times during the team's Copa del Rey campaign,[51] and was man of the match in the 2015 UEFA Champions League Final, having assisted Ivan Rakitić's opening goal in the 3–1 defeat of Italian champions Juventus at Berlin's Olympiastadion.[52] Their European victory made Barcelona the first club in history to win the treble of domestic league, domestic cup and European Cup twice;[53] Iniesta was among the seven players to have been a part of both treble-winning teams.

During the first Clásico of the 2015–16 season, on 21 November, Iniesta became only the third Barcelona player, after Diego Maradona in 1983 and Ronaldinho in 2005, to receive applause from Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabéu.[54] His man-of-the-match performance included a goal and an assist, contributing to a resounding 4–0 victory.[55]

He signed a lifetime contract with Barcelona on 6 October 2017, effectively keeping him with the club for the remainder of his career.[56] He played the 650th game of his career for Barcelona against Levante on 7 January 2018, he was replaced by André Gomes after 76 minutes as the game ended 3–0 in favour of Barcelona.[57]

Despite signing a lifetime contract, on 27 April 2018, Iniesta announced he would be leaving Barcelona by the end of the season.[58] He made his 674th and final appearance for Barcelona on 20 May, in the final league match of the season, a 1–0 home victory over Real Sociedad, as Barcelona celebrated the victory of their 25th league and 30th Copa del Rey title; he came off in the 81st minute for Paco Alcácer.[59]

Vissel Kobe

On 24 May 2018, Japanese club Vissel Kobe announced the signing of Iniesta on a three-year deal.[60] He made his debut on 22 July, coming on as a second-half substitute for Kazuma Watanabe in a 0–3 defeat against Shonan Bellmare.[61] On 11 August 2018, Iniesta scored his first goal in the J1 League in a 2–1 win over Jubilo Iwata.[62]

On 21 December 2019, he scored the opening goal in a 3–1 win over Shimizu S-Pulse in the semi-final of the 2019 Emperor's Cup.[63] On 1 January 2020, he won his first trophy in Japan, starting in Vissel Kobe's 2–0 victory over Kashima Antlers in the final of the 2019 Emperor's Cup. A month later, he also won the 2020 Japanese Super Cup. On 7 December 2020, Iniesta suffered a tear of the rectus femoris muscle during a 2–0 win in the round of 16 of the 2020 AFC Champions League against Shanghai SIPG, in which he also scored the first goal of the game.[64] He had a successful surgery in Barcelona a few days later.[65]

On 11 May 2021, Iniesta signed a contract extension with Vissel Kobe, keeping him at the club for another two seasons.[66] On 11 November 2021, he was named J.League Monthly MVP after scoring three league goals in October.[67] He was named in the 2021 J.League Best XI on 6 December 2021.[68]

On 14 May 2022, Iniesta scored a goal and guided Vissel Kobe to its first league win of the 2022 season in a 4–0 victory over Sagan Tosu.[69]

On 25 May 2023, Vissel Kobe said Iniesta would leave the club midway through the current J.League season, on 1 July.[70] Iniesta had played significantly less for the club in his final season.[71] He stated he did not want to retire as yet, and wished to play for a club where he could get regular playing time.[72]

Emirates

On 7 August 2023, Iniesta arrived in the United Arab Emirates to join the UAE Pro League club Emirates.[73] He signed a one-year contract with an option to extend until 2025.[74] He made his debut on 19 August 2023 against Al Wasl, coming off the bench in the second half, in a match ended with a 0–1 defeat as the Emirates failed to create a single shot on target.[75] On 25 August 2023, he would score his first UAE Pro League goal, a penalty in injury time against Ajman in a match that ended as a 4–4 draw.[76] His first season with Emirates concluded in the 13th place and relegation to the Division 1.[77]

International career

2001–2008

Iniesta burst on to the international scene in 2001, helping Spain win the UEFA European Under-16 Championship. After representing his country at the 2001 FIFA U-17 World Championship held in Trinidad and Tobago,[78] he was in the squad that claimed the UEFA European Under-19 Championship the following year. From then, he became a regular choice for youth coach Juan Santisteban. In 2003, he was part of the side that reached the FIFA World Youth Championship final in the United Arab Emirates, and was named in the FIFA all-star team.[79] During his spell with the Spain U21 side, Iniesta was named captain on several occasions.

Iniesta was called up to represent the senior Spain squad at the 2006 FIFA World Cup on 15 May 2006, much to the surprise of many. He debuted at half-time in a friendly match against Russia on 27 May.[80] His first goal followed in another friendly match against England on 7 February 2007. His long-range effort, hitting the underside of the crossbar on the way in, gave Spain the lead on 63 minutes.[81] Iniesta played a pivotal part in Spain's qualification for UEFA Euro 2008 by scoring goals against Sweden and by assisting the strikers.

2008–2012

Iniesta was selected in Spain's squad for UEFA Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland. Though a stomach ailment somewhat hampered his performances in the group stages, he still played an integral part in the midfield. He played in the first two of Spain's group stage matches and proved an important part of the team, providing a pass for David Villa's second goal against Russia. He was not rested, unlike most of Spain's regulars, for the final group game against Greece, which Spain won 2–1 thanks to a volley from Rubén de la Red and a late winner from Daniel Güiza. Iniesta returned for the quarter-final as Spain beat Italy on penalties; he was substituted before the penalty shootout itself. In the semi-final against Russia, he played the entire 90 minutes and produced a cross that Xavi converted to open the scoring in an eventual 3–0 victory;[82] he was subsequently named the Man of the Match.[83] He played the duration of the final in Spain's 1–0 win over Germany. Iniesta was named in the Team of the Tournament alongside fellow Spain midfielders Xavi, Marcos Senna and six other teammates. Iniesta did not participate in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa due to a thigh muscle injury; Spain was eliminated from the tournament at the semi-final stage.[84]

Iniesta was selected for Spain in the 2010 World Cup and scored the second goal in a 2–1 group stage win against Chile. He was also named man of the match.[85] For his excellent performances in helping Spain reach the final of the tournament, Iniesta was shortlisted for the Golden Ball award.[86] During the final, he scored the winning goal in the 116th minute of a 1–0 win against Netherlands.[87] He earned a yellow card for removing his jersey during his ecstatic goal celebration to reveal his message to his late friend Dani Jarque.[88] [89] He won the man of the match award for his performance in the final, which gave Spain its first-ever World Cup.[90]

At UEFA Euro 2012, Iniesta was awarded the man of the match award for his performances in three different matches. He was also selected as man of the match in the final against Italy, which Spain won 4–0. In winning the award, Iniesta became the only Spanish player to win the award at least once in each of Spain's three consecutive successful tournaments.[91] Iniesta was also chosen as the UEFA Euro 2012 Player of the Tournament.[92]

2013–2018

At the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, Iniesta was named in the Team of the Tournament and awarded the Silver Ball for the second best player in the competition, as Spain finished runner-up to host nation Brazil.[93] Iniesta started all three matches for Spain at the 2014 World Cup, winning his 100th cap in the team's final group match against Australia.[94] At the UEFA Euro 2016, he assisted the only goal of the match against Czech Republic and put in a man of the match display to give Spain a winning start in the tournament.[95] He started in all four Spain's matches and were later knocked out by Italy in the Round of 16.

In May 2018, Iniesta was named in Spain's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.[96] He started in all three matches of the group stage, making an assist for Isco in the 2–2 draw against Morocco on 25 June 2018. He came off the bench in the 67th minute in Spain's last match at the tournament against Russia on 1 July 2018 for the round of 16. After the loss in the penalty shoot-outs, Iniesta announced his retirement from international duty.[97] He amassed 131 senior international caps for Spain and at the time of retiring was the nation's fourth-most-capped player of all time, behind only Iker Casillas, Xavi, and Sergio Ramos.[98]

Style of play and reception

Like fellow La Masia graduate Cesc Fàbregas, Iniesta originally started as a defensive midfielder,[99] but his balance, ball control and agility in close spaces, allied with his skill, composure, and flair on the ball, saw him make progress as an attacking midfielder. Beyond his raw talent that was spotted at a young age by Barcelona's scouts, it was his great versatility, work ethic and inventiveness that allowed him to stake a claim on a first-team place at the age of 18.[100] [101] [102] Vicente del Bosque described him as "A complete footballer. He can attack and defend, he creates and scores," and Frank Rijkaard said, "I played him as a false winger, central midfielder, deep midfielder and just behind the striker and he was always excellent." He was used initially as a wide-forward in the absence of Juan Román Riquelme and Ronaldinho by Louis van Gaal and Rijkaard respectively, but made his name as a world-class player in central midfield alongside or in lieu of Xavi, at both club and international level. As FIFA.com says, "It is in this position that his direct style and quick feet can be used to full effect, with the ball seeming glued to his toes as he races into threatening positions." A diminutive midfielder, Iniesta is a player known for his passing, technique, vision and movement;[103] [104] he is also highly regarded for his ability to read the game, as well as his acceleration, and close control at speed, which — when combined with his low centre of gravity — has rendered him one of the most skilled dribblers of all time,[105] by allowing him to change direction quickly, get past opponents, and undertake individual runs with the ball, despite not being particularly quick. Moreover, his former manager Guardiola has praised him for "his mastery of the relationship between space and time," which he utilises to his advantage in order to disorient opposing players when in possession.[106] [107] [108] [109] [110] His signature move is La Croqueta – a move pioneered by Michael Laudrup and popularised by Iniesta – where he quickly pushes the ball from his right foot to his left which takes the ball away from an opponent, allowing him to get out of a tight situation.[111] His role has also been likened to that of a mezzala, in Italian football jargon, namely an offensive–minded box–to-box or central midfielder.[112]

Much like other Barcelona youth products such as Pep Guardiola, Xavi and Iván de la Peña, Iniesta is a playmaker who relies on his technique, passing, intuition, movement and inventiveness to control the midfield, dictate the ebb and flow of play, and create chances or space for teammates.[113] [114] Iniesta has been praised for his understanding and interplay with Xavi; former Barcelona teammate Giovanni van Bronckhorst said of the pair, "They have a special relationship, they always have, they just seem to know where the other one is." Despite not being particularly prolific in front of goal, during his maturation as a player, he has gained a reputation of a big-game player for club and country, assisting a goal in each of the 2009, 2011 and 2015 UEFA Champions League finals,[115] as well as scoring the winner in the 2010 World Cup Final, not to sideline his vital contributions in the 2006 Champions League Final, the 2008 Euro Final and the 2012 Euro Final, being known for his ability to score from powerful strikes outside the box. He is also the only footballer in history to win the Man of the Match award in a World Cup Final, a Euro Final, and a Champions League Final.[116]

His willingness to play anywhere on the pitch has earned him the sobriquet El Ilusionista (The Illusionist), El Cerebro (The Brain), El Anti-Galáctico (a pun on Real Madrid players' nickname Los Galácticos), El Caballero Pálido (The Pale Knight)[117] and most recently Don Andrés from the Spanish press. Zinedine Zidane also praised Iniesta, stating on the Spanish radio station Cadena COPE, "Iniesta really impresses me. He's got so much influence in Spain's game. He reminds me of myself." He is widely regarded by many in the sport as one of the most respected and best midfielders of all time,[118] [119] [120] and as one of the greatest passers and playmakers in world football history.[121] [122] Despite his reserved personality, he was also known for his leadership.[123]

Media and sponsorship

Iniesta had a sponsorship deal with sportswear company Nike, and has appeared in Nike commercials alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Wayne Rooney.[124] Iniesta features in EA Sports' FIFA video game series, and was the sixth-highest rated player in FIFA 15.[125] Iniesta's signature move, La Croqueta, features in FIFA 19.[126] In March 2015, Iniesta had the ninth highest social media rank in the world among sportspeople, with 24 million Facebook fans.[127] On 22 October 2018, Iniesta signed a new sponsorship deal with Japanese sportswear company Asics,[128] with his first signature boot being released on 15 July 2019.[129]

Personal life

Iniesta is married to Anna Ortiz; the couple began dating in 2008 and got married on 8 July 2012.[130] They have two daughters, born in 2011 and 2017, and two sons, born 2015[131] and 2019:[132] Valeria, Paolo Andrea, Siena, Romeo y Olimpia.[133] They lost an unborn child, a son, due to miscarriage in March 2014.[134] In February 2023, they welcomed their fifth child, a girl.[135] Iniesta is a Catholic.[136]

In 2011, Iniesta invested €420,000 in his boyhood club, Albacete, thus becoming its major shareholder.[137] Two years later, with the club facing administrative relegation to the fourth tier of Spanish football, he loaned them a further €240,000 to cover unpaid wages.[138]

In May 2018, Iniesta revealed to Risto Mejide that he suffered from depression before the 2010 FIFA World Cup due to his injuries and the death of Daniel Jarque.[139] [140] In September 2018, Iniesta alongside German footballer Lukas Podolski campaigned and donated money for the victims of the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake in Japan.[141]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Barcelona B2000–01Segunda División B100––––100
2001–02252–––50302
2002–03143––––143
Total495–––50545
Barcelona2002–03La Liga6000–30–90
2003–0411131–30–172
2004–0537210–80–462
2005–0633040–11110491
2006–0737661–825[142] 0569
2007–0831370–111–494
2008–0926460–111–435
2009–1029130–9010421
2010–1134850–10110509
2011–1227262–8351468
2012–1331352–10120486
2013–1435360–9020523
2014–1524073–110–423
2015–1628140–7050441
2016–1723050–8110371
2017–1830151–8010442
Total442357310–1351124167457
Vissel Kobe2018J1 League1431000––153
20192362100––257
202026400106210346
20212360041––277
2022242101011–273
2023400020––60
Total114214181731013426
Emirates2023–24UAE Pro League2051020––235
Career total6256678111011421430188593

International

Appearances and goals by year and competition[143]
National teamYearCompetitiveFriendlyTotal
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Spain20063[144] 05080
20079[145] 331124
200810[146] 140141
20092[147] 03050
20109[148] 360153
20112[149] 07191
20129[150] 051141
201310[151] 070170
20145[152] 03181
20153[153] 12051
20166[154] 02080
20174[155] 04181
20184[156] 04080
Total76855513113

Scores and results list Spain's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Iniesta goal.

List of international goals scored by Andrés Iniesta
No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1 7 February 2007 Old Trafford, Manchester, England 1–0 1–0 Friendly
2 28 March 2007 Iberostar Stadium, Palma, Spain 1–0 1–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
3 8 September 2007 Laugardalsvöllur, Reykjavík, Iceland 1–1 1–1 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
4 17 November 2007 Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain 2–0 3–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
5 25 October 2008 King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium 1–1 2–1 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
6 25 June 2010 Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, South Africa 2–0 2–1 2010 FIFA World Cup
7 11 July 2010 FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa 1–0 1–02010 FIFA World Cup Final
8 12 October 2010 Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland 2–0 3–2 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
9 2 September 2011 kybunpark, St. Gallen, Switzerland 1–2 3–2 Friendly
10 29 February 2012 La Rosaleda Stadium, Málaga, Spain 1–0 5–0 Friendly
11 30 May 2014 Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium, Seville, Spain 2–0 2–0 Friendly
12 5 September 2015 Carlos Tartiere Stadium, Oviedo, Spain 2–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying
13 11 November 2017 La Rosaleda Stadium, Málaga, Spain 5–0 5–0 Friendly

Honours

Barcelona

2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18

2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18

2005, 2006, 2011, 2013, 2016

2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15

2011, 2015

2009, 2011, 2015

Vissel Kobe[157] [158]

2023

2019

2020Spain U16[159]

2001

Spain U19

2002Spain

2010

2008, 2012Individual

2008, 2012

2009

2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017[160] [161]

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016

2009

2010[162]

2010–11, 2017–18

2011

2011

2012

2012[163]

2012, 2013[164]

2014[167]

2014–15, 2015–16

2015[169]

2015–16[171]

2019, 2021[173]

Decorations

2010[175]

2011[176]

2018[178]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010: List of Players: Spain . FIFA . 13 September 2013 . 29 . 4 June 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100616010702/http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/01/22/85/78/fwc_2010_squadlists.pdf . 16 June 2010 . dead.
  2. Web site: Andrés Iniesta . Emirates Club . 28 August 2023 . 28 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230828065216/https://emiratesclub.ae/site/en/team.php?do=v&cid=2&id=305 . live .
  3. Web site: Andrés Iniesta . UAE Pro League . 25 August 2023 . 25 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230825181013/https://www.uaeproleague.ae/en/player/andres-lujan-iniesta/adnoc-pro-league-2 . live .
  4. Web site: The 10 Greatest Midfielders In Football History Have Been Named And Ranked. 15 June 2021. www.sportbible.com. 25 March 2021. en. 16 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210616043410/https://www.sportbible.com/football/news-top-10s-barcelona-legend-andres-iniesta-tops-10-best-midfielders-of-all-time-20210325. live.
  5. Web site: HS. Shreyas. 12 February 2021. 10 greatest midfielders of all time. 10 July 2021. www.sportskeeda.com. en-us. 16 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210616042929/https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/10-greatest-midfielders-time-pirlo-iniesta-modric. live.
  6. Web site: Rogers. Joshua. 21 May 2018. Vote on where Iniesta ranks among the greatest midfielders of all time. 15 June 2021. mirror. en. 16 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210616043336/https://www.mirror.co.uk/interactives/iniesta-rank-among-greatest-midfielders-12571378. live.
  7. Futsalfeed.com (14 March 2020). "Top 10 Footballers Who Played Futsal! ", "futsalfeed.com". Retrieved 14 March 2020.
  8. "Iniesta: the Spanish matador ", 28 October 2003, FIFA.com.
  9. Brown, Lucas (27 October 2008). "Madrid Red Light Let Iniesta Leave For Barça ", goal.com. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  10. [Sid Lowe|Lowe, Sid]
  11. Stevenson, Jonathan (12 July 2010). "Andres Iniesta, the unassuming superstar ", BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  12. http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/17566/andr%C3%A9s-luj%C3%A1n-iniesta "Iniesta Profile"
  13. Web site: Andrés Iniesta . . 23 June 2012 . 26 October 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121026130439/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/17566/andres-lujan-iniesta?cc=5739 . dead.
  14. "Iniesta, Barcelona's quiet man ", 7 November 2006, FIFA.com. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  15. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4773353.stm "Barcelona 2–1 Arsenal"
  16. Web site: Andres Iniesta . Fc.barcelona.com . 23 June 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20101129011316/http://fc.barcelona.com/andres_iniesta . 29 November 2010.
  17. "Iniesta is Barça's new number 8", 19 July 2007, fcbarcelona.cat. Retrieved 23 December 2010.
  18. JOSÉ VICENTE HERNÁEZ (19 July 2007). "El Real Madrid va a por Iniesta ", Marca. Retrieved 23 December 2010.
  19. Web site: Pre-Madrid renewal nothing new to Iniesta . https://archive.today/20130123073441/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada09-10/11/n091127108006.html . dead . 23 January 2013 . Fcbarcelona.com . 23 June 2012.
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  24. Web site: Four home-grown captains . https://archive.today/20130122202306/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada08-09/09/n080923105384.html . dead . 22 January 2013 . Fcbarcelona.com . 23 September 2008 . 23 June 2012.
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  27. News: Barcelona 4-0 Bayern Munich . 8 April 2009 . Cheese . Caroline . 25 May 2020 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160331/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7986695.stm . live.
  28. McNulty, Phil (6 May 2009). "Chelsea 1–1 Barcelona (agg 1–1) ", BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  29. Hawkey, Ian (29 November 2009). "Andres Iniesta: 'Don't call me Rambo' ", The Times. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  30. [Kevin McCarra|McCarra, Kevin]
  31. [David Pleat|Pleat, David]
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  35. Web site: Classement 2009 . fr . . Groupe Amaury . 10 January 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121116005111/http://www.francefootball.fr/Ballon_Or_2012/bo_2009.php . 16 November 2012.
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  41. News: Lowe . Sid . Barcelona's Andrés Iniesta: 'I was a victim of something that terrified me' . The Guardian . 6 September 2016 . 7 September 2016 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160301/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/sep/06/barcelona-andres-iniesta-need-help-look-for-it . live.
  42. Web site: Iniesta: "My objectives are collective" . https://archive.today/20130115161409/http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada10-11/08/11/n100811112382.html . dead . 15 January 2013 . Fcbarcelona.cat . 23 June 2012.
  43. Web site: Andres Iniesta's Volley vs Racing Santander . The Offside . 30 August 2010 . 23 June 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120324103710/http://www.theoffside.com/leagues/spain-la-liga/andres-iniestas-volley-vs-racing-santander.html . 24 March 2012.
  44. Web site: Player Ratings: Atletico Madrid 1–2 Barcelona . Goal.com . 19 September 2010 . 23 June 2012 . 16 October 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121016051624/http://www.goal.com/en/match/48600/atletico-madrid-vs-barcelona/player-ratings . live.
  45. Web site: SPORT . Sport.es . 23 June 2012 . 5 October 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081005160120/http://www.sport.es/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=44 . live.
  46. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/dec/06/ballon-dor-messi-xavi-iniesta-barcelona "Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta shortlisted for Ballon d'Or"
  47. Web site: Philip Mboya . Iniesta Equals Butragueno's 50 Match Unbeaten Streak . Soccerticketsonline.com . 18 March 2012 . 23 June 2012 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160346/https://www.soccerticketsonline.com/iniesta-equals-madrid-legend-butraguenos-unbeaten-streak-record/ . live.
  48. "Levante 0–4 Barcelona Match Report". Goal. (25 November 2012). Retrieved 25 November 2012.
  49. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20534947 "Messi, Ronaldo and Iniesta named on 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or shortlist"
  50. News: Rosell announces new Iniesta contract until 2018 . 19 December 2013. 19 December 2013 . FC Barcelona. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160339/https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news. live.
  51. News: 8 Andrés Iniesta. 7 June 2015 . Fox Sports. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160327/https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/andres-iniesta-player-stats. live.
  52. News: Barcelona see off Juventus to claim fifth title . 6 June 2015 . UEFA. 7 June 2015. 31 March 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190331044142/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000552/match=2015227/postmatch/report/index.html. live.
  53. News: Barça make history with second treble! . 6 June 2015 . FC Barcelona. 7 June 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150607120500/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/barca-make-history-with-second-treble. 7 June 2015. dead.
  54. Web site: Real Madrid Fans Applaud Barcelona's Andres Iniesta In 'El Clasico' . NESN . 21 November 2015. 22 November 2015. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160305/https://nesn.com/2015/11/real-madrid-fans-applaud-barcelonas-andres-iniesta-in-el-clasico-video/. live.
  55. Web site: Real Madrid 0 – 4 Barcelona Player & Team ratings – 11/21/15 Primera División – Goal.com . www.goal.com . 21 November 2015. 22 November 2015. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160324/https://www.goal.com/en/match/real-madrid-v-barcelona/er61t82d70ij3uzxgq1ywbjs9. live.
  56. Web site: Andrés Iniesta signs lifetime contract with FC Barcelona FC Barcelona. FC Barcelona. en-US. 6 October 2017. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102162838/https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/737973/andres-iniesta-signs-lifetime-contract-with-fc-barcelona. live.
  57. Web site: Barcelona vs Levante . ESPN . en-UK. 7 January 2017. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160402/https://www.espn.in/football/match?gameId=490535. live.
  58. News: Este club se merece lo mejor de mí y yo ya no podría dárselo . Sport . 27 April 2018 . sport. 27 April 2018 . es. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160333/https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/este-club-merece-mejor-yo-no-podria-darselo-6788786. live.
  59. Web site: Andres Iniesta 7/10 in final Barcelona game, a 1-0 win vs. Real Sociedad . ESPN FC . Sam Marsden . 20 May 2018. 21 May 2018. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160333/https://www.espn.com/soccer/club/barcelona/83/blog/post/3505501/barcelona-beat-real-sociedad-andres-iniesta-seven-out-of-10-in-final-barca-appearance. live.
  60. News: Andrés Iniesta to Join Vissel Kobe . vissel-kobe.co.jp . 24 May 2018 . 24 May 2018 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160352/https://www.vissel-kobe.co.jp/news/article/14813.html#Englishinfo . live.
  61. News: Andres Iniesta and Fernando Torres lose on J-League debuts . BBC . 22 July 2018 . 22 July 2018 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160313/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44917993 . live.
  62. News: イニエスタ、磐田戦でJリーグ初ゴール！ 主将ポドルスキが得点を演出 . SOCCERKING . 11 August 2018 . 2 January 2020 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160337/https://www.soccer-king.jp/news/japan/jl/20180811/801648.html . live.
  63. Web site: 天皇杯決勝進出へ殊勲のイニエスタ、「１月１日に幸せをお裾分けしたい」 . SOCCER DIGEST WEB . 21 December 2019. 2 January 2020. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160339/https://www.soccerdigestweb.com/news/detail/id=68006. live.
  64. Web site: AFC Champions League 2020: Andres Iniesta injury mars Vissel Kobe's quarterfinal berth . . 7 December 2020 . 1 January 2021 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160320/https://www.espn.in/football/afc-champions-league/story/4256284/afc-champions-league-2020-andres-iniesta-injury-mars-vissel-kobes-quarterfinal-berth-as-yokohama-f-marinos-bounced . live.
  65. Web site: Andres Iniesta suffers tear and will be out for four months after surgery in Barcelona . . 16 December 2020 . 1 January 2021 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160319/https://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2020/12/16/5fd9e47722601db57f8b457b.html . live.
  66. Web site: Ex-Barcelona star Iniesta extends Vissel Kobe contract by two years. ESPN. 11 May 2021. 11 May 2021. 17 April 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220417111142/https://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/4382447/ex-barcelona-star-iniesta-extends-vissel-kobe-contract-by-two-years. live.
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  68. Web site: Iniesta, seven Kawasaki Frontale players lead the way on MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE Best XI. J.League. 6 December 2021. 17 May 2022. 8 August 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220808233435/https://www.jleague.co/news/iniesta-six-kawasaki-frontale-players-lead-the-way-on-meiji-yasuda-j1-league-best-xi/. live.
  69. Web site: イニエスタ、辛かった胸中を吐露「今季序盤は本当に苦しかった」38歳第1号、1ゴール1アシストでヴィッセル神戸を初勝利に導く. Goal.com. ja. 14 May 2022. 16 May 2022. 16 May 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220516125445/https://www.goal.com/jp/%E3%83%8B%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9/iniesta-kobe-goal-20220514/blt2f9541e47a4b5f1d. live.
  70. News: 25 May 2023 . Iniesta to leave Vissel Kobe in July . en . Reuters . 26 May 2023 . 26 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230526011820/https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/iniesta-leave-vissel-kobe-july-2023-05-25/ . live .
  71. News: Duerden . John . 10 July 2023 . Andrés Iniesta's Japan adventure ends with sense of unfulfilled promise . en-GB . The Guardian . 16 July 2023 . 0261-3077 . 16 July 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230716161428/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jul/10/andres-iniesta-goodbye-japan-vissel-kobe . live .
  72. News: 2 July 2023 . Iniesta coy on future plans following Vissel Kobe departure . en . Reuters . 16 July 2023 . 16 July 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230716161428/https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/iniesta-coy-future-plans-following-vissel-kobe-departure-2023-07-02/ . live .
  73. Web site: Iniesta set for Emirates Club move after snubbing MLS reunion. KingFut. 7 August 2023. 8 August 2023. 7 August 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230807201926/https://www.kingfut.com/2023/08/07/iniesta-emirates-move-mls/. live.
  74. Web site: Barcelona great Andres Iniesta, 39, moves to UAE. ESPN. 8 August 2023. 8 August 2023. 9 August 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230809191011/https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/38154464/barcelona-great-andres-iniesta-39-moves-uae. live.
  75. Web site: Spain and Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta makes his UAE football debut. The National. McAuley. John. 19 August 2023. 26 August 2023. 26 August 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230826175347/https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2023/08/19/spain-and-barcelona-legend-andres-iniesta-makes-his-uae-football-debut/. live.
  76. Web site: 'Immense joy' for Andres Iniesta after dramatic home debut for Emirates Club. The National. Radley. Paul. 26 August 2023. 26 August 2023. 26 August 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230826175348/https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2023/08/26/immense-joy-for-andres-iniesta-after-dramatic-home-debut-for-emirates-club/. live.
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  81. News: Un golazo de Iniesta da la victoria a España en Inglaterra (0-1). sport.es. 7 February 2007. 24 May 2024. es.
  82. Web site: Russia 0-3 Spain . BBC Sport . McNulty . Phil . 26 June 2008 . 19 May 2020 . 28 September 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200928230113/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/7363541.stm/ . live.
  83. http://en.euro2008.uefa.com/fanzone/motm/match=301698/index.html euro2008.uefa.com – Fanzone
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  85. News: Chile 1 Spain 2: match report . telegraph.co.uk . 25 June 2010 . 25 June 2010 . London . Rory . Smith . https://web.archive.org/web/20100628032800/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/news/7852032/Chile-1-Spain-2-match-report.html . 28 June 2010 . dead.
  86. News: Forlan collects Golden Ball award . BBC News . 11 July 2010 . 10 July 2010 . 12 March 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200312161125/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8804708.stm . live.
  87. Web site: Iniesta sinks Dutch with late strike . ESPN Soccernet. 11 July 2010. 13 July 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100713192706/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=264123&cc=5739&ver=global. dead.
  88. News: World Cup final: Spain goal scorer Andres Iniesta pays tribute to Dani Jarque with t-shirt . 9 October 2018 . The Daily Telegraph . 3 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200703184246/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/spain/7884548/World-Cup-final-Spain-goal-scorer-Andres-Iniesta-pays-tribute-to-Dani-Jarque-with-t-shirt.html . live.
  89. News: Grahame . Jones . Spain's Little Man Comes Through in the Biggest Moment . 11 July 2010 . Los Angeles Times . 13 July 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100715050033/http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-jones-world-cup-20100712%2C0%2C6268426.column . 15 July 2010 . live.
  90. Web site: Jonathan Stevenson . Andres Iniesta, the unassuming superstar . Bbc.co.uk . 23 June 2012 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160326/https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jonathanstevenson/2010/07/andres_iniesta_the_unassuming.html . live.
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  93. News: Neymar wins Confed Cup Golden Ball. 19 June 2014 . Fox Soccer. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160328/https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/mls. live.
  94. News: World Cup 2014: Socceroos lose 3–0 to Spain in final game as valiant campaign comes to an end . 24 June 2014 . Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 7 June 2015. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160350/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-24/spain-beats-australia-in-final-world-cup-game/5545212?nw=0. live.
  95. Web site: Player ratings: Andres Iniesta shines in Spain's midfield . 13 June 2016 . The Independent . en-GB. 15 June 2016. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160331/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/spain-vs-czech-republic-player-ratings-andres-iniesta-shines-midfield-quiet-afternoon-nolito-a7079911.html. live.
  96. Web site: Morata misses out on Spain's 23-man World Cup squad . Goal . 21 May 2018. 21 May 2018. 9 July 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190709141140/https://www.goal.com/en/news/morata-misses-out-on-spain-world-cup-squad/1ub1qz7jod09i1lfvdcy84ea2l. live.
  97. Web site: Spain's World Cup hero Andres Iniesta retires from international football after penalty defeat by Russia . . 1 July 2018. 1 July 2018. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160352/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/andres-iniesta-spain-world-cup-2018-retires-international-football-russia-penalty-shootout-a8425861.html. live.
  98. News: Andres Iniesta confirms retirement from Spain squad after World Cup exit . ESPN . Corrigan . Dermot . 1 July 2018. 14 December 2018. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160353/https://www.espn.com/soccer/spain/story/3552898/andres-iniesta-confirms-retirement-from-spain-squad-after-world-cup-exit. live.
  99. Web site: Andrés Iniesta Lujan. https://archive.today/20090309233301/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/futbol/temporada_07-08/plantilla/jugadors/iniesta.html. dead. 9 March 2009 . 17 March 2009 . FCBarcelona.cat.
  100. http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/player=58031/profile/index.html Andrés Iniesta
  101. Web site: Picking a World Football Flair XI: Neymar, Ronaldo and Iniesta Star . Bleacher Report . Tighe . Sam . 7 January 2014 . 17 May 2020 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160354/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1913986-picking-a-world-football-flair-xi-neymar-ronaldo-iniesta-star . live.
  102. Web site: Amazing Andres Iniesta Skill Steals Show from Leo Messi's Barça Goals . Bleacher Report . Matchett . Karl . 21 November 2012 . 16 April 2022 . 16 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220416160419/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1417339-amazing-andres-iniesta-skill-steals-show-from-leo-messis-bara-goals-video . live .
  103. Web site: 2010 FIFA World Cup – Andres INIESTA . FIFA.com . 23 June 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121112065755/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/players/player%3D183857/profile.html . 12 November 2012.
  104. News: Why Iniesta and Xavi are Barça's real danger men . The Independent . Jenson . Pete . 27 May 2009 . 30 July 2019 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160404/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/why-iniesta-and-xavi-are-bar-ccedil-a-s-real-danger-men-1691141.html . live.
  105. Web site: 16 November 2019. Lionel Messi: Stats reveal Barcelona star's unparalleled dribbling skill. 15 June 2021. Squawka. en-US. 14 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210614034634/https://www.squawka.com/en/lionel-messi-stats-dribbling-take-ons-europes-top-five-leagues/. live.
  106. News: Spain's little man comes through in the biggest moment . The Los Angeles Times . Jones . Grahame L. . 11 July 2010 . 17 May 2020 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160344/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-jul-11-la-sp-jones-world-cup-20100712-story.html . live.
  107. Web site: Ernesto Valverde Won't Lean on Andres Iniesta over Barcelona Contract . Bleacher Report . Jones . Matt . 12 September 2017 . 17 May 2020 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160356/https://1bleacherreport.com/articles/2732777-ernesto-valverde-wont-lean-on-andres-iniesta-over-barcelona-contract . live.
  108. News: Andres Iniesta has transformed football – watching him is pure pleasure . The Telegraph . Carragher . Jamie . 15 June 2018 . 17 May 2020 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160403/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-cup/2018/06/15/andres-iniesta-has-transformed-football-watching-pure-pleasure/ . live.
  109. News: Pep Guardiola: my debt to Andrés Iniesta and how he opened my eyes on tactics . The Guardian . López . Marcos . Besa . Ramón . 7 June 2016 . 17 May 2020 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160410/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/sep/07/pep-guardiola-andres-iniesta-barcelona-tactics-book-extract . live.
  110. Web site: Little guys enjoying last laugh . FIFA.com . 15 April 2011 . 17 May 2020 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160412/https://www.fifa.com/fifae/ . dead.
  111. News: The best 'croquetas' in world football . Marca . 16 January 2017 . 3 August 2018 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160415/https://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2017/01/16/587cba1046163fdd518b4612.html . live.
  112. News: Iniesta "Verratti sarà mio successore" . Iniesta "Verratti will be my successor" . www.lagazzettadelmezzogiorno.it . it . 20 February 2017 . 15 April 2022 . 31 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220531132109/https://www.lagazzettadelmezzogiorno.it/news/news-sport/860745/iniesta-verratti-sara-mio-successore.html . live .
  113. Web site: World Player of the Week: Andrés Iniesta – Spain . Goal.com . 12 July 2010 . 23 June 2012 . 5 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180705003038/http://www.goal.com/en/news/2318/world-player-of-the-week/2010/07/12/2021869/goalcom-world-player-of-the-week-andres-iniesta-spain . live.
  114. Web site: Andres Iniesta: The vital statistics . FourFourTwo . Welch . Ben . 3 February 2011 . 1 August 2019 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160443/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/performance/training/andres-iniesta-vital-statistics . live.
  115. Web site: Genius Moment: Iniesta is Barcelona's man for the big stage Goal.com. 4 September 2020. www.goal.com. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160413/https://www.goal.com/en/news/7209/nissan/2015/06/06/12482552/genius-moment-iniesta-is-barcelonas-man-for-the-big-stage. live.
  116. Web site: Andrés Iniesta – THE Man of the Match FOOTY FAIR. 4 September 2020. www.footyfair.com. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160444/http://www.footyfair.com/2015/06/andres-iniesta-man-of-match.html?m=1. live.
  117. Web site: El caballero pálido de Fuentealbilla . 13 July 2010 . Elperiodico.com . 23 June 2012 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160443/https://www.elperiodico.com/es/deportes/20100713/admiracion-mundial-383782 . live.
  118. News: 31 August 2012. Iniesta pips Messi and Ronaldo to UEFA Best Player in Europe award – CNN.com. CNN. live. 6 October 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160242/https://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/30/sport/football/football-iniesta-messi-ronaldo/index.html. 2 January 2021.
  119. News: Rice. Simon. 9 January 2013. Fifa Ballon d'Or: Andres Iniesta and the best players never to win the award. The Independent. London. live. 19 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160340/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news/fifa-ballon-d-or-andres-iniesta-and-best-players-never-win-award-8444396.html. 2 January 2021.
  120. News: 18 February 2013. Guillem Balague debates whether Barcelona star Andres Iniesta is better than former Real Madrid man Zinedine Zidane. Sky Sports. live. 6 October 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160259/https://www.skysports.com/football/pundits. 2 January 2021.
  121. Web site: 28 Most Skilled Passers in World Football History . Bleacher Report . Atzenhoffer . Thomas . 22 April 2012 . 1 August 2019 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160414/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1154857-25-most-skilled-passers-in-world-football-history#slide0 . live.
  122. Web site: 20 Greatest Playmakers in the History of World Football . Bleacher Report . Sahu . Amogha . 2 January 2012 . 30 July 2019 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160454/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1007318-world-football20-greatest-playmakers-in-the-history-of-football#slide0 . live.
  123. Web site: Xavi's open letter to Andres Iniesta – 'the most talented player in the history of Spain' . ESPN FC . 21 May 2018 . 17 May 2020 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160414/https://www.espn.com/soccer/barcelona/story/3506194/xavis-open-letter-to-andres-iniesta-the-most-talented-player-in-the-history-of-spain . live.
  124. http://www.indiatimes.com/video-cafe/trending-now/Nike-Football-Ad-ft-Ronaldo-Neymar-Jr-Rooney-Ibrahimovic-Iniesta-others-174.html "Nike Football Ad ft. Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., Rooney, Ibrahimovic, Iniesta & others"
  125. http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/09/the-10-highest-rated-players-in-fifa-15 "The 10 highest rated players in 'FIFA 15'"
  126. News: FIFA 19 release: Champions League, new ICONs & 19 reasons to get excited for new game . 12 September 2018 . Goal . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160419/https://www.goal.com/en/lists/fifa-19-release-champions-league-new-icons-19-reasons-to-get/1tyhmsoricv1z1l7wqz5p6sb0i#1r2hsf9yd685p1mvsyixmnigt4 . live.
  127. News: Cristiano Ronaldo overtakes Shakira as Facebook's most 'liked' person . Yahoo.com . 10 February 2017. 2 January 2021. 11 February 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170211075400/https://uk.news.yahoo.com/cristiano-ronaldo-overtakes-shakira-as-facebook-s-most--liked-person-085815659-soccer.html?pt=1%2F. live.
  128. News: Con mis nuevas botas !! With my new boots !! #INIESTASICS #IMoveMe #ASICS @ASICS_J . 4 August 2019 . Twitter . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160434/https://twitter.com/andresiniesta8/status/1054304794578345984 . live.
  129. News: INTRODUCING SOCCER CLEATS DESIGNED IN COLLABORATION WITH ANDRÉS INIESTA . 4 August 2019 . Asics . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160423/https://corp.asics.com/en/press/article/2019-07-15-1 . live.
  130. News: Iniesta caps Euro 2012 winning week with wedding . San Francisco Chronicle. 8 July 2012. 11 July 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120711015942/http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Iniesta-caps-Euro-2012-winning-week-with-wedding-3691665.php. live.
  131. News: Happy times: Andres Iniesta and Anna Ortiz have a second child! . Sport . 1 June 2015 . 7 September 2016 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102162705/https://www.sport.es/en/news/barca/happy-times-andres-iniesta-and-4236164 . live.
  132. News: Nace Romeo Iniesta, el cuarto hijo de Andrés Iniesta . Culé Manía. 21 June 2019 . 26 April 2021 . 27 April 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210427013114/https://www.culemania.com/cule-bron/nace-romeo-iniesta-cuarto-hijo-andres-iniesta_255246_102.html . live.
  133. Web site: Hermoso . Borja . 2024-05-12 . Andrés Iniesta en Emiratos Árabes: la recta final . 2024-07-29 . El País . es.
  134. News: El sueño de Iniesta . El Mundo . es . 23 September 2016 . 23 September 2016 . Francisco . Cabezas . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160449/https://www.elmundo.es/deportes/2016/09/23/57e4e091e2704e905a8b457e.html . live.
  135. Web site: Nace Olympia, la quinta hija de Andrés Iniesta. Cronica Global. ES. 25 February 2023. 26 February 2023. 25 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230225234300/https://cronicaglobal.elespanol.com/culemania/cule-bron/nace-olympia-quinta-hija-andres-iniesta_776492_102.html. live.
  136. News: Soccer player who scored winning World Cup goal promises to make pilgrimage . Catholic News Agency . 14 July 2010. 13 July 2014. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160435/https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/soccer-player-who-scored-winning-world-cup-goal-promises-to-make-pilgrimage. live.
  137. News: Iniesta throws 420,000-euro lifeline to indebted Albacete . Ciriza, A. . El País . 6 December 2011 . 13 May 2014 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160428/https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2011/12/06/inenglish/1323152450_850210.html . live.
  138. News: Iniesta loans Albacete 240,000 euros to prevent relegation . EFE . as.com . 28 June 2013 . 13 May 2014 . 14 May 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140514035027/http://as.com/diarioas/2013/06/28/english/1372431393_126634.html . live.
  139. Andrés Iniesta conmueve a todos hablando de cómo salió de "pozo" en el que cayó . 28 May 2018 . 7 June 2018 . Lecturas . es . RBA . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160423/https://www.lecturas.com/actualidad/andres-iniesta-conmueve-a-todos-hablando-como-salio-pozo-que-cayo_44036/3 . live.
  140. Andrés Iniesta confiesa a Risto Mejide que sufrió una depresión antes de ir al Mundial . 28 May 2018 . 7 June 2018 . . es . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160428/https://us.hola.com/es/actualidad/20180528124789/andres-iniesta-confiesa-sufrio-depresion/ . live.
  141. News: Andres Iniesta and Lukas Podolski help gather donations for the Hokkaido Earthquake. September 2018. 16 June 2022. BeSoccer. 5 April 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230405203746/https://www.besoccer.com/new/amp/andres-iniesta-and-lukas-podolski-help-gather-donations-for-the-hokkaido-earthquake-499948?fastlyCountry=ar. live.
  142. One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances in Supercopa de España, two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup
  143. Web site: Mamrud . Roberto . Andrés Iniesta Luján – Century of International Appearances . . 5 July 2018 . 11 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180920213050/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/iniesta-intl.html . 20 September 2018 . live.
  144. One appearance in 2006 FIFA World Cup, two appearances in UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
  145. Appearances in UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
  146. Six appearances at UEFA Euro 2008, four appearances and one goal in 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
  147. Appearances in 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
  148. Six appearances and two goals in 2010 FIFA World Cup, three appearances and one goal in UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
  149. Appearances in UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
  150. Six appearances at UEFA Euro 2012, three appearances in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
  151. Five appearances in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification, five appearances in 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup
  152. Three appearances in 2014 FIFA World Cup, two appearances in UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying
  153. Appearances in UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying
  154. Four appearances at UEFA Euro 2016, two appearances in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
  155. Appearances in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
  156. Appearances in 2018 FIFA World Cup
  157. Web site: Andrés Iniesta skippers Vissel Kobe to first trophy in David Villa's final match . AS . 1 January 2020. 2 January 2020. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160431/https://en.as.com/en/2020/01/01/football/1577885627_719505.html. live.
  158. Web site: Andres Iniesta lifts Japan Super Cup after nine straight pen misses . ESPN . 8 February 2020. 8 February 2020. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160431/https://www.espn.com/soccer/japanese-j1-league/story/4049174/andres-iniesta-lifts-japan-super-cup-after-nine-straight-pen-misses. live.
  159. Web site: Walker . Joe . Andrés Iniesta ends Spain career: his greatness explained . UEFA . 1 July 2018 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102155248/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/news/0253-0d820f708c97-142226b5c84b-1000--andres-iniesta-ends-spain-career-his-greatness-explained/ . 2 January 2021 . live.
  160. Web site: The Best named at FIFA Football Awards . 9 January 2017 . FIFA . 12 January 2017 . 20 May 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180520041520/http://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/news/y=2017/m=1/news=the-best-named-at-fifa-football-awards-2862916.html . dead.
  161. Web site: FIFA FIFPro World11 . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . 24 October 2017 . 24 October 2017 . 14 April 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180414110958/http://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/fifa-fifpro-world11/index.html . dead.
  162. Web site: Spaniards dominate Dream Team . fifa.com . 15 July 2010 . 5 September 2014 . 28 September 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200928230233/https://www.fifa.com/news// . dead.
  163. Web site: Iniesta named Best Player of the Tournament . uefa.com . 2 July 2012. 1 January 2016. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160439/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/news/0250-0c50fb25cc4a-39e4ed6ee389-1000--iniesta-named-best-player-of-the-tournament/?referrer=%2fnews%2fnewsid%3d1838291. live.
  164. Web site: Former Results . IFFHS. 13 January 2016. 10 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140110180837/http://iffhs.de/former-results/. live.
  165. Web site: IFFHS (International Federation of Football for History & Statistics. 31 January 2021. IFFHS. 15 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210615090122/https://www.iffhs.com/index.php/posts/919. live.
  166. Web site: IFFHS (International Federation of Football for History & Statistics. 31 January 2021. IFFHS. 17 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210617014104/https://www.iffhs.com/index.php/posts/932. live.
  167. Web site: Andrés Iniesta wins Golden Foot 2014 . 13 October 2014 . . 13 October 2014 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160449/https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news . live.
  168. Web site: Ultimate Team of the Year: The All-Time XI . UEFA . 22 November 2015 . 25 November 2015 . 7 May 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160507174924/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2201679.html . live.
  169. Web site: 2015 FIFA Club World Cup awards . . 20 December 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160112045127/http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/awards/index.html . 12 January 2016.
  170. Web site: Messi, Neymar Jr, Iniesta and Alves in France Football world XI of 2015 . FCBarcelona.com . 30 December 2015. 30 December 2015. 8 June 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160608174905/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/messi-neymar-jr-iniesta-and-alves-in-france-football-world-xi-of-2015. live.
  171. Web site: The 2015/16 Liga BBVA Team of the Season . LFP . 1 June 2016 . 4 June 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181118134749/http://www.laliga.es/en/news/the-liga-bbva-201516-team-of-the-season . 18 November 2018 . dead.
  172. Web site: Your All-time EURO 11 revealed . UEFA . 7 June 2016. 8 June 2016. 26 June 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200626232029/https://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=2371381.html. live.
  173. News: Teruhito Nakagawa named J. League MVP, with Iniesta joining Marinos and Tokyo players in Best XI . The Japan Times . 7 December 2019. 20 December 2019. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160443/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/12/08/soccer/j-league/marinos-midfielder-teruhito-nakagawa-named-j-league-mvp-andres-iniesta-joins-marinos-tokyo-players-best-xi. live.
  174. Web site: The other two Ballon d'Or Dream Team XIs: Zidane, Cruyff, Iniesta, Di Stefano... but no Casillas . . 15 December 2020 . 15 December 2020 . 2 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160450/https://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2020/12/14/5fd7bc8522601d53598b45b2.html . live.
  175. Web site: Prince of Asturias Awards 2010. 18 May 2015. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160454/https://www.fpa.es/en/communication/the-spanish-national-football-squad-2010-prince-of-asturias-award-for-sports.html. live.
  176. Web site: Royal Order of Sporting Merit 2011. 5 October 2011 . 6 December 2011. 28 August 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180828090921/https://www.mundodeportivo.com/20111005/futbol/seleccion-espanola/las-campeones-del-mundo-de-futbol-ya-tienen-la-real-orden-del-merito-deportivo_54226408413.html. live.
  177. Web site: Andrés Iniesta collects Queen Sofia Award in Madrid . FCBarcelona.com . en-US. 24 January 2017. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160455/https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/799764/andres-iniesta-collects-queen-sofia-award-in-madrid. live.
  178. News: Iniesta awarded Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sports Merit in Spain . www.efe.com. 5 June 2018 . en. 2 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160445/https://www.efe.com/efe/english/destacada/iniesta-awarded-grand-cross-of-the-royal-order-sports-merit-in-spain/50000261-3605602. live.

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