Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta, widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of all time, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40.
The Spanish icon will officially announce his decision on October 8, marking the end of an amazing career spanning two decades.
Iniesta shared an anticipation video on his X page on Tuesday, stating, “Coming soon 8/10/24.”
Iniesta’s football career began at Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy, where he rapidly impressed with his remarkable ball control, vision, and poise.
His skill was evident from a young age, prompting then Barcelona captain Pep Guardiola to memorably inform n, “You’re going to retire me. This lad [Iniesta] is going to retire us all.”
Speaking on the World Cup winner, FIFA.com said, “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.”
His former manager, Vicente del Bosque, described him as “a complete footballer. He can attack and defend; he creates and scores.”
During his 22-year career at Barcelona, he won an incredible 35 trophies, including nine La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League triumphs.
With this remarkable haul, he becomes the most decorated Spanish player in history.
On the international scene, Iniesta was a key figure in Spain’s golden age.
He played a key role in Spain’s successes at UEFA Euro 2008, 2012, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
His winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final versus the Netherlands will go down in football history.
After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta continued to exhibit his talents in Japan with Vissel Kobe before briefly joining UAE Pro League team Emirates.
