INIESTA RETIREMENT: A look into his Achievements
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Andres Iniesta has retired from professional football at the age of 40.
“I never thought this day would come. I never imagined it.
“Yes, all these tears we have shed these days are tears of emotion, of pride. They are not tears of sadness.
“They are tears of that boy from a small town like Fuentealbilla, who had the dream of being a footballer and we achieved it after a lot of hard work, sacrifice, of never giving up, essential values in my life.” Iniesta said: On announcing his retirement,
He is a symbol of elegance, vision, and unparalleled skill on the pitch. Throughout his illustrious career, Iniesta has left an incredible mark, not only on club levels but also on the international stage. Let’s take a closer look at his remarkable achievements and contributions to the beautiful game.
Born on May 11, 1984, in Fuentealbilla, Spain, Iniesta joined FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at a young age. His talent was evident early on, and he quickly rose through the ranks, making his first-team debut in 2002.
Club Achievements with FC Barcelona
Iniesta spent the majority of his career at Barcelona, where he became an important part of one of the most successful Squads in the club’s history. Here are some of his most notable club achievements:
- La Liga Titles: 9 (2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2012–13, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18)
- Copa del Rey Titles: 7 (2008–09, 2011–12, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18)
- UEFA Champions League Titles: 4 (2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15)
- UEFA Super Cup Titles: 3 (2009, 2011, 2015)
- FIFA Club World Cup Titles: 3 (2009, 2011, 2015)
Iniesta’s partnership with fellow team mates and football legends like Xavi Hernández and Lionel Messi created a midfield that was not only technically brilliant but also entertaining.. The trio led the team to promote a style of play known as “tiki-taka,” which emphasized short passes and quick movement, leading to a special level of success.
International honor with Spain
Iniesta’s contributions extended beyond his club career. He was an important part of the Spanish national team that achieved great success:
- UEFA European Championship Titles: 2 (2008, 2012)
- FIFA World Cup Title: 1 (2010)
His most memorable moment came in the 2010 World Cup final, where he scored the winning goal against the Netherlands, securing Spain’s first-ever World Cup trophy. Iniesta’s performances in major tournaments solidified his status as one of the greatest midfielders of all time.
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Individual honors
Iniesta’s earned numerous individual awards and recognitions all through his career:
- UEFA Best Player in Europe: 2012 (Runner-up in 2010, 2011)
- FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 2010 (Best Player)
- La Liga Best Midfielder: Multiple nominations
- Ballon d’Or: He was ranked second in the world in the 2010 edition
In total, Iniesta played 885 games, created 161 assists and scored 93 goals. Having 74 yellow cards, Iniesta is one of the few players who never had a red card in their career.
Iniesta’s playing style and character have inspired countless players and fans worldwide. After leaving Barcelona in 2018, he continued to play professional football in Japan with Vissel Kobe, further spreading his influence and excellence.
Club Achievements with Vissel Kobe
- Japanese Champion: 1(2023)
- Japanese Super Cup: 1 (2020)
- Japanese cup winner: 1 (2019)
His ability to control games, create chances, and perform under pressure has made him a true legend of the sport. Andrés Iniesta’s career is a testament to talent, hard work, and dedication.
As fans and players celebrate his achievements, Iniesta will forever be remembered as one of the greatest midfielders in football history. a player who defined an era and inspired generations to come, Iniesta announced his retirement in a very emotional speech as he confirmed Eric Ten Hag’s words “Eras come to an End”.
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By Francis Blessing
