Icons: Andrés Iniesta

It's time to explore the career of another football icon

Andrés Iniesta is widely considered one of the greatest midfielders of all time. 

He was praised by fans and pundits alike for his balance, ball control and agility in close spaces, combined with his skill, composure, and flair on the ball. Iniesta would spend 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.

One European Super Football contributor told us: "He was one of the greatest midfielders ever. I used to love watching him and I'm not even a Barcelona fan."

Iniesta interviewed as a Barcelona player back in 2011. Picture from Miguel Moro | Flickr

A closer look at his career

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. 

2005/2006 season

When Xavi was injured at the beginning of the 2005–06 season, it opened up more chances for Iniesta to start in central midfield. During this period, he steadily grew and developed as a player. Iniesta featured in 11 Champions League matches, playing a key role in the team's success. Notably, he came on at half-time in the 2006 final to replace Edmílson. His former manager Frank Rijkaard praised his performance, as Barcelona went on to secure both the La Liga title and the Champions League trophy. This would eventually prove to be the start of some incredible success. 

Becoming a key part of one the greatest ever Barcelona teams

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. Who remembers that iconic goal v Chelsea in 2009?

Leaving Barcelona

After 22 years at Barcelona, he signed for J1 League club Vissel Kobe in 2018. After leaving the club in 2023, Iniesta signed for UAE Pro League club Emirates. That final part of his career saw him score 31 goals in 157 appearances, winning three trophies during his time with Vissel Kobe.

International career

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 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. 

At 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.

Individual awards and accolades

Iniesta was celebrated with a place in the FIFPro World XI an impressive nine times and was selected for the UEFA Team of the Year on six occasions. He was also recognised as part of the All-time UEFA Euro XI. In 2012, he won the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award and was named the World's Best Playmaker in both 2012 and 2013. In addition to being the runner-up for the Ballon d'Or in 2010, he also secured third place in 2012.