He has won everything – At the age of 40: Iniesta draws a line in the sand – Sport

On Monday he hinted at it, on Tuesday he made it official: Andres Iniesta is ending his glorious career as a professional.

In a more than two-minute video that he posted on social media, Andres Iniesta hinted at the end of his career on Monday. The video ends with the words “El juego continua” (the game continues), linked to the date October 8th, 2024. On Tuesday, October 8th, the 40-year-old Spaniard made the end of his glorious career official.

There is hardly a player who has won more at club and national team level than the attacking midfielder from the Spanish province of Albacete. Iniesta was signed by FC Barcelona at the age of 12 and made his debut in the first team at the age of 18. He remained loyal to the Catalans for 22 years – including his junior years.

Alongside his congenial midfield partner Xavi and superstar Lionel Messi, Iniesta played the dreaded Tiki-Taka short passing game. With Barça, Iniesta won the championship nine times, the Cup six times and the Champions League four times. From 2018 to 2023 he played in Japan for Vissel Kobe. Last year the Spaniard said goodbye with the championship title and ended his club career in the United Arab Emirates.

A goal for eternity

Iniesta was no less successful with the Spanish national team. Between 2008 and 2012 he won three major titles in a row with “La Roja”: European Championships, World Cups and European Championships. Iniesta made himself immortal in the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa when he scored the only goal of the game against the Netherlands in the 116th minute. In total, Iniesta made 131 international appearances.

Iniesta the brilliant silencer

As a player, Iniesta was not a man of big words; he did not present himself like other stars in the industry. His statement after winning the 2010 World Cup final was emblematic: “My goal was only a small contribution in a close game.” Typical Iniesta.

Iniesta didn’t score a lot of goals either. But he had a game intelligence like not many before or after him. His overview of the pitch, his calmness on the ball, his seamless deep passes, his ability to give the game a rhythm – his rhythm: unique.

Iniesta was one of the few players who was respected beyond the borders of his own club and country. Now he is hanging up his football boots. The 40-year-old would like to get into the coaching business in the future.