Former Spanish international and Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta has officially hung up his boots at the age of 40, marking the end of an illustrious career. Widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders in football history, Iniesta had most recently been playing for Emirates Club in the UAE, following a five-year stint with Japan’s Vissel Kobe after his emotional departure from Barcelona in 2018.
Iniesta, a product of Barca’s famed La Masia academy, shared the pitch with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Sergio Busquets. He made 674 appearances for Barcelona, contributing to the club’s dominance with nine La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies.
On the international stage, Iniesta earned 131 caps for Spain, playing a key role in their victories at two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup. His unforgettable extra-time goal in the final against the Netherlands secured Spain’s first-ever World Cup title.
Iniesta is expected to formally announce his retirement on October 8, a date symbolic of his iconic shirt number 8. Though there was speculation about a potential move to MLS with Inter Miami, Iniesta has set his sights on a coaching career, expressing a desire to return to Barcelona in the future. Reflecting on this, he said, “I’d love to come back to Barca someday, though I don’t know when or how. We’ll see what the future holds.”
