Former Barcelona midfielder Andrés Iniesta, a key player in Spain’s golden era, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 40. During a heartfelt news conference in Barcelona, Iniesta shared, “Being on the pitch is over,” expressing his deep emotional connection to the game.
Iniesta, who won two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup with Spain, stated, “I can’t stay away from football; it’s my life and will continue to be my life.” He revealed plans to further his education in the sport by pursuing a coaching diploma, indicating that while he will no longer be running after the ball, he aims to contribute to football from a different perspective.
Having joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Iniesta made his first-team debut in 2002 at just 18. Over 16 years with the club, he became a midfield cornerstone, helping secure nine La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies. His most memorable moment came during the 2010 World Cup final when he scored the decisive goal against the Netherlands in extra time.
After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta spent five years with Vissel Kobe in Japan before concluding his playing career with Emirates in the UAE