Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 40-year-old confirmed his decision to call time on his illustrious playing career at a star-studded event in Barcelona on Tuesday.
Iniesta joined Barca as a 12-year-old in 1996 and went on to make 674 first-team appearances for the club, helping them win nine La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies.
“I never thought this day would come,” Iniesta told friends, family and former team-mates who were in attendance to pay tribute to the former playmaker. “All these tears that we have shed during these days are tears of emotion and pride.
“They are not tears of sadness, they are tears of that boy from Fuentealbilla, who had the dream of being a footballer and I achieved it, we achieved it.
“After a lot of work and sacrifice and never giving up. Those values have been essential in my life and that is why today I feel very proud of all that journey.
“I have experienced the best things that can be experienced on a human and professional level.”
Iniesta left Barcelona in 2018 and joined Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he made a significant impact in the J-League before announcing his departure in 2023.
Last year, Iniesta mutually agreed to leave Vissel Kobe after five seasons with the club, where he lifted the J1 League title, Emperor’s Cup and Japanese Super Cup.
He signed a one-year contract with UAE Pro League club Emirates in August 2023 but played a limited role as the team were relegated from the first division.
Iniesta was capped 131 times by Spain after making his senior debut in 2006 and played in four World Cups and three European Championships.
He was part of the 2010 Spain side that won the World Cup in South Africa, scoring the winning goal in their victory over the Netherlands in the 2010 final. He also won two European Championships with La Roja in 2008 and 2012.
GO DEEPER
‘You feel bad when you see team-mates and your team suffer’ – Iniesta on life after Barca
Iniesta targeting Barca return as coach
Analysis by Pol Ballus
Andres Iniesta announced his retirement from professional football in a glamorous event boasting a long list of high-profile attendees celebrated the career of one of the best players to ever grace the game.
Iniesta himself led the event, taking centre stage and guiding everyone through a tribute film that acted as an emotional trip down memory lane.
The video included messages from a number of famous faces including Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique and Louis Van Gaal.
President Joan Laporta led the Barca tributes, which were also supported by sporting director Deco and new manager Hansi Flick.
Also in attendance was former manager, club legend and Iniesta’s indisputable partner in football, Xavi Hernandez. The tension between Xavi and Barca’s hierarchy is still present today, but they were able to put their differences to one side for the sake of Iniesta.
Iniesta’s former team-mate, Gerard Pique, was also present and joined a host of current first-team players including Ronald Araujo, Gavi, Dani Olmo and Ansu Fati.
The assembled crowd heard first hand how Iniesta plans to start doing his coaching badges in the hope of one day becoming a manager. He still does not know if he will eventually become one, but one thing that Iniesta has pretty clear in his mind is that he wants to return to Barcelona at some point.
“I will be back, or at least I would like to,” he said. “I think all those who’ve been in the club so much and that Barcelona is so fundamental to their lives, in one way or another will always try to be close to the club.
“Whenever I feel I can add some value, and that this is the right moment for me to join in and help, I’ll be there if the club wants me.”
(Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
