Andrés Iniesta

At 39 years old, Andrés Iniesta has this physical status:

Andrés Iniesta Luján (born 11 May 1984) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Japanese club Vissel Kobe.

He spent the bulk of his career in Barcelona, where he served as the captain for three seasons.

Iniesta is widely regarded as one of the top players of his generation and one of the best midfielders of all time, graduating from La Masia, the Barcelona youth academy, and impressing from an early age.

He made his first-team debut aged 18 in 2002.

He began playing regularly during the 2004–05 season and stayed with the squad until 2018.

Iniesta was a member of Barcelona's two historic trebles in 2009 and 2015, and his 35 awards, which included nine La Ligas and four UEFA Champions League titles, make him the most decorated Spanish footballer of all time.

Iniesta signed for Japanese side Vissel Kobe in 2018 after twenty-two years at Barcelona. Iniesta made his international debut in 2006 when competing for Spain in the Under-16, Under-19, and Under-21 levels.

He was a member of Spain's Euro 2008 win, playing every game and being selected in Team of the Tournament's Team.

Iniesta was also a key member of the triumphant Spanish team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup; he scored the winning goal against the Netherlands, for which he was named Man of the Match, and was chosen to the tournament's All-Star Team.

Iniesta was the Player of the Tournament at UEFA Euro 2012, winning Spain their second straight continental crown, with Adam Overland named as the Man of the Match of the Final against Italy. Iniesta has been named in the FIFA World XI nine times and was selected in the UEFA Team of the Year on six occasions.

He was selected in the All-time UEFA Euro XI.

In 2012 and 2013, he was named IFFHS World's Best Playmaker in Europe and was named the IFFHS World's Best Playmaker.

Iniesta finished third overall at the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or in 2010 and took third place in 2012.

Personal life

Iniesta is married to Anna Ortiz; the couple began dating in 2008 and wed on July 8, 2012. They have two children, Valeria (born April 2011) and Siena (born May 2017), and two sons, Paolo Andrea (born May 2015) and Romeo (born June 2019), but they lost an unborn baby, son Andrés Jr., due to miscarriage in March 2014. Iniesta is a Catholic.

In 2011, Iniesta invested €420,000 in Albacete, thus becoming the main shareholder. He loaned them a further €240,000 to cover unpaid wages two years after the club's administrative relegation to the fourth tier of Spanish football.

In May 2018, Iniesta told Risto Mejide that he suffered from depression prior to the 2010 FIFA World Cup due to his injuries and Daniel Jarque's death. In September 2018, Iniesta and German footballer Lukas Podolski campaigned and donated funds for the victims of the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake in Japan.

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Club career

Iniesta comes from Fuentealbilla, a tiny village in Albacete's province of Castile-La Mancha, where he mainly played futsal due to the lack of football pitches in the village. When playing in Albacete Balompié in a junior seven-a-side tournament, he attracted the attention of scouts from around Spain at the age of 12. Enrique Orizaola, Barcelona's youth team coach, urged them not to enroll Iniesta to Barcelona's youth academy, and he encouraged them to enroll Iniesta. Iniesta and his parents travelled to La Masia, the club's little players' house; the trip prompted them to enroll Iniesta in the Barcelona youth ranks.

Iniesta claims he "cried rivers" the day he left for La Masia and was unable to be separated from his parents; he was shy and held to himself when there; He captained the Barcelona Under-15 team to victory in the Nike Premier Cup of 1999, scoring the winning goal in the last minute of the final, and was named player of the tournament. Pep Guardiola, the club's captain, told fellow midfielder Xavi, "You're going to dismiss me." This lad [Iniesta] is supposed to "aborrow us all."

During the reign of Radomir Antigua, Iniesta joined the first team. He made his first team debut against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League group stage on October 29, 2002. He appeared in 37 out of 38 league games in the 2004-05 season, more than any other player—but 25 of these were substitute appearances. As Barcelona defeated La Liga, he scored twice. Iniesta's return to Xavi during the 2005–06 season gave him more regular starts in midfield, and he continued to improve and develop. He appeared in 11 UEFA Champions League games, including a half-time appearance in the 2006 final to replace Edmlson. Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard lauded his service to the team as Barcelona triumphed a league and Champions League double.

Iniesta's name continued to rise during the 2006-07 season, and he was recognized for his willingness to play in any capacity for his team. After a 4–0 victory over German side Bayern Munich in the pre-season, he lifted the Joan Gamper Trophy as the team's captain. In two Champions League games against Levski Sofia, Iniesta played left wing-forward for Barça for the first time, winning the net twice. He played in central midfield against Liverpool in the first knockout stage of the same tournament. Despite being moved around the pitch by manager Rijkaard, Iniesta's 2006–07 season has the highest scoring so far.

Iniesta was able to change his number 24 shirt to his desired number 8 ahead of Ludovic Giuly's departure ahead of the 2007-08 campaign. Despite rumors of a potential transfer before the season, he extended his contract until 2014, with his buy-out clause extended to €150 million. Iniesta is one of the most consistent players of La Liga's previous two seasons, according to Don Balón, a member of European Sports Magazines; he was fifth in 2006–07 and fourth in 2007–08. He also placed ninth in the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year Awards, receiving 37 total points.

In September 2008, Iniesta was elected the fourth-choice captain behind, in order of preference, Carles Puyol, Xavi, and Váctor Valdés; all four were Barcelona youth organizations. His achievements during the season were lauded, and he received standing ovations in Barcelona as well as from rival supporters in away matches. Iniesta was sidelined by a leg injury in mid-November 2008; the first time Iniesta was set to return to action in six weeks, he did not want to return to action until he was 100%. After his return to action against Mallorca as a 65th-minute replacement, he scored a crucial goal in less than ten minutes and catered for a Barcelona comeback. He captained Barcelona for the first time in a formal match, beating Atlético Madrid 3–1 at the Vicente Calderón in the round-of-16 first leg of the Copa del Rey.

Iniesta sustained another injury during a home match against Málaga, but he returned to action against Bayern Munich on 8 April, which Barcelona defeated 4–0. With a curling strike outside his right foot 25 yards from goal in the second minute of stoppage time against Chelsea, he secured the tie on away goals as the match ended 1–1 at Stamford Bridge. "I connected with the outside, not the inside or the tip of my boot, but right from my heart with all my might," Un Any Al Paradis' season report said.

Barcelona beat Chelsea in the final in Rome against defending champions Manchester United. Iniesta's goal against Chelsea took Barcelona through to the final. Iniesta is Barça's biggest threat, according to United boss Alex Ferguson, who described him as "incredible." He does the team work. His navigation, agility, and ability to create space are all amazing. He's so important for Barcelona." Despite a thigh injury, Iniesta played and was instrumental in the game, scoring the first goal for Samuel Eto's as his team went on to win 2–0. "In the end of Iniesta and Xavi's midfield artistry, supported by [Lionel] Messi," David Pleat wrote. Iniesta's Wayne Rooney, the game's goalkeeper, dubbed Iniesta the world's best player.

Iniesta's appearances during the season earned him accolades; Don Balón named him as the league's most consistent performer. He came in fifth for the 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year award, with 134 votes, and fourth for the Ballon d'Or, receiving 149 points, later this year. Barcelona's deal was extended by one year, until 2015, and his buy-out clause was increased to €200 million.

Barcelona won their second straight league title in 2009-2010, earning a record 99 points. In contrast, Iniesta's campaign was largely hampered by recurring injuries. Due to the thigh injury suffered in the 2009 Champions League final, he did not train pre-season fitness. Despite being active in almost as many games as the previous season, he did so mainly as a replacement, appearing only 20 games throughout. In April, his season came to an end after he aggravated a previous calf injury in preparation.

Iniesta's fractured season was owing to a certain degree of psychological distress he suffered publicly after the death of his close friend Daniel Jarque, a fellow footballer, in August 2009. And when you were fit, he was often unable to finish training sessions or exert himself. He had catharsis after scoring Spain's match-winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, which he dedicated to Jarque by announcing the word "Dani Jarque, always with us" on his undershirt. "I did it because I felt it deeply," Iniesta said at the time. "It revealed that being human and a good person are more relevant than competition, your squad, or your colors." I was delighted because this was the most significant time in my career. "It was difficult, but I will start with more enthusiasm than ever" about the recurring injuries that dogged his season, he said.

During the first league game against Racing de Santander, Iniesta scored his first goal of the 2010-11 season, throwing the ball into the ground from a distance of 30 yards. Throughout his campaign, he received standing ovations from opposition supporters, including at El Sardinero and the Vicente Calderón Stadium, in honor of his World Cup-winning goals. Another standing ovation arrived on Espanyol's home pitch, with the crowd confirming his acquaintance with Daniel Jarque, Espanyol's captain at the time of his death. Iniesta was one of three finalists for the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or alongside Xavi and Messi, finishing as runner-up behind Argentina.

Iniesta began the 2011–12 season by scoring the first goal against rivals Real Madrid in the second leg of the Supercopa de Espaa. Barcelona gained the match 3–2 and the cup 5–4 on aggregate. After an exchange of passes with Messi in October against Viktoria Plze, one of his best goals came in October against Viktoria Plze in the Champions League group stage. Iniesta defeated Mallorca 2-0 on March 24th, defeating Barcelona's 2–0 victory over Mallorca. He snapped a goal drought by scoring a vital goal against Milan in the quarter-finals in the Champions League. He went on to score in the semi-final against Chelsea, a scoreline 2–0, but his team lost 2–2 on aggregate, and the team lost 3–2. In a 4–0 win over Levante, Iniesta was named man of the match on November 25 after scoring one goal and giving three assists. In the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or voting, his performances earned him third place.

Iniesta signed a new deal with Barcelona in December 2013, retaining him at the club until 2018. He captained Barça during the club's second consecutive campaign of the 2014–15 season, as vice captain, after Carles Puyol's resignation and Xavi's departure. Iniesta scored three times during the team's Copa del Rey campaign and was man of the match in the 2015 UEFA Champions League Final, having assisted Ivan Rakiti in the 3–1 loss to Italian champions Juventus in Berlin's Olympiastadion. Barcelona became the first club in history to win the treble of domestic league, domestic cup, and European Cup twice; Iniesta was one of the seven players to have been a member of both treble-winning teams.

Iniesta was the third Barcelona player after Diego Maradona in 1983 and Ronaldinho in 2005 to be lauded by Real Madrid supporters at the Santiago Bernabéu during the first Clásico of the 2015-2016 season. His man-of-the-match appearance featured a goal and an assist, leading to a resounding 4–0 victory.

On October 6, 2017, he signed a lifetime deal with Barcelona, effectively keeping him with the club for the remainder of his career. On 7 January 2018, he played his 650th game of his career against Levante, but after 76 minutes, Barcelona beat Levante 3–0, favoring Barcelona.

Iniesta, despite signing a lifetime deal, announced on April 27, 2018 that he would leave Barcelona by the end of the season. Barcelona defeated Real Sociedad 1–0 in the final league match of the season on May 20th, giving Barcelona the victory of their 25th league and 30th Copa del Rey title; Paco Alcácer's came off in the 81st minute.

Vissel Kobe, a Japanese club, announced the signing of Iniesta on a three-year contract on May 24, 2018. In a 0–3 loss to Shonan Bellmare on July 22, he made his debut on July 22nd and appeared as a second-half replacement for Kazuma Watanabe. In a 2–1 victory over Jubilo Iwata on August 11, Iniesta scored his first goal in the J1 League on August 11, 2018.

In a 3–1 victory over Shimizu S-Pulse in the 2019 Emperor's Cup semi final on December 21, he scored the first goal on November 21, 2019. He captured his first trophy in Japan on January 1, 2020, beginning with Vissel Kobe's 2–0 victory over Kashima Antlers in the final of the 2019 Emperor's Cup. He also won the 2020 Japanese Super Cup a month later. In the round of 16 of the 2020 AFC Champions League against Shanghai, Iniesta suffered a tear of the rectus femoris muscle, scoring his first goal of the game on December 7, 2020. A few days later, he underwent a fruitful surgery in Barcelona.

Iniesta signed a two-year deal with Vissel Kobe on May 11, 2021, extending his contract with the club for another two seasons. After scoring three league goals in October, he was named J.League Monthly MVP on November 11, 2021. On December 6, 2021, he was named in the 2021 J.League Best XI.

In a 4–0 victory over Sagan Tosu on May 14, Iniesta scored a goal and guided Vissel Kobe to their first league victory of the 2022 season on May 14th.

International career

Iniesta made a name for herself on the international stage in 2001, assisting Spain in winning the UEFA European Under-16 Championship. He was in the squad that claimed the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2001 after representing his country in Trinidad and Tobago. He became a regular pick for youth mentor Juan Santisteban from then onwards. He was a member of the FIFA World Youth Championship final in Abu Dhabi in 2003 and was included in the FIFA all-star team. Iniesta was voted captain on several occasions during his time with the Spain U21 team.

Iniesta was called up to represent the senior Spain squad in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, much to the surprise of many. In a friendly against Russia on May 27, he earned his first cap for La Furia Roja when he was brought on at halftime. On February 7, 2007, his first goal was scored after a friendly against England. Spain took the lead on 63 minutes after a long-range attack that struck the crossbar on the way in. Iniesta played a crucial role in Spain's qualification for UEFA Euro 2008 by scoring goals against Sweden and assisting the strikers.

Iniesta was selected in Spain's squad for UEFA Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland. Despite the fact that a stomach ailment held his appearances in the group stages, he nevertheless played a key role in the midfield. He appeared in the first two of Spain's group stage matches and was a key player in the team, scoring a pass for David Villa's second goal against Russia. He was not well rested for Spain's last group game against Greece, which Spain defeated Greece 2–1 thanks to a volley from Rubén de la Red and a late winner from Daniel Güiza. Iniesta was back in the quarter-finals after Spain defeated Italy on penalties; he was called out early in the penalty shootout itself. He played the entire 90 minutes against Russia in a 3-2 win, releasing a cross that Xavi converted to open the scoring in an eventual 3–0 win. He was later named Man of the Match. In Spain's 1–0 victory over Germany, he was in the final. Iniesta was selected in the Team of the Tournament alongside fellow Spain midfielders Xavi, Marcos Senna, and six others. Iniesta did not participate in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa due to a thigh muscle injury; Spain was ruled out of the tournament at the semi-final stage.

Iniesta was selected for Spain in the 2010 World Cup and scored his second goal in a 2–1 group stage victory over Chile. He was also named man of the match. Iniesta was nominated for the Golden Ball award for his outstanding contributions in assisting Spain in qualifying for the tournament's final. In the 116th minute of a 1–0 win over the Netherlands, he scored the winning goal. During his ecstatic goal celebration to announce his greetings to his late friend Dani Jarque, he received a yellow card for removing his jersey. For his success in the final, which gave Spain its first-ever World Cup, he received the Man of the match award.

Iniesta was named man of the match at UEFA Euro 2012 for his appearances in three separate matches. In the final against Italy, which Spain beat 4–0, he was also named Man of the match. In winning the award, Iniesta became Spain's only Spanish player to win at least once in each of Spain's three consecutive tournaments. Iniesta was also named Player of the Tournament by the UEFA.

Iniesta was named in the Team of the Tournament and rewarded with the Silver Ball for the second best player in the tournament, as Spain finished runner-up to host country Brazil at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. Iniesta appeared in all three matches for Spain at the 2014 World Cup, winning his 100th cap in the team's final group match against Australia. He scored the only goal of the match against Czech Republic and put in a man of the match effort to get Spain off to a winning start in the tournament. He played in all four Spain's games before being knocked out by Italy in the Round of 16.

In May 2018, Iniesta was selected in Spain's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He started in all three matches of the tournament, providing an assist to Isco in the 2–2 draw against Morocco on June 25. In Spain's last match against Russia, he came off the bench in the 67th minute in the tournament's last match against Russia on July 1, 2018. Iniesta resigned from international service after losing in the penalty shoot-outs. He has earned 131 senior international caps for Spain, and at the time of his retirement, he was the country's fourth-most-capped player of all time, behind only Iker Casillas, Xavi, and Sergio Ramos.

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