Andrés Iniesta

Andrés Iniesta is a Spanish professional footballer, born on May 11, 1984, in Fuentealbilla, Spain. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. Iniesta began his professional career with FC Barcelona in 2002, where he won multiple titles, including nine La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles.

Iniesta is known for his incredible vision, control, and ability to dictate the pace of the game. He has won numerous individual awards, including the Golden Foot award, and holds multiple records, such as the most decorated Spanish player in history.

Off the field, Iniesta is also recognized for his humility and sportsmanship, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

FC Barcelona

• Youth and Early Career: Iniesta was born and raised in Fuentealbilla and moved to Barcelona as a child to join La Masia, FC Barcelona's youth academy. He made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2002.

Golden Era

• Club Success: Iniesta was a key figure in Barcelona's success during the late 2000s and early 2010s, winning numerous domestic and international titles, including four UEFA Champions League titles. His partnership with Xavi in midfield is considered one of the greatest in football history.

Vissel Kobe

• New Challenges: Iniesta joined Vissel Kobe in 2018, seeking new challenges in the J1 League. During his time at Vissel Kobe, he has continued to display his world-class abilities and leadership.

Spain National Team

• Debut: Made his debut for Spain in 2006.

Achievements:

• UEFA European Championship: Winner in 2008 and 2012.
• FIFA World Cup: Winner in 2010, scoring the winning goal in the final.
• Iniesta is one of the most capped players for the Spanish national team.

• Position: Primarily a central midfielder, but also excels as an attacking midfielder and on the wing.
• Skills: Known for his exceptional vision, ball control, dribbling ability, and ability to dictate the pace of the game. Iniesta is celebrated for his versatility, creativity, and leadership on the pitch.

• Family: Iniesta is married to Anna Ortiz. They have three children.
• Philanthropy: Iniesta is involved in various charitable activities and has donated significant sums to children's hospitals and disaster relief efforts.

• Andrés Iniesta is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his humility, sportsmanship, and longevity in professional football. His impact on the sport and his status as an icon extend beyond the pitch, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Most Decorated Spanish Player:

• Over 30 major titles

Golden Foot Winner:

• 2014

UEFA Best Player in Europe:

• 2012

Books

• Balague, G. (2016) Andrés Iniesta: The Illusionist. London: Orion Publishing Group.
• Caioli, L. (2018) Andrés Iniesta: Artist. New York: Icon Books.

Websites

• FIFA: Information about Andrés Iniesta’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.fifa.com
• FC Barcelona: Details about Iniesta’s career at FC Barcelona. Available at: https://www.fcbarcelona.com
• UEFA: Updates and records of Iniesta in UEFA competitions. Available at: https://www.uefa.com

Articles

• BBC Sport: Andrés Iniesta: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48839800
• The Guardian: Andrés Iniesta’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/andres-iniesta

Interviews and Documentaries

• Iniesta (2018): Directed by Michael Robinson. This documentary provides a detailed look at Iniesta’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Andrés Iniesta, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.espn.com