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Andrés Iniesta
Scoring Spain’s winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final and shaping Barcelona’s great midfield.
World Cup final · European Championship
- Born
- 11 May 1984
- Birthplace
- Fuentealbilla, Spain
More people
Andrés Iniesta
Andrés Iniesta is a Spanish former midfielder whose close control and composure made him central to Barcelona and Spain.
Early life
Albacete beginnings
He played in Albacete’s youth system before moving to Barcelona.
Leaving home
He entered La Masia at twelve, a difficult separation from his family.
Career
- 2002
Barcelona debut
He reached the first team after developing in its academy.
- 2000s–2010s
Midfield mainstay
He became a central part of Barcelona’s domestic and European success.
- 2018
Japan
He joined Vissel Kobe after sixteen first-team seasons at Barcelona.
- 2024
Retirement
He ended his playing career after a final spell with Emirates in the UAE.
Achievements
World Cup final
His extra-time goal defeated the Netherlands.
European Championship
He was named player of the tournament as Spain retained its title.
Fourth Champions League
Barcelona completed its second league, cup and European treble.
Beyond football
Mental health
He has spoken publicly about experiencing depression.
Albacete support
He invested in his boyhood club and helped it cover unpaid wages.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Official career history and recognition ↗Photo: Bryan Berlin. CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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