Talking about Andrés Iniesta is, without a doubt, mentioning one of the most prominent names in the history of both FC Barcelona and Spanish football in general. He is an authentic legend who, to date, has played in no fewer than 885 matches, scoring 93 goals and providing 61 assists at the club level, and 131 appearances, 14 goals, and 30 assists at the international level. His illustrious career seems to be approaching its end imminently.
Several sources have coincided that the genius from Fuentealbilla is planning to make use of the upcoming Tuesday, October 8, an emblematic date that matches his historic jersey number, to hold an event in Barcelona. During this event, it is expected that he will share his plans for the professional future, with a high likelihood of announcing his retirement as a professional footballer after 22 years of an impeccable career.
It's worth noting that, currently, Andrés Iniesta is without a team after playing the 2023/24 season with Emirates Club in the United Arab Emirates, where he scored five goals and provided an assist in 23 matches. Despite staying in Dubai with his family, focusing on training and maintaining his physical fitness in search of a new opportunity, the reality is that, with no team in sight, he is prepared to end his footballing career.
The remarkable career of Andrés Iniesta:
At club level:
FC Barcelona:
4X UEFA Champions League: 2005/06, 2008/09, 2010/11, and 2014/15
3X Club World Cup: 2010, 2012, and 2016
9X LaLiga: 2004/05, 2005/06, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2012/13, 2014/15, 2015/2016, and 2017/18
3X UEFA Super Cup: 2009/10, 2011/12, and 2015/16
6X Copa del Rey: 2008/09, 2011/12, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, and 2017/18
7X Spanish Super Cup: 2005/06, 2006/07, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2013/14, and 2016/17
Vissel Kobe:
- 1X J1 League Champion: 2023
- 1X Emperor's Cup Winner: 2019
- 1X Japanese Super Cup Winner: 2019
At the international level:
- 1X World Cup Winner: South Africa 2010
- 2X European Championship Winner: Austria and Switzerland 2008, and Poland and Ukraine 2012
- 1X UEFA European Under-19 Champion: 2002
- 1X UEFA European Under-17 Champion: 2001
Individually:
- 1X UEFA Men's Player of the Year: 2012
What does the future hold for Andrés Iniesta professionally?
If he decides to retire, we will have to wait and see if Andrés Iniesta chooses to remain involved in the world of football in some capacity, an option that seems quite plausible given his recent statement at an event in Barcelona. "I feel like I would like to continue playing football until I feel that moment to stop has arrived, I will try to keep playing. I would also like to get my coaching license and see what the future holds," he remarked.
At this point, the possibility of Andrés Iniesta returning to Barça is not ruled out, although in a role that he himself is still unsure of but would like to have. "Obviously, I would like to return to Barça at some point in my life, because that's how I feel, but I don't know the timing or in what way yet, nor does anyone else, let's see how things unfold during this time and then we will see where we stand," he also mentioned at a promotional event in Madrid on July 11.