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Andrés Iniesta Retires from Football at 40

Former Barcelona midfielder Andrés Iniesta is set to retire from football, releasing an emotional video on his social media channels. The 40-year-old’s video, captioned “the game will go on,” features tributes from esteemed figures such as Pep Guardiola, Louis van Gaal, and Luis Enrique.

Iniesta’s illustrious career has seen him make almost 900 club appearances, primarily with Barcelona, where he spent 16 years, winning nine LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues among 32 trophies. His memorable goal in the 2010 World Cup final secured Spain’s first-ever triumph in the tournament.

Joining Barcelona’s academy at 12, Iniesta progressed through the ranks, breaking into the senior side in 2002. He formed a pivotal part of the team alongside Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernández, and Lionel Messi, dominating European and domestic football.

At international level, Iniesta earned 131 caps for Spain, playing a crucial role in their back-to-back European Championships and World Cup victories between 2008 and 2012.

After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta spent five years in Japan with Vissel Kobe, winning the J1 League in 2023, before joining UAE Pro League club Emirates. Although he had the option to extend his contract until 2025, the veteran midfielder appears to have decided to call time on his playing career.

Iniesta’s retirement would bring an end to an era, but his legacy as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation remains cemented in football history.

Image Credit: Getty Images

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