Vissel Kobe's Andres Iniesta waves after the end of the football friendly between Japan's Vissel Kobe and Spanish side Barcelona at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo on June 6, 2023. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP)
FC Barcelona and Spain football star Andrés Iniesta announced on Tuesday that he is retiring from football at the age of 40, after a career filled with achievements and titles.
During an event held in Barcelona with journalists present, Iniesta stated, “My time on the pitch is over. But I cannot stay away from football, as it is my life and will remain so.” He added that he is preparing to obtain a coaching license, saying, “So this is the next chapter for me.”
The name of the midfield legend is closely associated with FC Barcelona, where he played for 16 years, from 2006 to 2022, participating in 647 matches, scoring 57 goals, and providing 135 assists. He helped the club secure 32 titles, including the Champions League (4 times) and La Liga (9 times).
Iniesta was also one of the standout stars of Spain’s golden generation, representing his country in 131 international matches, scoring 14 goals, and providing 30 assists, while winning three historic titles (the 2010 World Cup and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012).
