Spain and Barcelona legend Iniesta retires at the age of 40.

 Spain and Barcelona legend Iniesta retires at the age of 40.

Spain World Cup winner Andrés Iniesta has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40.

Regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Iniesta was known for his exceptional midfield partnerships with Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets, both for Spain and Barcelona.

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He earned 131 caps for the national team, famously scoring the winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final and securing European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012.

At an emotional event in Barcelona, Iniesta expressed his intention to pursue a coaching career. "My time on the pitch is over," he said. "I can’t stay away from football; it’s my life and will continue to be."

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He added, "The tears we've shed are tears of emotion and pride, not sadness. They reflect the journey of a boy from a small town like Fuentealbilla, who dreamed of being a footballer and achieved that through hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance."

Iniesta spent the majority of his 22-year career at Barcelona after coming through the club's La Masia academy.

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Iniesta made his senior debut in 2002 and went on to secure 29 trophies, including nine La Liga titles and four Champions League titles.

One of his most iconic moments came in the 2009 Champions League semi-final, when he scored a stunning stoppage-time equalizer against Chelsea, helping Barcelona reach the final, where they triumphed over Manchester United.

In 2018, Iniesta signed with Japanese club Vissel Kobe, and in 2023, he moved to the United Arab Emirates to play for Emirates in the UAE Pro League.

He was a runner-up for the Ballon d'Or in 2010 and was named to the FIFA FIFPro World XI for nine consecutive years from 2009 to 2017.

Iniesta later disclosed that he struggled with depression shortly before the 2010 World Cup after the death of his friend, Espanyol midfielder Dani Jarque.

In a 2022 column for BBC Sport, Iniesta reflected, "There was a period of darkness after my friend Dani Jarque passed away in 2009, but it culminated in a truly magical moment—scoring the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup final."

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He added, "I would advise anyone facing struggles that the worst moment in your life can be followed by the most significant moment."

Lionel Messi, Iniesta's former Barcelona teammate, paid tribute to him on social media, calling him "one of the most magical teammates" he enjoyed playing alongside. "Andrés Iniesta, the ball will miss you, and so will we. I wish you all the best; you are a phenomenon," said the Inter Miami forward.

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Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague hailed Iniesta as "the greatest player in Spanish football." On the Football Daily Euro League podcast, he noted, "He’s remembered for a couple of key goals, including the World Cup final and the semi-final against Chelsea, but he was a masterful supplier, doing incredible things in the toughest areas of the pitch. He was so much more than just a goalscorer."

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Balague also mentioned Iniesta's openness about mental health, recalling how he battled depression during the 2010 World Cup. "He is a wonderful person, and many hope he returns to Barcelona one day. I believe he will stay in football and will be greatly missed."

European football journalist Mina Rzouki remarked that Iniesta "changed our perception of what makes a great player." She explained, "He wasn’t the quickest or the tallest, but his speed of thought was extraordinary—his dribbling and movement in tight spaces were exceptional."

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French football journalist Julian Laurens added, "In terms of ball control, few players can match Iniesta. He was a joy to watch, and the memories he created will stay with us forever."