Andrés Iniesta

Iniesta comes from Fuentealbilla, a small village in the province of Albacete, Castile–La Mancha, where he mostly played futsal due to the lack of football pitches in the village.Futsalfeed.com (14 March 2020). "[https://futsalfeed.com/original-content/top-10-footballers-who-played-futsal Top 10 Footballers Who Played Futsal!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106230037/https://futsalfeed.com/original-content/top-10-footballers-who-played-futsal |date=6 November 2020 }}", "futsalfeed.com". Retrieved 14 March 2020. At the age of 12, while playing for Albacete Balompié in a junior seven-a-side tournament in Albacete, he attracted the attention of scouts from clubs around Spain."[https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/u20worldcup/uae2003/news/newsid=89281/index.html Iniesta: the Spanish matador] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120074103/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/u20worldcup/uae2003/news/newsid=89281/index.html |date=20 January 2015 }}", 28 October 2003, FIFA.com. His parents knew Barcelona's youth team coach, Enrique Orizaola, and he persuaded them to consider sending Iniesta to the Barcelona youth academy. Iniesta traveled there with his parents and visited La Masia, the farmhouse where the club houses its young players; the trip convinced them to enroll Iniesta in the Barcelona youth ranks.Brown, Lucas (27 October 2008). "[http://www.goal.com/en/news/8/main/2008/10/27/933915/madrid-red-light-let-iniesta-leave-for-bar%C3%A7a Madrid Red Light Let Iniesta Leave For Barça] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140824041848/http://www.goal.com/en/news/8/main/2008/10/27/933915/madrid-red-light-let-iniesta-leave-for-bar%C3%A7a |date=24 August 2014 }}", goal.com. Retrieved 22 December 2010.

{{Quote box| width=25%|align=right|quote="Receive, pass, offer, receive, pass, offer." |source =—Iniesta on La Masia education of ball retention, passing and using space[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8052705.stm "The men who make Barca beautiful"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529144848/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8052705.stm |date=29 May 2009 }}.BBC. Retrieved 17 May 2014}}

Iniesta says he "cried rivers" the day he left for La Masia and struggled being separated from his parents;{{Cite news |last=Lowe |first=Sid |date=2009-05-23 |title=Iniesta graduates from cameo role to take centre stage at Barcelona |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/may/24/andres-iniesta-champions-league-barcelona-manchester-united |access-date=2025-04-24 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} he was very shy and kept to himself while there.Stevenson, Jonathan (12 July 2010). "[https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jonathanstevenson/2010/07/andres_iniesta_the_unassuming.html Andres Iniesta, the unassuming superstar] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160302/https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jonathanstevenson/2010/07/andres_iniesta_the_unassuming.html |date=2 January 2021 }}", BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 December 2010. He captained the Barcelona Under-15 team to victory in the Nike Premier Cup of 1999, scoring the winning goal in the last minute of the final, and was named player of the tournament. Just after Iniesta arrived at the club, then-captain Pep Guardiola famously told fellow midfielder Xavi: "You're going to retire me. This lad [Iniesta] is going to retire us all."[http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/17566/andr%C3%A9s-luj%C3%A1n-iniesta "Iniesta Profile"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160258/https://www.espn.com/soccer/|date=2 January 2021}}. ESPN. Retrieved 17 May 2014

File:Andrés Iniesta 21dec2006.jpg in 2006]]

Iniesta joined the first team during the tenure of Radomir Antić. On 29 October 2002, he made his first team debut in a 1–0 away win against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League group stage. In the 2004–05 season, he featured in 37 out of 38 league games—more than any other player—although 25 of these were substitute appearances. He scored twice as Barcelona won La Liga.{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/17566/andres-lujan-iniesta?cc=5739 |title=Andrés Iniesta |publisher=ESPN |access-date=23 June 2012 |archive-date=26 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026130439/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/17566/andres-lujan-iniesta?cc=5739 |url-status=dead}} An injury to Xavi at the start of the 2005–06 season allowed Iniesta more regular starts in the centre of midfield, and he continued to improve and develop."[https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=107375.html Iniesta, Barcelona's quiet man] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207041129/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=107375.html |date=7 December 2013 }}", 7 November 2006, FIFA.com. Retrieved 22 December 2010. He played in 11 UEFA Champions League games, including a half-time appearance in the 2006 final, to replace Edmílson.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4773353.stm "Barcelona 2–1 Arsenal"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902101230/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4773353.stm |date=2 September 2017 }}, 17 May 2006, BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 December 2010. His contribution to the team was praised by manager Frank Rijkaard as Barcelona won a league and Champions League double.{{cite web |url=http://fc.barcelona.com/andres_iniesta |title=Andres Iniesta |publisher=Fc.barcelona.com |access-date=23 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129011316/http://fc.barcelona.com/andres_iniesta |archive-date=29 November 2010}}

The 2006–07 season saw Iniesta's profile continue to rise and he earned plaudits for his willingness to play in any position for his team. In the pre-season, he lifted the Joan Gamper Trophy as the captain of the team after a 4–0 victory over German side Bayern Munich. Iniesta played for the first time as a left wing-forward for Barça in two Champions League matches against Levski Sofia, finding the net twice. In the first knockout stage of the same competition, he played in central midfield against Liverpool. Despite being moved around the pitch by manager Rijkaard, the 2006–07 season remains Iniesta's highest scoring season.

With the departure of Ludovic Giuly ahead of the 2007–08 campaign, Iniesta was able to switch his number 24 shirt for his preferred number 8."[https://archive.today/20120803015000/http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada07-08/07/n070719101316.html Iniesta is Barça's new number 8]", 19 July 2007, fcbarcelona.cat. Retrieved 23 December 2010. {{in lang|es}} Despite rumours of a possible transfer before the season,{{Cite web |last=VICENTE HERNÁEZ |first=JOSÉ |date=19 July 2007 |title=El Real Madrid va a por Iniesta |trans-title=Real Madrid is going after Iniesta. |url=http://archivo.marca.com/edicion/marca/futbol/1a_division/real_madrid/es/desarrollo/1018215.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714033040/http://archivo.marca.com/edicion/marca/futbol/1a_division/real_madrid/es/desarrollo/1018215.html |archive-date=14 July 2011 |access-date=2025-04-24 |website=archivo.marca.com}} he extended his contract to 2014 on 25 January 2008,{{cite web |url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada09-10/11/n091127108006.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123073441/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada09-10/11/n091127108006.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 January 2013 |title=Pre-Madrid renewal nothing new to Iniesta |publisher=Fcbarcelona.com |access-date=23 June 2012}} with his buy-out clause being raised to €150 million.Leong, KS (5 June 2009). "[http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/06/05/1306150/barcelona-set-to-extend-puyols-stay-improve-iniestas Barcelona Set To Extend Puyol's Stay & Improve Iniesta's Contract] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016051527/http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/06/05/1306150/barcelona-set-to-extend-puyols-stay-improve-iniestas |date=16 October 2012 }}", goal.com . Retrieved 23 December 2010. Don Balón, a member of European Sports Magazines, named Iniesta one of the most consistent performers in the previous two seasons of La Liga; he placed fifth in 2006–07 and fourth in 2007–08.{{cite web |author= |title=Ranking db 2006–2007 |url=http://www.donbalon.com/front/default.asp?OPT=RER&RERID=1964 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071106222027/http://www.donbalon.com/front/default.asp?OPT=RER&RERID=1964 |archive-date=6 November 2007 |access-date=1 May 2007}}{{cite web |author= |title=Ranking DB 07-08 |url=http://www.donbalon.com/front/default.asp?OPT=RER&RERID=2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071106221934/http://www.donbalon.com/front/default.asp?OPT=RER&RERID=2005 |archive-date=6 November 2007 |access-date=1 May 2008}} He also placed ninth in the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year voting, gaining 37 total points.{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/classic/awards/99/15/28/resultsmenforfifa.combyplayer.pdf |title=FIFA World Player Gala 2008| access-date =10 January 2009 |author=fifa.com| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090126142750/http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/classic/awards/99/15/28/resultsmenforfifa.combyplayer.pdf| archive-date= 26 January 2009 | url-status= dead}}

File:Andres Iniesta Joan Gamper.jpg]]

At the start of the 2008–09 season, in September 2008, Iniesta was elected the fourth-choice captain behind, in order of preference, Carles Puyol, Xavi and Víctor Valdés; all four were products of the Barcelona youth system.{{cite web |url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada08-09/09/n080923105384.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130122202306/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada08-09/09/n080923105384.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 January 2013 |title=Four home-grown captains |publisher=Fcbarcelona.com |date=23 September 2008 |access-date=23 June 2012}} His performances throughout the season were highly lauded, and he received standing ovations both in Barcelona at the Camp Nou, as well as from rival supporters in away matches.{{cite web |author= |title=Player Ratings: Almeria 0–2 Barcelona |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/03/15/1157494/player-ratings-almeria-0-2-barcelona |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317124607/http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/03/15/1157494/player-ratings-almeria-0-2-barcelona |archive-date=17 March 2009 |access-date=15 March 2009}} A leg injury sustained in mid-November 2008 left Iniesta sidelined until 3 January; initially expected to return to action in six weeks, he did not want to come back until he was 100 percent. Upon his return to action on 3 January, as a 65th-minute substitute against Mallorca, he scored a crucial goal after just ten minutes on the pitch and completed a Barcelona comeback in front of the Camp Nou.{{cite web |author= |title=Iniesta Enjoys Barcelona Return Against Mallorca |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1706/barcelona/2009/01/04/1039882/iniesta-enjoys-barcelona-return-against-mallorca |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106061939/http://www.goal.com/en/news/1706/barcelona/2009/01/04/1039882/iniesta-enjoys-barcelona-return-against-mallorca |archive-date=6 January 2009 |access-date=4 January 2008}} 3 days later, he captained Barcelona for the first time in an official match, a 3–1 victory against Atlético Madrid at the Vicente Calderón in the round-of-16 first leg of the Copa del Rey.

Iniesta sustained another injury during a home match against Málaga, but returned to action for the first leg Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich on 8 April, which Barcelona won 4–0.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7986695.stm |title=Barcelona 4-0 Bayern Munich |date=8 April 2009 |last=Cheese |first=Caroline |access-date=25 May 2020 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160331/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7986695.stm |url-status=live}} He scored a vital equaliser in the final minute of stoppage time during the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea, with a curling strike with the outside of his right foot 25 yards from goal, securing the tie on away goals as the match finished 1–1 at Stamford Bridge.McNulty, Phil (6 May 2009). "[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8010840.stm Chelsea 1–1 Barcelona (agg 1–1)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505235236/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8010840.stm |date=5 May 2009 }}", BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 December 2010. In the season review, Un Any Al Paradis, Iniesta wrote, "I connected with that shot with the outside, not the inside or the tip of my boot, but right from my heart, with all my might."Hawkey, Ian (29 November 2009). "[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article6936142.ece Andres Iniesta: 'Don't call me Rambo'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160302/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/ |date=2 January 2021 }}", The Times. Retrieved 22 December 2010.

{{Quote box| width=25%|align=right|quote="I knew I would play injured and do more damage. For 17 days, all I thought about was the final in Rome and winning, even knowing that I would do more damage. I'd repeat it, for sure. I love this club and my profession and I wanted to win. If we had lost the final that would have been a total disaster."|source=—Iniesta on the victorious 2009 UEFA Champions League Final[http://www.rtve.es/deportes/20090910/iniesta-veo-para-jugar-minutos/291939.shtml Iniesta: "No me veo para jugar 90 minutos"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601181747/http://www.rtve.es/deportes/20090910/iniesta-veo-para-jugar-minutos/291939.shtml |date=1 June 2015 }} Público; 10 September 09; Accessed 11 September 2009 {{in lang|es}}|}}

Iniesta's goal against Chelsea sent Barcelona through to the final in Rome against defending champions Manchester United. Prior to the final, United manager Alex Ferguson identified Iniesta as Barça's biggest threat: "He's fantastic. He makes the team work. The way he finds passes, his movement and ability to create space is incredible. He's so important for Barcelona." Despite a thigh injury, Iniesta played and was influential in the game, providing the assist for the first goal scored by Samuel Eto'o as his team went on to win 2–0.McCarra, Kevin (27 May 2009). "[https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/may/27/manchester-united-barcelona-champions-league-final Manchester United fold without a fight as Barcelona claim Champions League] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126184738/http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/may/27/manchester-united-barcelona-champions-league-final |date=26 January 2013 }}", The Guardian. Retrieved 22 December 2010. In his analysis, David Pleat wrote, "In the end the midfield artistry of Iniesta and Xavi, helped by [Lionel] Messi, was the critical factor."Pleat, David (28 May 2009). "[https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2009/may/28/barcelona-manchester-united-david-pleat-chalkboard Middle men to the fore in dictating the rhythm with care] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118074056/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2009/may/28/barcelona-manchester-united-david-pleat-chalkboard |date=18 January 2017 }}", The Guardian. Retrieved 22 December 2010. After the game, United striker Wayne Rooney described Iniesta as the best player in the world.Mole, Giles (28 May 2009). "[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/5398387/Manchester-United-v-Barcelona-Wayne-Rooney-backs-Andres-Iniesta-for-Ballon-dOr.html "Manchester United v Barcelona: Wayne Rooney backs Andres Iniesta for Ballon d'Or"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212081547/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/5398387/Manchester-United-v-Barcelona-Wayne-Rooney-backs-Andres-Iniesta-for-Ballon-dOr.html |date=12 February 2018 }}, The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 22 December 2010.

Iniesta received plaudits for his performances that season; Don Balón rated him as the league's most consistent performer.{{cite web |url=http://www.donbalon.com/front/default.asp?OPT=RER&RERID=2357 |title=La Liga 2008-09 season |work=Don Balon |access-date=11 June 2009}}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Later that year, he placed fifth for the 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year award, with 134 votes,{{cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1785/fifa-world-player-award/2009/12/22/1701939/lionel-messi-wins-fifa-world-player-of-the-year-award |title=Lionel Messi Wins FIFA World Player of the Year Award |date=22 December 2009 |work=Goal.com | access-date=22 December 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100116095423/http://www.goal.com/en/news/1785/fifa-world-player-award/2009/12/22/1701939/lionel-messi-wins-fifa-world-player-of-the-year-award| archive-date= 16 January 2010 | url-status= live}} and fourth for the Ballon d'Or, receiving 149 points.{{Cite web |title=Classement 2009 |url=http://www.francefootball.fr/Ballon_Or_2012/bo_2009.php |language=fr |work=France Football |publisher=Groupe Amaury |access-date=10 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116005111/http://www.francefootball.fr/Ballon_Or_2012/bo_2009.php |archive-date=16 November 2012}} Barcelona extended his contract by one year, until 2015, and raised his buy-out clause to €200 million.{{cite web |url=http://arxiu.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada09-10/11/n091127108014.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729223906/http://arxiu.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada09-10/11/n091127108014.html|url-status=dead |title=FCBarcelona.cat |date=29 July 2012|archive-date=29 July 2012}}

Barcelona won a second successive league title in the 2009–10 season, securing a record 99 points. Individually, however, Iniesta endured a campaign largely disrupted by recurring injuries. He missed pre-season fitness training due to the thigh tear suffered in the 2009 Champions League final.{{cite web |url=http://www.rtve.es/deportes/20090910/iniesta-veo-para-jugar-minutos/291939.shtml |title=Iniesta: "No me veo para jugar 90 minutos" |publisher=RTVE.es |date=10 September 2009 |access-date=17 June 2010 |archive-date=1 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601181747/http://www.rtve.es/deportes/20090910/iniesta-veo-para-jugar-minutos/291939.shtml |url-status=live}} Despite featuring in almost as many matches as the previous season, he did so mostly as a substitute, starting only 20 games throughout.{{cite web |author=Andrés Iniesta |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/stats?id=17566&cc=5739 |title=Andrés Luján Iniesta Profile, Statistics, News, Game Log – Barcelona, Spanish Primera División – ESPN Soccernet |publisher=ESPN |date=11 May 1984 |access-date=17 June 2010 |archive-date=13 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413062418/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/stats?id=17566&cc=5739 |url-status=dead}} His season came to a premature end in April after he aggravated a previous calf injury during training.{{cite web |url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada09-10/04/13/n100413110406.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20100616050429/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada09-10/04/13/n100413110406.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 June 2010 |title=FCBarcelona.cat |publisher=Fcbarcelona.com |date=13 April 2010 |access-date=17 June 2010}}

File:Andres Iniesta Rubin Kazan.jpg in the UEFA Champions League, October 2009]]

A contributing factor of Iniesta's fractured season were the episodes of psychological instability he suffered privately following the death of his close friend Daniel Jarque, a fellow footballer, in August 2009. Even when physically fit, he was often unable to complete training sessions or exert himself. After seeking psychological help, including from psychologist Inma Puig,{{Cite web|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2019/04/12/5cb0d532e5fdea6c568b45a5.html|title=Barcelona psychologist: Not only those who have problems suffer from depression|date=12 April 2019|publisher=marca.com|access-date=15 February 2023|archive-date=15 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215192038/https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2019/04/12/5cb0d532e5fdea6c568b45a5.html|url-status=live}} he experienced catharsis when he scored Spain's match-winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, which he dedicated to Jarque by revealing the message "Dani Jarque, always with us" written on his undershirt.{{cite news |last=Lowe |first=Sid |title=Barcelona's Andrés Iniesta: 'I was a victim of something that terrified me' |newspaper=The Guardian |date=6 September 2016 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/sep/06/barcelona-andres-iniesta-need-help-look-for-it |access-date=7 September 2016 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160301/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/sep/06/barcelona-andres-iniesta-need-help-look-for-it |url-status=live}} "I did it because I felt it deeply," Iniesta said at the time. "It showed that what is more important than rivalry, your team or your colours is to be human and a good person. I am delighted because it was the most important moment in my career."{{cite web |url=http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada10-11/08/11/n100811112382.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115161409/http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada10-11/08/11/n100811112382.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 January 2013 |title=Iniesta: "My objectives are collective" |publisher=Fcbarcelona.cat |access-date=23 June 2012}} Regarding the recurrent injuries that plagued his season, he said, "It was hard, but I will start with more desire than ever."

Iniesta scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season during the opening league fixture against Racing de Santander, lobbing the ball into the net from a distance of 30 yards.{{cite web |url=http://www.theoffside.com/leagues/spain-la-liga/andres-iniestas-volley-vs-racing-santander.html |title=Andres Iniesta's Volley vs Racing Santander |publisher=The Offside |date=30 August 2010 |access-date=23 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324103710/http://www.theoffside.com/leagues/spain-la-liga/andres-iniestas-volley-vs-racing-santander.html |archive-date=24 March 2012}} Throughout the campaign, he received standing ovations from opposition fans, including at El Sardinero and the Vicente Calderón Stadium, in appreciation of his World Cup-winning goal.{{cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/en/match/48600/atletico-madrid-vs-barcelona/player-ratings |title=Player Ratings: Atletico Madrid 1–2 Barcelona |publisher=Goal.com |date=19 September 2010 |access-date=23 June 2012 |archive-date=16 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016051624/http://www.goal.com/en/match/48600/atletico-madrid-vs-barcelona/player-ratings |url-status=live}} Another standing ovation came on the home pitch of Espanyol in the Derbi barceloní, with the crowd acknowledging his friendship with Daniel Jarque, Espanyol's captain at the time of his death.{{cite web |url=http://www.sport.es/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=44&idioma=CAS&idtipusrecurs_PK=7&idnoticia_PK=733032 |title=SPORT |publisher=Sport.es |access-date=23 June 2012 |archive-date=5 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005160120/http://www.sport.es/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=44 |url-status=live}} Iniesta was one of the three finalists for the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or alongside Xavi and Messi, placing as runner-up behind the Argentine.[https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/dec/06/ballon-dor-messi-xavi-iniesta-barcelona "Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta shortlisted for Ballon d'Or"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928225854/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/dec/06/ballon-dor-messi-xavi-iniesta-barcelona/ |date=28 September 2020 }}, The Guardian, 6 December 2010. Retrieved 13 December 2010.

Iniesta started the 2011–12 season by scoring the opening goal in the second leg of the Supercopa de España against rivals Real Madrid. Barcelona went on to win the match 3–2 and the cup 5–4 on aggregate. One of his best goals followed in October against Viktoria Plzeň in the Champions League group stage after an interchange of passes with Messi. Iniesta played a record 51 matches unbeaten in La Liga, concluding with Barcelona's 2–0 defeat of Mallorca on 24 March.{{cite web |author=Philip Mboya |url=http://www.soccerticketsonline.com/iniesta-equals-madrid-legend-butraguenos-unbeaten-streak-record/ |title=Iniesta Equals Butragueno's 50 Match Unbeaten Streak |publisher=Soccerticketsonline.com |date=18 March 2012 |access-date=23 June 2012 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160346/https://www.soccerticketsonline.com/iniesta-equals-madrid-legend-butraguenos-unbeaten-streak-record/ |url-status=live}} In the Champions League, he ended a goal drought by scoring a vital goal against Milan in the quarter-finals. From there, he went on to score in the semi-final against Chelsea to make the scoreline 2–0, but the match ended 2–2, eliminating his team 3–2 on aggregate. Towards the end of the year, on 25 November, Iniesta was named man of the match after scoring one goal and providing three assists in a 4–0 win over Levante."Levante 0–4 Barcelona Match Report". Goal. (25 November 2012). Retrieved 25 November 2012. His performances earned him third place in the voting of the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20534947 "Messi, Ronaldo and Iniesta named on 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or shortlist"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160254/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/20534947|date=2 January 2021}}, [https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112115925/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20534947|date=12 January 2016}}, 29 November 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2012.

File:2015 UEFA Super Cup 104.jpg trophy]]

Iniesta signed a new contract with Barcelona in December 2013, keeping him at the club until 2018.{{cite news |url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/rosell-announces-new-iniesta-contract-until-2018 |title=Rosell announces new Iniesta contract until 2018 |date=19 December 2013|access-date=19 December 2013 |publisher=FC Barcelona|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160339/https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news|url-status=live}} As vice-captain, he regularly captained Barça throughout the club's second treble-winning campaign of the 2014–15 season, and became captain after Carles Puyol's retirement and Xavi's departure. Iniesta scored three times during the team's Copa del Rey campaign,{{cite news |url=http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/andres-iniesta-player-stats |title=8 Andrés Iniesta|access-date=7 June 2015 |work=Fox Sports|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160327/https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/andres-iniesta-player-stats|url-status=live}} and was man of the match in the 2015 UEFA Champions League Final, having assisted Ivan Rakitić's opening goal in the 3–1 defeat of Italian champions Juventus at Berlin's Olympiastadion.{{cite news |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0252-0cd2c6a4864d-8c8d00efd1bd-1000--barcelona-see-off-juventus-to-claim-fifth-title/ |title=Barcelona see off Juventus to claim fifth title |date=6 June 2015 |work=UEFA|access-date=7 June 2015|archive-date=31 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331044142/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000552/match=2015227/postmatch/report/index.html|url-status=live}} Their European victory made Barcelona the first club in history to win the treble of domestic league, domestic cup and European Cup twice;{{cite news |url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/barca-make-history-with-second-treble |title=Barça make history with second treble! |date=6 June 2015 |work=FC Barcelona|access-date=7 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607120500/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/barca-make-history-with-second-treble|archive-date=7 June 2015|url-status=dead}} Iniesta was among the seven players to have been a part of both treble-winning teams.

During the first Clásico of the 2015–16 season, on 21 November, Iniesta became only the third Barcelona player, after Diego Maradona in 1983 and Ronaldinho in 2005, to receive applause from Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabéu.{{Cite web |url=http://nesn.com/2015/11/real-madrid-fans-applaud-barcelonas-andres-iniesta-in-el-clasico-video/ |title=Real Madrid Fans Applaud Barcelona's Andres Iniesta In 'El Clasico' |publisher=NESN |date=21 November 2015|access-date=22 November 2015|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160305/https://nesn.com/2015/11/real-madrid-fans-applaud-barcelonas-andres-iniesta-in-el-clasico-video/|url-status=live}} His man-of-the-match performance included a goal and an assist, contributing to a resounding 4–0 victory.{{Cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/en/match/real-madrid-vs-barcelona/2086376/ratings |title=Real Madrid 0 – 4 Barcelona Player & Team ratings – 11/21/15 Primera División – Goal.com |website=www.goal.com |date=21 November 2015|access-date = 22 November 2015|archive-date = 2 January 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160324/https://www.goal.com/en/match/real-madrid-v-barcelona/er61t82d70ij3uzxgq1ywbjs9|url-status = live}}

He signed a lifetime contract with Barcelona on 6 October 2017, effectively keeping him with the club for the remainder of his career.{{Cite web |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/news/2017-2018/andres-iniesta-to-sign-deal-to-stay-at-fc-barcelona-for-life |title=Andrés Iniesta signs lifetime contract with FC Barcelona {{!}} FC Barcelona|website=FC Barcelona|language=en-US|access-date=6 October 2017|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102162838/https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/737973/andres-iniesta-signs-lifetime-contract-with-fc-barcelona|url-status=live}} He played the 650th game of his career for Barcelona against Levante on 7 January 2018, he was replaced by André Gomes after 76 minutes as the game ended 3–0 in favour of Barcelona.{{Cite web |url=http://www.espn.in/football/match?gameId=490535 |title=Barcelona vs Levante |website=ESPN |language=en-UK|access-date=7 January 2017|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160402/https://www.espn.in/football/match?gameId=490535|url-status=live}}

Despite signing a lifetime contract, on 27 April 2018, Iniesta announced he would be leaving Barcelona by the end of the season.{{Cite news |url=https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/este-club-merece-mejor-yo-no-podria-darselo-6788786 |title=Este club se merece lo mejor de mí y yo ya no podría dárselo |last=Sport |date=27 April 2018 |work=sport|access-date=27 April 2018 |language=es|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160333/https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/este-club-merece-mejor-yo-no-podria-darselo-6788786|url-status=live}} He made his 674th and final appearance for Barcelona on 20 May, in the final league match of the season, a 1–0 home victory over Real Sociedad, as Barcelona celebrated the victory of their 25th league and 30th Copa del Rey title; he came off in the 81st minute for Paco Alcácer.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37496796/barcelona-beat-real-sociedad-andres-iniesta-seven-10-final-barca-appearance |title=Andres Iniesta 7/10 in final Barcelona game, a 1-0 win vs. Real Sociedad |publisher=ESPN FC |author1=Sam Marsden |date=20 May 2018|access-date=21 May 2018|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160333/https://www.espn.com/soccer/club/barcelona/83/blog/post/3505501/barcelona-beat-real-sociedad-andres-iniesta-seven-out-of-10-in-final-barca-appearance|url-status=live}}

File:Andres Iniesta 2018.jpg in 2018]]

On 24 May 2018, Japanese club Vissel Kobe announced the signing of Iniesta on a three-year deal.{{cite news |url=https://www.vissel-kobe.co.jp/news/article/14813.html#Englishinfo |title=Andrés Iniesta to Join Vissel Kobe |website=vissel-kobe.co.jp |date=24 May 2018 |access-date=24 May 2018 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160352/https://www.vissel-kobe.co.jp/news/article/14813.html#Englishinfo |url-status=live}} He made his debut on 22 July, coming on as a second-half substitute for Kazuma Watanabe in a 0–3 defeat against Shonan Bellmare.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44917993 |title=Andres Iniesta and Fernando Torres lose on J-League debuts |publisher=BBC |date=22 July 2018 |access-date=22 July 2018 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160313/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44917993 |url-status=live}} On 11 August 2018, Iniesta scored his first goal in the J1 League in a 2–1 win over Jubilo Iwata.{{cite news |url=https://www.soccer-king.jp/news/japan/jl/20180811/801648.html |title=イニエスタ、磐田戦でJリーグ初ゴール！ 主将ポドルスキが得点を演出 |publisher=SOCCERKING |date=11 August 2018 |access-date=2 January 2020 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160337/https://www.soccer-king.jp/news/japan/jl/20180811/801648.html |url-status=live}} On 21 December 2019, he scored the opening goal in a 3–1 win over Shimizu S-Pulse in the semi-final of the 2019 Emperor's Cup.{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerdigestweb.com/news/detail/id=68006 |title=天皇杯決勝進出へ殊勲のイニエスタ、「１月１日に幸せをお裾分けしたい」 |website=SOCCER DIGEST WEB |date=21 December 2019|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160339/https://www.soccerdigestweb.com/news/detail/id=68006|url-status=live}} On 1 January 2020, he won his first trophy in Japan, starting in Vissel Kobe's 2–0 victory over Kashima Antlers in the final of the 2019 Emperor's Cup.{{Cite web |last=Maggio |first=Christian |date=2025-04-08 |title=sv66 |url=https://sv66s.net |access-date=2025-04-24 |language=en}} A month later, he also won the 2020 Japanese Super Cup. On 7 December 2020, Iniesta suffered a tear of the rectus femoris muscle during a 2–0 win in the round of 16 of the 2020 AFC Champions League against Shanghai SIPG, in which he also scored the first goal of the game.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.in/football/afc-champions-league/story/4256284/afc-champions-league-2020-andres-iniesta-injury-mars-vissel-kobes-quarterfinal-berth-as-yokohama-f-marinos-bounced |title=AFC Champions League 2020: Andres Iniesta injury mars Vissel Kobe's quarterfinal berth |publisher=ESPN |date=7 December 2020 |access-date=1 January 2021 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160320/https://www.espn.in/football/afc-champions-league/story/4256284/afc-champions-league-2020-andres-iniesta-injury-mars-vissel-kobes-quarterfinal-berth-as-yokohama-f-marinos-bounced |url-status=live}} He had a successful surgery in Barcelona a few days later.{{cite web |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2020/12/16/5fd9e47722601db57f8b457b.html |title=Andres Iniesta suffers tear and will be out for four months after surgery in Barcelona |publisher=Marca |date=16 December 2020 |access-date=1 January 2021 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160319/https://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2020/12/16/5fd9e47722601db57f8b457b.html |url-status=live}} On 11 May 2021, Iniesta signed a contract extension with Vissel Kobe, keeping him at the club for another two seasons.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37617097/ex-barcelona-star-iniesta-extends-vissel-kobe-contract-two-years|title=Ex-Barcelona star Iniesta extends Vissel Kobe contract by two years|website=ESPN|date=11 May 2021|access-date=11 May 2021|archive-date=17 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417111142/https://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/4382447/ex-barcelona-star-iniesta-extends-vissel-kobe-contract-by-two-years|url-status=live}} On 11 November 2021, he was named J.League Monthly MVP after scoring three league goals in October.{{cite web|url=https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2021111200976&g=spo|title=月間ＭＶＰにイニエスタ Ｊリーグ|publisher=Jiji.com|language=ja|date=12 November 2021|access-date=16 May 2022|archive-date=16 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516130953/https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2021111200976&g=spo|url-status=dead}} He was named in the 2021 J.League Best XI on 6 December 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.jleague.co/news/iniesta-six-kawasaki-frontale-players-lead-the-way-on-meiji-yasuda-j1-league-best-xi/|title=Iniesta, seven Kawasaki Frontale players lead the way on MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE Best XI|publisher=J.League|date=6 December 2021|access-date=17 May 2022|archive-date=8 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808233435/https://www.jleague.co/news/iniesta-six-kawasaki-frontale-players-lead-the-way-on-meiji-yasuda-j1-league-best-xi/|url-status=live}} On 14 May 2022, Iniesta scored a goal and guided Vissel Kobe to its first league win of the 2022 season in a 4–0 victory over Sagan Tosu.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/jp/%E3%83%8B%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9/iniesta-kobe-goal-20220514/blt2f9541e47a4b5f1d|title=イニエスタ、辛かった胸中を吐露「今季序盤は本当に苦しかった」38歳第1号、1ゴール1アシストでヴィッセル神戸を初勝利に導く|publisher=Goal.com|language=ja|date=14 May 2022|access-date=16 May 2022|archive-date=16 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516125445/https://www.goal.com/jp/%E3%83%8B%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9/iniesta-kobe-goal-20220514/blt2f9541e47a4b5f1d|url-status=live}} On 25 May 2023, Vissel Kobe said Iniesta would leave the club midway through the current J.League season, on 1 July.{{Cite news |date=25 May 2023 |title=Iniesta to leave Vissel Kobe in July |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/iniesta-leave-vissel-kobe-july-2023-05-25/ |access-date=26 May 2023 |archive-date=26 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526011820/https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/iniesta-leave-vissel-kobe-july-2023-05-25/ |url-status=live }} Iniesta had played significantly less for the club in his final season.{{Cite news |last=Duerden |first=John |date=10 July 2023 |title=Andrés Iniesta's Japan adventure ends with sense of unfulfilled promise |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jul/10/andres-iniesta-goodbye-japan-vissel-kobe |access-date=16 July 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=16 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716161428/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jul/10/andres-iniesta-goodbye-japan-vissel-kobe |url-status=live}} He stated he did not want to retire as yet, and wished to play for a club where he could get regular playing time.{{Cite news |date=2 July 2023 |title=Iniesta coy on future plans following Vissel Kobe departure |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/iniesta-coy-future-plans-following-vissel-kobe-departure-2023-07-02/ |access-date=16 July 2023 |archive-date=16 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716161428/https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/iniesta-coy-future-plans-following-vissel-kobe-departure-2023-07-02/ |url-status=live}}

On 7 August 2023, Iniesta arrived in the United Arab Emirates to join the UAE Pro League club Emirates.{{cite web|url=https://www.kingfut.com/2023/08/07/iniesta-emirates-move-mls/|title=Iniesta set for Emirates Club move after snubbing MLS reunion|publisher=KingFut|date=7 August 2023|access-date=8 August 2023|archive-date=7 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807201926/https://www.kingfut.com/2023/08/07/iniesta-emirates-move-mls/|url-status=live}} He signed a one-year contract with an option to extend until 2025.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/38154464/barcelona-great-andres-iniesta-39-moves-uae|title=Barcelona great Andres Iniesta, 39, moves to UAE|publisher=ESPN|date=8 August 2023|access-date=8 August 2023|archive-date=9 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809191011/https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/38154464/barcelona-great-andres-iniesta-39-moves-uae|url-status=live}} He made his debut on 19 August 2023 against Al Wasl, coming off the bench in the second half, in a match ended with a 0–1 defeat as the Emirates failed to create a single shot on target.{{cite web|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2023/08/19/spain-and-barcelona-legend-andres-iniesta-makes-his-uae-football-debut/|title=Spain and Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta makes his UAE football debut|publisher=The National|last=McAuley|first=John|date=19 August 2023|access-date=26 August 2023|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826175347/https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2023/08/19/spain-and-barcelona-legend-andres-iniesta-makes-his-uae-football-debut/|url-status=live}} On 25 August 2023, he would score his first UAE Pro League goal, a penalty in injury time against Ajman in a match that ended as a 4–4 draw.{{cite web|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2023/08/26/immense-joy-for-andres-iniesta-after-dramatic-home-debut-for-emirates-club/|title='Immense joy' for Andres Iniesta after dramatic home debut for Emirates Club|publisher=The National|last=Radley|first=Paul|date=26 August 2023|access-date=26 August 2023|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826175348/https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2023/08/26/immense-joy-for-andres-iniesta-after-dramatic-home-debut-for-emirates-club/|url-status=live}} His first season with Emirates concluded in the 13th place and relegation to the Division 1.{{cite web |last=Turner |first=Jon |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2024/06/06/andres-iniesta-has-spain-great-played-his-last-match/ |title=Andres Iniesta: Has Spain great played his last match? |publisher=The National News |date=6 June 2024 }}

On 7 October 2024, Iniesta announced his retirement from professional football.{{Cite web|url=https://onefootball.com/en/news/andres-iniesta-confirms-his-retirement-from-football-40139949|title=Andrés Iniesta confirms his retirement from football|date=7 October 2024|website=OneFootball}}

Iniesta burst on to the international scene in 2001, helping Spain win the UEFA European Under-16 Championship. After representing his country at the 2001 FIFA U-17 World Championship held in Trinidad and Tobago,{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/u17worldcup/trinidadandtobago2001/teams/team=1882398/index.html |title=FIFA U-17 World Championship Trinidad and Tobago 2001 |publisher=FIFA.com|access-date=15 October 2015|archive-date=16 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016014754/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/u17worldcup/trinidadandtobago2001/teams/team=1882398/index.html|url-status=dead}} he was in the squad that claimed the UEFA European Under-19 Championship the following year. From then, he became a regular choice for youth coach Juan Santisteban. In 2003, he was part of the side that reached the FIFA World Youth Championship final in the United Arab Emirates, and was named in the FIFA all-star team.{{cite news |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=183857/profile-detail.html |title=Andres INIESTA|access-date=18 June 2014 |work=FIFA|archive-date=12 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612020734/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=183857/profile-detail.html|url-status=dead}} During his spell with the Spain U21 side, Iniesta was named captain on several occasions.

Iniesta was called up to represent the senior Spain squad at the 2006 FIFA World Cup on 15 May 2006, much to the surprise of many. He debuted at half-time in a friendly match against Russia on 27 May.{{Cite news|title=La carrera de Andrés Iniesta en la Selección española: Goles, asistencias, total partidos, títulos y todo lo que hay que saber|url=https://www.goal.com/es/noticias/la-carrera-de-andres-iniesta-en-la-seleccion-espanola-goles-asistencias-partidos-titulos-y-todo-lo-que-hay-que-saber/y6m0u5jsvv4s102zb4mfpzrv8|website=Goal|date=3 July 2018|access-date=24 May 2024|language=es}} His first goal followed in another friendly match against England on 7 February 2007. His long-range effort, hitting the underside of the crossbar on the way in, gave Spain the lead on 63 minutes.{{Cite news|title=Un golazo de Iniesta da la victoria a España en Inglaterra (0-1)|url=https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/futbol/golazo-iniesta-da-victoria-espana-5539700|website=sport.es|date=7 February 2007|access-date=24 May 2024|language=es}} Iniesta played a pivotal part in Spain's qualification for UEFA Euro 2008 by scoring goals against Sweden and by assisting the strikers.

File:España Suecia inicio Iniesta.jpg at UEFA Euro 2008]]

Iniesta was selected in Spain's squad for UEFA Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland. Though a stomach ailment somewhat hampered his performances in the group stages, he still played an integral part in the midfield. He played in the first two of Spain's group stage matches and proved an important part of the team, providing a pass for David Villa's second goal against Russia. Despite Spain being assured qualification for the quarterfinals after two matches, he was not rested unlike most of Spain's regulars for the final group game against Greece, which Spain won 2–1 thanks to a volley from Rubén de la Red and a late winner from Daniel Güiza. Iniesta returned for the quarter-final as Spain beat Italy on penalties; he was substituted before the penalty shootout itself. In the semi-final against Russia, he played the entire 90 minutes and produced a cross that Xavi converted to open the scoring in an eventual 3–0 victory;{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/7363541.stm |title=Russia 0-3 Spain |publisher=BBC Sport |last1=McNulty |first1=Phil |date=26 June 2008 |access-date=19 May 2020 |archive-date=28 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928230113/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/7363541.stm/ |url-status=live}} he was subsequently named the Man of the Match.[http://en.euro2008.uefa.com/fanzone/motm/match=301698/index.html euro2008.uefa.com – Fanzone] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221163925/http://en.euro2008.uefa.com/fanzone/motm/match%3D301698/index.html |date=21 December 2008 }} He played the duration of the final in Spain's 1–0 win over Germany. Iniesta was named in the Team of the Tournament alongside fellow Spain midfielders Xavi, Marcos Senna and six other teammates. Iniesta did not participate in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa due to a thigh muscle injury; Spain was eliminated from the tournament at the semi-final stage.{{cite web |author=(AFP) – 5 June 2009 |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hu0cr3bQHyPjQ6FSyii5JtHe5HXQ |title=Injured Iniesta to miss Confederations Cup |date=5 June 2009 |access-date=17 June 2010 |archive-date=15 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110315075349/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hu0cr3bQHyPjQ6FSyii5JtHe5HXQ |url-status=dead}}

Iniesta was selected for Spain in the 2010 World Cup and scored the second goal in a 2–1 group stage win against Chile. He was also named man of the match.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/news/7852032/Chile-1-Spain-2-match-report.html |title=Chile 1 Spain 2: match report |publisher=telegraph.co.uk |date=25 June 2010 |access-date=25 June 2010 |location=London |first=Rory |last=Smith |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100628032800/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/news/7852032/Chile-1-Spain-2-match-report.html |archive-date=28 June 2010 |url-status=dead}} For his excellent performances in helping Spain reach the final of the tournament, Iniesta was shortlisted for the Golden Ball award.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8804708.stm |work=BBC News |title=Forlan collects Golden Ball award |date=11 July 2010 | access-date=10 July 2010 | archive-date=12 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312161125/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8804708.stm | url-status=live}} During the final, he scored the winning goal in the 116th minute of a 1–0 win against Netherlands.{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=264123&cc=5739&ver=global |title=Iniesta sinks Dutch with late strike |publisher=ESPN Soccernet|access-date=11 July 2010|archive-date=13 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713192706/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=264123&cc=5739&ver=global|url-status=dead}} He earned a yellow card for removing his jersey during his ecstatic goal celebration to reveal his message to his late friend Dani Jarque.{{cite news |title=World Cup final: Spain goal scorer Andres Iniesta pays tribute to Dani Jarque with t-shirt |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/spain/7884548/World-Cup-final-Spain-goal-scorer-Andres-Iniesta-pays-tribute-to-Dani-Jarque-with-t-shirt.html |access-date=9 October 2018 |work=The Daily Telegraph |archive-date=3 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703184246/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/spain/7884548/World-Cup-final-Spain-goal-scorer-Andres-Iniesta-pays-tribute-to-Dani-Jarque-with-t-shirt.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |first=Grahame |last=Jones |title=Spain's Little Man Comes Through in the Biggest Moment |url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-jones-world-cup-20100712,0,6268426.column |date=11 July 2010 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=13 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715050033/http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-jones-world-cup-20100712%2C0%2C6268426.column |archive-date=15 July 2010 |url-status=live}} He won the man of the match award for his performance in the final, which gave Spain its first-ever World Cup.{{cite web |author=Jonathan Stevenson |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jonathanstevenson/2010/07/andres_iniesta_the_unassuming.html |title=Andres Iniesta, the unassuming superstar |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |access-date=23 June 2012 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160326/https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jonathanstevenson/2010/07/andres_iniesta_the_unassuming.html |url-status=live}}

At UEFA Euro 2012, Iniesta was awarded the man of the match award for his performances in three different matches. He was also selected as man of the match in the final against Italy, which Spain won 4–0. In winning the award, Iniesta became the only Spanish player to win the award at least once in each of Spain's three consecutive successful tournaments.{{cite news |last=Lyttleton |first=Ben |title=Spain earns the big prize, but here are my Euro 2012 tourney awards |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/ben_lyttleton/07/01/euro-2012-awards-spain-iniesta-italy-mario-balotelli/index.html#ixzz1zR4cbZ13 |publisher=Sports Illustrated|access-date=7 January 2012|archive-date=15 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015011019/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/ben_lyttleton/07/01/euro-2012-awards-spain-iniesta-italy-mario-balotelli/index.html#ixzz1zR4cbZ13|url-status=dead}} Iniesta was also chosen as the UEFA Euro 2012 Player of the Tournament.{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefa/mediaservices/mediareleases/newsid=1838241.html |title=UEFA EURO 2012 Team of the Tournament |publisher=UEFA |access-date=2 July 2012 |archive-date=3 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303191237/http://www.uefa.com/uefa/mediaservices/mediareleases/newsid=1838241.html |url-status=dead}}

File:ESP-RUS (15).jpg in Russia]]

At the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, Iniesta was named in the Team of the Tournament and awarded the Silver Ball for the second best player in the competition, as Spain finished runner-up to host nation Brazil.{{cite news |url=http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/latinamerica/story/neymar-wins-golden-ball-award-at-confederations-cup-063013 |title=Neymar wins Confed Cup Golden Ball|access-date=19 June 2014 |work=Fox Soccer|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160328/https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/mls|url-status=live}} Iniesta started all three matches for Spain at the 2014 World Cup, winning his 100th cap in the team's final group match against Australia.{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-24/spain-beats-australia-in-final-world-cup-game/5545212 |title=World Cup 2014: Socceroos lose 3–0 to Spain in final game as valiant campaign comes to an end |date=24 June 2014 |work=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=7 June 2015|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160350/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-24/spain-beats-australia-in-final-world-cup-game/5545212?nw=0|url-status=live}} At the UEFA Euro 2016, he assisted the only goal of the match against Czech Republic and put in a man of the match display to give Spain a winning start in the tournament.{{Cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/spain-vs-czech-republic-player-ratings-andres-iniesta-shines-in-midfield-but-a-quiet-afternoon-for-a7079911.html |title=Player ratings: Andres Iniesta shines in Spain's midfield |date=13 June 2016 |website=The Independent |language=en-GB|access-date=15 June 2016|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160331/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/spain-vs-czech-republic-player-ratings-andres-iniesta-shines-midfield-quiet-afternoon-nolito-a7079911.html|url-status=live}} He started in all four Spain's matches and were later knocked out by Italy in the Round of 16.

In May 2018, Iniesta was named in Spain's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.{{cite web |title=Morata misses out on Spain's 23-man World Cup squad |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/morata-misses-out-on-spain-world-cup-squad/1ub1qz7jod09i1lfvdcy84ea2l |website=Goal |date=21 May 2018|access-date=21 May 2018|archive-date=9 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709141140/https://www.goal.com/en/news/morata-misses-out-on-spain-world-cup-squad/1ub1qz7jod09i1lfvdcy84ea2l|url-status=live}} He started in all three matches of the group stage, making an assist for Isco in the 2–2 draw against Morocco on 25 June 2018. He came off the bench in the 67th minute in Spain's last match at the tournament against Russia on 1 July 2018 for the round of 16. After the loss in the penalty shoot-outs, Iniesta announced his retirement from international duty.{{cite web |title=Spain's World Cup hero Andres Iniesta retires from international football after penalty defeat by Russia |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/andres-iniesta-spain-world-cup-2018-retires-international-football-russia-penalty-shootout-a8425861.html |website=The Independent |date=1 July 2018|access-date=1 July 2018|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160352/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/andres-iniesta-spain-world-cup-2018-retires-international-football-russia-penalty-shootout-a8425861.html|url-status=live}} He amassed 131 senior international caps for Spain and at the time of retiring was the nation's fourth-most-capped player of all time, behind only Iker Casillas, Xavi, and Sergio Ramos.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37557580/andres-iniesta-confirms-retirement-spain-squad-world-cup-exit |title=Andres Iniesta confirms retirement from Spain squad after World Cup exit |publisher=ESPN |last=Corrigan |first=Dermot |date=1 July 2018|access-date=14 December 2018|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160353/https://www.espn.com/soccer/spain/story/3552898/andres-iniesta-confirms-retirement-from-spain-squad-after-world-cup-exit|url-status=live}}

File:FC Barcelona - Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 7 mar 2012 (68).jpg in 2012]]

Like fellow La Masia graduate Cesc Fàbregas, Iniesta originally started as a defensive midfielder,{{cite web |url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/futbol/temporada_07-08/plantilla/jugadors/iniesta.html| archive-url = https://archive.today/20090309233301/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/futbol/temporada_07-08/plantilla/jugadors/iniesta.html| url-status = dead| archive-date = 9 March 2009 |title=Andrés Iniesta Lujan| access-date =17 March 2009 |publisher=FC Barcelona}} but his balance, ball control and agility in close spaces, allied with his skill, composure, and flair on the ball, saw him make progress as an attacking midfielder. Beyond his raw talent that was spotted at a young age by Barcelona's scouts, it was his great versatility, work ethic and inventiveness that allowed him to stake a claim on a first-team place at the age of 18.{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/errors/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224231632/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/player%3D58031/profile/index.html|url-status=dead|title=The official website for European football|archive-date=24 February 2011|website=UEFA}}{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1913986-picking-a-world-football-flair-xi-neymar-ronaldo-iniesta-star |title=Picking a World Football Flair XI: Neymar, Ronaldo and Iniesta Star |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Tighe |first1=Sam |date=7 January 2014 |access-date=17 May 2020 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160354/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1913986-picking-a-world-football-flair-xi-neymar-ronaldo-iniesta-star |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1417339-amazing-andres-iniesta-skill-steals-show-from-leo-messis-bara-goals-video |title=Amazing Andres Iniesta Skill Steals Show from Leo Messi's Barça Goals |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Matchett |first1=Karl |date=21 November 2012 |access-date=16 April 2022 |archive-date=16 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416160419/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1417339-amazing-andres-iniesta-skill-steals-show-from-leo-messis-bara-goals-video |url-status=live }} Vicente del Bosque described him as "A complete footballer. He can attack and defend, he creates and scores," and Frank Rijkaard said, "I played him as a false winger, central midfielder, deep midfielder and just behind the striker and he was always excellent."Lowe, Sid (24 May 2009). "[https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/may/24/andres-iniesta-champions-league-barcelona-manchester-united Iniesta graduates from cameo role to take centre stage at Barcelona] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506023049/http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/may/24/andres-iniesta-champions-league-barcelona-manchester-united|date=6 May 2013}}", The Guardian. Retrieved 22 December 2010. He was used initially as a wide-forward in the absence of Juan Román Riquelme and Ronaldinho by Louis van Gaal and Rijkaard respectively, but made his name as a world-class player in central midfield alongside or in lieu of Xavi, at both club and international level. As FIFA.com said, "It is in this position that his direct style and quick feet can be used to full effect, with the ball seeming glued to his toes as he races into threatening positions." A diminutive midfielder, Iniesta was a player known for his passing, technique, vision and movement;{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/players/player=183857/profile.html |title=2010 FIFA World Cup – Andres INIESTA |publisher=FIFA.com |access-date=23 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112065755/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/players/player%3D183857/profile.html |archive-date=12 November 2012}}{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/why-iniesta-and-xavi-are-barccedilas-real-danger-men-1691141.html |title=Why Iniesta and Xavi are Barça's real danger men |work=The Independent |last1=Jenson |first1=Pete |date=27 May 2009 |access-date=30 July 2019 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160404/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/why-iniesta-and-xavi-are-bar-ccedil-a-s-real-danger-men-1691141.html |url-status=live}} he was also highly regarded for his ability to read the game, as well as his acceleration, and close control at speed, which — when combined with his low centre of gravity — rendered him one of the most skilled dribblers of all time,{{cite web|date=16 November 2019|title=Lionel Messi: Stats reveal Barcelona star's unparalleled dribbling skill|url=https://www.squawka.com/en/lionel-messi-stats-dribbling-take-ons-europes-top-five-leagues/|access-date=15 June 2021|website=Squawka|language=en-US|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614034634/https://www.squawka.com/en/lionel-messi-stats-dribbling-take-ons-europes-top-five-leagues/|url-status=live}} by allowing him to change direction quickly, get past opponents, and undertake individual runs with the ball, despite not being particularly quick. Moreover, Iniesta's former manager Guardiola praised him for "his mastery of the relationship between space and time", which he utilises to his advantage in order to disorient opposing players when in possession.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-jul-11-la-sp-jones-world-cup-20100712-story.html |title=Spain's little man comes through in the biggest moment |work=The Los Angeles Times |last1=Jones |first1=Grahame L. |date=11 July 2010 |access-date=17 May 2020 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160344/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-jul-11-la-sp-jones-world-cup-20100712-story.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://1bleacherreport.com/articles/2732777-ernesto-valverde-wont-lean-on-andres-iniesta-over-barcelona-contract |title=Ernesto Valverde Won't Lean on Andres Iniesta over Barcelona Contract |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Jones |first1=Matt |date=12 September 2017 |access-date=17 May 2020 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160356/https://1bleacherreport.com/articles/2732777-ernesto-valverde-wont-lean-on-andres-iniesta-over-barcelona-contract |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-cup/2018/06/15/andres-iniesta-has-transformed-football-watching-pure-pleasure/ |title=Andres Iniesta has transformed football – watching him is pure pleasure |work=The Telegraph |last1=Carragher |first1=Jamie |date=15 June 2018 |access-date=17 May 2020 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160403/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-cup/2018/06/15/andres-iniesta-has-transformed-football-watching-pure-pleasure/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/sep/07/pep-guardiola-andres-iniesta-barcelona-tactics-book-extract |title=Pep Guardiola: my debt to Andrés Iniesta and how he opened my eyes on tactics |work=The Guardian |last1=López |first1=Marcos |last2=Besa |first2=Ramón |date=7 June 2016 |access-date=17 May 2020 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160410/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/sep/07/pep-guardiola-andres-iniesta-barcelona-tactics-book-extract |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaeworldcup/news/little-guys-enjoying-last-laugh-1418963 |title=Little guys enjoying last laugh |publisher=FIFA.com |date=15 April 2011 |access-date=17 May 2020 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160412/https://www.fifa.com/fifae/ |url-status=dead}} His signature move was La Croqueta – a move pioneered by Michael Laudrup and popularised by Iniesta – where he quickly pushed the ball from his right foot to his left which took the ball away from an opponent, allowing him to get out of a tight situation.{{cite news |url=http://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2017/01/16/587cba1046163fdd518b4612.html |title=The best 'croquetas' in world football |newspaper=Marca |date=16 January 2017 |access-date=3 August 2018 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160415/https://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2017/01/16/587cba1046163fdd518b4612.html |url-status=live}} His role was also likened to that of a mezzala, in Italian football jargon, namely an offensive–minded box–to-box or central midfielder.{{cite news |url=https://www.lagazzettadelmezzogiorno.it/news/news-sport/860745/iniesta-verratti-sara-mio-successore.html |title=Iniesta "Verratti sarà mio successore" |trans-title=Iniesta "Verratti will be my successor" |work=www.lagazzettadelmezzogiorno.it |language=it |date=20 February 2017 |access-date=15 April 2022 |archive-date=31 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531132109/https://www.lagazzettadelmezzogiorno.it/news/news-sport/860745/iniesta-verratti-sara-mio-successore.html |url-status=live }}

{{Quote box| width=25%|align=left|quote="The one who plays this game the best is Iniesta: he knows exactly when to go forward and when to drop back. He picks the right moment to do everything: when to dribble, when to speed things up and when to slow things down. And I think that's the only thing that can't be taught or bought. You can learn how to shoot and how to control the ball, but being aware of everything that's happening out on the pitch – that's something you're either born with or you're not."|source = Former Argentina playmaker Juan Román Riquelme on Iniesta[https://www.fifa.com/newscentre/features/news/newsid=1944193/ "They said it: Juan Roman Riquelme"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160416/https://www.fifa.com/ |date=2 January 2021 }}. FIFA.com. Retrieved 31 October 2014}}

File:Andrés Iniesta and Claudio Marchisio Euro 2012 final.jpg during the UEFA Euro 2012 Final]]

Much like other Barcelona youth products such as Pep Guardiola, Xavi and Iván de la Peña, Iniesta was a playmaker who relied on his technique, passing, intuition, movement and inventiveness to control the midfield, dictate the ebb and flow of play, and create chances or space for teammates.{{cite news |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/2318/world-player-of-the-week/2010/07/12/2021869/goalcom-world-player-of-the-week-andres-iniesta-spain |title=World Player of the Week: Andrés Iniesta – Spain |website=Goal.com |date=12 July 2010 |access-date=23 June 2012 |archive-date=5 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705003038/http://www.goal.com/en/news/2318/world-player-of-the-week/2010/07/12/2021869/goalcom-world-player-of-the-week-andres-iniesta-spain |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/performance/training/andres-iniesta-vital-statistics |title=Andres Iniesta: The vital statistics |publisher=FourFourTwo |last1=Welch |first1=Ben |date=3 February 2011 |access-date=1 August 2019 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160443/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/performance/training/andres-iniesta-vital-statistics |url-status=live}} Iniesta was praised for his understanding and interplay with Xavi; former Barcelona teammate Giovanni van Bronckhorst said of the pair, "They have a special relationship, they always have, they just seem to know where the other one is."{{citation |first=Jonathan |last=Stevenson |title=The men who make Barca beautiful |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8052705.stm |date=26 May 2009|access-date=11 November 2010 |publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=29 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529144848/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8052705.stm|url-status=live}} Despite not being particularly prolific in front of goal, during his maturation as a player, Iniesta gained a reputation of being a big-game player for club and country, assisting a goal in each of the 2009, 2011 and 2015 UEFA Champions League finals,{{cite news |title=Genius Moment: Iniesta is Barcelona's man for the big stage |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/7209/nissan/2015/06/06/12482552/genius-moment-iniesta-is-barcelonas-man-for-the-big-stage|access-date=4 September 2020|website=Goal.com|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160413/https://www.goal.com/en/news/7209/nissan/2015/06/06/12482552/genius-moment-iniesta-is-barcelonas-man-for-the-big-stage|url-status=live}} as well as scoring the winner in the 2010 World Cup final, not to sideline his vital contributions in the 2006 Champions League final, the Euro 2008 final, and the Euro 2012 final, being known for his ability to score from powerful strikes outside the box. He is also the only footballer in history to win the Man of the Match award in a World Cup final, a European Championship final, and a UEFA Champions League final.{{Cite web |title=Andrés Iniesta – THE Man of the Match {{!}} FOOTY FAIR|url=http://www.footyfair.com/2015/06/andres-iniesta-man-of-match.html?m=1|access-date=4 September 2020|website=www.footyfair.com|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160444/http://www.footyfair.com/2015/06/andres-iniesta-man-of-match.html?m=1|url-status=live}}

Iniesta's willingness to play anywhere on the pitch earned him the sobriquet El Ilusionista (The Illusionist), El Cerebro (The Brain), El Anti-Galáctico (a pun on Real Madrid players' nickname Los Galácticos), El Caballero Pálido (The Pale Knight){{cite web |url=http://www.elperiodico.com/es/noticias/deportes/20100713/admiracion-mundial/383782.shtml |title=El caballero pálido de Fuentealbilla |date=13 July 2010 |publisher=Elperiodico.com |access-date=23 June 2012 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160443/https://www.elperiodico.com/es/deportes/20100713/admiracion-mundial-383782 |url-status=live}} and more recently Don Andrés from the Spanish press. He is widely regarded by many in the sport as one of the most respected and best midfielders of all time,{{cite news|date=31 August 2012|title=Iniesta pips Messi and Ronaldo to UEFA Best Player in Europe award – CNN.com|work=CNN|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/30/sport/football/football-iniesta-messi-ronaldo/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=6 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160242/https://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/30/sport/football/football-iniesta-messi-ronaldo/index.html|archive-date=2 January 2021}}{{cite news|last=Rice|first=Simon|date=9 January 2013|title=Fifa Ballon d'Or: Andres Iniesta and the best players never to win the award|work=The Independent|location=London|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/fifa-ballon-dor-andres-iniesta-and-the-best-players-never-to-win-the-award-8444396.html|url-status=live|access-date=19 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160340/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news/fifa-ballon-d-or-andres-iniesta-and-best-players-never-win-award-8444396.html|archive-date=2 January 2021}}{{cite news|date=18 February 2013|title=Guillem Balague debates whether Barcelona star Andres Iniesta is better than former Real Madrid man Zinedine Zidane|work=Sky Sports|url=http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,12087_8507801,00.html|url-status=live|access-date=6 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160259/https://www.skysports.com/football/pundits|archive-date=2 January 2021}} and as one of the greatest passers and playmakers in football history.{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1154857-25-most-skilled-passers-in-world-football-history#slide0 |title=28 Most Skilled Passers in World Football History |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Atzenhoffer |first1=Thomas |date=22 April 2012 |access-date=1 August 2019 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160414/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1154857-25-most-skilled-passers-in-world-football-history#slide0 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1007318-world-football20-greatest-playmakers-in-the-history-of-football#slide0 |title=20 Greatest Playmakers in the History of World Football |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Sahu |first1=Amogha |date=2 January 2012 |access-date=30 July 2019 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160454/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1007318-world-football20-greatest-playmakers-in-the-history-of-football#slide0 |url-status=live}} Despite his reserved personality, he was also known for his leadership.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37554824/xavi-open-letter-andres-iniesta-most-talented-player-history-spain |title=Xavi's open letter to Andres Iniesta – 'the most talented player in the history of Spain' |publisher=ESPN FC |date=21 May 2018 |access-date=17 May 2020 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160414/https://www.espn.com/soccer/barcelona/story/3506194/xavis-open-letter-to-andres-iniesta-the-most-talented-player-in-the-history-of-spain |url-status=live}}

Iniesta had a sponsorship deal with sportswear company Nike, and has appeared in Nike commercials alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Wayne Rooney.[http://www.indiatimes.com/video-cafe/trending-now/Nike-Football-Ad-ft-Ronaldo-Neymar-Jr-Rooney-Ibrahimovic-Iniesta-others-174.html "Nike Football Ad ft. Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., Rooney, Ibrahimovic, Iniesta & others"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908135239/http://www.indiatimes.com/video-cafe/trending-now/Nike-Football-Ad-ft-Ronaldo-Neymar-Jr-Rooney-Ibrahimovic-Iniesta-others-174.html |date=8 September 2014 }}. India Times. Retrieved 8 September 2014 Iniesta features in EA Sports' FIFA video game series, and was the sixth-highest rated player in FIFA 15.[http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/09/the-10-highest-rated-players-in-fifa-15 "The 10 highest rated players in 'FIFA 15'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908154658/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/09/the-10-highest-rated-players-in-fifa-15 |date=8 September 2017 }}. USA Today. Retrieved 8 September 2014 Iniesta's signature move, La Croqueta, features in FIFA 19.{{cite news |title=FIFA 19 release: Champions League, new ICONs & 19 reasons to get excited for new game |url=http://www.goal.com/en/lists/fifa-19-release-champions-league-new-icons-19-reasons-to-get/1tyhmsoricv1z1l7wqz5p6sb0i#1r2hsf9yd685p1mvsyixmnigt4 |access-date=12 September 2018 |agency=Goal |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160419/https://www.goal.com/en/lists/fifa-19-release-champions-league-new-icons-19-reasons-to-get/1tyhmsoricv1z1l7wqz5p6sb0i#1r2hsf9yd685p1mvsyixmnigt4 |url-status=live}} In March 2015, Iniesta had the ninth highest social media rank in the world among sportspeople, with 24 million Facebook fans.{{cite news |title=Cristiano Ronaldo overtakes Shakira as Facebook's most 'liked' person |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/cristiano-ronaldo-overtakes-shakira-as-facebook-s-most--liked-person-085815659-soccer.html?pt=1/ |publisher=Yahoo.com |date=10 February 2017|access-date=2 January 2021|archive-date=11 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211075400/https://uk.news.yahoo.com/cristiano-ronaldo-overtakes-shakira-as-facebook-s-most--liked-person-085815659-soccer.html?pt=1%2F|url-status=live}} On 22 October 2018, Iniesta signed a new sponsorship deal with Japanese sportswear company Asics,{{cite news |title=Con mis nuevas botas !! With my new boots !! #INIESTASICS #IMoveMe #ASICS @ASICS_J |url=https://twitter.com/andresiniesta8/status/1054304794578345984 |access-date= 4 August 2019 |agency=Twitter |archive-date= 2 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160434/https://twitter.com/andresiniesta8/status/1054304794578345984 |url-status= live}} with his first signature boot being released on 15 July 2019.{{cite news |title=INTRODUCING SOCCER CLEATS DESIGNED IN COLLABORATION WITH ANDRÉS INIESTA |url=https://corp.asics.com/en/press/article/2019-07-15-1 |access-date= 4 August 2019 |agency=Asics |archive-date= 2 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160423/https://corp.asics.com/en/press/article/2019-07-15-1 |url-status= live}}

Iniesta is married to Anna Ortiz; the couple began dating in 2008 and got married on 8 July 2012.{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Iniesta-caps-Euro-2012-winning-week-with-wedding-3691665.php |title=Iniesta caps Euro 2012 winning week with wedding |publisher=San Francisco Chronicle|access-date=8 July 2012|archive-date=11 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711015942/http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Iniesta-caps-Euro-2012-winning-week-with-wedding-3691665.php|url-status=live}} They have three daughters and two sons: Valeria (2011), Paolo Andrea (2015),{{cite news |title=Happy times: Andres Iniesta and Anna Ortiz have a second child! |newspaper=Sport |date=1 June 2015 |url=http://www.sport-english.com/en/news/barca/happy-times-andres-iniesta-and-anna-ortiz-have-second-child-4236164 |access-date=7 September 2016 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102162705/https://www.sport.es/en/news/barca/happy-times-andres-iniesta-and-4236164 |url-status=live}} Siena (2017), Romeo (2019){{cite news |date=21 June 2019 |title=Nace Romeo Iniesta, el cuarto hijo de Andrés Iniesta |trans-title=Romeo Iniesta is born, the fourth child of Andrés Iniesta. |url=https://www.culemania.com/cule-bron/nace-romeo-iniesta-cuarto-hijo-andres-iniesta_255246_102.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427013114/https://www.culemania.com/cule-bron/nace-romeo-iniesta-cuarto-hijo-andres-iniesta_255246_102.html |archive-date=27 April 2021 |access-date=26 April 2021 |newspaper=Culé Manía}} and Olimpia (2023).{{cite web |date=25 February 2023 |title=Nace Olympia, la quinta hija de Andrés Iniesta |trans-title=Olympia is born, the fifth daughter of Andrés Iniesta. |url=https://cronicaglobal.elespanol.com/culemania/cule-bron/nace-olympia-quinta-hija-andres-iniesta_776492_102.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225234300/https://cronicaglobal.elespanol.com/culemania/cule-bron/nace-olympia-quinta-hija-andres-iniesta_776492_102.html |archive-date=25 February 2023 |access-date=26 February 2023 |publisher=Cronica Global |language=ES}}{{Cite web |last=Hermoso |first=Borja |date=2024-05-12 |title=Andrés Iniesta en Emiratos Árabes: la recta final |trans-title=Andrés Iniesta in the United Arab Emirates: the final stretch. |url=https://elpais.com/eps/2024-05-12/andres-iniesta-en-emiratos-arabes-la-recta-final.html |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=El País |language=es}} The couple lost an unborn child, a son, due to miscarriage in March 2014.{{cite news |last=Cabezas |first=Francisco |date=23 September 2016 |title=El sueño de Iniesta |trans-title=Iniesta's dream |url=http://www.elmundo.es/deportes/2016/09/23/57e4e091e2704e905a8b457e.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160449/https://www.elmundo.es/deportes/2016/09/23/57e4e091e2704e905a8b457e.html |archive-date=2 January 2021 |access-date=23 September 2016 |newspaper=El Mundo |language=es}} Iniesta is a Catholic.{{cite news |title=Soccer player who scored winning World Cup goal promises to make pilgrimage |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/20265/soccer-player-who-scored-winning-world-cup-goal-promises-to-make-pilgrimage |publisher=Catholic News Agency |date=14 July 2010|access-date=13 July 2014|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160435/https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/soccer-player-who-scored-winning-world-cup-goal-promises-to-make-pilgrimage|url-status=live}}

In 2011, Iniesta invested €420,000 in his boyhood club, Albacete, thus becoming its major shareholder.{{cite news |url=http://elpais.com/elpais/2011/12/06/inenglish/1323152450_850210.html |title=Iniesta throws 420,000-euro lifeline to indebted Albacete |author=Ciriza, A. |newspaper=El País |date=6 December 2011 |access-date=13 May 2014 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160428/https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2011/12/06/inenglish/1323152450_850210.html |url-status=live}} Two years later, with the club facing administrative relegation to the fourth tier of Spanish football, he loaned them a further €240,000 to cover unpaid wages.{{cite news |url=http://as.com/diarioas/2013/06/28/english/1372431393_126634.html |title=Iniesta loans Albacete 240,000 euros to prevent relegation |agency=EFE |website=as.com |date=28 June 2013 |access-date=13 May 2014 |archive-date=14 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514035027/http://as.com/diarioas/2013/06/28/english/1372431393_126634.html |url-status=live}}

In May 2018, Iniesta revealed to Risto Mejide that he suffered from depression before the 2010 FIFA World Cup due to his injuries and the death of Daniel Jarque.{{cite journal |date=28 May 2018 |title=Andrés Iniesta conmueve a todos hablando de cómo salió de "pozo" en el que cayó |trans-title=Andrés Iniesta moves everyone by talking about how he got out of the "pit" he fell into. |url=http://www.lecturas.com/actualidad/andres-iniesta-conmueve-a-todos-hablando-como-salio-pozo-que-cayo_44036/3 |url-status=live |journal=Lecturas |language=es |publisher=RBA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160423/https://www.lecturas.com/actualidad/andres-iniesta-conmueve-a-todos-hablando-como-salio-pozo-que-cayo_44036/3 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |access-date=7 June 2018}}{{cite journal |date=28 May 2018 |title=Andrés Iniesta confiesa a Risto Mejide que sufrió una depresión antes de ir al Mundial |trans-title=Andrés Iniesta confesses to Risto Mejide that he suffered from depression before going to the World Cup. |url=https://www.hola.com/actualidad/20180528124789/andres-iniesta-confiesa-sufrio-depresion/ |url-status=live |journal=Hola! |language=es |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160428/https://us.hola.com/es/actualidad/20180528124789/andres-iniesta-confiesa-sufrio-depresion/ |archive-date=2 January 2021 |access-date=7 June 2018}}

In September 2018, Iniesta alongside German footballer (and Vissel Kobe team-mate) Lukas Podolski campaigned and donated money for the victims of the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake in Japan.{{cite news|title=Andres Iniesta and Lukas Podolski help gather donations for the Hokkaido Earthquake|url=https://www.besoccer.com/new/amp/andres-iniesta-and-lukas-podolski-help-gather-donations-for-the-hokkaido-earthquake-499948?fastlyCountry=ar|date=September 2018|access-date=16 June 2022|agency=BeSoccer|archive-date=5 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405203746/https://www.besoccer.com/new/amp/andres-iniesta-and-lukas-podolski-help-gather-donations-for-the-hokkaido-earthquake-499948?fastlyCountry=ar|url-status=live}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

:Scores and results list Spain's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Iniesta goal.

Barcelona

• La Liga: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18
• Copa del Rey: 2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18
• Supercopa de España: 2005, 2006, 2010,

{{cite web |title=Spain - List of Super Cup Finals |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/spansupcuphist.html#2010 |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=RSSSF}} {{cite web |title=Spanish Super Cup - 21/08/2010 |url=https://players.fcbarcelona.com/en/match/490241-barcelona-sevilla |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=FCBarcelona}}{{cite web |title=Andrés Iniesta ends Spain career: his greatness explained |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d820f708c97-142226b5c84b-1000--andres-iniesta-ends-spain-career-his-greatness-explained/ |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=UEFA}} 2011, 2013, 2016

• UEFA Champions League: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15
• UEFA Super Cup: 2011, 2015
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2009, 2011, 2015

Vissel Kobe{{cite web |url=https://en.as.com/en/2020/01/01/football/1577885627_719505.html |title=Andrés Iniesta skippers Vissel Kobe to first trophy in David Villa's final match |website=AS |date=1 January 2020|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160431/https://en.as.com/en/2020/01/01/football/1577885627_719505.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37581332/andres-iniesta-lifts-japan-super-cup-nine-straight-pen-misses |title=Andres Iniesta lifts Japan Super Cup after nine straight pen misses |website=ESPN |date=8 February 2020|access-date=8 February 2020|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160431/https://www.espn.com/soccer/japanese-j1-league/story/4049174/andres-iniesta-lifts-japan-super-cup-after-nine-straight-pen-misses|url-status=live}}

• Emperor's Cup: 2019
• Japanese Super Cup: 2020

Spain U16{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Joe |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/news/0253-0d820f708c97-142226b5c84b-1000--andres-iniesta-ends-spain-career-his-greatness-explained/ |title=Andrés Iniesta ends Spain career: his greatness explained |publisher=UEFA |date=1 July 2018 |access-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102155248/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/news/0253-0d820f708c97-142226b5c84b-1000--andres-iniesta-ends-spain-career-his-greatness-explained/ |archive-date=2 January 2021 |url-status=dead}}

• UEFA European Under-16 Championship: 2001

Spain U19

• UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2002

File:Spain national football team Euro 2012 trophy 01.jpg. |alt=]]

Spain

• FIFA World Cup: 2010
• UEFA European Championship: 2008, 2012

Individual

• UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament: 2008, 2012
• La Liga Best Spanish Player: 2009
• La Liga Best Midfielder: 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
• FIFA FIFPro World11: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/news/y=2017/m=1/news=the-best-named-at-fifa-football-awards-2862916.html |title=The Best named at FIFA Football Awards |date=9 January 2017 |publisher=FIFA |access-date=12 January 2017 |archive-date=20 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520041520/http://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/news/y=2017/m=1/news=the-best-named-at-fifa-football-awards-2862916.html |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/fifa-fifpro-world11/index.html |title=FIFA FIFPro World11 |website=FIFA.com |publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association |date=24 October 2017 |access-date=24 October 2017 |archive-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414110958/http://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/fifa-fifpro-world11/index.html |url-status=dead}}
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016
• Onze de Bronze: 2009
• FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2010{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/newscentre/news/newsid=1274177/index.html |title=Spaniards dominate Dream Team |publisher=fifa.com |date=15 July 2010 | access-date = 5 September 2014 | archive-date = 28 September 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200928230233/https://www.fifa.com/news// | url-status = dead}}
• ESM Team of the Year: 2010–11, 2017–18
• Onze d'Argent: 2011
• Marca Legend Award: 2011
• UEFA Best Player in Europe Award: 2012
• UEFA Euro Player of the Tournament: 2012{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0250-0c50fb25cc4a-39e4ed6ee389-1000--iniesta-named-best-player-of-the-tournament/ |title=Iniesta named Best Player of the Tournament |publisher=UEFA |date=2 July 2012|access-date=1 January 2016|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160439/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/news/0250-0c50fb25cc4a-39e4ed6ee389-1000--iniesta-named-best-player-of-the-tournament/?referrer=%2fnews%2fnewsid%3d1838291|url-status=live}}
• IFFHS World's Best Playmaker: 2012, 2013{{cite web |url=http://iffhs.de/former-results/ |title=Former Results |publisher=IFFHS|access-date=13 January 2016|archive-date=10 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110180837/http://iffhs.de/former-results/|url-status=live}}
• IFFHS World Team of the Decade 2011–2020{{Cite web|title=IFFHS (International Federation of Football for History & Statistics) |url=https://www.iffhs.com/index.php/posts/919|access-date=31 January 2021|website=IFFHS|archive-date=15 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615090122/https://www.iffhs.com/index.php/posts/919|url-status=live}}
• IFFHS UEFA Team of the decade 2011–2020{{Cite web|title=IFFHS (International Federation of Football for History & Statistics|url=https://www.iffhs.com/index.php/posts/932|access-date=31 January 2021|website=IFFHS|archive-date=17 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617014104/https://www.iffhs.com/index.php/posts/932|url-status=live}}
• FIFA Confederations Cup Silver Ball: 2013
• La Liga top assist provider: 2012–13
• Golden Foot: 2014{{cite web |url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/andres-iniesta-wins-golden-foot-2014 |title=Andrés Iniesta wins Golden Foot 2014 |date=13 October 2014 |publisher=FC Barcelona |access-date=13 October 2014 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160449/https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news |url-status=live}}
• UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2014–15, 2015–16
• UEFA Ultimate Team of the Year (published 2015){{cite web |title=Ultimate Team of the Year: The All-Time XI |publisher=UEFA |date=22 November 2015 |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2201679.html |access-date=25 November 2015 |archive-date=7 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507174924/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2201679.html |url-status=dead}}
• FIFA Club World Cup Bronze Ball: 2015{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/awards/index.html |title=2015 FIFA Club World Cup awards |work=Fédération Internationale de Football Association |access-date=20 December 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112045127/http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/awards/index.html |archive-date=12 January 2016}}
• France Football World XI: 2015{{cite web |url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/messi-neymar-jr-iniesta-and-alves-in-france-football-world-xi-of-2015 |title=Messi, Neymar Jr, Iniesta and Alves in France Football world XI of 2015 |website=FCBarcelona.com |date=30 December 2015|access-date=30 December 2015|archive-date=8 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608174905/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/messi-neymar-jr-iniesta-and-alves-in-france-football-world-xi-of-2015|url-status=live}}
• La Liga Team of the Season: 2015–16{{cite web |title=The 2015/16 Liga BBVA Team of the Season |url=http://www.laliga.es/en/news/the-liga-bbva-201516-team-of-the-season |publisher=LFP |date=1 June 2016 |access-date=4 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118134749/http://www.laliga.es/en/news/the-liga-bbva-201516-team-of-the-season |archive-date=18 November 2018 |url-status=dead}}
• UEFA Euro All-time XI (published 2016){{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d813794a987-97623277ab50-1000--your-all-time-euro-11-revealed/ |title=Your All-time EURO 11 revealed |publisher=UEFA |date=7 June 2016|access-date=8 June 2016|archive-date=26 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626232029/https://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=2371381.html|url-status=live}}
• J.League Best XI: 2019, 2021{{cite news |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/12/08/soccer/j-league/marinos-midfielder-teruhito-nakagawa-named-j-league-mvp-andres-iniesta-joins-marinos-tokyo-players-best-xi |title=Teruhito Nakagawa named J. League MVP, with Iniesta joining Marinos and Tokyo players in Best XI |publisher=The Japan Times |date=7 December 2019|access-date=20 December 2019|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160443/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/12/08/soccer/j-league/marinos-midfielder-teruhito-nakagawa-named-j-league-mvp-andres-iniesta-joins-marinos-tokyo-players-best-xi|url-status=live}}
• Ballon d'Or Dream Team (Bronze): 2020{{cite web |title=The other two Ballon d'Or Dream Team XIs: Zidane, Cruyff, Iniesta, Di Stefano... but no Casillas |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2020/12/14/5fd7bc8522601d53598b45b2.html |website=MARCA |date=15 December 2020 |access-date=15 December 2020 |archive-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160450/https://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2020/12/14/5fd7bc8522601d53598b45b2.html |url-status=live}}

Decorations

• Prince of Asturias Awards: 2010{{cite web |url=http://www.fpa.es/en/communication/the-spanish-national-football-squad-2010-prince-of-asturias-award-for-sports.html |title=Prince of Asturias Awards 2010|access-date= 18 May 2015|archive-date= 2 January 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160454/https://www.fpa.es/en/communication/the-spanish-national-football-squad-2010-prince-of-asturias-award-for-sports.html|url-status= live}}
• Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit: 2011{{cite web |url=http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20111005/futbol/seleccion-espanola/las-campeones-del-mundo-de-futbol-ya-tienen-la-real-orden-del-merito-deportivo_54226408413.html |title=Royal Order of Sporting Merit 2011|date=5 October 2011 |access-date=6 December 2011|archive-date=28 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828090921/https://www.mundodeportivo.com/20111005/futbol/seleccion-espanola/las-campeones-del-mundo-de-futbol-ya-tienen-la-real-orden-del-merito-deportivo_54226408413.html|url-status=live}}
• Queen Sofia Award: 2017{{Cite web |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/news/2016-2017/andres-iniesta-collects-queen-sofia-award-in-madrid |title=Andrés Iniesta collects Queen Sofia Award in Madrid |website=FCBarcelona.com |language=en-US|access-date=24 January 2017|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160455/https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/799764/andres-iniesta-collects-queen-sofia-award-in-madrid|url-status=live}}
• Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sports Merit: 2018{{Cite news |url=https://www.efe.com/efe/english/destacada/iniesta-awarded-grand-cross-of-the-royal-order-sports-merit-in-spain/50000261-3605602 |title=Iniesta awarded Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sports Merit in Spain |work=www.efe.com|access-date=5 June 2018 |language=en|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160445/https://www.efe.com/efe/english/destacada/iniesta-awarded-grand-cross-of-the-royal-order-sports-merit-in-spain/50000261-3605602|url-status=live}}

• List of footballers with 100 or more UEFA Champions League appearances
• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
• List of men's footballers with the most official appearances
• List of celebrities who own wineries and vineyards
• List of FC Barcelona players (150+ appearances)
• List of La Liga players (400+ appearances)

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website}}
• [https://rfef.es/es/selecciones/jugadores/iniesta Profile] at the Royal Spanish Football Federation website {{in lang|es}}
• [https://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/staff/players/2017-2018/a-iniesta FC Barcelona official profile]
• {{BDFutbol}}
• {{Soccerway}}
• {{FIFA player}}
• {{UEFA player}}
• {{J.League player}}

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{{s-sports}}

{{succession box|title=FC Barcelona captain|before=Xavi|after= Lionel Messi|years=2015–2018}}

{{s-end}}

{{Navboxes

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{{Spain squad 2006 FIFA World Cup}}

{{Spain squad UEFA Euro 2008}}

{{Spain squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}

{{Spain squad UEFA Euro 2012}}

{{Spain squad 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup}}

{{Spain squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}

{{Spain squad UEFA Euro 2016}}

{{Spain squad 2018 FIFA World Cup}}

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{{Navboxes

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| list1 =

{{2010 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament}}

{{UEFA EURO 2008 Team of the Tournament}}

{{UEFA Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament}}

{{2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Team of the Tournament}}

{{European Championship Player of the tournament}}

{{2009 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}

{{2010 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}

{{2011 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}

{{2012 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}

{{2013 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}

{{2014 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}

{{2015 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}

{{2016 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}

{{2017 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}

{{2009 UEFA Team of the Year}}

{{2010 UEFA Team of the Year}}

{{2011 UEFA Team of the Year}}

{{2012 UEFA Team of the Year}}

{{2015 UEFA Team of the Year}}

{{2016 UEFA Team of the Year}}

{{2015–16 La Liga Team of the Year}}

{{2019 J.League Team of the Year}}

{{2021 J.League Team of the Year}}

{{FIFA Club World Cup winning captains}}

{{UEFA Champions League Winning Captains}}

{{UEFA Super Cup winning captains}}

{{UEFA Best Player in Europe}}

{{La Liga Player of the Year}}

{{La Liga Attacking Midfielder of the Year}}

{{IFFHS World's Best Playmaker}}

{{Golden Foot winners}}

{{All-time Euro XI}}

{{UEFA All-time XI}}

{{Ballon d'Or Dream Team}}

{{IFFHS World's Man Team of the Decade 2011–2020}}

{{Premi Barça Jugadors}}

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{{Portal bar|Association football|Spain}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Iniesta, Andres}}

Category:1984 births

Category:Living people

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Category:21st-century Spanish sportsmen