Spanish · Fuentealbilla · Born 11 May 1984Spanish midfielder widely regarded as one of football's greatest playmakers, scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final for Spain.
Andrés Iniesta Luján was born in Fuentealbilla in 1984 and joined Barcelona's La Masia academy at 12. He made his debut aged 16 and made 674 appearances for the club (2002–2018), scoring 57 goals and providing 161 assists. He moved to Vissel Kobe in Japan in 2018 and briefly to Emirates Club in 2023. In 131 Spain appearances he scored 13 goals including the most important in Spanish football history — the World Cup-winning goal in extra time of the 2010 final in Johannesburg. He provided 120 international assists. He won 9 La Liga titles, 4 Champions Leagues and 6 Copa del Reys. His 35 major trophies include the Euro 2012 Golden Ball. He covered 10.7 km per game with a top speed of 29.1 km/h. His 281 career assists across 869 appearances reflect a playmaker of the highest order. He was voted UEFA Best Player in Europe in 2012. He never received a red card in competitive football. He scored 91 career goals — exceptional for an attacking midfielder focused primarily on creation. His ability to retain possession under the most extreme pressure and create space where none appeared to exist made him the most universally admired player of his generation.
Scoring the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final
How They Played
Creative playmaker known for exceptional ball control, vision, and ability to retain possession under pressure
Lasting Impact
Considered one of the greatest midfielders of all time and key architect of Spain's golden generation
Career Honours
- Champions League 2006, 2009, 2011, 2015
- La Liga 9x
- Copa del Rey 6x
- FIFA World Cup 2010
- UEFA Euro 2008, 2012
- FIFA Club World Cup 3x
- World Cup 2010
- European Championship 2008
- European Championship 2012
- Champions League 2006
- Champions League 2009
- Champions League 2011
- Champions League 2015
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 2002–2018 | 674 | 17 | #8 |
| Vissel Kobe | 2018–2023 | 127 | 27 | #8 |
| Emirates Club | 2023–2024 | 15 | 1 | — |
 Spain | — | 131 | 13 | — |
Spanish Athletes