Sport
Andres Iniesta’s impact should never be forgotten
There is one photograph of Andres Iniesta that sums him up best. He is playing for Spain at Euro 2012 against Italy, surrounded by blue shirts. The Azzurri players are hesitant, unsure of how to close him down. He caused chaos wherever he was on the pitch; something that should never be forgotten now the former Spain midfielder has announced his retirement at the age of 40.
His is a career that defines an era; a crucial part of the Barcelona team that dominated football, first under Pep Guardiola between 2008 and 2012, and then in the 2014-15 season under Luis Enrique. Both managers leant on his brilliance in possession, unrivalled balance and poise, and phenomenal game intelligence to drive them on to two trebles and much more success in between. In his later years, having moved away from Camp Nou in 2018, he fell off the radar of many football viewers, playing in Japan for Vissel Kobe until 2023 before a final year at UAE side Emirates.
Visibly emotional at an event in Barcelona on Tuesday, Iniesta explained his decision.
“Being on the pitch is over”, he said. “I can’t stay away from football, it’s my life and will continue to be my life”.
“Yes, all these tears we have shed these days are tears of emotion, of pride. They are not tears of sadness.
“They are tears of that boy from a small town like Fuentealbilla, who had the dream of being a footballer and we achieved it after a lot of hard work, sacrifice, of never giving up, essential values in my life”.
That never giving up attitude was crucial in his early career. Iniesta moved to Barcelona’s La Masía youth academy from his hometown near Albacete, after dominating in local junior tournaments.
The impact he had was huge and he was already earmarked as the next big midfield superstar even before Guardiola had retired and his successor, Xavi Hernandez, had fully established himself. The story goes, watching Iniesta in the academy, Guardiola turned to Xavi and told him Iniesta would retire the pair of them.
Xavi and Iniesta would go on to become the linchpin of the midfield under Guardiola, reaching a peak alongside Sergio Busquets. But at the beginning of his time in the first team, under Dutchman Frank Rijkaard, he had to prove himself. Unlike with many other elite players in his position since, Iniesta didn’t get thrown in at the deep end. He had to wait to establish himself, arguably not doing so in the Rijkaard era.
Once Guardiola took over what what a sinking ship, with the squad lacking discipline and focus, Iniesta was given more responsibility. And he thrived, demanding attention on the pitch even if his introverted nature meant he never sought it off it.
Yet he was rarely given the credit he deserved as an individual, perhaps because he shared a club dressing room with Lionel Messi, and the all conquering Spain team of which he became a fulcrum, was seen as one of the best units in the world, full of stars, but without any of them standing out. He still scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands, and in true Iniesta style, used the moment to pay tribute to his friend Dani Jarque, who passed away not long before.
After that goal, everywhere Iniesta went in La Liga, he was greeted like a hero. That was even the case at Real Madrid, Barça’s eternal rivals, who joined those paying tribute in the wake of his announcement. That sums up the impact he had during his career.
True artists are never appreciated until their time has gone. Over recent years, as elite football moved away from him, Iniesta’s legacy gained sharper focus. His place in the pantheon of great midfielders is hotly debated, with many claiming him to be on or even above the level of Zinedine Zidane.
But once the dust settles on Iniesta’s career, he should be remembered for what he was. Forget the comparisons and underwhelming start to his career, he will forever be seen as one of the most important players of his generation. Football has reluctantly waved goodbye to a legend; the tears were absolutely justified.
