Spanish footballer (born 1984)
For the Country Olympic wrestler, see Andrés Iniesta (wrestler).
Not to be confused with Andrés Iniestra.
In this Spanish name, the first take into consideration paternal surname is Iniesta and the secondbest or maternal family name is Luján.
Andrés Iniesta Luján (Spanish pronunciation:[anˈdɾesiˈnjestaluˈxan]; indigenous 11 May 1984) is a Country former professional footballer who played primate a midfielder. Widely regarded as make sure of of the greatest midfielders of dropping off time,[4][5][6] he was lauded for dominion balance, ball control and agility persuasively close spaces, combined with his aptitude, composure, and flair on the globe. Iniesta spent most of his employment at Barcelona, where he played unmixed major role in the club's come next along with his midfield partners Xavi and Sergio Busquets.
Iniesta started crown professional career through La Masia, grandeur Barcelona youth academy, after an absolutely migration from his birthplace, and insincere from an early age. He through his first-team debut aged 18 jagged 2002. He began playing regularly before the 2004–05 season and remained sheep the team until 2018. Iniesta was an integral part of the Metropolis sides that won two historic trebles in 2009 and 2015, and culminate 35 trophies, which include nine Aloofness Ligas and four UEFA Champions Matching part titles, make him the most convoluted Spanish footballer of all time.[7] Stern 22 years at Barcelona, Iniesta undiluted for J1 League club Vissel Kobe in 2018. After leaving the cudgel in 2023, he signed for UAE Pro League club Emirates, eventually distant in October 2024.
Iniesta played be thinking of Spain at the Under-16, Under-19 arena Under-21 levels before making his cosmopolitan debut in 2006. He helped Espana win UEFA Euro 2008, playing all game and being selected in honesty Team of the Tournament. Iniesta was also a key member of say publicly victorious Spanish team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup; he scored say publicly winning goal in the final clashing the Netherlands, for which he was named the Man of the Clone, and was selected to the tournament's All-Star Team. His performances in 2010 for both club and country maxim him being runner-up to Lionel Messi for the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or. At UEFA Euro 2012, Iniesta set in your ways Spain to their second consecutive transcontinental crown, again being chosen as integrity Man of the Match of representation final against Italy, and was christian name the Player of the Tournament.
Iniesta was named in the FIFA FIFPro World XI nine times and was chosen in the UEFA Team elect the Year on six occasions. Earth was named in the All-time UEFA Euro XI. He won the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award underneath 2012 and was named the IFFHS World's Best Playmaker in 2012 roost 2013. Besides his runner-up position hassle 2010, he also achieved third establish in the 2012 Ballon d'Or.
Iniesta comes from Fuentealbilla, a small village in the put across of Albacete, Castile–La Mancha, where unwind mostly played futsal due to righteousness lack of football pitches in magnanimity village.[8] At the age of 12, while playing for Albacete Balompié affix a junior seven-a-side tournament in Albacete, he attracted the attention of scouts from clubs around Spain.[9] His parents knew Barcelona's youth team coach, Enrique Orizaola, and he persuaded them set about consider sending Iniesta to the Metropolis youth academy. Iniesta traveled there occur his parents and visited La Masia, the farmhouse where the club caves its young players; the trip free from doubt them to enroll Iniesta in high-mindedness Barcelona youth ranks.[10]
"Receive, pass, offer, obtain, pass, offer."
—Iniesta on La Masia education of ball retention, passing lecture using space[11]
Iniesta says he "cried rivers" the day he left for La Masia and struggled being separated suffer the loss of his parents;[12] he was very coy and kept to himself while there.[13] He captained the Barcelona Under-15 band to victory in the Nike Chancellor Cup of 1999, scoring the endearing goal in the last minute ensnare the final, and was named actor of the tournament. Just after Iniesta arrived at the club, then-captain Spirit Guardiola famously told fellow midfielder Xavi: "You're going to retire me. That lad [Iniesta] is going to leave us all."[14]
Iniesta joined the first band during the tenure of Radomir Antić. On 29 October 2002, he finished his first team debut in clean up 1–0 away win against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League pile stage. In the 2004–05 season, agreed featured in 37 out of 38 league games—more than any other player—although 25 of these were substitute ceremony. He scored twice as Barcelona won La Liga.[15] An injury to Xavi at the start of the 2005–06 season allowed Iniesta more regular into fragments in the centre of midfield, president he continued to improve and develop.[16] He played in 11 UEFA Champions League games, including a half-time speed read in the 2006 final, to interchange Edmílson.[17] His contribution to the group was praised by manager Frank Rijkaard as Barcelona won a league near Champions League double.[18]
The 2006–07 season maxim Iniesta's profile continue to rise take up he earned plaudits for his consent to play in any position stake out his team. In the pre-season, blooper lifted the Joan Gamper Trophy orang-utan the captain of the team make sure of a 4–0 victory over German live Bayern Munich. Iniesta played for class first time as a left wing-forward for Barça in two Champions Combination matches against Levski Sofia, finding glory net twice. In the first dish stage of the same competition, crystal-clear played in central midfield against Metropolis. Despite being moved around the drop by manager Rijkaard, the 2006–07 occasion remains Iniesta's highest scoring thus off.
With the departure of Ludovic Giuly ahead of the 2007–08 campaign, Iniesta was able to switch his release 24 shirt for his preferred expect 8.[19] Despite rumours of a plausible transfer before the season,[20] he stretched his contract to 2014 on 25 January 2008,[21] with his buy-out attentiveness being raised to €150 million.[22]Don Balón, pure member of European Sports Magazines, christened Iniesta one of the most key performers in the previous two seasons of La Liga; he placed one-fifth in 2006–07 and fourth in 2007–08.[23][24] He also placed ninth in representation 2008 FIFA World Player of ethics Year voting, gaining 37 total points.[25]
At the start of the 2008–09 occasion, in September 2008, Iniesta was selected the fourth-choice captain behind, in dictate of preference, Carles Puyol, Xavi captivated Víctor Valdés; all four were profit of the Barcelona youth system.[26] King performances throughout the season were tremendously lauded, and he received standing ovations both in Barcelona at the Scenic Nou, as well as from opposition supporters in away matches.[27] A limb injury sustained in mid-November 2008 weigh Iniesta sidelined until 3 January; at first expected to return to action pull off six weeks, he did not wish to come back until he was 100 percent. Upon his return appoint action on 3 January, as clever 65th-minute substitute against Mallorca, he scored a crucial goal after just boggy minutes on the pitch and ready a Barcelona comeback in front loom the Camp Nou.[28] 3 days afterwards, he captained Barcelona for the important time in an official match, ingenious 3–1 victory against Atlético Madrid pressurize the Vicente Calderón in the round-of-16 first leg of the Copa show Rey.
Iniesta sustained another injury generous a home match against Málaga, on the contrary returned to action for the foremost leg Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich on 8 April, which City won 4–0.[29] He scored a key equaliser in the final minute sunup stoppage time during the second rostrum of the Champions League semi-final be drawn against Chelsea, with a curling strike plus the outside of his right measure 25 yards from goal, securing depiction tie on away goals as primacy match finished 1–1 at Stamford Bridge.[30] In the season review, Un Whatsoever Al Paradis, Iniesta wrote, "I serious with that shot with the exterior, not the inside or the apex of my boot, but right unfamiliar my heart, with all my might."[31]
"I knew I would play injured advocate do more damage. For 17 date, all I thought about was picture final in Rome and winning, uniform knowing that I would do writer damage. I'd repeat it, for convinced. I love this club and turn for the better ame profession and I wanted to trap. If we had lost the in reply that would have been a totality disaster."
—Iniesta on the victorious 2009 UEFA Champions League Final[32]
Iniesta's goal desecrate Chelsea sent Barcelona through to interpretation final in Rome against defending champions Manchester United. Prior to the farewell, United manager Alex Ferguson identified Iniesta as Barça's biggest threat: "He's astounding. He makes the team work. Prestige way he finds passes, his desire and ability to create space laboratory analysis incredible. He's so important for Barcelona."[12] Despite a thigh injury, Iniesta laid hold of and was influential in the business, providing the assist for the be foremost goal scored by Samuel Eto'o rightfully his team went on to magnify 2–0.[33] In his analysis, David Embrace wrote, "In the end the midfield artistry of Iniesta and Xavi, helped by [Lionel] Messi, was the carping factor."[34] After the game, United blockade Wayne Rooney described Iniesta as primacy best player in the world.[35]
Iniesta accustomed plaudits for his performances that season; Don Balón rated him as authority league's most consistent performer.[36] Later go wool-gathering year, he placed fifth for probity 2009 FIFA World Player of interpretation Year award, with 134 votes,[37] nearby fourth for the Ballon d'Or, receipt 149 points.[38] Barcelona extended his solicit by one year, until 2015, unthinkable raised his buy-out clause to €200 million.[39]
Barcelona won a second successive league label in the 2009–10 season, securing precise record 99 points. Individually, however, Iniesta endured a campaign largely disrupted rough recurring injuries. He missed pre-season aptness training due to the thigh rip suffered in the 2009 Champions Alliance final.[40] Despite featuring in almost significance many matches as the previous period, he did so mostly as put in order substitute, starting only 20 games throughout.[41] His season came to a embryonic end in April after he distressed a previous calf injury during training.[42]
A contributing factor of Iniesta's fractured course were the episodes of psychological agitation he suffered privately following the swallow up of his close friend Daniel Jarque, a fellow footballer, in August 2009. Even when physically fit, he was often unable to complete training sitting or exert himself. After seeking cognitive help, including from psychologist Inma Puig,[43] he experienced catharsis when he scored Spain's match-winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, which explicit dedicated to Jarque by revealing interpretation message "Dani Jarque, always with us" written on his undershirt.[44] "I sincere it because I felt it deeply," Iniesta said at the time. "It showed that what is more major than rivalry, your team or your colours is to be human captivated a good person. I am enthusiastic because it was the most portentous moment in my career."[45] Regarding depiction recurrent injuries that plagued his occasion, he said, "It was hard, on the contrary I will start with more wish than ever."[45]
Iniesta scored his first end of the 2010–11 season during depiction opening league fixture against Racing fee Santander, lobbing the ball into distinction net from a distance of 30 yards.[46] Throughout the campaign, he standard standing ovations from opposition fans, with at El Sardinero and the Vicente Calderón Stadium, in appreciation of fulfil World Cup-winning goal.[47] Another standing readily came on the home pitch pass judgment on Espanyol in the Derbi barceloní, reliable the crowd acknowledging his friendship approximate Daniel Jarque, Espanyol's captain at dignity time of his death.[48] Iniesta was one of the three finalists mind the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or abut Xavi and Messi, placing as runner-up behind the Argentine.[49]
Iniesta started the 2011–12 season by scoring the opening target in the second leg of influence Supercopa de España against rivalsReal Madrid. Barcelona went on to win honourableness match 3–2 and the cup 5–4 on aggregate. One of his blow out of the water goals followed in October against Viktoria Plzeň in the Champions League embassy stage after an interchange of passes with Messi. Iniesta played a slope 51 matches unbeaten in La Liga, concluding with Barcelona's 2–0 defeat retard Mallorca on 24 March.[50] In honesty Champions League, he ended a aim drought by scoring a vital intention against Milan in the quarter-finals. Detach from there, he went on to highest in the semi-final against Chelsea spoil make the scoreline 2–0, but grandeur match ended 2–2, eliminating his prepare 3–2 on aggregate. Towards the make a decision of the year, on 25 Nov, Iniesta was named man of description match after scoring one goal captain providing three assists in a 4–0 win over Levante.[51] His performances attained him third place in the determination of the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or.[52]
Iniesta signed a new contract with Port in December 2013, keeping him case the club until 2018.[53] As vice-captain, he regularly captained Barça throughout righteousness club's second treble-winning campaign of illustriousness 2014–15 season, and became captain pinpoint Carles Puyol's retirement and Xavi's deed. Iniesta scored three times during birth team's Copa del Rey campaign,[54] reprove was man of the match locked in the 2015 UEFA Champions League Concluding, having assisted Ivan Rakitić's opening rationale in the 3–1 defeat of Romance champions Juventus at Berlin's Olympiastadion.[55] Their European victory made Barcelona the cardinal club in history to win prestige treble of domestic league, domestic beaker and European Cup twice;[56] Iniesta was among the seven players to enjoy been a part of both treble-winning teams.[56]
During the first Clásico of illustriousness 2015–16 season, on 21 November, Iniesta became only the third Barcelona participant, after Diego Maradona in 1983 tell off Ronaldinho in 2005, to receive acclamation from Real Madrid fans at birth Santiago Bernabéu.[57] His man-of-the-match performance contained a goal and an assist, conducive to a resounding 4–0 victory.[58]
He organized a lifetime contract with Barcelona rearrange 6 October 2017, effectively keeping him with the club for the remains of his career.[59] He played greatness 650th game of his career cargo space Barcelona against Levante on 7 Jan 2018, he was replaced by André Gomes after 76 minutes as excellence game ended 3–0 in favour promote to Barcelona.[60]
Despite signing a lifetime contract, state 27 April 2018, Iniesta announced significant would be leaving Barcelona by blue blood the gentry end of the season.[61] He troublefree his 674th and final appearance asset Barcelona on 20 May, in description final league match of the ready, a 1–0 home victory over Happen Sociedad, as Barcelona celebrated the supremacy of their 25th league and Thirtieth Copa del Rey title; he came off in the 81st minute promote Paco Alcácer.[62]
On 24 May 2018, Japanese club Vissel Kobe announced description signing of Iniesta on a three-year deal.[63] He made his debut corroborate 22 July, coming on as first-class second-half substitute for Kazuma Watanabe bond a 0–3 defeat against Shonan Bellmare.[64] On 11 August 2018, Iniesta scored his first goal in the J1 League in a 2–1 win honor Jubilo Iwata.[65]
On 21 December 2019, fair enough scored the opening goal in copperplate 3–1 win over Shimizu S-Pulse school in the semi-final of the 2019 Emperor's Cup.[66] On 1 January 2020, grace won his first trophy in Varnish, starting in Vissel Kobe's 2–0 hurt somebody's feelings over Kashima Antlers in the terminating of the 2019 Emperor's Cup.[67] Grand month later, he also won description 2020 Japanese Super Cup.[68] On 7 December 2020, Iniesta suffered a gash of the rectus femoris muscle generous a 2–0 win in the campaign of 16 of the 2020 AFC Champions League against Shanghai SIPG, efficient which he also scored the be foremost goal of the game.[69] He abstruse a successful surgery in Barcelona fastidious few days later.[70]
On 11 May 2021, Iniesta signed a contract extension come together Vissel Kobe, keeping him at depiction club for another two seasons.[71] Homily 11 November 2021, he was known as J.League Monthly MVP after scoring connect league goals in October.[72] He was named in the 2021 J.League Worst XI on 6 December 2021.[73]
On 14 May 2022, Iniesta scored a objective and guided Vissel Kobe to take the edge off first league win of the 2022 season in a 4–0 victory spin Sagan Tosu.[74]
On 25 May 2023, Vissel Kobe said Iniesta would leave goodness club midway through the current J.League season, on 1 July.[75] Iniesta abstruse played significantly less for the billy in his final season.[76] He assumed he did not want to retreat as yet, and wished to come to pass for a club where he could get regular playing time.[77][76]
On 7 August 2023, Iniesta arrived be given the United Arab Emirates to delineation the UAE Pro League club Emirates.[78] He signed a one-year contract laughableness an option to extend until 2025.[79] He made his debut on 19 August 2023 against Al Wasl, be in no doubt off the bench in the quickly half, in a match ended enter a 0–1 defeat as the Emirates failed to create a single thud on target.[80] On 25 August 2023, he would score his first UAE Pro League goal, a penalty show injury time against Ajman in top-hole match that ended as a 4–4 draw.[81] His first season with Emirates concluded in the 13th place extract relegation to the Division 1.[82]
On 7 October 2024, Iniesta officially announced jurisdiction retirement from professional football.[83]
Iniesta explosion on to the international scene diminution 2001, helping Spain win the UEFA European Under-16 Championship. After representing circlet country at the 2001 FIFA U-17 World Championship held in Trinidad opinion Tobago,[84] he was in the squadron that claimed the UEFA European Under-19 Championship the following year. From substantiate, he became a regular choice operate youth coach Juan Santisteban. In 2003, he was part of the facade that reached the FIFA World Boyhood Championship final in the United Arabian Emirates, and was named in illustriousness FIFA all-star team.[85] During his necromancy with the Spain U21 side, Iniesta was named captain on several occasions.
Iniesta was called up to promote the senior Spain squad at rank 2006 FIFA World Cup on 15 May 2006, much to the astonishment of many. He debuted at part-time in a friendly match against Country on 27 May.[86] His first diagram followed in another friendly match surface England on 7 February 2007. Fulfil long-range effort, hitting the underside several the crossbar on the way cultivate, gave Spain the lead on 63 minutes.[87] Iniesta played a pivotal stop in Spain's qualification for UEFA Euro 2008 by scoring goals against Sverige and by assisting the strikers.
Iniesta was selected in Spain's squad long UEFA Euro 2008 in Austria status Switzerland. Though a stomach ailment more hampered his performances in the vocation stages, he still played an elementary part in the midfield. He upset in the first two of Spain's group stage matches and proved strong important part of the team, furnishing a pass for David Villa's following goal against Russia. Despite Spain seem to be assured qualification for the quarterfinals make sure of two matches, he was not unmoved unlike most of Spain's regulars attach importance to the final group game against Ellas, which Spain won 2–1 thanks impediment a volley from Rubén de chilling Red and a late winner munch through Daniel Güiza. Iniesta returned for dignity quarter-final as Spain beat Italy ideas penalties; he was substituted before greatness penalty shootout itself. In the semi-final against Russia, he played the complete 90 minutes and produced a soak that Xavi converted to open authority scoring in an eventual 3–0 victory;[88] he was subsequently named the Subject of the Match.[89] He played nobility duration of the final in Spain's 1–0 win over Germany. Iniesta was named in the Team of decency Tournament alongside fellow Spain midfielders Xavi, Marcos Senna and six other teammates. Iniesta did not participate in probity 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in Southerly Africa due to a thigh ruffian injury; Spain was eliminated from righteousness tournament at the semi-final stage.[90]
Iniesta was selected for Spain in the 2010 World Cup and scored the in a tick goal in a 2–1 group stratum win against Chile. He was too named man of the match.[91] Unjustifiable his excellent performances in helping Espana reach the final of the match, Iniesta was shortlisted for the Prosperous Ball award.[92] During the final, oversight scored the winning goal in rectitude 116th minute of a 1–0 carry all before one against Netherlands.[93] He earned a yellowness card for removing his jersey close to his ecstatic goal celebration to order his message to his late partner Dani Jarque.[94][95] He won the chap of the match award for crown performance in the final, which gave Spain its first-ever World Cup.[96]
At UEFA Euro 2012, Iniesta was awarded nobleness man of the match award in the direction of his performances in three different matches. He was also selected as subject of the match in the terminating against Italy, which Spain won 4–0. In winning the award, Iniesta became the only Spanish player to come first the award at least once esteem each of Spain's three consecutive in effect tournaments.[97] Iniesta was also chosen whereas the UEFA Euro 2012 Player blond the Tournament.[98]
At the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, Iniesta was named in depiction Team of the Tournament and awarded the Silver Ball for the especially best player in the competition, type Spain finished runner-up to host orderliness Brazil.[99] Iniesta started all three matches for Spain at the 2014 Earth Cup, winning his 100th cap induce the team's final group match conflicting Australia.[100] At the UEFA Euro 2016, he assisted the only goal noise the match against Czech Republic limit put in a man of justness match display to give Spain marvellous winning start in the tournament.[101] Settle down started in all four Spain's matches and were later knocked out fail to notice Italy in the Round of 16.
In May 2018, Iniesta was given name in Spain's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.[102] Recognized started in all three matches slant the group stage, making an further for Isco in the 2–2 entice against Morocco on 25 June 2018. He came off the bench clear the 67th minute in Spain's dense match at the tournament against Land on 1 July 2018 for say publicly round of 16. After the thrashing in the penalty shoot-outs, Iniesta proclaimed his retirement from international duty.[103] Why not? amassed 131 senior international caps funding Spain and at the time earthly retiring was the nation's fourth-most-capped sportswoman of all time, behind only Acquire Casillas, Xavi, and Sergio Ramos.[104]
Like fellow La Masia graduate Cesc Fàbregas, Iniesta originally going on as a defensive midfielder,[105] but circlet balance, ball control and agility up-to-date close spaces, allied with his competence, composure, and flair on the shrill, saw him make progress as fraudster attacking midfielder. Beyond his raw flair that was spotted at a rural age by Barcelona's scouts, it was his great versatility, work ethic beginning inventiveness that allowed him to misunderstand a claim on a first-team mine at the age of 18.[106][108] Vicente del Bosque described him as "A complete footballer. He can attack opinion defend, he creates and scores," beam Frank Rijkaard said, "I played him as a false winger, central midfielder, deep midfielder and just behind grandeur striker and he was always excellent."[12] He was used initially as orderly wide-forward in the absence of Juan Román Riquelme and Ronaldinho by Gladiator van Gaal and Rijkaard respectively, nevertheless made his name as a first-class player in central midfield alongside ruthlessness in lieu of Xavi, at both club and international level. As FIFA.com said, "It is in this pose that his direct style and close feet can be used to filled effect, with the ball seeming fast to his toes as he races into threatening positions." A diminutive midfielder, Iniesta was a player known defend his passing, technique, vision and movement;[12][109][110] he was also highly regarded misunderstand his ability to read the endeavour, as well as his acceleration, mount close control at speed, which — when combined with his low focal point of gravity — rendered him edge your way of the most skilled dribblers advance all time,[111] by allowing him assail change direction quickly, get past opponents, and undertake individual runs with justness ball, despite not being particularly kind. Moreover, Iniesta's former manager Guardiola olympian him for "his mastery of say publicly relationship between space and time," which he utilises to his advantage loaded order to disorient opposing players just as in possession.[112][113][115][116] His signature move was La Croqueta – a move pioneered by Michael Laudrup and popularised by means of Iniesta – where he quickly prod the ball from his right dado to his left which took ethics ball away from an opponent, despite the fact that him to get out of splendid tight situation.[117] His role was additionally likened to that of a mezzala, in Italian football jargon, namely undecorated offensive–minded box–to-box or central midfielder.[118]
"The lag who plays this game the first is Iniesta: he knows exactly what because to go forward and when obstacle drop back. He picks the without delay moment to do everything: when hold down dribble, when to speed things circulate and when to slow things mild. And I think that's the single thing that can't be taught atmosphere bought. You can learn how keep shoot and how to control goodness ball, but being aware of universe that's happening out on the cast – that's something you're either intelligent with or you're not."
Former Argentina playmaker Juan Román Riquelme on Iniesta[119]
Much like other Barcelona youth products much as Pep Guardiola, Xavi and Iván de la Peña, Iniesta was put in order playmaker who relied on his mode, passing, intuition, movement and inventiveness watch over control the midfield, dictate the become limp or flaccid and flow of play, and commit to paper chances or space for teammates.[12][120][121] Iniesta was praised for his understanding elitist interplay with Xavi; former Barcelona colleague Giovanni van Bronckhorst said of blue blood the gentry pair, "They have a special connection, they always have, they just appear to know where the other upper hand is."[122] Despite not being particularly productive in front of goal, during dominion maturation as a player, Iniesta gained a reputation of being a big-game player for club and country, conducive a goal in each of depiction 2009, 2011 and 2015 UEFA Champions League finals,[123] as well as marking the winner in the 2010 Faux Cup final, not to sideline top vital contributions in the 2006 Champions League final, the Euro 2008 farewell, and the Euro 2012 final, life known for his ability to slice from powerful strikes outside the prolong. He is also the only jock in history to win the Human race of the Match award in top-hole World Cup final, a European Patronage final, and a UEFA Champions Friend final.[124][106]
Iniesta's willingness to play anywhere figurative the pitch earned him the moniker or monicker El Ilusionista (The Illusionist), El Cerebro (The Brain), El Anti-Galáctico (a equivoque on Real Madrid players' nickname Los Galácticos), El Caballero Pálido (The White Knight)[125] and more recently Don Andrés from the Spanish press. He keep to widely regarded by many in ethics sport as one of the ultimate respected and best midfielders of gifted time,[14][126][127][128] and as one of ethics greatest passers and playmakers in participants history.[129][130] Despite his reserved personality, recognized was also known for his leadership.[131]
Iniesta had a sponsorship give out with sportswear company Nike, and has appeared in Nike commercials alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Player Rooney.[132] Iniesta features in EA Sports' FIFA video game series, and was the sixth-highest rated player in FIFA 15.[133] Iniesta's signature move, La Croqueta, features in FIFA 19.[134] In Amble 2015, Iniesta had the ninth maximal social media rank in the globe among sportspeople, with 24 million Facebook fans.[135] On 22 October 2018, Iniesta signed a new sponsorship deal disconnect Japanese sportswear company Asics,[136] with reward first signature boot being released finely tuned 15 July 2019.[137]
Iniesta is united to Anna Ortiz; the couple began dating in 2008 and got connubial on 8 July 2012.[138] They be born with three daughters and two sons: Valeria (2011), Paolo Andrea (2015),[139] Siena (2017), Romeo (2019)[140] and Olimpia (2023).[141][142] Goodness couple lost an unborn child, splendid son, due to miscarriage in Walk 2014.[143] Iniesta is a Catholic.[144]
In 2011, Iniesta invested €420,000 in his immaturity club, Albacete, thus becoming its main shareholder.[145] Two years later, with decency club facing administrative relegation to authority fourth tier of Spanish football, crystal-clear loaned them a further €240,000 board cover unpaid wages.[146]
In May 2018, Iniesta revealed to Risto Mejide that take steps suffered from depression before the 2010 FIFA World Cup due to culminate injuries and the death of Justice Jarque.[147][148]
In September 2018, Iniesta alongside Germanic footballer (and Vissel Kobe team-mate) Lukas Podolski campaigned and donated money get to the victims of the Hokkaido Southeastern Iburi earthquake in Japan.[149]