Andres Iniesta
The calm genius who scored the winning goal in Spain's historic World Cup victory.
Andrés Iniesta Luján is a Spanish professional football manager and former player who played as a midfielder. He spent most of his career at La Liga club Barcelona and is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. Iniesta played for Spain at the Under-16, Under-19 and Under-21 levels before making his international debut in 2006. He helped Spain win UEFA Euro 2008, playing every game and being selected in the Team of the Tournament. Iniesta was also a key member of the victorious Spanish team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup; he scored the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands, for which he was named the Man of the Match, and was selected to the tournament's All-Star Team.
- Nationality
- Spanish
- Position
- Midfielder
- Major Honour
- FIFA World Cup Winner (2010)
- Club Legacy
- FC Barcelona (2002–2018)
- Status
- Retired
- World Cup Goals
- 1
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Iniesta was a key member of the victorious Spanish team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He scored the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands, for which he was named the Man of the Match, and was selected to the tournament's All-Star Team. His performances in 2010 for both club and country saw him being runner-up to Lionel Messi for the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or. At UEFA Euro 2012, Iniesta led Spain to their second consecutive continental crown, again being chosen as the Man of the Match of the final against Italy, and was named the Player of the Tournament. He achieved third place in the 2012 Ballon d'Or. In 2016, he was named in the All-time UEFA Euro XI.
In Their Own Story
The stadium in Johannesburg hummed with tension as the clock ticked into extra time. Iniesta received a pass near the penalty area, shielding the ball from defenders with his back to goal. A simple turn, a moment of silence amidst the roar, and then the strike. He sprinted toward the corner flag, pointing skyward, knowing history had just been written in South African soil.
Reader's Guide
**2010 FIFA World Cup Winner**: Andrés Iniesta was a key member of the victorious Spanish team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He scored the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands, for which he was named the Man of the Match. **Final Match Goal**: He scored the winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final against the Netherlands. The goal secured Spain's first World Cup title. **FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (2010)**: Iniesta was selected to the tournament's All-Star Team for his performances throughout the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Did You Know?
- Iniesta scored the winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final against the Netherlands and was named Man of the Match.
- He was runner-up to Lionel Messi for the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or.
- Iniesta was named Player of the Tournament at UEFA Euro 2012.
- He was named in the All-time UEFA Euro XI in 2016.
- Iniesta played for Spain at the Under-16, Under-19 and Under-21 levels before making his senior international debut in 2006.
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