Andrés Inesta, a 12-year-old introvert first stepped into the great La Masia (Barcelona football academy) fields in 1996 AD. His toughest challenge then was overcoming the pain that came from staying away from his family back home. He recalls ‘crying rivers’ when he had to leave home for La Masia. Nonetheless, his struggle, hard work, and perseverance paid off. And the rest is history.

Iniesta had already impressed his coach and fellow teammates when he secured the final minute win to bring home the U-15 Nike Premier Cup in 1999, prior to his 2004 Barcelona debut. Missing out the prestigious Ballon d’Or is regarded as an unseen scar of his football career. However, contributions that helped establish his team on the summit of various tournaments are commendable, to say the least. He has played the key role in helping his team win many important trophies throughout his career.

Distinguished football personalities, of the present, and the bygone era, have time and time again shown a great deal of respect for the Spanish midfielder. 

Lionel Messi: “Andrés and I are similar in that we both use our bodies a lot, to avoid opponents. But he has something that always amazes me. There’s always a moment when you think you’re going to catch him when you think you’re going to get the ball off him, but you can’t. He’s not especially quick, but he has that ability to always get away from you, which comes from his technique.”

Pep Guardiola: “Iniesta doesn’t dye his hair, he doesn’t wear earrings and he hasn’t got any tattoos. Maybe that makes him unattractive to the media, but he is the best.”

Ray Hudson: “Magic from Iniesta. He doesn’t pull rabbits out of his hat; he pulls out big, beautiful peacocks.”

We will definitely remember his meticulous way of playmaking, his extraordinary ability to pass with a great vision, and the sharpshooting goal scoring ability, especially in times of dire needs. 

Andrés Inesta has helped mold football to its current stature, and for that and many other in contributions, on and off the field, he will always remain in hearts of millions of admirers around the globe.