Andres Iniesta Career Stats 2023/24: Andres Iniesta is a very well-known soccer player from Spain. He played a crucial role in the Spanish national team’s success, as they won three big international tournaments. He also played for Barcelona, and during his time there, they won many titles, including an incredible six in 2009. However, even though Iniesta was a great player, he faced tough competition from his teammates Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo when it came to the prestigious Golden Ball award.
Club Career:
Shy Child Join La Masia Academy:
Andres Iniesta was born on May 11, 1984, in a Fuentealbia village in Albacete, Spain. His father was a well-known businessman in the area. At the age of eight, Iniesta started playing soccer for the county team. Despite being skinny, he showed remarkable talent and a deep love for the sport. The famous La Masia Academy, where future legendary players would emerge, was located nearby.
Iniesta is the ideal player for this game because he possesses a remarkable sense of when to move forward and when to retreat. He has an innate understanding of when to execute actions like dribbling, accelerating, or decelerating. These skills come to him instinctively and cannot be easily acquired or taught.
JUAN ROMAN RIQUELME
As a child, Iniesta was shy, and it was difficult for him to join his new team. He didn’t want to leave his home, but his father convinced him and supported him through the process. Within a few months, Iniesta became an important player at La Masia and developed into a leader as he progressed through the different levels at Barcelona. His ability to control the ball and pass it accurately was truly incredible.
Beginning of Glory Join The Main Team
After showcasing his remarkable talent at Barcelona’s La Masia Academy, Andres Iniesta caught the attention of the first team’s officials. He made his debut on October 29, 2002, in a Champions League match against Club Brugge and in a Spanish League match against Real Mallorca on December 21 of the same year. However, his playing time was limited during this initial period.
”He is an all-around football player who is good at both attacking and defending. He has the ability to create opportunities for his team and also has the skill to score goals himself”
Vicente Del Bosque
In the 2004/2005 season, under the guidance of coach Frank Rijkaard, Iniesta became an integral part of the team. He played in 37 out of 38 matches, contributing to Barcelona’s impressive performances in the midfield and their triumph in the Spanish League, even though he was mostly a substitute. His impact on the team was evident.
In the following season, Iniesta’s role grew even more significant. He participated in 53 matches across all competitions, playing a crucial part in Barcelona’s successful defense of the League title and their victory in the Champions League final against Arsenal in May 2006. In that final, he provided the winning goal for Samuel Eto’o.
During the next two seasons, Barcelona faced some setbacks, including losing the Club World Cup and being eliminated from the Champions League. Meanwhile, Real Madrid secured two consecutive league titles. However, Iniesta consistently displayed brilliant performances and showcased his versatility in midfield, attracting interest from major European clubs, including Real Madrid, who made a €60 million offer for him.
”Barcelona is an exceptional team, and in my view, Andres Iniesta is the finest player in the world”
Wayne Rooney
Barcelona’s president at the time, Juan Laporta, swiftly responded to these offers by securing Iniesta’s stay at Camp Nou until 2014, with a release clause of €150 million. Iniesta also changed his shirt number from 24 to 8, which he had worn during his time in the lower categories, following the departure of Ludovic Giuly.
Pep Guardiola Join Barcelona:
In the summer of 2008, an important change occurred in Barcelona’s history. Former Barcelona player Pep Guardiola took over as the head coach and introduced a new playing style inspired by Johan Cruyff, known as the 4-3-3 formation. This strategy emphasized possession of the ball and involved a midfield trio consisting of Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, and Andres Iniesta. Iniesta played a crucial role in supporting the team’s attack and had the flexibility to play in various positions, including the wing.
However, during the season, Iniesta encountered a significant setback when he suffered a severe injury to his left leg tendon. This injury kept him out of action for two months. Despite this, Iniesta still managed to provide several important assists, some of which were decisive in keeping Barcelona competitive in their pursuit of multiple titles.
”Andres Iniesta’s personal style sets him apart from other players. He doesn’t dye his hair, wear earrings, or have tattoos. While this might not make him a media favorite in terms of his appearance, but he’s the best”
Pep Guardiola
As Barcelona approached the Spanish League title, all eyes were on the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea. The first leg had ended in a goalless draw, and Michael Essien scored the opening goal for Chelsea, who maintained their lead until the 93rd minute. It was then that Iniesta received a pass from Lionel Messi and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner of the net, scoring a miraculous goal that brought him fame and captivated a wide audience.
This goal proved to be pivotal as Barcelona went on to win the Champions League by defeating Manchester United 2-0 in the final. Iniesta played a key role in the match, assisting Samuel Eto’o for the opening goal. This triumph marked Barcelona’s third major title of the season, making them the first Spanish team to achieve the historic treble by winning La Liga, the King’s Cup, and the Champions League.
”Iniesta is an amazing player. It fills me with pride when people compare me to him. He’s considered one of the greatest midfielders ever in the sport of football. I enjoy competing against him on the field. I have great respect and admiration for him, both as a player and as an athlete.”
Luka Modric
However, towards the end of the 2008/2009 season, Iniesta suffered an injury that affected him. As a result, he had to miss the team’s preseason tour in the United States and the finals of the local and European Super Cups, both of which Barcelona won comfortably.
Gradually, Iniesta returned to training with the team and quickly regained his form. He became a strong contender for the Golden Ball and the title of the best player in the world. Ultimately, these awards were rightfully won by his superstar teammate, Messi. Nevertheless, Iniesta’s exceptional performances led to him winning the Club World Cup and ending the year 2009 on a high note. Barcelona’s six titles in a single year set a record that still stands today.
Best Player in the World
Andres Iniesta’s skills continued to shine and improve with each passing season. His dribbling abilities became more automatic and precise, making it unfair to compare him to other players in his position. By the end of the 2010/2011 season, Iniesta had added more prestigious titles to his collection, including the third consecutive Spanish League title and the European Champions League, which Barcelona won for the second time in three years.
When I see him play, it feels like I’m watching myself in action.
Zinedine Zidane
In the following season, Barcelona started strong by defeating their rivals, Real Madrid, in the Spanish Super Cup. Iniesta even scored the opening goal by cleverly lifting the ball over Iker Casillas. His accurate passing and impressive speed became a superpower within the Barcelona team. They went on an incredible unbeaten streak of 51 matches in La Liga before eventually suffering a defeat against Real Mallorca on March 24th.
Despite their dominant domestic performance, Pep Guardiola’s last seasons as Barcelona’s coach didn’t bring as much success. They only managed to win the Copa del Rey and lost the league title to Real Madrid, who accumulated an impressive 100 points. In the Champions League, Barcelona faced a painful defeat in the semi-final against Chelsea. Although they took a 2-0 lead in the second leg, Chelsea made a remarkable comeback, scoring a crucial equalizer to win the tie 3-2 on aggregate.
Andres Iniesta Career Stats
Iniesta Club Statistics
Iniesta Stats 2023/24 Season
The 2023/24 season for Andrés Iniesta is still ongoing, here’s a quick look at his performance so far:
| Competition | Goals | App | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE Pro League | 2 | 8 | 1 |
| UAE League Cup | – | 2 | – |
| TOTAL | 2 | 10 | 2 |
Iniesta Goals And Assists At Leagues
Iniesta has scored a total of 88 goals and provided 162 assists in his career, across all competitions.
| Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| LaLiga | 35 | 442 | 86 |
| Champions League | 11 | 130 | 29 |
| J1 League | 21 | 113 | 22 |
| Copa del Rey | 10 | 73 | 14 |
| 2ª B – Grupo II | 2 | 25 | – |
| 2ª B – Grupo III | 3 | 24 | – |
| Supercopa | ` | 14 | 3 |
| J. League Cup | ` | 8 | – |
| Club World Cup | – | 7 | 3 |
| AFC Champions League | 2 | 6 | 1 |
| Emperor’s Cup | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| UEFA Super Cup | – | 3 | – |
| UEFA Cup | – | 3 | 1 |
| Champions League Qu. | – | 2 | 1 |
| Jap. Super Cup | – | 1 | 1 |
| AFC CL-Qualification | 1 | 1 | – |
| UAE Pro League | 2 | 8 | 1 |
| UAE League Cup | – | 2 | – |
| TOTAL | 90 | 867 | 162 |
Iniesta Goals And Assists at Clubs
| Club | Goals | Matches | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| FC Barcelona | 57 | 674 | 137 |
| Vissel Kobe | 26 | 133 | 25 |
| FC Barcelona Atlètic | 5 | 49 | – |
| Emirates Club | 2 | 10 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 90 | 867 | 162 |
Iniesta’s Career with the Spanish National Team
In addition to his achievements at the club level, Andres Iniesta also made significant contributions to the Spanish national team. He received regular call-ups and even captained the team on multiple occasions.
In the 2006 World Cup, Iniesta was selected by coach Luis Aragones to be part of the national squad. Many were surprised by his inclusion, given the presence of other prominent stars in the Spanish team. However, despite their strong lineup, Spain did not advance far in the tournament and lost in the final to France, with a goal scored by Zinedine Zidane.
when I witness his performances, he brings to mind Xavi. Xavi was always an outstanding player, and it’s remarkable to see how he has achieved so much success after starting with us at such a young age. The history he has made is truly astounding.
Ronaldinho
Iniesta scored his first goal for the national team in a friendly match against Russia the following year. He played a prominent role in the qualifiers for the 2008 European Nations Cup, scoring goals and providing assists for his teammates, particularly in an important match against Sweden.
National Team Statistics
Iniesta has played 131 matches for the Spain national team, scoring 14 goals and providing 30 assists. He is Spain’s third-most capped player of all time, behind Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas.
| Competition | Goals | Matches | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Friendlies | 5 | 55 | 10 |
| UEFA Euro Qualifying | 6 | 21 | 6 |
| World Cup Qualification | 1 | 20 | 5 |
| EURO | – | 16 | 5 |
| World Cup | 2 | 14 | 3 |
| Confederations Cup | – | 5 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 14 | 131 | 30 |
Performance in two European Championships and the World Cup
At the start of the European Championship in Austria and Switzerland, Iniesta faced some challenges due to a stomach ailment, which affected his performance in the group stage. However, he still played a crucial role in the midfield. As Spain advanced to the semi-finals, Iniesta was named the man of the match in a 3-0 victory against Russia, providing the assist for the first goal scored by Xavi. In the final against Germany, he received high praise and was an integral part of the dream team that won Spain’s second European Championship title, 44 years after their previous victory in 1964.
Iniesta’s popularity grew further leading up to the Confederations Cup in South Africa, following his brilliant performances with Barcelona. However, an injury to his thigh prevented him from participating in the tournament. Nonetheless, Spain, the reigning European champions, were eliminated in the semi-finals after a surprising 0-2 loss to the United States.
In the 2010 World Cup, Iniesta didn’t disappoint Spanish fans as he displayed an impressive performance and great synergy with teammates such as Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, and Xavi. His most notable contribution in the tournament was scoring the winning goal in the 116th minute of the final against the Netherlands. This goal secured Spain their first-ever World Cup title, marking a historic moment in both Spain’s and Iniesta’s football history.
When he possesses the ball, it feels like everything else comes to a halt – it’s as if the camera is moving in slow motion.
Fernando Torres
Iniesta continued his outstanding performances in Euro 2012 and was named the man of the match in three matches, including the final against Italy. He became the only Spanish player to receive this honor in all three international tournaments won by the Spanish national team. Additionally, Iniesta was awarded the best player of the Tournament accolade for his exceptional contributions.
Andres Iniesta Skills
Andres Iniesta is considered one of the best players to come out of La Masia School. He initially played as a defensive midfielder, but scouts noticed his exceptional ball control and balance in tight spaces. They then utilized these skills in attacking plays. Del Bosque praises his ability to defend and attack effectively, while Frank Rijkaard is amazed by his development in different positions.
Iniesta’s rare intelligence sets him apart and makes him one of the greatest midfielders in history. He demonstrates his creativity and control over the game’s pace, forming an unmatched understanding with his teammate Xavi Hernandez during their time at Barcelona and with the Spanish national team.
Iniesta is a small player, but his extraordinary talent allows him to navigate through tough defenses effortlessly. Even when surrounded by opponents, he remains composed and rarely loses possession. It seems as if the ball is glued to his feet as he moves forward.
”The media frequently asks me about who is better between Messi and Ronaldo, but for me, it’s crystal clear: Andres Iniesta is the top player. He can perform even more challenging feats on the field. His ball control is magical, and he has a tremendous impact on the game”
David Silva
In addition to his exceptional skills, Iniesta gained widespread fame and the love of fans due to his great sportsmanship and wise leadership. He scored crucial goals in important matches, including the two goals against Chelsea in the 2009 Champions League semi-finals, the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands, and goals in all four finals that Barcelona won.
