How did the shy boy from Albacete garner the world’s attention?

Andres Iniesta’s career is one very few can even dream about. Ten domestic titles, seven domestic cups, four Champions League titles, two European championships, and that famous 2010 FIFA World Cup victory. There is also a host of individual accolades, of course, but Iniesta wouldn’t want you to know about those. Perhaps he would be proud of his Grand Cross, awarded by Royal (Real) decree in 2018.

Maybe that’s why Iniesta sought a move to Japan later in life. He could enjoy his football without the additional scrutiny of the European press. And that’s all he ever wanted to do – enjoy his football.

It is not surprising to fans when we are told of Iniesta’s modesty and bashfulness. His style of play oozed humility. There was no screaming for the ball in the style of a Roy Keane or a Steven Gerrard. Rather, Iniesta demanded the ball simply by being in the right place at the right time. He would glide across the pitch, making the game look remarkably simple. He was renowned for short, intricate passes, purposeful movement, and enviable balance. He was the ultimate exponent of the tiki-taka playstyle for which Barcelona become renowned.

Iniesta’s humility is certainly evident off the pitch. Who can forget that touching tribute to former Espanyol captain Dani Jarque after his world cup winning goal in 2010? It might be a stretch to suggest that he transcended the Catalan independence debate – indeed he even featured for Catalonia early in his career – but he was certainly accepted by rival Espanyol fans far more than any other Barcelona player. His standing ovation at Estadi Cornellá-El Prat will live long in the memory. More recently, he and Vissel Kobe teammate Lukas Podolski led efforts to raise funds for an earthquake relief fund in Hokkaido.

Whether he likes it or not, Iniesta will be remembered by many as a wonderful footballer, and man. A man who made the beautiful game even more beautiful.

Sorry Andres, you are famous. Gracias.

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By Leon Parrott