Football fans have been left stunned to find out that Barcelona and Spain legend Andres Iniesta is still playing football at the age of 40.
The legendary midfielder is most famous for scoring the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final as well as being a crucial part of the Barcelona side that dominated Spanish and European football in the 2000s and early 2010s.
Following 16 years and 674 games for his boyhood club after progressing through the Catalan side’s famed La Masia Academy, Iniesta called time on his career in Europe, moving to Japan to join Vissel Kobe in 2018.
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But fans have been left shocked to learn that the 131-time Spain international is still playing in the United Arab Emirates at top-flight club Emirates, who he joined in 2023.
Football lovers couldn’t believe their eyes when pictures of the midfield icon went viral on social media, with Iniesta’s beard and little hair that remains – that frankly has always been pretty thin on top – is now completely grey.
What’s your favourite Andres Iniesta moment? Let us know in the comments section.
(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: Bob Thomas/Getty Images)
Reacting to the picture of Iniesta, one fan joked: “This has gone beyond the love for the game. Iniesta needs to be saved from the game.” A second quipped; “Generational wealth doesn’t come easy,” with a third adding: “Bro is playing for the bag”.
Iniesta captained Emirates in their most recent game last Friday (May 24) against Al Nasr (not to be confused with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi side Al-Nassr) and he opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 2-1 win as he lined up alongside former Barcelona striker Paco Alcacer.
While ex-Southampton forward Manolo Gabbiadini and English football hero Adel Taarabt featured for Al Nasr, with the Moroccan scoring a consolation from the spot.