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The former midfielder was a major part of all-conquering Spain and Barcelona teams, and we have put together the top five most iconic moments from his career.
Iniesta was famous for his on-field connection with Xavi Hernandez and Lionel Messi at Barcelona, as well as his top notch performances that helped Spain go from underachievers to becoming a dominant force.
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From scoring memorable goals, to creating magic and winning several awards, here are Iniesta’s top five most iconic moments.
1. World Cup Winning Goal (2010)
Iniesta's crowning moment came in the 116th minute of the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands.
In what a tense match, Iniesta latched onto a pass from Cesc Fàbregas, kept his composure, and slotted the ball past Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.
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This goal secured Spain's first-ever World Cup trophy and etched Iniesta's name in football history.
His iconic celebration, removing his shirt to reveal a tribute to his late friend Dani Jarque, added an emotional depth to the unforgettable moment.
2. "Iniestazo" Against Chelsea (2009)
In the 2009 Champions League semifinal against Chelsea, Barcelona were on the brink of elimination. With seconds left on the clock, Iniesta produced a moment of pure magic.
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He received the ball outside the box, cut inside, and unleashed a perfectly placed shot that beat Petr Cech in goal for Chelsea.
This goal sent Barcelona through to the final on away goals, where they went on to defeat Manchester United and won the Champions League.
3. 2010 UEFA Best Player Award
Iniesta's crowning achievement after his World Cup triumph was winning the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award for 2010. His performances throughout the year, particularly in the World Cup final, were instrumental in Barcelona's dominance and Spain's success.
4. UEFA Euro 2012 Player of the Tournament
Iniesta played a key role in Spain's successful defense of their European Championship title in 2012.
His vision, passing, and ability to create chances were crucial to Spain's dominance throughout the tournament.
Iniesta was named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performances, further cementing his status as one of the best midfielders in the world.
5. Farewell to Camp Nou (2018)
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After senior 16 years at Barcelona, Iniesta announced his departure from the club in 2018. His farewell match at Camp Nou was a fitting tribute to his legendary career.
The stadium was packed with emotional fans who chanted his name and applauded his every touch.
Iniesta scored a goal and provided an assist as Barcelona defeated Real Sociedad 1-0.
The match was a celebration of Iniesta's incredible contributions to the club and a bittersweet farewell to one of the greatest players of his generation.
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