In 2010, three footballing giants from FC Barcelona—Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, and Lionel Messi—were nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, a moment that showcased the dominance of Spanish football and Barcelona’s unparalleled style of play. While Messi ultimately claimed the title, the nominations of Iniesta and Xavi sparked widespread admiration and debate about their influence on world football. In this article, we explore Iniesta’s reflections on that historic occasion, his thoughts on the significance of the award, and what it meant to be recognized alongside his teammates and friends.
Iniesta: “I’d like to return to Barça at some point. Not just to say it, but because those who had so much influence, in one way or another, have to be there. When I can do what I did as a player in another role at the club, I’d be delighted.”
Iniesta: “I can’t stay too far away because football has been my life. I would have played until I was 90 years old. If there is one word that can sum up this moment, it is pride. Pride in having fought until the last day.”
Iniesta: “My happiest memory at Barça is the day I made my debut. Two moments, the day I made my debut in Bruges, and the day I made my debut at the Stadium against Recreativo.”
Iniesta: “I hope Hansi Flick can be at Barça for many years, it would be a good sign for the club. The work he is doing and will do will be fantastic.”
Iniesta: “My father? I owe all my achievements in football to him.”
Iniesta: “For me, coming to Barça was a dream that I focused on to fulfill. I arrived at the best possible place to fulfill all dreams.”
Iniesta: “I feel very happy to achieve my dream. My sporting career was like a fairy tale because I lived the best moments at the professional level.”
Iniesta: “La Masía changed me forever… It’s a period that marked my life.”
Iniesta: “They are tears of emotion and pride, not tears of sadness. They are those of that boy from Fuentealbilla who had the dream of being a footballer and achieved it.”
