World Cup 2018: 9 Players Playing in their Fourth World Cup and One Playing his Fifth

Lionel Messi World Cup
The closest Lionel Messi has been to the World Cup trophy

#7 Andres Iniesta (Spain)

Soccer - 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa - Final - Netherlands v Spain - Soccer City Stadium
Andres Iniesta scored the winner in the final in 2010

The man was adored wherever he played in Spain after scoring the winner in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final. He received a standing ovation wherever he went and rightly so - even by derby rivals Espanyol who he endeared himself to by paying tribute to their captain Dani Jarque who had passed away before the tournament.

No 34, Iniesta has walked away from European football with a trophy haul that includes four Champions League titles and nine La Liga titles - 33 club trophies in all. With two Euros to add to the World Cup, Iniesta has 35. In Russia, he will look to win his 36th.

In 2006, he was a rookie, playing just one game after they had sealed qualification to the knockout stages. 2010 was when he came of age despite injury fears almost keeping him at home. He overcame them all to eventually triumph and give Spain their first ever title.

Also read: Andres Iniesta's road to destiny - Federer, Alonso, Estiarte and the sound of silence

While 2010 was a forgettable outing, this edition will see him as the most senior player after Pepe Reina. It will be the last time we see him in a Spain shirt as he plans to retire from international duty after the World Cup.

youtube-cover

Quick Links

Edited by Amit Mishra
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications