Barcelona's top 10 academy graduates

#2 Andres Iniesta

Andres Iniesta is one of Barcelona's greatest ever players

If it wasn’t for a certain Argentine genius, Andres Iniesta might well be considered the finest player to ever pull on the famous Barcelona jersey. The playmaker signed with La Blaugrana at the age of 12 and came through the La Masia system to emerge in the first team in the 2002-03 season. He took some time to establish himself as a first-team regular, but by 2004-05 he was seen as one of the Catalan side’s most improved players, and the following season saw him win a league and Champions League double.

Like his illustrious midfield partner Xavi, Iniesta’s highest achievements came under Pep Guardiola when the former midfielder took over the side in the summer of 2008. It was his phenomenal performances from the centre of the pitch that helped Barca win another Champions League – after which, he was christened as the best player in the world by Wayne Rooney – whose Manchester United side were beaten by Barca in the tournament’s final.

Seemingly blessed with the ability to unlock even the toughest defence, Iniesta departed the Nou Camp at the end of the 2017-18 season after completing 16 seasons there, winning a total of 32 trophies, including 9 La Liga titles and 4 Champions Leagues. He also famously scored the winning goal for Spain in their triumphant 2010 World Cup campaign, cementing himself as one of the finest players of his generation.