Latest news with #Iniesta
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legends have their say: who is the Champions League GOAT? 🐐
Legends have their say: who is the Champions League GOAT? 🐐 The legends have taken the mic in the lead-up to the Champions League final in Munich. From Ribery to Iniesta, including Obi Mikel, Roberto Carlos, and even Thiago Alcántara. They have all been asked who is the legend that comes to mind when the word "Champions League" is mentioned, and these have been their responses. Advertisement Do you agree? This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. 📸 FRANCK FIFE
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Andres Iniesta reveals the secret to Luis Enrique's success as he bids to end PSG's Champions League hoodoo - and opens up on THAT goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Ten years after being named the Champions League final's Player of the Match, Andres Iniesta returned to Germany with a message for his manager in that 3-1 win over Juventus, as he takes his new side into Saturday's showpiece. Time has had little effect on the legendary Spanish midfielder, who spent the best part of a decade at the top of the game. While dazzling for the Blaugrana and La Roja, it also failed to impress itself upon him. In Munich on Thursday, it was as if none has passed since those glory days, such was the clamour from fans as he arrived with the Champions League trophy, having overseen its journey from UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland with official sponsors FedEx. The procession which the former Spain star led was made up of stars from the local community, including International Football Club of Bern, DFI Football Academy and UEFA Foundation for Children's, SCORING GIRLS*. Fans could hardly control themselves as Iniesta arrived with Europe's most treasured piece of football silverware. Those involved in FedEx's Delivering For Success film were all given exclusive access to Iniesta with learning experiences covering education, equipment provision, coaching and career management. Now 41, and only seven months removed from officially hanging up his boots, the former midfielder still appears more than able to dictate a match. Four years after winning the European Cup for a third time in 2011, the maestro claimed his fourth and final crown under the tutelage of Enrique in a Barca team famed for their era-defining front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. By 2015, his international triumphs were behind him, indeed his equally as iconic midfield partner Xavi had lost his place in the side to Ivan Rakitic. But Iniesta continued to reign supreme and was crucial in sinking the Italians. Speaking at the UEFA Champions Festival at the Olympiapark Munich, Iniesta shed light on the 'special trainer' who is going in search of his second title on Saturday. 'He's a very good coach,' said the World Cup winner. 'He's a very good person and he has a very special way of communicating with the players, communicating his ideas. 'I'm really happy for him that he can be on this stage. I have a good relationship with him and I wish him all the best.' Enrique's PSG head into the final as favourites, having dispatched a hat-trick of Premier League sides on route to their second Champions League final. The monied club are satiate the 14-year obsession of their Qatari owners by clinching European football's top prize. But Iniesta is under no illusions that the task will be a difficult one up against 2021 finalist Inter Milan, adding: 'I would be happy if [Enrique] won but those are two very good teams so we will just have to see. The Spanish coach is looking to repeat the feat with PSG, who have never won the Champions League Hidden behind Iniesta's rye smile and calm demeanour at the Walk of Champions parade in the Bavarian capital remained a burning love for the club where he made his name. To illustrate, when asked to name a starting XI of the best players he has played alongside for club and country, he responded with almost the exact side that dismantled Manchester United in the 2011 final at Wembley - save for himself, ever the modest. When pushed for his favourite current midfielders, he replied with a trio of Blaugrana stars. 'Always Barca,' said the man who made more than 670 appearances for the club, winning nine top-flight titles and six Spanish Cups among other prizes. If not for the otherworldly talents of his former colleague Lionel Messi, he would surely have multiple Ballon d'Or in his trophy cabinet as well. Iniesta spent a total of 22 years at the Nou Camp before his departure in 2018. In that time most goals and assists must blur into one but for the footballing great there is one Champions League strike he values above all others. At the very start of Guardiola era in Catalunya, his side faced a streetwise and determined Chelsea in the semi-final of the competition. After a goalless draw in Spain the initiative was with the Blues, finallist a year prior. And it showed. Sadly, that match is only remembered - on these shores at least - for the outrageous denial of several penalties for the home side by referee Tom Henning Ovrebo. What is often forgotten is the two incredible strikes that produced the 1-1 draw that sent Barca to the final, where they would meet United: a ludicrous volley from Michael Essien and an arrowed last-gasp effort from Iniesta. It was Barcelona's first shot on target in the match. The match is best remembered on these shores for the controversial deniel of several penalties for the home side 'The goal against Chelsea in the semi-final was nice,' he said while desperately trying - and failing - to return a mischievous grin to a blank expression. '[The emotions] were amazing. The people were going crazy it was very nice for us.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
🏆 Andrés Iniesta helps deliver the Champions League trophy to Munich
Barcelona and Spain legend Andrés Iniesta has helped deliver the Champions League trophy to Munich ahead of this weekend's hotly-anticipated final. Iniesta, who won the tournament four times as a player with the Blaugrana, was on hand to deliver the famous old trophy to the German city on Thursday. The veteran midfielder was working alongside FedEx and delighted fans at the UEFA Champions Festival in Olympiapark München. Together, they presented a spectacular Walk of Champions parade celebration to welcome the UEFA Champions League trophy to the host city, ahead of the world's most watched club football final. The communities, including International Football Club of Bern, DFI Football Academy and UEFA Foundation for Children's, SCORING GIRLS* completed the parade, taking part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at the UEFA Champions Festival to walk alongside European football royalty. 'It's been an incredible experience to be a part of the FedEx UEFA Champions League Trophy Delivery this season," Iniesta said. "I've felt honoured to be able to deliver success in all the communities we've visited, and to bring everybody together for a celebration of the Trophy delivery has been incredible. "I will remember this experience for a long time and hope it can inspire the communities to deliver success in the future.' With the help of the FedEx courier, the former FC Barcelona star navigated the lively walkways of Olympiapark, successfully delivering the UEFA Champions League to the Champions Pitch and placing it onto the trophy plinth in full view of an excited crowd, who erupted with cheers at the sight of Europe's most treasured piece of football silverware. Andrés Iniesta accompanied FedEx in collecting the UEFA Champions League trophy from UEFA headquarters in Switzerland last week and continues to support FedEx as the trophy moves through Munich, before arriving at the Munich Football Stadium on Saturday, in time for the UEFA Champions League Final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
⭐️ Iniesta with OneFootball: Barça, new Champions League, life now
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. The Barcelona and Spanish football legend shared a very heartwarming moment in the 'Scoring Girls' project, thanks to FedEx. Advertisement Andrés Iniesta stars in FedEx's content series, Delivering For Success, ahead of the UEFA Champions League final on May 31 in Munich. He knows perfectly well what it means to win the Champions League, and to do so with decisive goals. Surrounded by green, footballs, the Champions trophy in the background, and for a good cause, Andrés Iniesta spoke to OneFootball and left us with several headlines. With the 'Scoring Girls' initiative by FedEx, the aim is to give visibility to young women in the world of football, and Iniesta couldn't be happier with the project: "I am very happy to be a part of it and to enjoy football with them. Football continues to be a great connector no matter where you are from, and I am delighted that they can contribute their grain of sand." Three of these young football promises will also have the fortune of being an important part of the upcoming Champions League final in Munich. On this, Iniesta is clear: "It's about enjoying the moment, what they are going to experience at the final is something exceptional and they will always remember it. A final like this doesn't happen every day and it will be very special for them." Iniesta ended his playing career just a few months ago, but he doesn't want to waste any time and is already training to become a coach, and things are going well: "I started a few months ago, I've taken the first step and now it's time to learn, listen, watch, and train myself in this. I don't have a very specific goal, just the focus of moving forward." Advertisement Being able to receive advice from someone like Andrés Iniesta, whether you're an older player or a child, is something that can be worth its weight in gold: "It's something we've been doing at our academy and when it comes to boys and girls, it's always nice to try to pass on what you've experienced and how you understand football." With the Champions League in the background, it was only natural to ask him about the new format, which has caused some controversy: "It's a format that has brought different situations, many goals, and from there it moves into the usual phase. It has an attractive component that makes you enjoy it." But of course, Iniesta is well aware of current events, and as a Barça legend, he continues to closely follow the great season Flick's team is having. Advertisement It's inevitable to talk about the work of Hansi Flick, who in his first year at Barça has achieved a domestic treble and is doing something incredible, even for a legend like Andrés: "A lot of good and positive things are being conveyed, the work is sensational and hopefully they can win titles, that's the goal a club like Barça sets for itself." 📸 Judit Cartiel - 2025 Getty Images When it comes to talking about the players who have stood out in this Champions League, Iniesta looks to his roots, as La Masía once again demonstrates its level, with players like Lamine Yamal destined to lead the project. (Cover and content photos: FedEx)
The Mainichi
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Football: Iniesta looks forward to 'El Clasico' in Kobe
OSAKA (Kyodo) -- Former Spain and Barcelona star midfielder Andres Iniesta said Friday he looks forward to playing in a five-on-five exhibition match in Kobe on May 25 featuring former stars of Barcelona and Real Madrid. The match at GLION Arena Kobe will try to restage the El Clasico between the La Liga rival clubs. Iniesta played in the J-League for about five years, all with Vissel Kobe, through the summer of 2023. "Kobe is my second home, so I'm really looking forward to going back," Iniesta said in an online press conference. "Legendary players will get together. It's a special opportunity for me, too." It will also serve as a rematch of Iniesta's retirement game at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium last December. The participants are scheduled to include Romario and Pepe.
