World Cup winner Andres Iniesta launches academy in Dubai

DUBAI: Former Spain and Barcelona midfield star Andres Iniesta has joined forces with local partner Abdulrahman Al-Meqbali in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council to launch the Iniesta Academy in the UAE.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Marriott Hotel Al-Jaddaf, Dubai, and attended by Saeed Hareb, secretary general of the Dubai Sports Council, along with a number of other VIP personalities and sports stars.

Iniesta is looking to make a smooth transition from an active playing career in football into coaching with the launch of the academy bearing his name.

He has already committed himself to his next chapter in football — this time as head coach of Dubai-based UAE First Division team Gulf United FC. Having obtained his “A” Licence, the World Cup winner and Champions League-decorated midfielder will continue to progress towards his professional license.

Iniesta officially retired from professional football after a glittering 22-year career in 2024, concluding his playing days in the UAE Pro League with Emirates Club. He symbolically chose Oct. 8 to make the announcement, as a fitting tribute to his iconic number eight jersey.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Iniesta was lauded for his balance, ball control and agility in close spaces, combined with his skill, composure and flair on the ball. Iniesta can today boast of an amazing 38 major trophies during his career, including 32 honours with FC Barcelona — nine La Liga crowns and four UEFA Champions League trophies — along with another three with Japanese side Vissel Kobe and the Spanish national team.

Following his retirement, Iniesta had expressed a strong desire to transition into coaching while also