Spanish soccer legend Iniesta launches academy in Dubai

Football icon Andres Iniesta has officially launched his Iniesta Academy in Dubai, marking a significant step in his transition from a celebrated playing career to coaching.

Teaming up with local partner Abdulrahman Almeqbali and in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council, Iniesta aims to impart his renowned football methodology to aspiring players. The academy's mission extends beyond technical skills, emphasizing the development of strong human values such as kindness, fairness, and equality.

Iniesta, widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, retired from professional football on October 8, 2024, after a distinguished 22-year career. His final playing days were with UAE Pro League club Emirates Club. He has also taken on the role of Head Coach for the Dubai-based UAE First Division team, Gulf United FC, while pursuing his Pro Licence coaching badges.

The academy's foundational pillars are to facilitate access to Iniesta's unique training approach and to cultivate players who possess both on-field prowess and strong ethical character. "Our mission is not just to make football players, but also pay equal attention to having wonderful humans," Iniesta stated during the press conference. He stressed the importance of developing players with skills and motivation, but equally, if not more, with core human values.

With 38 major trophies to his name, including numerous accolades with FC Barcelona, Iniesta brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the sport. The Iniesta Academy will be overseen by carefully selected technical directors committed to blending football excellence with personal integrity.

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Our mission is not just to make football players, but also pay equal attention to having wonderful humans. It is very important to be a good player who has all the skills and motivation to become successful. But it is equally, if not more important, to see that each player develops with core human values of kindness, fairness and equality.