sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Andres Iniesta didn't hesitate when naming his dream five-a-side team including Man Utd and Real Madrid legends

Home> Football> Football News

Published 17:59 1 Oct 2024 GMT+1

Andres Iniesta didn't hesitate when naming his dream five-a-side team including Man Utd and Real Madrid legends

The former Barcelona man left some notable names out of his side.

Luke Davies

Luke Davies

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Andres Iniesta once revealed his dream five-a-side team and some of the Spanish legend's choices will raise eyebrows.

The 2010 World Cup winner has confirmed he will retire on October 8 after a career spanning over two decades. The former Spain midfielder was part of the 2008-2012 Barcelona team, managed by Pep Guardiola, that dominated the Spanish domestic scene and European football.

His impressive trophy haul includes nine La Liga crowns, six Copa del Reys, four Champions Leagues and even a J1 League with Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he has played most of his football since leaving Barcelona in 2018.

For the last year, Iniesta has plied his trade in the United Arab Emirates with Emirates Club but has now decided to call time on his career.

Advert

The 40-year-old has played with the very best footballers of his generation, he revealed his dream team in an interview with Barcelona.com back in 2017 and included four high-profile names alongside himself in the XI.

Manchester United fans will be pleased with his choice of goalkeeper after he opted to pick legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.

"In goal, I would say Peter Schmeichel, because I think of him as one of the greatest in history," Iniesta said.

"When I was younger, I was drawn to his physical power and incredible saves.

"I would have loved to play with him.

"In defence, I would say Paolo Maldini for everything he has represented for Italy, his club and throughout his whole life.

"His journey, the trophies he's won, his way of doing things — I would have loved to share a changing room with him."

Moving into Iniesta’s domain of the midfielder engine room, he could not help but go for a former Barcelona man, saying: "Michael Laudrup is my midfielder because he is one of my idols.

Andres Iniesta has played in Japan since
Andres Iniesta has played in Japan since

"It would have been incredible to play with him — even for a second.

"His was of playing, of doing things, his style, his class."

Up top, he went for another former Barca player.

"And I would have loved Ronaldo in attack as I believe him to be one of the best in the world," he revealed.

“In 1996, when I was at Barcelona, it was the year he arrived at the club and he left me in awe.

"He impressed the whole world and later won many, many things.

"He was the difference in every team he played for."

Supporters may be surprised that the likes of Xavi, Carles Puyol and Lionel Messi are missing from the side, but the selection was based on the players he did not share the pitch with.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta

Luke Davies
Luke Davies

Journalist with expertise covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA.

X

@lukedaviesmedia

Recommended reads

Tyson Fury explains why his 14-year-old son Prince has “no choice” but to become a boxerGettyTyson Fury targets Jon Jones clash as next move after boxing confirmedGetty“I don’t fight for a country” – Michael 'Venom' Page reveals why he won’t walk out with a flag at UFC LondonGeoff Stellfox/Getty ImagesLerone Murphy details ‘bucket list’ fight ahead of UFC LondonChris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Advert

Choose your content:

an hour ago
2 hours ago
13 hours ago
  • Getty Images
    an hour ago

    Theo Walcott tells player to reject England call up for World Cup

    Walcott doesn't want him to make the same mistake he did in 2006.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    an hour ago

    Jamie Carragher explains why he has 'no wish' to be part of Mo Salah's Anfield farewell

    Salah has confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    2 hours ago

    PIF respond after Richard Keys drops bombshell claim about Newcastle United

    Keys made a huge claim in his latest blog.

    Football
  • Getty
    13 hours ago

    Liverpool's final Mo Salah decision could cost club millions

    Salah has confirmed that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

    Football
  • Raphinha didn't hesitate when naming the only team that can stop Barcelona winning this season's Champions League
  • Lionel Messi didn't hesitate when naming the greatest footballer he's ever seen play live
  • Cristiano Ronaldo didn't hesitate when naming the greatest footballer he's seen play live
  • Lionel Messi said the same eight words to Andres Iniesta whenever a game got difficult and it almost never failed