On July 1, 2023, amidst thunderous applause, a lone superstar left the pitch.His name is Andres Iniesta.The rare genius who has won numerous titles such as the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and many more, landed in Kobe in 2018 and it's been about five years since then.What was it that he brought?I want to look back at my career with Vissel Kobe.

The Iniesta Whirlwind and Long-Cherished Desire

Iniesta chose Kobe as his new field in 2018.”I want to see you playing in a Vissel Kobe uniform.””Please help us build a new future for the club together.”Having received a passionate offer from the owner Mikitani, I decided to transfer.A large number of supporters rushed to catch a glimpse of his play, and Vissel Kobe, which he joined in 2018, exceeded an average of 20,000 attendees for home league games.In 2019, they won the Emperor’s Cup, securing the first title in the team’s history.Player Iniesta became the driving force behind the long-cherished wish fulfillment.The art of reading the flow of the game and instantly changing its course was not only characteristic of Vissel Kobe, but also elevated the quality of the entire Japanese Soccer scene.Despite many instances of renowned players struggling to succeed in the J.LEAGUE and leaving, he shone brightly on the Japanese pitch.

Growth of Comrades

For his teammates, his presence was irreplaceable.Player Iniesta has been serving as the captain since 2019, leading the team.When the game was at a disadvantage, there were times when he raised his voice to inspire the team and revealed his emotions.In the locker room, he proactively held meetings, working hard to enhance the team’s unity.Player Yusei Ozaki, who hails from the Vissel Kobe Academy and has been playing together since 2022, has this to say.

“Although our positions were different, he often gave me advice during both matches and practice.Since he is a player who has battled at the top of the world, his words carry weight.There were times when I would get heated during the match, but the way you maintained composure through effective mind control and led the team was very instructive.On the other hand, I respect the side of him that shows his love for his family, like pasting photos of his wife and children on his locker.”

Likewise, player Yuto Tsuboi, who also graduated from the Vissel Kobe Academy, recalls an episode with player Iniesta as follows.

“He says he’s not good at speaking in public, but after my debut match, he praised me in front of all my teammates in the post-match meeting, saying, ‘You did well.’I was delighted, and it led to a great deal of confidence.”He was a captain who everyone wanted to follow, as he was a player who was kind to his teammates and considerate of others,” I feel.

Not only through play, but sometimes motivate teammates with words and lead the team.There’s no doubt that his captaincy has contributed to the growth of young players.

Future Development

Furthermore, I vigorously worked on the cultivation of the next generation.Since 2019, he has established his own soccer school and has been conveying the joy of soccer to children in Japan.Having the opportunity to receive direct guidance from legends who have reached the top of the world is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for children.They receive guidance with sparkling eyes, and he himself interacts with the children with an innocent smile, as if he has returned to his boyhood.Iniesta conducts these activities with the hope that “children will engage more with soccer and lead a more fulfilling life.”Furthermore, in 2023, together with Rakuten Sports, we launched the soccer learning app as Iniesta Aademy Digital, realizing the creation of borderless soccer experiences for children.Rakuten says, “Powered by Sports. Playing for All.” He was the embodiment of that on and off the pitch. The future Iniestas are chasing the ball again today.

Love

On June 6th, following his announcement of leaving the team, a friendly match was held with his old club, FC Barcelona, and nearly 50,000 spectators gathered at the Japan National Stadium.Not only in Kobe, but fans across Japan mourned the departure of the legend.And on July 1st, after the final match, Iniesta said in his departure ceremony, “I will forever be grateful for the precious memories. From the day you all came here, not only to me but also to my family, you have shown love, respect, and kindness.””I consider Kobe to be my hometown, and I’ve thought that since the first time I came to Kobe,” he said, tearfully.The lifestyle, culture, and environment of Kobe might have been ideal for shaping one’s own future.After the speech, it was impressive to see him go behind the goal and interact with the supporters.”Thank you very much, everyone.”In the end, they expressed their gratitude in Japanese.

This mosaic art was created by collecting messages in 15 languages from Rakuten employees around the world for Iniesta.”Thank you for choosing Japan and adapting to it!” “I still remember the excitement when you came to our company.” “I rejoined Rakuten, which I had once quit, because Iniesta came to Vissel Kobe!” These are some of the biggest expressions of affection given by the employees.His play in Japan is coming to an end, but Iniesta’s career and his relationship with Vissel Kobe will continue.Cheer for his future.

Dale dale Don Andrés mi capitán

Iniesta’s artwork is here

TEXT: Kodai Wada