Iniesta Follows Xavi’s Path, Takes Up First Coaching Job In The Middle East

Last Updated:June 02, 2026, 11:56 IST

Barcelona and Spain legend Andrés Iniesta has been appointed Gulf United head coach, marking the first managerial role of his career as he begins life on the touchline.

Andres Iniesta will take the reins at Gulf United (X)

Andres Iniesta has officially embarked on the next phase of his football journey.

The former Barcelona and Spain midfield legend has been appointed head coach of UAE second-tier side Gulf United, securing the first senior managerial role of his career less than two years after hanging up his boots.

The 42-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, will take charge of the Dubai-based club while continuing his coaching education and working towards obtaining his UEFA Pro Licence.

A New Chapter Begins

Iniesta has spent recent years preparing for life in management, earning his coaching badges and studying the game from the sidelines. Now, he gets the chance to put those lessons into practice.

Confirming the appointment on Monday, Gulf United revealed that the World Cup winner had joined the club as head coach after completing his A Licence.

“Having obtained his A Licence, the World Cup winner and Champions League-decorated midfielder has joined as head coach as he progresses towards his Pro Licence and takes his first steps on the touchline,” the club said in a statement.

Iniesta retired from professional football in 2024 after a stint with Emirates Club in the UAE, making his return to the country a natural fit.

Following A Familiar Path

The move mirrors the route taken by former Barcelona teammate Xavi Hernandez, who launched his coaching career in Qatar before eventually returning to manage FC Barcelona.

Now, Iniesta will look to build his own managerial identity while helping Gulf United chase promotion to the UAE top flight.

“Joining Gulf United FC feels like the right place to begin this new chapter,” Iniesta said.

“Football has given me everything, and now I want to give something back through coaching, through learning, and through working every day with young players who have the hunger and the talent to go far.”

He echoed that sentiment in a message shared on social media, describing the role as “an important step” in his development as a coach.

A Decorated Legacy

Iniesta was the heartbeat of one of football’s greatest eras, winning multiple Champions League and La Liga titles with Barcelona while scoring the winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final for Spain.

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Siddharth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More

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