“If you win without sacrifice you enjoy it but it’s more satisfying when you have struggled.” – Andrés Iniesta
Iniesta is some footballer: captain of Barcelona, universally admired, winner of multiple team and individual accolades. He is an example of professionalism and humility. Iniesta is a man that fierce rivals can’t help but applaud. I have huge affection for Iniesta and his way of playing always impresses me. The way he keeps possession, gets by opponents, is aware of space around him, orchestrates play and defends. He makes it look so easy and I believe he’s one of the best midfielders to ever grace the football field. I can say that I have learnt a great deal from Iniesta from his actions on the field and from the things he has said. Here are 7 lessons I’d like to share with you…
Pursue Your Dreams
“I had the goal of being a success at Barcelona when I arrived and until I did that I was not satisfied.” Iniesta had a goal and worked tirelessly to achieve it. He knew his strengths and weaknesses, modelled his game on other players and became the player he is today.
Try Your Best
“I do believe all sportsmen are competitive. It’s our life; day by day we compete with rivals and teammates and try to win. It’s something that all sportsmen have inside.” Iniesta is a quiet and peaceful person, but on the field he tries tirelessly to perform for the duration of the match. You never see Iniesta play badly and that would not be possible without a ferocious winning mentality.
Be Selfless
“I will keep helping the team become successful”. Iniesta is completely and utterly selfless. Even with all those flicks, spins and tricks this is what I think is the most wonderful thing about Iniesta. He always places the team first and foremost. He plays for the club, his teammates and the fans.
Be a Better Person
“It’s not my target to be the best in the world, though. It’s better to be better as a person every year and to be happy playing.” Iniesta strives for impeccable behaviour as much as for playing fabulous football.
Keep Evolving
“I am very critical of myself and I like to improve everything. It’s not like I don’t like the way I am doing things right now, or that I like everything that I am doing. I believe there is always room for improvement.” In every match I watch Iniesta he amazes me and is always doing something new. Iniesta is consistently looking for ways to improve.
Humility
“I’m not better or worse than anyone else in the world. I have my virtues and my flaws like everyone else.” Iniesta remains humble even after winning almost everything there is to win at top level football.
Know Your Roots
“Growing up at the Club led me to become the athlete and person I am today.” Iniesta always pays homage to Barcelona and he is a family man.
Football is lucky to have Iniesta as an ambassador. You have different sorts of people in life and it is not different in football. Although, I still say to my students: “Look at Iniesta, do as he does.”