Andrés Iniesta names his top 5 footballers – did Messi and Ronaldo make the list?
Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta has revealed his personal top five greatest footballers of all time in an interview for TikTok channel ofmanny. His choices may come as a surprise, as he did not include Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo—despite playing alongside one and competing against the other for many years.
Iniesta’s top 5 players in history are: Michael Laudrup, Pep Guardiola, Xavi, Santi Cazorla, David Silva. The Spaniard placed Laudrup at the top of his list, highlighting the former Barcelona and Real Madrid playmaker’s technical ability and elegant playing style.
"His technique and his beautiful way of playing, the way he attacked from midfield—I tried to emulate him even as a child," Iniesta admitted.
Iniesta retired from professional football in autumn 2024 at the age of 40, finishing his career with UAE club Emirates. In November 2024, he also made headlines by acquiring a stake in Danish Third Division club Helsingør, becoming its co-owner.
Yasmine Green
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
