Andrés Iniesta scored the most important goal in Spanish football history. His winner in the 2010 World Cup Final against the Netherlands set a whole country crying with joy, and that single moment would be enough to make most careers.
For Iniesta it was one moment among many.
What else did Iniesta win?
With Spain he won three major international trophies: Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012. At the last of those he was named Player of the Tournament, the best player in the best team around.
With Barcelona he won 9 La Liga titles and 4 Champions League trophies, part of the club's golden era. He was the heartbeat of both sides, at a time when both were among the strongest teams ever put together.
The way he played matters as much as the medals. His dribbling in tight spaces was as good as anyone's, and he glided past defenders in the white boots that became part of his image. He was the most graceful midfielder of his generation.
The 2010 goal made him famous around the world. The 15 years of steady brilliance at Barcelona are what earn him a place in the top ten.
Tomorrow: number 9.
