Happy Birthday Iniesta, Courtois and Dos Santos

Sport360 staff 09:56 11/05/2016
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  • Born in 1984, Andres Iniesta was immediately under the spotlight at the early age of 12. Barcelona’s youth coach Enrique Orizaola pleaded with the promising talent’s parent going as far as touring them around the fabled La Masia grounds before finally persuading them.

    Initially home-sick and introverted, the teenager soon excelled in the Catalan side’s under-15 squad, notably securing the Nike Premier Cup in 1999 whilst being hailed player of the tournament.

    In 2004, Iniesta began his journey as a first team regular, comfortably filling in for the likes of Xavi and Edmilson. He even ended the season with 37 out of 38 league presences, a feat his fellow teammates did not replicate.

    In the infamous 2009 campaign, he became an integral squad member, helping to amass six trophies alone.

    He represented his country at all possible age categories, finally making his senior international debut in 2006. Although this campaign ended in defeat, he helped Spain clinch two successive European Championships and playing an instrumental role in Spain’s World Cup domination, earning the Man of the Match accolade for his extra-time winner against the Netherlands in South Africa.

    Iniesta celebrating a World Cup-winning goal

    Iniesta celebrating a World Cup-winning goal

    In total, the Spaniard has won over 29 trophies, making him the most Spanish footballer in existence.

    More sports celebrities born on the same day:

    1986: Miguel Veloso, Portuguese international played for Sporting Lisbon, Genoa and Dynamo Kiev. (29)

    1989: Cam Newton, American quarterback who is the only player in the modern era to win a national championship, become first overall pick in an NFL draft within a one-year span and be awarded the Heisman Trophy. (27)

    1989: Giovani dos Santos, the Mexican attacking midfielder has featured for Barcelona, Tottenham, Villarreal, Galatasaray and presently LA Galaxy. (26)

    1992: Thibaut Courtois, Belgian goalkeeper spent three seasons on loan with Atletico Madrid, lifting up the La Liga title and reaching a Champions League’s final before his Chelsea return where he won the Premier League and League Cup. (23)

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