When Andrés Iniesta joined Vissel Kobe in 2018, it was a massive boon for the Meiji Yasuda J.League. One of the best midfielders ever, a legend at Barcelona and for the Spain national team, and an outright icon of the sport was coming to Japan.

Five years on, Don Andrés is getting set for his final match in Kobe on Saturday at 7 pm JST in a match that will be streamed live on the J.League International YouTube channel before departing the Ushi.

Iniesta’s impact on the J.League and Japanese football is undeniable and he’s given us some memories that will last a lifetime.

There was the 2019 shootout against Nagoya Grampus when Iniesta and David Villa scored two goals a piece to win a 5-3 thriller.

The 2019 season also brought Vissel their very first major trophy, with Iniesta leading the Ushi to the Emperor’s Cup crown.

A year later brought Iniesta and Vissel their second trophy, with the Spaniard in front as the Ushi took home the Super Cup.

His 2020 performance against Sagan Tosu was not to be forgotten, with a terrific run and finish from a sharp angle then an assist on the winning goal in a 4-3 win.

Iniesta was at his very best in scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 win over Nagoya Grampus later that season, playing the pass in then, when it came back to him, blasting it home on the first touch to win it for the Ushi.

Who could forget his free kick against Urawa Reds in 2021 that left the goalkeeper absolutely dumbfounded before adding another goal later in the match?

His goal and assist to lead Vissel to a key win over Yokohama FC in 2021 was terrific as well.

It’s been an unforgettable five years with Iniesta on Japanese shores and Saturday’s farewell will be the sendoff full of love and appreciation befitting a player that has written his name into football lore.