Football great Iniesta begins coaching career in Dubai

Football legend Andrés Iniesta has begun a new chapter in his career, taking on his first coaching role as head coach of Gulf United FC in Dubai.

The former Spain international, who won the World Cup and multiple UEFA Champions League titles, recently obtained his A Licence and is now working towards his Pro Licence.

Iniesta says Gulf United's focus on developing young talent made it the ideal place to start his coaching journey.

The club currently fields the youngest squad in the UAE First Division (second tier of UAE football) and has built a reputation for giving former professional players their first opportunities in coaching.

Founded in Dubai in 2019, Gulf United has become one of the UAE's fastest-growing football clubs, with more than 600 players representing 83 nationalities across its programmes.

Iniesta says he hopes to grow as a coach while helping young players develop their talent and reach their potential.

Ahmed El Saraf, Gulf United FC's President, said: "He is not just one of the greatest players of his generation, he is someone who has always stood for the values we believe in: technical quality, intelligence, and a genuine love for the game."

This move also aligns with the 'Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033', which prioritizes empowering public and private clubs and enhancing their operations.

The Dubai Sports Council views private clubs as essential partners in shaping the future of sports, building institutional capacity and driving the transition toward full professionalism.