Welcome to #EuroRank, a weeklong look at the top 25 players we expect to see at the European Championship. Over 50 ESPN FC experts and writers from across the globe voted, and we're rolling out the results right up to opening day, when France plays Romania on June 10.
Why is Andres Iniesta in the top 25?
At 32, the light may be fading a little on Iniesta, but he remains a player of immense influence, someone who almost always steps up when the stakes increase. Having scored the winner in the 2010 World Cup final for Spain against Netherlands, he was then given the Best Player of the Tournament award at Euro 2012, as Spain won their third successive crown. He remains a vital cog in the Barcelona midfield machine, as a leading light of the team that has won five trophies, including the 2015 Champions League, in the last two seasons.
What the experts say about Iniesta:
"He is amazing and to win the Champions League four times is just a joke actually. However you want to look at it, it's just a joke." -- Former teammate Thierry Henry, June 2015.
"It would be an injustice if Iniesta finishes his career without the Ballon d'Or among his enormous achievements." -- Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque, May 2016.
Career highlight:
Seizing on a Cesc Fabregas pass in extra time, Iniesta scored the single goal that defeated Netherlands and won the 2010 World Cup final.
Stat of the season:
Barcelona's May 22 Copa Del Rey final victory over Sevilla was the 700th match of Iniesta's career.
What next for Iniesta after Euro 2016?
Having spent his entire career at Barcelona, it is hugely difficult to see him ending his playing days anywhere other than Camp Nou.
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