A Shocking Turn for a Beloved Legend
Barcelona and Spain legend Andrés Iniesta — known worldwide for his brilliance on the pitch — is facing serious legal trouble in Peru.
According to multiple reports, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Peru is investigating Iniesta and his companies over allegations of fraud worth more than €500,000.
Prosecutors claim that companies linked to the former midfielder — Never Say Never (NSN) Barcelona and its South American branch NSN Sudamérica — collected money from local entrepreneurs for entertainment events that never took place.
The accusations have shocked fans around the world, given Iniesta’s long-standing reputation as one of football’s most humble and respected figures.
What the Allegations Say
According to reports from De Telegraaf and Peruvian media outlets, Iniesta’s companies promised to organize major entertainment events in South America, including:
- An international football friendly
- A K-pop music festival
- A legends football match
However, none of these events ever happened.
Prosecutors also allege that one event — the Upa Upa Fest — did take place but resulted in heavy financial losses, which caused other planned events to be cancelled.
The total loss to Peruvian investors is estimated at around €518,000 ($600,000/£450,000). Authorities are now investigating whether the funds collected in Peru were transferred abroad, and whether Iniesta’s name and reputation were used to attract investment under false promises.
‘Led by the Wrong People’
Iniesta, who is currently based in Dubai, has not yet commented publicly on the case.
However, according to Spanish outlet La Sexta, people close to the former midfielder say he was “led by the wrong people”, and that those individuals may have mismanaged or misused his name.
One of the companies involved is reportedly being liquidated to cover the debts from the failed projects.
Emilio Lozano, one of the affected investors, told the Spanish TV program “Y ahora Sonsoles” that he and others invested thousands into the planned football matches and concerts — but were left with nothing.
“There was no notification whatsoever,” Lozano said. “We found out that the company was in liquidation. They never took responsibility, even though they said they would.”
The Peruvian authorities are now reviewing financial records to see where the money went — and whether Iniesta had any direct involvement in the alleged fraud.
Could Iniesta Face Charges?
For now, Iniesta has not been officially charged with a crime. The investigation is still in progress, and prosecutors are said to be collecting more documents and testimonies from everyone involved.
If authorities find evidence of wrongdoing, the Spanish star could face criminal charges under Peruvian law.
It remains unclear how much personal involvement Iniesta had in managing the NSN events, or whether other executives handled those operations without his knowledge.
The case has created a difficult situation for Iniesta, whose reputation as a fair, kind, and professional athlete has been a key part of his legacy.
Life After Football
Iniesta, now 40 years old, retired from professional football in 2024 after a legendary career that included:
- 9 La Liga titles
- 4 UEFA Champions League trophies with Barcelona
- The 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2 European Championships with Spain
Since retiring, he has lived in Dubai, working on several business ventures — including Never Say Never (NSN), Mikakus Barcelona (a sneaker brand), and investments in Danish club Helsingør.
He has also said he plans to earn his coaching license, though he has no immediate plans to coach Barcelona.
“I’m in a new chapter of my life,” Iniesta told FourFourTwo. “I want to keep learning and growing. I still have the same passion for what I do.”
A Reputation at Stake
While the full truth behind the Peruvian investigation remains unclear, the situation has already affected Iniesta’s image.
For a player celebrated for honesty and humility, these allegations mark an unexpected and uncomfortable chapter.
Fans across the world are hoping the investigation will bring clarity — and that the man who once made football beautiful on the pitch can now clear his name off it.