Gulf United FC, a club in the UAE First Division, has appointed Spanish football icon Andrés Iniesta as their new head coach for the upcoming 2026/27 season. Iniesta, who has recently obtained his UEFA A Coaching Licence, expressed excitement about this new chapter in his career, emphasizing his desire to give back to the sport through coaching and nurturing young talent. He stated, "Football has given me everything, and now I want to give something back through coaching." Gulf United, recognized for its focus on youth development, has the youngest squad in the league and shares Iniesta's commitment to developing players with patience and care. Club president Ahmed El Saraf welcomed Iniesta, highlighting his technical quality and intelligence as key attributes that align with the club's values. Founded in 2019, Gulf United has quickly established itself as a leading academy in the UAE, achieving notable success and offering pathways for young players into professional football.