Andres Iniesta Reportedly to Be Awarded Spanish Grand Cross Before Barca Exit

Barcelona's legendary midfielder Andres Iniesta is reportedly set to be awarded the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sports Merit, which is the most prestigious accolade in Spanish sport. 

According to Samuel Marsden of ESPN FC, the 33-year-old is poised to join former Spain team-mates Xavi Hernandez and Iker Casillas in picking up the prize.

As noted in the report, Iniesta has confirmed he will end his longstanding association with Barcelona at the end of the season and is expected to join a Chinese Super League side.

Per the Footy Accumulators Twitter account, the midfielder has enjoyed an incredible career for both club and country:

After an emotional Iniesta revealed he would be leaving Barcelona at the end of the season the tributes have come flooding in for one of the game's all-time greats, and this award that recognises "distinguished service in sports" is well deserved.

The playmaker has come to embody Barcelona. Having joined the football club aged 12 he made his way through the La Masia academy, secured a place in the first team from a young age and has been a constant during the course of one of the finest eras in the club's history.

Iniesta may not measure up to some other midfield greats in terms of goals and assists, but the incredible influence he has on matches has been unrivalled for many years. The midfielder's awareness, technique and passing range makes him a joy to watch.

While he'll always be adored by those associated with Barcelona, a number of high-profile figures from across European football have praised the impact Iniesta has had on the game during his time at the Camp Nou, per Goal UK:

That goes for supporters across Spain, too. He was recently applauded off the pitch in the Copa del Rey final against Sevilla and clapped onto it by Deportivo la Coruna fans at the Riazor.

After all, Iniesta scored the winner for Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2010 final. As noted by Miguel Delaney of The Independent, he paid tribute to former Espanyol skipper Dani Jarque, who had died of a heart attack a year earlier, after doing so:

The Grand Cross appears a fitting honour for a man who's established a reputation as an iconic footballer and fine person.

Iniesta has the chance to make even more history before he leaves Barcelona. The club have already won the La Liga title but have the chance to go through an entire season unbeaten; Iniesta and his team-mates face rivals Real Madrid on Sunday night in the Clasico, though.