Barcelona ace Andres Iniesta could see 2010 as the year that launched him into international stardom.
Where once multi-nationals would baulk at discussing endorsement deals with the midfielder, Iniesta will end the year crowned the most popular Spanish athlete - ahead of even the likes of Fernando Alonso (F1) and Rafael Nadal (tennis).
Nike now have the World Cup winner as their major face - while FIFA 2011 chose to put Iniesta on their cover.
A survey by Vipnet360 showed that Iniesta is now the most popular Spanish athlete on the internet, where he has become a phenomenon on Facebook and Twitter.
For 2011, a film is also being discussed for Iniesta, who now has close ties with Hollywood movie moguls.
