Inter Miami midfielder and former Barcelona and Spain legend Sergio Busquets has announced he will retire from professional football at the conclusion of the 2025 Major League Soccer season.
The 37-year-old shared the news on Thursday, September 26, via a heartfelt video on his Instagram account.
“These will be my last months on the pitch. I’m retiring very happy, proud, fulfilled, and above all, grateful,” Busquets said. “A heartfelt thank you to everyone and to football for everything. You will always be a part of this beautiful story.”
Widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive midfielders of all time, Busquets built a legacy defined by elegance, intelligence, and composure. His ability to read the game and dictate tempo became a hallmark of both Barcelona’s tiki-taka era and Spain’s golden generation.
During his time at FC Barcelona, Busquets played a pivotal role in one of the most dominant eras in club football history. Between 2009 and 2015, he helped the Catalan side win nine La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies, alongside icons like Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Xavi Hernández. His consistency and tactical acumen made him a cornerstone under multiple managers.
On the international stage, Busquets was equally influential. He was instrumental in Spain’s historic triumphs, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 UEFA European Championship. By the time he retired from international football following the 2022 World Cup, he had earned 143 caps for La Roja.
In 2023, Busquets made the move to the United States to join Inter Miami, reuniting with long-time friend and former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi. His arrival was seen as a landmark moment for MLS, and he continued to impress with the same footballing intelligence and technical excellence that defined his career.
Busquets’ retirement will mark the end of an extraordinary journey—from La Masia to global stardom—leaving behind a legacy of trophies, timeless performances, and a place among the sport’s all-time greats.
