Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets has officially announced that he will retire from professional football at the conclusion of
Inter Miami’s 2025 MLS campaign, bringing the curtain down on one of the most decorated careers in modern football.
A Glittering Barcelona Legacy
Busquets spent 16 years with Barcelona, making 722 appearances in all competitions—the third-most in the club’s history.
From his debut in 2008 to his departure in 2023, the midfielder established himself as one of the finest players of his generation.
During his time at the Camp Nou, he won:
9 La Liga titles
7 Copa del Rey trophies
3 UEFA Champions Leagues
3 UEFA Super Cups
3 FIFA Club World Cups
The Club of your life 💙❤️
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 26, 2025
A legend at our Club 🌟
Thanks for all the football, Sergio! pic.twitter.com/1UEyVOh0hR
Often playing alongside Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, Busquets became the heartbeat of Barcelona’s midfield,
renowned for his intelligence, composure, and unrivalled tactical awareness.
He also holds the record for the most El Clásico appearances (48) for either Barcelona or Real Madrid,
underlining his longevity and consistency at the highest level.
Success with Spain
On the international stage, Busquets was equally influential. He earned 143 senior caps for Spain, the third-most in the nation’s history.
He played a pivotal role in helping La Roja win the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012, cementing his place as one of Spain’s all-time greats.
The Miami Chapter
Busquets joined Inter Miami in June 2023, reuniting with close friends Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba.
He wasted little time making an impact, helping the Herons win the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2024.
Now 37, he is determined to finish his career on a high as Miami chase more silverware in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Busquets’ Farewell Message
In an emotional Instagram video, Busquets reflected on his journey:
> “It has been almost 20 years enjoying this incredible story that I always dreamed of.
Football has given me unique experiences in wonderful places, with the best travel companions.>
> Thanks to FC Barcelona, the club of my life… thanks to the Spanish national team,
it was an honour to represent it… and thanks to Inter Miami for allowing me to be part of a new experience.”
What Comes Next for Miami
Busquets’ retirement will free up a Designated Player (DP) slot in Inter Miami’s squad. Reports suggest that the club may use this opportunity to finalise a two-year contract extension for Messi, ensuring the team remains competitive while transitioning into a new era.
For Busquets, however, the story is almost complete—an illustrious career filled with trophies, historic moments, and an enduring legacy as one of the finest
defensive midfielders the game has ever seen.