Following a 20-year career, legendary defender Jordi Alba announced his retirement from professional soccer, effective at the end of Inter Miami's 2025 MLS season.
His decision was revealed on social media on October 7, 2025, just days after Inter Miami held a ceremony for his teammate and friend, Sergio Busquets,
who also retired.
A storied career
A product of Barcelona's famous youth academy, La Masia, Alba returned to his boyhood club in 2012 after a stint at Valencia.
He went on to spend 11 trophy-laden years at Barcelona, where he became renowned as one of the best attacking left-backs in the world.
Career highlights:
Barcelona: Six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey trophies, and one UEFA Champions League title
Spain: 2012 UEFA European Championship and the 2023 UEFA Nations League
Inter Miami: 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters' Shield
Reunion in Miami
In 2023, Alba joined Inter Miami, reuniting with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez.
The reunion brought significant success to the MLS club, including its first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup, in 2023
A final MLS push
The 36-year-old Alba initially signed a contract extension with Inter Miami in May 2025, but decided to call time on his career sooner.
The timing of his retirement means his final matches will be during Inter Miami's push for the MLS Cup playoffs in late 2025.
The MLS Cup final is set for December 6, 2025.
Tributes from the soccer world
Following his announcement, tributes poured in from former teammates and fans. Lionel Messi commented on Alba's Instagram post, reminiscing on their
time together and asking, "Who is going to give me those passes from behind now?". Inter Miami's owner, Jorge Mas, released a statement calling Alba
"a great asset" and an "exemplary professional" who will forever be part of the club's family.