Spanish football legend Sergio Busquets has announced his retirement from professional football, bringing to an end a glittering career that spanned nearly two decades.
The 37-year-old midfielder confirmed that he will hang up his boots at the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season with Inter Miami, closing a remarkable chapter in modern football history.
Busquets, who joined Inter Miami in 2023 to reunite with his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi, said the decision was made after careful reflection on his long playing journey.
“Football has given me everything — unforgettable moments, friendships, and lessons for life. I’m grateful to every coach, teammate, and fan who has been part of my journey,” he said in a statement. “Now it’s time to say goodbye to playing, but football will always be part of me.”
From La Masia to Global Stardom
A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Busquets made his senior debut in 2008 under Pep Guardiola and quickly became an indispensable part of the team’s “tiki-taka” era.
During his 15 years at Camp Nou, he made more than 700 appearances, winning nine La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, and three UEFA Champions League crowns.
Renowned for his intelligence, positional sense, and composure, Busquets formed one of football’s most celebrated midfields alongside Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta — a trio that defined a generation.
World and European Champion
Busquets’ influence extended to the international stage, where he earned 143 caps for Spain, helping the national team win the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2012. He captained Spain in his later years before retiring from international duty in 2022.
The Final Chapter
Since moving to Inter Miami, Busquets has continued to display his trademark calmness and tactical vision, guiding the team through its most competitive period in MLS history.
As he prepares to bring down the curtain on an extraordinary career, tributes have poured in from across the football world. Former coach Pep Guardiola once described him as “the player who makes others look better.”
Busquets retires as one of the most decorated and respected midfielders of his generation — a symbol of elegance, intelligence, and consistency in the modern game.