Key Takeaways:
- Sergio Busquets confirmed his retirement from professional football at the end of the current campaign
- The 37-year-old has claimed 137 international caps, nine La Liga titles, three Champions League trophies, seven Copa del Rey wins, a World Cup and a European Championship
- This season, Busquets will conclude his playing days alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami after helping them into the MLS play-offs
A Celebrated Career Across Barcelona, Spain, and MLS
Sergio Busquets, one of the game’s most formidable midfielders and a key architect in both Barcelona and Spain’s era of dominance, has announced he will retire following the conclusion of the ongoing Major League Soccer season. Having helped Inter Miami into the play-offs, Busquets will finish his professional journey in the United States, playing his final fixtures beside fellow Barcelona greats Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez.
🚨🇪🇸 BREAKING: Sergio Busquets has decided to retire from professional football.
Legendary Spanish midfielder will say goodbye at the end of current MLS season in few weeks.
Absolute legend and icon of the game. pic.twitter.com/ASrTP41h9v
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 26, 2025
Busquets’ legacy includes a staggering 18-year spell at Barcelona, which began with his development at the renowned La Masia academy. Throughout his time with the Catalan club, he amassed nine La Liga titles, three Champions League wins, and seven Copa del Rey trophies, before departing Europe in 2023 to join Inter Miami.
On the international stage, Busquets established himself as a mainstay for Spain, earning 137 caps and playing pivotal roles in their World Cup and European Championship triumphs.
🚨BREAKING: Sergio Busquets has announced his retirement from football after this current MLS season. pic.twitter.com/OQQeHjiJwL
— MC (@CrewsMat10) September 26, 2025
From Tiki-Taka Icon to Inter Miami Influence
His ascendancy at Barcelona coincided with Pep Guardiola’s managerial breakthrough, where Busquets became synonymous with the tiki-taka style that transformed European football. Guardiola’s trust in the midfielder positioned him at the heart of one of the sport’s most influential teams.
Since arriving in the United States, Busquets has brought both vision and leadership to Inter Miami, immediately becoming integral to the side. The club has credited Busquets for helping secure both the Supporters’ Shield and the Leagues Cup during his tenure, as well as for his role in their development on and off the pitch.
| Club | Years | Trophies Won |
|---|---|---|
| FC Barcelona | 2005 – 2023 |
9 La Liga 3 Champions League 7 Copa del Rey |
| Spain National Team | 2009 – 2022 |
1 World Cup 1 European Championship |
| Inter Miami | 2023 – Present |
Supporters’ Shield Leagues Cup |
The Final Chapter: Farewell Contemplates the Future
In declaring his imminent retirement on Instagram, Busquets stated: “I feel that the time has come to say goodbye to my career as a professional soccer player. It has been almost 20 years enjoying this incredible story that I have always dreamed of.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone, and to football, for everything. You will always be a part of this beautiful story.”
Inter Miami reflected on his legacy with the statement: “Since joining Inter Miami CF in 2023, Busquets has been instrumental in the club’s continued growth, contributing his vision and quality in midfield, as well as his experience and leadership, and playing a role in winning both the Supporters’ Shield and the Leagues Cup.
The team now looks forward to his contribution in the push for its objectives during the final stretch of the campaign, which will bring to a close an extraordinary career that saw him claim numerous titles and accolades with FC Barcelona and the Spanish National Team, earning recognition as one of the greatest midfielders in football history.”
Busquets will share these closing moments with Messi, providing a poetic end to both their careers at Inter Miami. The MLS regular season runs until mid-October, with the play-offs extending to December.
Guardiola Hints at Busquets’ Post-Retirement Prospects
Attention will soon turn to Busquets’ next steps after football. Following his exit from Barcelona, Pep Guardiola offered his own thoughts on his former midfielder’s unique footballing acumen: “Busquets was the best, able to read everything that happens and anticipate situations,” he said.
“He didn’t move a lot, only in the centre, but he could solve any problem with his brain. It was fascinating to work and learn with him. I said it in private but… I think he will be an exceptional coach.”
