Spanish football legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets announced they will retire following the conclusion of the 2025 MLS regular season.
The two legends, who have shared the pitch for both FC Barcelona and Inter Miami, will close out their illustrious careers after nearly two decades at the top level of the sport alongside great friends.
Their retirement marks the end of one of the most remarkable generations in Spanish football, defined by technical brilliance, tactical intelligence and deep friendship.
Busquets officially announced his decision on Sep. 26, capping a career that has been synonymous with control, composure and consistency. Known for creating pace with elegance in the midfield, Busquets joined Barcelona’s senior team in 2008 under Pep Guardiola, after being noticed on a training session with Barcelona’s lower teams and quickly became the backbone of one of football’s most dominant teams. Over 15 seasons at the Catalan club, he made more than 700 appearances, winning nine La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions League trophies, three Club World Cups, seven Copa del Rey titles, seven Supercopa de España titles, three UEFA Super Cups, two Copa Catalunya titles and one Catalan Super Cup.
Internationally, Busquets was a central figure in Spain’s golden era, helping lift the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 UEFA European Championship. His ability to read the game, anticipate danger and dictate tempo made him irreplaceable for Spain’s super team.
Alba followed with his own announcement on Oct. 7, ending a career built on resilience, attacking flair and unwavering commitment. Alba joined Barcelona in 2012 and quickly proved himself as one of the world’s premier left-backs. Known for his overlapping runs and magical linkups with Lionel Messi on Champions League nights, he became a key architect of Barcelona’s attacking style. During his tenure, Alba won one FIFA World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, four Supercopa de España, six La Liga titles, one Champions League, five Copa del Rey trophies, one Nations League title and one UEFA European Championship title.
For Spain, Alba made over 90 appearances, contributing significantly during the nation’s most successful period. His goal in the Euro 2012 final against Italy remains one of the tournament’s most memorable moments, becoming a symbol of his will to do everything for his team.
After leaving Barcelona, both Alba and Busquets reunited with Messi at Inter Miami, where they linked up again in the MLS. Together, they brought global attention to the American league, elevating its visibility and football spirit. While their bodies have aged, their intelligence and understanding of the game continue to inspire younger players on and off the field.
Their presence will be deeply missed, not just by Barcelona and Spain supporters, but by football fans around the world who watched their partnership over the years.
As Messi continues his final three years at Inter Miami, he will bid farewell to two of his closest friends and long-time teammates. The trio’s shared journey —from dominating Europe with Barcelona to shaping the MLS landscape —stands as a sign that football is not only about winning but also about building bonds with teammates.
With their retirements, football says goodbye to two legends of the modern game, players who redefined their positions and helped shape an era.
