Football says goodbye to one of its greatest midfield generals. Sergio Busquets, the legendary FC Barcelona and Spain star, officially announces his retirement at the end of the 2025 MLS season with Inter Miami. At 37 years old, Busquets closes a glittering career filled with titles, records, and unforgettable moments.
From his debut under Pep Guardiola in 2008 to lifting trophies with Leo Messi, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta, Busquets became the heartbeat of Barcelona’s golden generation.
Busquets’ Farewell Announcement
The midfielder made his retirement official in a heartfelt video:
“These will be my last months on the pitch. I retire happy, proud, and above all grateful.”
He thanked Barcelona, his family, and the game itself for nearly 20 years of unforgettable memories:
“At Barça I fulfilled the dreams I had as a child, wore the shirt I loved, and celebrated many titles at the Camp Nou.”
722 appearances, third-most in club history (behind Messi and Xavi)
32 trophies:
9 LaLiga
7 Copa del Rey
3 Champions League
3 FIFA Club World Cup
3 UEFA Super Cup
7 Spanish Super Cup
Busquets formed part of the iconic midfield trio with Xavi and Iniesta, dominating world football between 2009 and 2015. Together, they won 21 titles in seven seasons, rewriting history with games like the 6-2 at the Bernabéu and the 2011 Champions League final at Wembley.
Sergio Busquets Trophies With Spain
143 international caps
World Cup winner (2010)
European champion (2012)
Third-most capped Spanish player after Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas
Busquets was the silent leader of Spain’s golden era, praised by coach Vicente del Bosque:
“If I could be a footballer again, I would like to be Busquets.”
The Guardiola Discovery
Pep Guardiola promoted Busquets from Barça B in 2008, seeking a pivot who could defend and dictate play. Busquets delivered immediately, impressing in his debut against Racing Santander.
Over time, he displaced stars like Yaya Touré to become Guardiola’s trusted number 5. Juan Román Riquelme once said:
“Busquets confused world football. The number 5 that is actually a number 10.”
The Final Chapters: Inter Miami and Retirement
In 2023, Busquets left Barcelona and joined Inter Miami, reuniting with Messi, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez. There, he added:
1 Leagues Cup
1 Supporters’ Shield
Still chasing the MLS Cup before hanging up his boots
If Miami triumphs, Busquets will retire with 37 career trophies across Barça, Spain, and MLS.
A Future on the Bench?
Though his playing days are ending, Busquets plans to study coaching with the dream of returning to FC Barcelona one day as a manager.
Bottom Line
Sergio Busquets is more than a midfielder. He redefined the role of the pivot, orchestrated the greatest team in Barcelona’s history, and lifted every major trophy for club and country.
As he steps away, fans will remember not just the titles, but the intelligence, calmness, and elegance that made Busquets unique. A true Barça legend, now saying goodbye as one of the greatest to ever wear the blaugrana shirt.
