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Former Spain and Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets will bring an end to his playing career when the Major League Soccer season concludes in December. The 38-year-old Inter Miami midfielder leaves behind a remarkable legacy after winning 32 major trophies during 18 years with Barcelona, including nine La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns. Internationally, Busquets earned 143 caps for Spain and played a key role in their golden era, helping the national side lift the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship.
Busquets joined Inter Miami in 2023, reuniting with his former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez. His arrival added significant pedigree to the club as they sought to establish themselves as a force in MLS. Announcing his decision in a heartfelt video on social media, Busquets reflected on nearly two decades at the highest level of football. "I feel like the time has come to say goodbye to my career as a professional footballer. It's been almost 20 years of enjoying this incredible story I always dreamed of. I'm retiring very happy, proud, fulfilled, and above all, grateful. Thank you all very much, see you soon," he said.
Busquets' story began in 2005 when he joined Barcelona's youth system before progressing to the B side. His senior debut came in 2008 under Pep Guardiola in a La Liga match against Racing Santander, and from that point he established himself as a central figure in the club's iconic midfield alongside Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. Over the years, he became renowned for his intelligence, composure, and tactical awareness, qualities that made him indispensable both for club and country.
In total, Busquets made 722 appearances for Barcelona, the third-highest in the club's history, cementing his status as one of their most enduring figures. On the international stage, he made his debut in 2009 and continued to represent Spain until his retirement from international football in December 2022, finishing as the nation's third-highest appearance maker.
Currently, Busquets remains focused on ending his career with Inter Miami on a high note. The team has qualified for the MLS play-offs after a convincing 4-0 win over New York City FC. The play-offs will begin on October 22 and conclude with the MLS Cup final on December 6, which could mark the last competitive match of Busquets' illustrious career.
