Spain, Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets to retire at end of season

The 37-year-old confirmed his decision in a video posted to social media, closing the chapter on a career that spanned nearly 20 years across club and international football.

Busquets, who joined Inter Miami in 2023, will play out the remainder of the MLS campaign before stepping away from the game. He joined the Miami-based club after leaving Barcelona, where he spent his entire European career and became one of the most influential defensive midfielders of his generation.

Over 18 years at FC Barcelona, Busquets made 722 appearances - the third-most in the club's history - and won 32 major trophies, including nine La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, and three UEFA Champions League titles. He debuted for the first team under Pep Guardiola in 2008 after progressing through Barcelona's youth system.

On the international stage, Busquets earned 143 caps for Spain, representing his country in four World Cups. He was a key member of Spain's golden era, winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012. He retired from international football in December 2022.

Since moving to the United States, Busquets has helped transform Inter Miami into a title contender. Alongside former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, he played a key role in the club's 2023 Leagues Cup victory and its 2024 Supporters' Shield campaign, where the team set a league record for points in a single season.

In his farewell message, Busquets said the time had come to end a career he described as "an incredible story" and expressed gratitude to his clubs, national team, teammates, staff, and fans. "I am retiring very happy, proud, fulfilled and above all grateful," he said. 

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