Sergio Busquets Retirement: Barcelona Icon to End Career with Inter Miami
Sep, 27 2025
When Sergio Busquets posted his retirement video on September 26, 2025, the football world collectively held its breath. The calm voice, the smile, the quiet confidence – it was classic Busquets. After 17 years of top‑flight football, the Spanish defensive midfielder said he’ll hang up his boots at the end of the MLS season with Inter Miami. That timeline means the final whistle could come as early as December if Miami makes a deep playoff run, or it could stretch into the spring if the MLS Cup timeline shifts.
A Legendary Career in Numbers
Let’s break down why Busquets is more than just a name on a roster. He broke into Barcelona’s first team in July 2008, and by the next season he was a regular starter. The 2009 La Liga Breakthrough Player award was just the first of many accolades. Over the next 14 seasons he racked up over 700 appearances for the Catalan club – that’s more than some players get in an entire career.
His trophy cabinet? A jaw‑dropping 32 titles. Nine La Liga crowns, seven Copa del Rey trophies, and three Champions League victories. Most of those came during the Guardiola era, when Barcelona’s tiki‑taka style reshaped modern football. Busquets formed the core of a midfield trio with Xavi and Andrés Iniesta that many still call the greatest midfield unit ever assembled. Together they lifted five league titles, three domestic cups, and three European crowns between 2008 and 2015, including two historic trebles in 2008‑09 and 2014‑15.
- 9 La Liga titles (2008‑2015, 2018‑2020)
- 7 Copa del Rey trophies
- 3 UEFA Champions League trophies
- 2 FIFA Club World Cups
- 32 total trophies with Barcelona
On the international stage, Busquets earned 143 caps for Spain, scoring twice. He was a linchpin of Spain’s golden generation that won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the Euro 2012 in Poland‑Ukrainian. He also featured in three more World Cups and two additional European Championships before hanging up his Spain shirt after the 2022 World Cup.
Now, in his third MLS season, Busquets has become a quiet leader for Inter Miami. The team sits third in the Eastern Conference with 55 points from 29 games, fresh off a 4‑0 demolition of New York City FC. Aiming for the Supporters' Shield in the final regular‑season stretch, Miami’s hopes of a deep playoff run have never looked brighter.
What Lies Ahead for Busquets
Coach Javier Mascherano, himself a former Barcelona teammate, has already hinted at the next chapter. In a press conference Mascherano said Busquets is “totally convinced of the decision,” describing him as calm and happy with his journey. Mascherano also believes the retirement announcement will serve as fuel for Miami’s squad to push for an MLS Cup victory – a fitting send‑off for a player who has always let his work ethic speak louder than words.
Beyond the pitch, the football mind that guided Barcelona’s control‑oriented play is likely to transition to the dugout. Mascherano said Busquets “will pursue a coaching career after retirement.” If that materialises, expect him to bring his trademark emphasis on positioning, short passing, and reading the game to a new generation of players, perhaps even back in Europe.
Fans might wonder: how does a player who rarely makes headlines for flashy dribbles become one of the most revered figures in modern football? The answer lies in his role as a deep‑lying playmaker. Busquets excelled at breaking up attacks, recycling possession, and setting the tempo with calm, precise passes. His ability to anticipate opponents’ moves made him a silent guardian in midfield – the kind of player every manager wishes they had.
As the MLS season winds down, Miami’s supporters are already planning a proper farewell. Banner displays, halftime tributes, perhaps even a farewell match where former Barcelona stars drop by. The emotional weight of saying goodbye to a player who turned a simple back‑pass into an art form is palpable. For many, Busquets’ retirement marks the end of an era not just for Barcelona, but for the whole of Spanish football.
One thing’s for sure: whether he steps onto a bench as a coach, becomes a pundit, or simply enjoys life after football, the legacy he leaves behind is indelible. From the buzzing Camp Nou atmosphere to the bright lights of MLS, the impact of Sergio Busquets retirement will be felt for years to come.