The world of soccer is marking the end of an era as Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami's central midfielder, has announced his retirement following the conclusion of the 2025 Major League Soccer season. With a career that stretches back almost two decades, the Spanish player has been a staple on the field for clubs like Barcelona and the Spanish national team before joining the MLS. Local10.com reported Busquets expressing on Instagram, "I feel like it's time to say goodbye to my career as a professional soccer player."
Busquets, aged 37, leaves behind a trophy-laden lineage, having won 32 trophies with Barcelona, including La Liga and the Champions League titles, and international glory lifting the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championship in 2022 with Spain. After joining Inter Miami in 2023 where he reunited with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, the club seized its first Leagues Cup that year and the Supporters’ Shield in 2024, as detailed by Local10. His career at Barcelona was nothing short of historic, making more than 700 appearances and picking up a myriad of accolades along the way.
The Spanish midfielder also leaves an indelible mark on FC Barcelona's history, having accumulated a staggering 722 game appearances. FC Barcelona's official site paid tribute by saying, "One of the greatest midfielders the game has seen, and a cornerstone of the finest Barça side of all time, is calling time on a glittering career." His departure in 2023 was a significant move that took him across the Atlantic to a burgeoning MLS and the opportunity to lend his expertise to an expanding club.
As Busquets' final season with Inter Miami progresses, the club has affirmed that he will play a crucial role in their playoff push. Despite the announcement of his retirement, there's an unspoken expectation amongst fans and teammates alike that Busquets will impart his experience and acumen on the pitch until his very last game. He brought not only years of top-flight experience but also a sense of elegance and tactical intelligence that made him such a rare player. FC Barcelona described his career as a true showcase of mastery, with many joining in their message of gratitude: “Thank you for the football, Sergio.”
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