Inter Miami's Jordi Alba has decided to hang up his boots following the team's 2025 Major League Soccer playoff performance, marking the end of a chapter for one of soccer's most notable left-backs. According to NBC Miami, Alba's announcement came just days after the club celebrated the career of Sergio Busquets in a retirement ceremony. Despite being under contract with Inter Miami until 2027, Alba voiced his decision to retire at the age of 36 with a public statement.
Three days after celebrating his former Barcelona and Inter Miami colleague, Alba took to social media to share his decision to conclude his illustrious playing career. "The time has come to close a truly meaningful chapter in my life," said Alba in a statement obtained by Local 10. He conveyed gratitude and fulfillment, explaining, "I've decided to bring my professional football career to an end at the conclusion of this season. I do so with complete conviction, with peace and with happiness because I feel I've walked this path with every ounce of passion I had, and now it's just the right moment to open a new chapter and close the previous one with the best possible feeling."
Alba's career trajectory took a stateside turn following Messi's June 2023 announcement that he was joining Inter Miami. This move initiated a miniature Catalan exodus, encouraging Messi's former Barcelona teammates — including Busquets, Luis Suárez, and Alba himself — to make their way to Major League Soccer. During his time with Barcelona, as reported by both NBC Miami and Local 10, Alba's trophy case was filled with six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey trophies, and the pinnacle Champions League title in 2015.
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