Sergio Busquets to Retire at End of MLS Season, Ending Illustrious Career

Inter Miami announced on Thursday that former Spain and Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets will retire from professional football at the conclusion of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season. The 37-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive midfielders in history, will hang up his boots after an almost 20-year career.

Busquets, who rose through Barcelona’s youth academy, spent 18 years with the Catalan club, debuting for the senior team in 2008. He amassed over 700 appearances, securing nine LaLiga titles, three UEFA Champions League trophies, and numerous other honors. In 2023, he joined Inter Miami, reuniting with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez. At Miami, he won the Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield, with his final matches set for the MLS playoffs.

Internationally, Busquets earned 143 caps for Spain, playing a pivotal role in their 2010 FIFA World Cup triumph in South Africa and the 2012 UEFA European Championship victory in Poland and Ukraine.

In an emotional Instagram video, Busquets reflected, “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.”

Busquets’ retirement marks the end of an era for a player lauded for his vision, composure, and tactical intelligence, leaving a legacy that reshaped the defensive midfield role. Fans and teammates await his final appearances as Inter Miami aims for MLS playoff glory.