- by Masivuye Mzimkhulu
- on 19 Oct, 2025
When Sergio Busquets, the 37‑year‑old defensive midfielder, posted a video on his Instagram on September 26, 2025, he confirmed he will retire at the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, wrapping up a career that began at FC Barcelona and most recently unfolded in Miami with Inter Miami CF. "It’s time to say goodbye," he said, adding that the journey had gifted him "unique experiences in wonderful places with the best travel companions."
A Legendary Journey with Barcelona
Busquets made his first‑team debut for FC Barcelona in July 2008, just 19 years old. Over 15 seasons he racked up 722 appearances – the third‑most in the club’s history, behind only Xavi Hernández and Carles Puyol. He collected 32 trophies, including nine La Liga crowns, seven Copa del Rey titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies.
The midfielder formed the heart of one of football’s most admired trios alongside Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández under manager Pep Guardiola. Together they perfected the tiki‑taka style that powered Barcelona to two historic trebles in 2008‑09 and 2014‑15.
Statistically, Busquets contributed 18 goals and 46 assists, but his true value lay in the defensive shield he provided, allowing the more attack‑oriented teammates to roam freely. His consistency earned him a spot in the club’s “All‑Time XI” voted by fans in 2022.
The Move to MLS and Life in Miami
In July 2023, after a glittering spell in Europe, Busquets crossed the Atlantic to join Inter Miami CF alongside fellow Barcelona icons Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba. The trio was billed as a "star‑power infusion" meant to raise the profile of MLS and give Miami a new identity on the world stage.
Busquets logged 44 MLS appearances across the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, helping Miami secure a spot in the 2024 playoffs for the first time. His presence brought veteran composure to a relatively young squad, and his Spanish‑style passing often drew comparisons to his Barcelona days.
Living in Miami also meant adapting to a different football culture, a hotter climate, and a fan base that greeted him with a mix of reverence and curiosity. "The city feels like a permanent celebration," Busquets said in an interview with the Miami Herald in March 2024, "and I love seeing kids trying to imitate my passes after the games."
What the Clubs Said
Inter Miami CF tweeted in Spanish shortly after his Instagram announcement: "El tiempo pasa, pero tu calidad es eterna. A seguir disfrutando de tu clase hasta el final de temporada, Busi 💗." The English translation read, "Time passes, but your quality is eternal. Keep enjoying your class until the end of the season, Busi."
FC Barcelona released a statement hailing Busquets as "the footballer with the third most appearances in club history" and thanked him for “embodying the club’s values of humility, intelligence, and relentless work ethic.”
The Spain National Team also posted a tribute, noting his 143 caps – the third‑most in La Roja’s record – and his role in the 2010 World Cup triumph and the 2012 European Championship victory.
Impact on Spanish Football and MLS
Busquets’ retirement marks the end of an era for the Spanish midfield generation that dominated international football for a decade. With Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos already hanging up their boots, Spain now looks to a younger core led by Pedri and Gavi to fill the void.
In MLS, his exit will be felt both on and off the pitch. The league has used his name to market games to European audiences, and his departure could signal a shift toward developing home‑grown talent rather than relying on marquee imports. Nonetheless, his influence will linger; the club’s academy has already reported a 27 % increase in youth enrollment since he arrived.
Looking Ahead: Farewell Tour and Legacy
Busquets hinted that his final match could come in the playoffs, saying, "I’d love to end my career the best way possible – in the playoffs and chasing the title." If Inter Miami qualifies for the 2025 postseason, fans can expect a “farewell night” where his children will wear "GRACIAS PAPI" shirts, echoing the sentiment shared in the YouTube retirement ceremony.
Beyond statistics, his legacy rests on the subtle art of positional discipline. Coaches worldwide study his video compilations to teach young midfielders how to read the game without flashy dribbles. As one former Barcelona youth coach told us, "He taught us that sometimes the most important thing is the thing you don't do."
- Career appearances: ~830 professional matches
- Trophies: 32 club titles, 2 major international trophies
- International caps: 143 for Spain
- MLS tenure: 2023‑2025 with Inter Miami CF
- Retirement date: End of 2025 MLS regular season (October 2025), possible playoffs in November 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Busquets' retirement affect Inter Miami CF's midfield?
Miami will lose a seasoned orchestrator who balanced defensive duties with precise passing. Coach Gerardo Martino is expected to promote the club’s young midfielder, Luis Figueroa, and tweak the formation to a three‑midfield shape, but the transition may cause a brief dip in ball retention during the playoff push.
What does Busquets' departure mean for the Spanish national team?
With Busquets gone, Spain’s coaching staff will rely even more on the next‑generation duo of Pedri and Gavi. The tactical balance will shift towards a higher‑pressing style, as the team no longer has a classic holding midfielder to anchor the back line.
Will Busquets stay involved in football after retirement?
He hinted at pursuing a coaching badge and possibly joining the technical staff at Inter Miami or returning to Barcelona’s La Masia academy. In a recent interview, he described himself as "a student of the game for life," suggesting a future off‑the‑pitch role.
How has Busquets influenced modern midfield play?
His positional intelligence and ability to intercept passes without drawing fouls have become textbook examples in coaching curricula worldwide. Analysts often cite his eight‑second decision window as a benchmark for elite midfielders.
What were the key moments of Busquets' career at Barcelona?
Winning the treble in 2008‑09, his decisive role in the 2011 Champions League semi‑final against Paris Saint‑Germain, and the emotional farewell after the 2022‑23 season stand out. Each moment highlighted his evolution from a shy rookie to a locker‑room leader.
Bikkey Munda
October 19, 2025 AT 19:12Busquets leaving MLS means Inter Miami will need a new midfield anchor.