Sergio Busquets retirement sparks reflection on a Barcelona legend

A storied career comes to a close

On Thursday, September 26, 2025, Sergio Busquets released an emotional video confirming his decision to hang up his boots after the MLS campaign with Inter Miami. In the clip, the former Barcelona captain thanked the coaches, teammates and fans who shaped a career that spanned three continents and more than 800 competitive matches.

Busquets’ journey began in the La Masia youth academy, where he caught Pep Guardiola’s eye and earned his first‑team debut in 2008. Over the next 15 seasons at Barcelona, he accumulated nine LaLiga crowns, three Champions League trophies and seven Copa del Rey titles, all while logging more than 700 appearances for the club he repeatedly called “the club of my life.”

Beyond the silverware, his influence was subtler – a quiet intelligence that dictated the tempo from a deep‑lying midfield role. His ability to read passes before they were made, coupled with razor‑sharp positioning, made him the invisible engine behind Messi’s dribbles and Suarez’s runs.

In 2010, Busquets helped Spain lift the World Cup in South Africa, then added two European Championships in 2008 and 2012 to his résumé. Those triumphs cemented his status as a cornerstone of what many still refer to as Spain’s golden generation.

After leaving Barcelona in 2023, he joined Inter Miami, reuniting with Messi, Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez. The move not only extended his playing days but also gave MLS a seasoned tactician capable of mentoring younger talent while still delivering high‑level performances in the U.S. market.

Reactions from football's elite

The announcement triggered a wave of tributes across social media. FC Barcelona’s official account posted: “The club of your life. A legend of our club. Thank you for your football, Sergio!” while highlighting clips of his iconic interceptions and calm distribution.

Long‑time rival Sergio Ramos, now with Monterrey, wrote, “Busi, you are the definition of how to be exceptional while remaining an ordinary guy… football is losing one of the most brilliant midfielders I’ve ever played with.” The mutual respect between the two former Spain teammates underscored how Busquets transcended club rivalries.

Lionel Messi, sharing the Miami pitch, posted a simple yet heartfelt note: “Thank you for everything, brother. The game will miss you.” Their on‑field chemistry, forged over a decade at Barcelona, continues to be a fan favourite in MLS.

Former teammates and coaches also chimed in, citing his leadership in the dressing room and his mentorship of younger players such as Pedri and Gavi. Guardiola, who first trusted Busquets in the midfield, recalled, “He understood the game before it was spoken. He taught me as much as I taught him.”

As the MLS season progresses, Busquets will likely add a few more memorable moments – a perfectly timed slide tackle, a calm pass that unlocks a defense, and perhaps a final assist before his last match. When the final whistle blows, his name will join the pantheon of defensive midfield greats, alongside the likes of Xabi Alonso and Claude Makélélé.

Sergio Busquets retirement marks the end of an era defined by tactical precision, humility and a relentless pursuit of team success. The football world will feel the void, but his influence will echo in the playbooks of future midfielders who strive to emulate his understated brilliance.