Sergio Busquets Announces Retirement at End of 2025 MLS Season

A Legendary Career Comes to a Close

In a video that quickly racked up thousands of likes, the Spanish midfielder announced his decision to retire from professional football at the conclusion of the 2025 Major League Soccer campaign. The clip, posted on his personal Instagram account, showed a reflective Busquets looking over a wall of photos from his 20‑year journey, from the youth pitches of La Masia to the bright lights of Miami. "It feels like the right moment to say goodbye to my life as a professional player," he said, his voice tinged with both pride and melancholy.

Busquets, 37, arrived in the United States in 2023 after an 18‑season spell at FC Barcelona, where he became synonymous with the club’s famed tiki‑taka style. Over those years he amassed more than 700 first‑team appearances, a feat that places him among the most capped players in the club’s modern era. His trophy haul reads like a checklist of Barcelona’s golden period: nine La Liga crowns, three UEFA Champions League triumphs, and seven Copa del Rey titles.

Beyond club success, Busquets was a cornerstone of the Spain national side that dominated world football between 2008 and 2012. He played pivotal roles in the Euro 2008, Euro 2012, and the 2010 World Cup victories, earning a reputation for calmness under pressure and a razor‑sharp footballing mind.

After departing Barcelona, the midfielder chose an adventure in the burgeoning MLS, signing with Inter Miami CF. In Miami, he quickly became a mentor to younger players while still delivering the same level of composure that defined his earlier years. "I wanted a fresh challenge and a chance to help a growing club," he explained in the same video, indicating that the move was as much about personal growth as it was about football.

The decision to call time on his playing days came after careful consideration. In the video, Busquets highlighted the “unique experiences” football has gifted him, from traveling the globe to sharing the locker room with legends. He also hinted that his next chapter will stay linked to the sport, though he kept the specifics under wraps.

Reactions and Legacy

The announcement sparked an outpouring of admiration across the football world. Lionel Messi, who shares the Miami dressing room with Busquets and was a teammate at Barcelona for more than a decade, posted a heartfelt comment, recalling countless on‑field duels and off‑field camaraderie. Their chemistry, built on mutual respect, was a hallmark of Barcelona’s dominance and continues to draw crowds in Florida.

Even former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, a longtime rival on the club level but a teammate for Spain, took to social media to praise Busquets. “One of the most brilliant midfielders I’ve ever played with,” Ramos wrote, adding that Busquets exemplifies how to remain exceptional while staying grounded.

FC Barcelona themselves released a statement calling the player “the Club of his life” and labeling him a “legend.” The Catalan giants thanked him for “all the football, Sergio,” and unfurled a banner at Camp Nou that read, “Gracias, Busi.”

Fans across continents weighed in, sharing personal stories of how Busquets’ quiet brilliance inspired them to study the game’s finer details. Many highlighted his ability to read passes before they were made, a skill that made him the silent engine behind both Barcelona’s possession play and Spain’s counter‑attacking bursts.

Looking ahead, speculation abounds about what role the former midfielder might assume. Coaching, punditry, or an ambassadorial position within the Barcelona or Spanish football federations are all on the table. Whatever path he chooses, his deep understanding of the game ensures he will remain a valuable voice.

Below is a quick snapshot of the accolades that define his career:

• 9 La Liga titles (2008‑2019)
• 3 UEFA Champions League trophies (2009, 2011, 2015)
• 7 Copa del Rey cups
• 2010 FIFA World Cup winner
• Euro 2008 and Euro 2012 champion
• Over 700 appearances for Barcelona
• More than 150 caps for the Spanish national team

The Sergio Busquets retirement marks the end of an era for a player whose tactical intelligence reshaped the defensive midfield role. While his name may soon disappear from match sheets, the standards he set for positioning, ball distribution, and professionalism will linger in training grounds and tactical discussions for years to come. The football world watches with anticipation for his next move, confident that his influence will continue to shape the beautiful game.