The 37-year-old will finish his playing days at Inter Miami, joining long time Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi for the final stages of his career. Busquets rose through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy and spent 18 years at the Catalan club, winning a staggering array of trophies: nine La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, seven Copa del Reys, a World Cup, and a European Championship with Spain. At Inter Miami, he has contributed to both the Supporters’ Shield and the Leagues Cup since joining in 2023.

A central figure in Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona side, Busquets was key to the team’s famed tiki-taka style, excelling as a defensive pivot that combined vision, intelligence, and composure. His 143 caps for Spain further underscore his influence on the international stage.

Announcing his retirement on Instagram, Busquets said, “I feel that the time has come to say goodbye to my career as a professional soccer player… A heartfelt thank you to everyone, and to football, for everything.” Inter Miami praised his leadership and impact on and off the pitch during his MLS tenure.

Busquets will have the unique opportunity to conclude his career alongside Messi, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez in the MLS, with the regular season running until mid-October and the playoffs extending to December. His final performances promise to be an emotional farewell for one of football’s most accomplished midfielders.

Pep Guardiola has hinted that Busquets’ future may lie in coaching, stating, “He didn’t move much, only in the centre, but he could solve any problem with his brain… I think he will be an exceptional coach.” His legacy as a tactically brilliant, consistent, and intelligent midfielder is firmly secured.