Sergio Busquets Reveals When He'll Hang Up His Boots in Emotional 'Beautiful Story' Farewell

Barcelona and Spain icon Sergio Busquets has confirmed he will hang up his boots when the current Major League Soccer campaign concludes, with the Inter Miami star making the announcement via social media on Thursday.

The 37-year-old veteran had previously suggested that 2025 would mark his farewell season, given his contract expires at the campaign's end, with reports surfacing earlier this week that his decision was finalized.

"I believe the moment has arrived to bid farewell to my professional football career. It's been nearly two decades savoring this amazing journey that I've always envisioned," Busquets shared on Instagram.

"These upcoming months will be my final ones on the field. I'm stepping away feeling incredibly content, proud, satisfied, and most importantly, thankful. My sincere appreciation goes to everyone and to football for everything. You'll forever remain part of this wonderful journey."

During this campaign, Busquets has featured in 45 matches across all competitions for the Herons, recording 10 assists, and aims to conclude with back-to-back Supporters' Shield victories and Miami's inaugural MLS Cup triumph.

Rarely do careers match Busquets' achievements in terms of success and sheer excellence as a holding midfielder. His Barcelona legacy stands tall, featuring 18 goals and 46 assists across 722 matches, helping secure a remarkable 34 honors, including three FIFA Club World Cup victories, three UEFA Champions League crowns, and nine La Liga championships.

Internationally, Busquets earned 143 appearances for Spain and was instrumental in La Roja's 2010 FIFA World Cup triumph, plus the 2012 European Championship victory, where he featured in every minute. Throughout his international career, he helped establish an era of tiki-taka football that influenced the global game.

During his prime, he operated in arguably the finest midfield trio of his generation alongside Spain and Barcelona colleagues Andrés Iniesta and Xavi. His peak Barcelona period also saw him partner with current Miami teammates Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Jordi Alba.

Sergio Busquets All-Time Trophies

Despite not possessing the physical presence typically associated with defensive midfielders, his technical ability and elegance set him apart from his peers. These qualities famously drew acclaim from former Spain manager Vicente del Bosque in 2010, when many questioned Busquets' squad selection.

"If I could be a footballer today, I'd want to play like Busquets," Del Bosque remarked then. "He knows how to play."

After retiring from international duty in 2022 and leaving Barcelona in 2023, he joined Miami as part of the Barcelona reunion. He contributed to their 2023 Leagues Cup success and 2024 Supporters' Shield victory, extending his career trophy collection to 36.

Now, however, he hopes to conclude his playing days triumphantly and will participate in Miami's remaining five regular-season fixtures before entering the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs with a first-round Best of Three Series, a stage Miami has never previously surpassed.

Appropriately, it will unfold alongside Messi, Suárez, and Alba, who have accompanied him throughout much of his illustrious career.