Jordi Alba has officially announced that he will retire from professional football at the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, joining his Inter Miami teammate and former Barcelona and Spain colleague Sergio Busquets in concluding his career this year. Both Alba and Busquets are set to end their illustrious playing journeys following Inter Miami’s run in the MLS Cup Playoffs, which are scheduled to finish in December 2025.
Career Impact and Legacy
Jordi Alba, widely recognized as one of the greatest left-backs of his generation, enjoyed a decorated club career, especially with FC Barcelona, where he won six La Liga titles and the Champions League. Internationally, Alba was instrumental in Spain’s triumphs at UEFA Euro 2012 and the 2022–23 Nations League, amassing 93 caps and captaining the national side. In MLS with Inter Miami, Alba helped secure club achievements such as the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield alongside Lionel Messi and Busquets.
Key Statistics by Competition
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists | Years Played | Notable Achievements |
| La Liga (Barcelona, Valencia) | 386 | 19 | 66 | 2009-2023 | Multiple league titles, Copa del Rey |
| Copa del Rey | 45 | 5 | 32 | 2012-2023 | Matchwinner in 2016 Final |
| MLS (Inter Miami) | 31 | 4 | 12 | 2023-2025 | Leagues Cup winner |
| UEFA Champions League | 70+ | 3 | 10+ | 2012-2023 | Winner (Barcelona 2015) |
| Spain National Team | 93 | 10 | – | 2011-2025 | UEFA Euro 2012 winner |
Alba’s Statement
In his official retirement announcement, Alba emphasized his sense of fulfillment and gratitude, stating, “I’ve decided to bring my professional football career to an end at the conclusion of this season. I do so with complete conviction, with peace and with happiness because I feel I’ve walked this path with every ounce of passion I had, and now it’s just the right moment to open a new chapter and close the previous one with the best possible feeling”.
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Sergio Busquets’ Retirement
Alba’s decision closely follows Sergio Busquets’ similar announcement to retire after the 2025 season. Both players have been vital pieces at Inter Miami and previously played pivotal roles for Barcelona and Spain, with Busquets helping Spain win the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
End of an Era
This double retirement marks the closing of a significant cycle for both Inter Miami and for modern football, as two legendary players step away after more than a decade at the sport’s pinnacle, both in Europe and in the United States.
Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets will look to end their time in football on a high as Inter Miami enters the MLS Cup Playoffs for the 2025 season.