- September
27
2025 - 5
The announcement and the wave of reactions
When Busquets took to the Inter Miami press room on Thursday, there was a palpable hush. At 37, the Spaniard confirmed that the 2025 MLS season will be his last. The news rippled through social media, fan forums and locker rooms worldwide. Within minutes, Lionel Messi had posted a nostalgic video of their Barcelona days, captioning it “A legend on and off the pitch.”
Even his long‑time rival Sergio Ramos, now starring for Monterrey in Mexico, jumped into the conversation. Ramos wrote: “Busi, you are the definition of how to be exceptional while remaining an ordinary guy… you have always stood out for your class, vision, and quality of football, and for your humble and authentic nature.” The sentiment echoed a broader feeling: Busquets isn’t just a former teammate, he’s a benchmark for professionalism.
Barcelona’s official channels labeled him a “legend,” highlighting his 18‑year stint, 700‑plus games and endless trophy cabinet moments. The club’s statement was short, but the impact was huge—fans flooded the comment section, recalling the first time they saw a teenage Busquets break up a counter‑attack with a simple, elegant interception.
Career highlights and a legacy that reshaped a position
From La Masia to the global stage, Busquets’ résumé reads like a football textbook. He arrived at the Camp Nou senior squad in 2008 and instantly became Pep Guardiola’s secret weapon. Over the next decade, he helped the team win:
- 9 LaLiga titles (2009‑10, 2010‑11, 2012‑13, 2014‑15, 2015‑16, 2017‑18, 2018‑19, 2020‑21, 2022‑23)
- 3 UEFA Champions League trophies (2008‑09, 2010‑11, 2014‑15)
- 7 Copa del Rey trophies
- Multiple Supercopa de España and FIFA Club World Cup titles
Beyond club success, Busquets was a cornerstone of Spain’s golden generation. He featured in the 2010 World Cup‑winning side and the back‑to‑back Euro triumphs of 2008 and 2012. In each tournament, his composure under pressure allowed the more creative players to thrive.
What truly sets Busquets apart is how he rewrote the defensive midfielder’s script. Gone were the days of the “destroyer” who only tackled and covered. Busquets turned the role into a deep‑lying playmaker, capable of launching attacks with a single pass. His positioning, anticipation and ability to read a game have become case studies in coaching clinics worldwide.
Since moving to Inter Miami in 2023, he added a new chapter to his story, mentoring younger teammates and helping the club secure its first playoff berth. Fans in Miami quickly adopted him, creating chants that blend Spanish reverence with South‑Florida flair.
As the Sergio Busquets retirement approaches, the football world is already cataloguing the moments that made him stand out: the quiet slide tackle on a rival’s star striker, the effortless ball circulation that turned defense into attack, and the unflappable smile after a hard‑won draw. His departure will leave a void, but the blueprint he left for the modern midfield will keep influencing managers and players for generations to come.
About Author
I am a journalist with a focus on daily news in Africa. I love shedding light on the stories that often go unheard and highlighting the dynamism of the continent. My passion for journalism is driven by a desire to inform, educate, and impact readers.
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