Sergio Busquets Burgos, renowned for his intelligent gameplay, elegance, and remarkable achievements in football, has announced his retirement plans set for after the 2025 Major League Soccer season. This marks the end of an almost two-decade-long career for the 37-year-old Spanish midfielder, who started modestly but evolved into one of the all-time greats in defensive midfield.

His reputation is founded on his astute comprehension of the sport, rather than sheer physicality, leaving a significant legacy at FC Barcelona, the Spanish national team, and more recently, Inter Miami.

When Did Sergio Busquets Start Playing Professionally? A Closer Look at His Career

Sergio Busquets made his initial appearance for FC Barcelona’s senior squad on September 13, 2008, in a La Liga face-off against Racing Santander. Then just 20, he was handpicked by new manager Pep Guardiola and played the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 stalemate.

This debut marked the beginning of his swift ascension, and in a few months, he was featuring in the starting lineup for the 2009 UEFA Champions League final in Rome. In that match, Barcelona triumphed over Manchester United, highlighting his rapid development into an essential component of one of the greatest club teams in football history.

Rising Fast at FC Barcelona

Busquets seamlessly and promptly integrated into a vital role within Barcelona’s first team. Under Guardiola’s guidance, he embraced the responsibility of the chief defensive midfielder, succeeding renowned internationals.

His composed nature, precision in both short and long-range passing, and exceptional ability to intercept plays made him perfect for Barcelona’s tiki-taka strategy. Together with Xavi Hernandez and Andrés Iniesta, he was part of a legendary midfield trio that fueled Barcelona’s unprecedented success. This formidable group helped the club achieve the continental treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League) twice, in 2009 and 2015.

An Impressive Trophy Haul

In over 15 seasons with Barcelona’s first team, Busquets built an amazing record, making him one of football’s most honored players. He played 722 games for Barcelona, the third most in the club’s history, and won 32 trophies. His awards include:

• 9 La Liga championships
• 7 Copa del Rey trophies
• 3 UEFA Champions League wins (2009, 2011, 2015)
• 7 Spanish Super Cups
• 3 FIFA Club World Cups

After stars like Carles Puyol, Xavi, and Lionel Messi left, Busquets took over as captain in 2021 and led the team until he left in 2023.

Success on the International Stage with Spain

Busquets’ international career matched his club achievements. After debuting for Spain in April 2009, he became a key part of Spain’s golden era. He helped Spain win the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the UEFA Euro 2012 title.

With 143 appearances, he is one of Spain’s most capped players. He retired from international football after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Wrapping Up His Career at Inter Miami

In 2023, Busquets started a new chapter by joining MLS side Inter Miami, reuniting with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez. His skill and experience helped the team win the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.

In September 2025, he announced that the 2025 MLS playoffs would mark the end of his celebrated playing career.