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Sergio Busquets Burgos, renowned for his strategic play, elegance, and remarkable achievements in football, has chosen to retire after the 2025 Major League Soccer season. Concluding an almost 20-year-long career, the 37-year-old Spanish midfielder started modestly but evolved into one of the finest defensive midfielders in history.
His enduring impact stems from his keen insight into the game rather than relying on sheer physical force, influencing FC Barcelona, the Spanish national team, and now Inter Miami profoundly.
When Did Sergio Busquets Start Playing Professionally? A Closer Look at His Career
Sergio Busquets debuted for FC Barcelona’s senior team officially on September 13, 2008, in a La Liga game against Racing Santander. At just 20, elevated by the new manager Pep Guardiola, he played the entire match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
This debut launched his rapid rise, and just months later, he was in the starting lineup for the 2009 UEFA Champions League final in Rome, where Barcelona beat Manchester United, showing how quickly he became crucial to one of the best club teams ever.
Rising Fast at FC Barcelona
Busquets smoothly and quickly became a key player for Barcelona’s first team. Under Guardiola’s leadership, he claimed the role of main defensive midfielder, replacing well-known internationals.
His calm demeanor, accurate short and long passes, and incredible ability to stop opponents made him the ideal player for Barcelona’s tiki-taka style. Together with Xavi Hernandez and Andrés Iniesta, he formed a legendary midfield trio that powered Barcelona’s unmatched success. This trio helped the club win 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.
