Jordi Alba has announced his retirement from football at the end of the MLS season, sparking a wave of tributes from teammates and former clubs. From Sergio Busquets’ heartfelt message to FC Barcelona’s emotional farewell, the Inter Miami full-back leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that connects La Liga glory with MLS history.
Emotional Farewell as Jordi Alba Announces Retirement
Another chapter of football greatness is coming to a close. Inter Miami full-back Jordi Alba has announced that he will retire at the end of the MLS season, bringing an end to a glittering 18-year professional career. The 35-year-old’s decision marks yet another poignant moment for Inter Miami’s famed Barcelona contingent, following the impending retirements of Sergio Busquets and the gradual winding down of Lionel Messi’s legendary career.
Alba’s announcement sent waves through the football community, with tributes pouring in from former teammates, friends, and clubs around the world — all celebrating one of the finest attacking full-backs of his generation.
Busquets’ Heartfelt Message: “It’s Been a Gift and a Pleasure”
No tribute resonated more deeply than that of Sergio Busquets, Alba’s longtime teammate at both Barcelona and Inter Miami. The Spanish midfielder, who is also set to retire at the end of the current MLS season, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram alongside Alba’s farewell video.
Congratulations, Jordi, on your incredible career. It’s been a gift and a pleasure to share so many moments together on and off the pitch. I wish you all the best and, as always, to keep sharing family moments together. We love you so much, family,” wrote Busquets.
Their bond — formed during years of domestic and international success at Barcelona and Spain — stands as one of football’s enduring partnerships.
Tributes from Barcelona, Raphinha, Puig, and Beyond
Raphinha, one of Barcelona’s current stars, also joined in the tributes:
An honor and a pleasure to share the field and the locker room with you.
Elsewhere, Riqui Puig of LA Galaxy wrote, “Gracias por todo, folleti,” while Josef Martínez, now at San Jose, added, “Hermano, gracias, crack!” Former Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernández and ex-Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu also sent messages of appreciation, underlining Alba’s universal respect across football divides.
Even FC Barcelona’s official account paid homage, calling him “A unique full-back, a Barcelona legend. Thank you, Jordi.”
From Tadeo Allende to Marcelo Weigandt, Alba’s Inter Miami teammates joined in celebrating his influence on and off the pitch.
Alba’s Remarkable Career in Numbers
Few modern defenders can match Alba’s resume. Across 459 appearances for FC Barcelona and 110 for Valencia, he was integral to an era defined by dominance and flair. At Inter Miami, he has already featured 95 times, forming part of the club’s star-studded spine alongside Messi, Busquets, and Luis Suárez.
His trophy cabinet tells the story of a modern great:
- UEFA Euro 2012 champion with Spain
- UEFA Champions League winner
- Six-time LaLiga champion
- FIFA Club World Cup winner
- Five Copa del Rey titles
Known for his pace, attacking instincts, and near-telepathic understanding with Messi, Alba redefined what it meant to be a full-back — combining defensive discipline with relentless offensive creativity.
A Legacy That Bridges Eras
As Alba prepares to hang up his boots, the farewell feels like the closing act of a golden era that began at Camp Nou and found its epilogue in Miami. Alongside Messi, Busquets, and Suárez, he helped Inter Miami bridge two footballing worlds: the technical mastery of La Liga and the growing global allure of MLS.
Alba’s retirement signals not just the end of an individual career, but the fading of a generation that redefined modern football through intelligence, chemistry, and artistry.
Inter Miami will now turn their focus to their upcoming MLS clash with Atlanta United, but for fans of the game, the weekend will be about more than just points — it will be about celebrating one of the sport’s most understated legends.
