Barcelona icon Jordi Alba announces imminent retirement

On Tuesday, Barcelona icon Jordi Alba announced that he will be retiring from professional football at the end of the MLS season. At the age of 36, he has the decision to call time on his career – similarly to Sergio Busquets, who revealed a couple of weeks ago that he is also calling it quits.

Alba, who made 110 appearances for Valencia and 459 in the colours of Barcelona, has taken to Instagram to announce his retirement, as per MD.

“The time has come to close a transcendental stage in my life: I have made the decision to put an end to my professional career at the end of this season. I do it with absolute conviction, fullness and happiness. I have travelled this path with all the enthusiasm possible and now it is time to close a stage and open another with the best of illusions.

“Football has given me everything, thanks to my teammates, clubs, technical staff. I want to thank the clubs that have marked my life. To Atlético Centro Hospitalense, where it all began; to Cornellà, which gave me the necessary to grow; to Nàstic, where I learned to live in a professional dressing room and maturity with great teammates; to Valencia, the club that made my dream of making my debut in La Liga come true; to FC Barcelona, the club of my life, the club that saw me grow up as a child and allowed me to reach the peak of my career, to live more than an unforgettable decade and conquer all possible titles; to the Spanish national team, proud to wear this shirt; and finally to Inter Miami, thank you for opening your doors to me, welcoming me with affection. Also thank you to the fans for your love”.

🚨Official: Jordi Alba has announced his retirement from professional football after the end of this season with Inter Miami. 😢

After Busquets last week, it’s now Jordi — who still had a contract until 2027 — deciding to step away. 🥹💔

🎥 Jordi Alba/IG pic.twitter.com/qxonulilWk

— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) October 7, 2025

Barcelona pay tribute to Alba in wake of announcement

In the hours after Alba announced his impending retirement, Barcelona took to X to pay tribute to their former player.

“A full-back like no other. Wrote his name in Barça’s history. Thank you, Jordi.”

Alba still has matches remaining in his career, with two more for Inter Miami on the MLS regular season as well as the play-offs, which the Florida-based side have already qualified for.