MIAMI (BN24) — Jordi Alba, the legendary Spain and FC Barcelona left back now playing for Inter Miami, announced Tuesday that he will retire from professional soccer at the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, bringing to a close a storied 16-year career at the top level.
The 36-year-old defender revealed his decision in a heartfelt Instagram post, saying the time had come to “close a truly meaningful chapter” of his life. “I’ve decided to bring my professional football career to an end at the conclusion of this season,” Alba wrote. “I do so with complete conviction, peace and happiness. Because I feel I’ve walked this path with every ounce of passion I had, and now it’s the right time to open a new chapter and close the previous one with the best possible feeling.”
Alba expressed gratitude to the clubs that shaped his career, from his beginnings at Atlético Centro Hospitalense, Cornellá and Nàstic de Tarragona, to Valencia CF, where he debuted in Spain’s top flight. He described FC Barcelona as “the club of my life,” where he spent more than a decade, won every major title available, and cemented his status as one of the best left backs of his generation. He also thanked the Spanish national team, Inter Miami, teammates, coaches, and fans for their support.
“Football has given me absolutely everything,” he wrote. “Today I close this chapter knowing I’ve given it my all. Football has been and always will be an essential part of my life. Thanks, football, for everything.”
Alba joined Inter Miami in July 2023 after leaving Barcelona, reuniting with former teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets. He quickly became a key figure in the club’s rapid rise, helping Miami capture the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield while setting the league record for most points in a single season. Over three MLS campaigns, Alba registered 10 goals and 27 assists in 63 regular-season appearances, often linking up with Messi to devastating effect.
Earlier this year, Alba extended his contract through the 2027 season but opted to rescind the deal and retire. His decision comes as Inter Miami moves to secure his successor, with the club in advanced talks to sign Spanish left back Sergio Reguilón on a free transfer. Reguilón has been a free agent since leaving Tottenham Hotspur in July. Miami faces MLS roster restrictions that may delay his debut until the 2026 season.
Alba’s club career is defined by his 11 years at Barcelona, where he won six LaLiga titles, one UEFA Champions League, and produced 37 goals and 107 assists in 605 appearances across all competitions. Internationally, he won the 2012 UEFA European Championship and the 2023 UEFA Nations League with Spain.
His retirement marks the end of a career that bridged eras at Barcelona and saw him play a central role in both club and country’s greatest triumphs.
