Javier Mascherano reveals Sergio Busquets’ retirement plan | OneFootball

The news of Sergio Busquets’ decision to retire from football has offered a reminder of what an incredible player was.

Legendary midfielder Sergio Busquets has decided to call time on his career at the age of 37, after 17 years in professional football, the majority of which he spent at the very top of the game at Barcelona.

At the end of Inter Miami’s season, Busquets will hang up his boots, in what will likely motional farewell alongside his former La Blaugrana teammates now plying their trade in Florida.

Busquets posted his announcement on social media, with a clip which showed highlights from across his career, thanking the teams he was part of, the coaching staff, players, his family and the fans.

Sergio Busquets: A legendary career closes for new chapter

Busquets was the stability behind Barcelona’s all-conquering midfield, alongside Xavi and Andres Iniesta for much of 14 years before leaving for Inter Miami in 2023.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 16: Sergio Busquets #5 of Inter Miami CF reacts after winning the MLS match between Inter Miami CF and Seattle Sounders FC at Chase Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Megan Briggs/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Megan Briggs / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

As part of his stellar career in Catalonia, data from Diario AS states he ranks 11th on the all-time list of most decorated players, having secured 36 titles during his career. Among them are three UEFA Champions Leagues, nine La Liga titles, seven Copas del Rey, a FIFA World Cup and a European Championship with Spain. At Inter Miami, he added a Leagues Cup and a Supporter’s Shield.

With Busquets now heading into the final months of his time in the USA, thoughts are turning to his next chapter, and Inter Miami boss and friend Javer Mascherano has revealed there is a plan in place.

“We’ve spoken in the past, and Busquets told me he’ll try to be a coach. I don’t know how long it will take, but he has all the qualities,” as per Marca.

“He told me yesterday; he’d been thinking about it [retiring] for the past few weeks . It’s a shame because he’s still a great player, and we can continue to enjoy the level he has.”