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The Spanish footballer Jordi Alba announced this Tuesday his retirement from professional football at the age of 36, through a post on Instagram in which he wrote: "Thank you, football. Thank you for so much", accompanied by an emotional red heart.
The left-back, currently a player for Inter Miami CF, confirmed that he will hang up his boots at the end of the 2025 season of the Major League Soccer (MLS), thus joining his teammate Sergio Busquets, who also recently announced his retirement.
"It is the right time to start a new chapter and close the current one with a beautiful feeling", expressed the Spanish international in his farewell message, published through a video on his Instagram page.
Alba joined the Miami team in 2023, alongside Lionel Messi and Busquets, after a long and successful career at FC Barcelona, where he established himself as one of the best left-backs in the world.
During his time at the Catalan club, he won six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey titles, four Supercopa titles, one Champions League, and one Eurocup with Spain in 2012.
From La Masía to stadiums around the world, Jordi Alba was synonymous with speed, tactical intelligence, and total commitment. His connection with Messi at Barça defined an era.
In total, he played more than 450 matches with Barcelona's first team, leaving an indelible mark on the club's history.
The FC Barcelona reacted to his announcement with a message on social media: "A full-back like no other. He wrote his name in the history of Barça. Thank you, Jordi".
Inter Miami also expressed words of gratitude: "Thank you, Jordi, for leaving your mark on our club and on football".
In the last match, he scored two goals and was the man of the match.
With two matches still to play in the regular season —against Atlanta United and Nashville SC— the Miami team is preparing for a transition phase.
The departure of Alba and Busquets opens up key spaces for the upcoming year. The club is already in advanced negotiations to sign the also Spanish full-back Sergio Reguilón, who could join the team in 2026.
With the farewell of Jordi Alba, football loses another of its silent yet essential leaders. A player who defended every jersey with passion, respect, and professionalism, leaving behind a legacy, titles, and a trail of respect both on and off the field.
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