Jordi Alba Announces Retirement From Professional Football After Illustrious Career
Jordi Alba, Barcelona legend and current Inter Miami left-back, has announced his retirement from professional football at the close of the 2025 season. The 36-year-old described the decision as the right moment to end a remarkable career.
“The time has come to close a truly meaningful chapter in my life,” Alba said. “I’ve decided to bring my professional football career to an end at the conclusion of this season. I do so with complete conviction, with peace, and with happiness.”
Alba started his career at Barcelona’s La Masia academy but was released at 16 for being considered too small. He later played for Cornellà and Valencia, where he successfully transitioned from winger to left-back.
Returning to Barcelona in 2012, Alba became a cornerstone of the team for more than a decade, winning six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey trophies, a UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, and a UEFA Super Cup. He formed one of football’s most memorable partnerships with Lionel Messi and made over 450 appearances for the club, eventually serving as its fourth captain.
On the international stage, Alba debuted for Spain in 2011, helping the team win UEFA Euro 2012 with a goal in the 4-0 final victory over Italy. He also captained Spain to the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League title and represented his country in multiple World Cups and European Championships.
Now playing alongside Messi and Luis Suárez at Inter Miami, Alba will retire at the end of the MLS season, closing one of the most decorated careers in recent football history.
