Barcelona legend and current Inter Miami left-back Jordi Alba has confirmed his retirement from professional football at the end of the 2025 season. The 36-year-old cited the right timing and personal satisfaction as reasons for ending a storied 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’s journey began at Barcelona’s La Masia academy, though he was released at 16 for being deemed too small. He moved on to Cornellà and later Valencia, where he successfully transitioned from winger to left-back.
Returning to Barcelona in 2012, Alba became a key figure for over a decade, winning six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey trophies, a UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup. He formed an iconic partnership with Lionel Messi and made more than 450 appearances for the club, eventually becoming the team’s fourth captain.
Internationally, Alba debuted for Spain in 2011 and was instrumental in their UEFA Euro 2012 triumph, scoring in the 4-0 final win over Italy. He later captained Spain to the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League title and represented the country in multiple World Cups and European Championships.
Currently at Inter Miami alongside Messi and Luis Suárez, Alba’s retirement marks the end of one of modern football’s most decorated careers.