Jordi Alba Announces Retirement, Bringing an End to a Glorious Career

Decorated Spanish full-back Jordi Alba has announced that he will retire from professional football at the end of the current season, drawing the curtain on a remarkable career that has spanned nearly two decades at the highest level.

Alba, 36, has been a key figure for Inter Miami since joining the Major League Soccer side in 2023. Over his time in the United States, he recorded an impressive 14 goals and 38 assists, helping the club capture both the Leagues Cup and the Supporters’ Shield. 

His partnership with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets played a crucial role in elevating Inter Miami into one of MLS’s most formidable outfits.

In a statement released on the club’s official website, Alba reflected on his decision to step away from the game. “This has been a thoughtful decision I’ve considered for a long time. I feel it’s the right moment to begin a new personal chapter and fully enjoy time with my family after so many demanding years in professional football,” he said.

He expressed gratitude toward the club and its supporters, adding, “I’m very happy with my time at Inter Miami and truly grateful for the support of the fans and for having been part of the team’s successes, sharing special moments in the Club’s growth. Now my goal is to finish the season in the best possible way, giving my all in the playoffs.”

Before moving to the United States, Alba carved out an illustrious career in Spain. After making his name with Valencia, he joined Barcelona in 2012, becoming a central figure in one of the club’s most successful eras. Renowned for his pace, overlapping runs, and attacking intelligence, Alba formed a lethal left-sided partnership with Messi and Neymar during the peak of Barcelona’s dominance.

During his eleven-year spell at Camp Nou, Alba won six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey trophies, one UEFA Champions League, and a FIFA Club World Cup, among several other honours.

On the international stage, Alba enjoyed equal success, earning over 90 caps for Spain. He was part of the squad that triumphed at Euro 2012, famously scoring in the final against Italy, and later lifted the UEFA Nations League in 2023 — a fitting late-career achievement.

As he prepares for his final matches with Inter Miami, Alba leaves behind a legacy defined by consistency, leadership, and a relentless commitment to excellence. His retirement marks the end of an era for one of modern football’s finest full-backs — a player who mastered the art of blending defensive responsibility with attacking flair.