Jordi Alba announces his retirement from professional football

The announcement of his farewell

The player trained at La Masia shared the news through an emotional video on his social media, in which he explained the reasons that led him to make this decision at the age of 36, after three seasons in MLS.

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“This has been a well-considered decision for a long time. I feel that it is the right moment to start a new personal stage and fully enjoy my family, after so many years of demands in professional football. I am very happy with this time spent at Inter Miami, and I am very grateful for the support of the fans and for having been able to participate in the successes we have achieved as a team, participating in special moments in the growth of the club. Now my goal is to finish the season in the best possible way, giving my all in the playoffs," expressed the Catalan in his statement. During his time at FC Barcelona, Jordi Alba formed one of the most memorable partnerships with Leo Messi, a connection that was later replicated in the United States. Both became teammates again at Inter Miami, where their understanding on the pitch continued to create great moments.

A career full of titles

During his time as a blaugrana, Jordi Alba established himself as one of the best left-backs in the history of both Barça and the Spanish national team, accumulating a trophy haul of 22 titles: six La Ligas, one Champions League, four Copa del Rey titles, five Supercopa de España titles, one UEFA Super Cup, one FIFA Club World Cup, as well as one Euro and one Nations League with La Roja. After bidding farewell to Barça in 2023, the defender signed with Inter Miami, where in his first season alongside Messi and Busquets, he won the League Cup and the Supporter’s Shield, thus expanding his brilliant professional career.

The farewell at Camp Nou

His last match as a blaugrana player was against RCD Mallorca, which also coincided with the last game played at Spotify Camp Nou before the renovation works. That night, the stadium was filled with emotion due to the farewells of Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and the venue itself. The full-back was substituted for Marcos Alonso and, upon reaching the bench, broke down in tears, visibly affected by the farewell after 11 seasons defending the first team´s jersey.

A path of effort and return

Jordi Alba was the owner of the left flank of Barça for more than a decade, although his story was not that of the typical youth player who progresses linearly from La Masia to the first team. In his early years in the club´s lower categories, he played as an attacking midfielder, with a much more offensive profile. However, lacking continuity, the player from L´Hospitalet de Llobregat went on loan to UE Cornellà during his youth stage. Later, Valencia CF took a chance on him, and it was there that he established himself as a left-back with great potential, standing out for his speed and offensive ability. His great performance in the Euro 2012 final, in which he scored a goal, convinced FC Barcelona to repatriate him that same summer, becoming a key piece of the team for more than ten years. Jordi Alba leaves professional football as one of the most important players of his generation, a symbol of dedication, speed, and commitment, and an undisputed reference in the recent history of FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team.