Former Spain and Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba is set to bring his football career to an end.
The 36-year-old announced on Tuesday that he will retire after the ongoing season with Inter Miami.
In an Instagram post, Alba said he wants to close the current chapter in the best possible way and begin a new one:
“It’s time to conclude a very meaningful chapter of our lives. At the end of this season, I have decided to end my professional football career. I am doing this with complete conviction, peace, and happiness. I feel that I have given my all on this journey, and this is the right time to close one chapter in the best possible way and start a new one.”
“Football has truly given me everything. I am grateful to my teammates, coaches, staff, club employees, and opponents who pushed me to give my best. Special thanks to the clubs that shaped my life—Atlético Centro Hospitalense, where it all began; Cornelia, for believing in me and helping me grow; and Nàstic de Tarragona, where I learned to be part of a professional dressing room and matured alongside amazing teammates.”
Alba also reflected on all the clubs he has represented over his career:
“Valencia gave me my dream debut in the first division. Barcelona, my lifelong club, raised me like a child, took me to the pinnacle of my career, and gave me over a decade of unforgettable memories and almost every possible trophy. The Spain national team honored me by letting me wear the jersey and become a small part of its history, for which I am grateful.”
“Finally, Inter Miami—thank you for opening the doors for me, for your generosity, and for letting me enjoy this journey until the very last moment. To the fans, thank you for teaching me that this jersey is not just to be worn, but to be felt. I have given everything I had, and that’s why I am closing this chapter. Football has always been and will remain an essential part of my life. Thank you for everything, football.”
Alba had previously extended his contract with Inter Miami until the 2027 MLS season but ultimately chose retirement instead. He joined Miami from Barcelona in 2023, reuniting with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez.
He has been instrumental in Miami’s recent successes, helping the club win the 2023 Leagues Cup in their debut season, the Supporters’ Shield in the following year, and achieve the highest points in a league season.
In three MLS seasons, Alba played 63 matches, scoring 10 goals and contributing in 27 others, often linking brilliantly with Messi to secure key victories for Miami.
Now, Alba is set to conclude a stellar 16-year career. During his 11 seasons at Barcelona, he won six La Liga titles and one Champions League, scoring 37 goals and assisting in 107 more over 605 appearances.
For Spain, he won the 2012 European Championship and the 2023 Nations League.
