Spanish football legend Jordi Alba has officially announced his retirement from professional football, bringing an incredible 20-year career to a close. Softfootball understands that the 36-year-old left-back, revealed on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, through his official Instagram handle via a video, that he will hang up his boots at the end of the current Major League Soccer season with Inter Miami.
Watch the video below:
Alba, who joined the MLS side in 2023, said he made the decision with complete conviction, peace and happiness, expressing gratitude for a career that gave him everything he ever dreamed of. His announcement comes just days after his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets also confirmed his own retirement, signalling the end of a golden era for two Barça greats.
Since moving to Miami, Alba has played a vital role in the club’s rise delivering 14 goals, 38 assists, and helping them win both the Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield. He was even pivotal in Inter Miami’s latest victory over New England Revolution, where he scored 2 goals. Despite signing an extension through 2027, he decided it was time to step away at season’s end.
In an emotional Instagram message, Alba thanked every club that shaped him, from Atlético Centro Hospitalense to Barcelona and Inter Miami, saying football had given him absolutely everything. He fondly recalled his time at Valencia CF, where he broke into La Liga, and Barcelona, the club that saw him grow up as a child and reach the peak of his career.
He Said:
The moment has come to close a truly meaningful chapter in my life. I’ve decided to bring my professional football career to an end at the conclusion of this season,” Alba said. “I do so with complete conviction, peace and happiness. Because I feel I’ve walked this path with every ounce of passion I had and now it’s the right time to open a new chapter and close the previous one with the best possible feeling.
Football has given me absolutely everything. Thank you to my teammates, coaches, staff, club workers and rivals who pushed me to give my very best. I want to specially thank the clubs that have shaped my life. To the Atlético Centro Hospitalense, where it all began. To Cornellá, for trusting me and helping me grow. To Nastic de Tarragona, where I learned to live in a professional dressing room and matured alongside great teammates.
To Valencia CF, the club that allowed me to fulfil my dream to debut in the first division. To FC Barcelona, the club of my life. The one that saw me grow up as a child and allowed me to reach the peak of my career, live over a decade of unforgettable memories and win every possible title. To the Spanish national team, honoured to wear the jersey and grateful to be a small part of your history.
And finally to Inter Miami, thanks for opening your doors and your kindness and for giving me the chance to enjoy this journey until the very last moment. Thank you to all the fans for your kindness, you taught me that the shirt isn’t just worn, it’s felt. Today I close this chapter knowing I’ve given it my all, football has been and always will be an essential part of my life. Thanks football for everything.
Alba’s record speaks for itself: six La Liga titles, one Champions League, and four Copa del Rey trophies with Barça, alongside European glory with Spain at Euro 2012 and the 2023 UEFA Nations League.
As he bows out, Jordi Alba leaves behind not just trophies but a legacy defined by passion, consistency, and heart. Truly, one of football’s finest full-backs says goodbye.
