Jordi Alba to Retire from Football at Season’s End with Inter Miami
Jordi Alba Announces Retirement: A New Chapter After a Glorious Career
Jordi Alba Bids Farewell to Football at the End of MLS Season
Jordi Alba, renowned for being one of the most talented left-backs of recent years and a key on-field ally of Lionel Messi, has announced that he will retire from football at the conclusion of the current Major League Soccer (MLS) season with Inter Miami. The 36-year-old defender will bring to a close a distinguished 16-year career filled with triumphs at FC Barcelona and with Spain’s national team, including the 2012 UEFA European Championship and the 2015 UEFA Champions League titles.
Alba Reflects on a Passionate Journey
“I do this with absolute conviction, fullness, and happiness, because I feel that I have navigated this path with all possible passion, and now is the right time to open a new chapter and close the previous one with the best of feelings,” Alba shared in an emotional video on Instagram. His announcement comes as a surprise, as he had extended his commitment to the club until 2027 back in May. According to a source close to him, the decision was driven by personal and family reasons.
An Impressive Legacy on the Field
Standing at 1.70 meters, Alba may be of short stature, but he is known for his exceptional physical presence on the field. His offensive prowess and dynamic partnership with Messi were highlights during his tenure at both Inter Miami and FC Barcelona, where he played between 2012 and 2023. “Today I close this chapter knowing that I have given it my all. Football has been, is, and always will be an essential part of my life. Thank you, football. Thank you for everything,” Alba expressed in his farewell video.
Impact on Inter Miami and the MLS
Alba’s departure is another blow for Inter Miami, following the announcement from fellow Spaniard Sergio Busquets, who also plans to retire at the end of the current MLS season. Busquets was the first among Inter’s so-called “Fantastic Four,” which includes Messi and Uruguayan forward Luis Suárez, to set an official retirement date. All three, whose ages range from 36 to 38, are nearing the end of their legendary careers in Miami.
Future Prospects for Inter Miami’s Star Players
As the world of football eagerly awaits news of Messi’s potential contract renewal beyond 2026, Luis Suárez’s situation garners attention as well. His contract concludes in December, and he has recently expressed openness to extending his stay in the Latin capital of the United States.
A Final Push for Glory
In what may be their last opportunity together, the quartet of former Barcelona stars aims to secure Inter Miami’s first MLS title this season. The championship will be decided in a single match final on December 6. Prior to the playoffs, which begin on October 24, Miami still has two regular season matches remaining to bolster their contention. As the team strives for a historic victory, fans remain hopeful for a fitting end to a remarkable era.
