Inter Miami CF and Jordi Alba announced on Tuesday that the veteran Spanish left-back will retire at the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, bringing an illustrious playing career to a close.
The 35-year-old defender has made over 700 professional appearances across his career, featuring for Gimnàstic de Tarragona, Valencia CF, and FC Barcelona before joining Inter Miami in July 2023 alongside former Barça teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets.
Alba’s announcement comes just weeks after Busquets revealed his own retirement plans and months after signing a contract extension through 2027.
“The time has come to close a truly meaningful chapter in my life,” Alba shared on social media. “I’ve decided to end my professional football career at the conclusion of this season. I do so with peace and happiness, knowing I’ve given my all and that now is the right time to begin a new chapter.”
Widely regarded as one of the best left-backs of his generation, Alba spent the majority of his career in LaLiga, tallying 33 goals and 107 assists in 569 appearances for Valencia and Barcelona.
He won six LaLiga titles and the 2015 UEFA Champions League with Barça, forming a famous on-field partnership with Messi that later continued in MLS.
On the international stage, Alba earned 93 caps and scored 10 goals for Spain. He helped La Roja capture the 2012 UEFA European Championship and captained them to victory in the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League.
Since joining Inter Miami, Alba has played a key role in the club’s rapid rise, winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. Across all competitions, he has contributed 14 goals and 38 assists in 95 appearances.
“Jordi has been an exceptional addition to Inter Miami and one of MLS’s standout players over the past two seasons,” said club managing owner Jorge Mas. “His experience, consistency, and attacking impact have been vital to our success. Beyond his performances, Jordi has been a true professional and will always remain part of the Inter Miami family.”
Inter Miami have two regular-season games remaining before the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs begin in late October. Currently sitting third in the Eastern Conference with 59 points, the Herons are aiming for a top-four finish to secure home-field advantage in the first round.
If Miami reach the MLS Cup Final on December 6, that match will mark the final appearance of Jordi Alba’s storied career.
