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The announcement was made via a video posted on social media, in which the player stated he made the decision "with conviction, peace, and happiness," moving fans around the world.
The news came as a surprise to many, especially since Alba had recently renewed his contract with Inter Miami until 2027.
Gracias, Jordi, por dejar tu huella en nuestro club y en el fútbol. 🫶⚽️
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 7, 2025
🗞️ All the details here: https://t.co/vxjJRjIAYB pic.twitter.com/5LjJYOMhIo
However, according to sources close to the player, the decision was made over the past few months, motivated by the desire to end his career on a high note, close to his family, and with a sense of accomplishment.
A remarkable career: clubs, titles, and legacy
Jordi Alba built a brilliant career that established him as one of the best left-backs of his generation. Discovered by Valencia, the Spaniard took his first professional steps in Spanish football before catching the eye of Barcelona, the club that shaped his career.
Signed in 2012, Alba quickly became a key player for Barça, forming a historic partnership with Lionel Messi on the left flank. Over more than a decade at the Catalan club, he won:
- 🏆 6 La Liga titles
- 🏆 5 Copa del Rey titles
- 🏆 4 Spanish Super Cups
- 🏆 1 UEFA Champions League (2014/15)
- 🏆 1 UEFA Super Cup
- 🏆 1 FIFA Club World Cup
Besides the trophies, Alba was recognized for his consistency, speed, and decisiveness. He played more than 450 games for Barcelona, many of them decisive, in addition to scoring more than 20 goals and providing dozens of assists, many of them for Messi, in one of the most lethal partnerships of the modern era.
For the Spanish national team, he also had a distinguished career, playing 93 matches and scoring nine goals, including one in the Euro 2012 final, when Spain defeated Italy 4-0.
In addition to the Euro, Alba was also present in the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League conquest. He also participated in subsequent World Cups and European Championships, cementing his name in the history of La Roja.
Last chapter: Inter Miami and the Messi era in the US
In 2023, Jordi Alba began a new phase alongside Messi, Sergio Busquets, and, later, Luis Suárez, when he signed with Inter Miami. The transfer represented not only a change of continent, but also the reunion of a historic Barcelona core on North American soil.
At the Florida club, Alba quickly took center stage, helping to win the 2023 League Cup and the 2024 Supporters' Shield, participating in historic campaigns in international competitions, and becoming one of the team's leaders, both technically and emotionally. Even at an advanced age, he maintained a strong physical and technical level, contributing goals and assists.
Impact of Retirement on Inter Miami
Alba's retirement represents the end of a symbolic era at Inter Miami. The club, which relied on historic names from European football to build its global identity, now sees one of its main pillars retire. Besides losing a key figure on the field, the Spaniard's departure opens the door for a natural restructuring at left back. Potential reinforcements, such as the Spaniard Sergio Reguilón, had already targeted this position.
In terms of image, Alba's departure reinforces the impact of Inter Miami's project: attracting international stars, promoting them in their final years, and building a global brand around legendary names. For Messi, Suárez, and Busquets, this departure also carries emotional weight; they shared more than a decade of achievements, both at Barça and in the United States.
