Sergio Busquets’ Retirement from International Football

Sergio Busquets’ retirement from international football is a big moment for Spain. Since his 2009 debut, he has helped shape the team’s midfield, won major trophies, and led the Spanish national team. This article examines his career, his impact, and what lies ahead for Spain.

When the final whistle blew in Doha, Spanish fans fell silent. Sergio Busquets, the captain, walked off the field. His retirement after Spain’s 2022 World Cup exit marked the end of an era for his generation.

Busquets made a huge impact as the ‘invisible midfielder.’ He controlled games with smart positioning and anticipation, staying calm under pressure, a quality respected by teammates and rivals alike.His simple, accurate passing was key to Spain’s possession style. 

As a leader, he still influences Spanish football. Here, we look at his retirement, international career, and how his time with Barcelona and Spain are linked.

Why Did Sergio Busquets Retire from Spain Duty?

He chose to step aside in December 2022 after Spain’s elimination in the Round of 16 at the World Cup.

Over 13 years, he earned 143 caps, scored two goals, lifted both a World Cup and a European Championship, and inherited the captaincy in his final tournament.

Sergio Busquets Spain Retirement: When and How It Happened

The Final International Match

• Spain’s exit to Morocco in the 2022 World Cup last-16 (on penalties) marked the stage for Busquets’ decision.
• He missed his spot-kick in the shootout, and days later announced:
• “After almost 15 years and 143 matches, the moment has arrived to bid farewell to the national team.”

Why 2022, and Why Then?

• As his form declined and new midfield talents like Pedri and Gavi emerged, Busquets likely felt it was the right time to step aside.
• Busquets decided to retire for personal, physical, and football reasons, wanting to make the choice himself. He felt it was important to leave while still performing well and to let younger players step in. This shows his self-awareness and thoughtful approach.

Sergio Busquets’ International Career: A Deep Dive

Debut & Early Years

• Busquets made his Spain debut in April 2009 under Vicente del Bosque.
• Shortly after, he became a regular in the Spanish midfield core, often paired with Xabi Alonso and Iniesta in the classical possession system.

Caps, Goals & Milestones

• 143 caps (third-most in Spanish history behind Casillas, Ramos)
• He scored two international goals, but his real value was in his control, sense of tempo, and defensive intelligence.
• Participated in four FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022) and three UEFA Euros (2012, 2016, 2020)

Spain’s Golden Era & His Role

• 2010 FIFA World Cup (South Africa): Busquets was a key figure in Spain’s midfield, anchoring transitions and covering a lot of ground.
• At Euro 2012, Busquets was central to Spain’s passing game and helped them win the title. He led by guiding younger teammates, reading the game, and showing quiet confidence.

Spain National Team Captain Busquets: Leadership & Legacy

Busquets became Spain’s captain for Qatar 2022, leading La Roja with composure through one final campaign.

Busquets didn’t stand out with flashy moves, but he led through hard work, discipline, and humility. Even his rivals respected him. Sergio Ramos called him one of the best midfielders and admired his humble attitude.

In his farewell address, he thanked coaches, teammates, and fans and acknowledged he’d now “be one more fan.”

How Did Sergio Busquets Perform in Euros & World Cups?

FIFA World Cup	2010, 2014, 2018, 2022	Integral in 2010 win; in 2022 captained Spain; featured in four tournaments
UEFA European Cup	2012, 2016, 2020	2012 winner; consistent midfield engine

Best Moments

• 2010 World Cup: This was a turning point, as Spain won its first World Cup title. Busquets’ calm play stopped counterattacks and linked defense with attack.
• Euro 2012: A mature Spain side, and Busquets was among the pillars of control and possession supremacy.
• In later tournaments, even as Spain became less dominant, Busquets still brought stability. He was the steady midfield anchor teams rely on during difficult moments.

The Broader Career: Barcelona, Spain & Barca-Spain Synergies

Busquets’ club and national careers intertwined seamlessly, reinforcing one another.

• At Barcelona: From La Masia to first team (2008), he played 722 matches across 15 seasons, winning 32 trophies: 9 LaLiga, 7 Copa del Rey, 3 Champions Leagues among them.
• MLS and Inter Miami: In 2023, he moved to Miami to reunite with former teammates Messi and Jordi Alba, and demonstrated his sustained quality in a new environment.
• His club style matched Spain’s approach, with a focus on short passes, awareness, and keeping possession. This made him valuable to both teams.

Did Busquets Retire from All Football? (Clarification)

Yes, but not right away. He retired from international football in 2022, but kept playing at the club level.

In September 2025, Inter Miami confirmed that Busquets will retire from all professional football at the end of the 2025 MLS season.

Retiring from Spain was only part of his journey. He will play his final professional games later.

Legacy and The Future of Spain’s Midfield

What Busquets Leaves Behind

• He set the bar for defensive midfielders with his sense of space, skill at keeping possession, and balance between holding back and making an impact.
• He also left a legacy as a mentor, teaching by example through his play, decisions, and modest approach.
• He left on his own terms, choosing to step aside rather than slowly fade from the spotlight.

Who Steps Up Now?

Spain’s new generation, including players like Pedri and Gavi, is already taking on bigger roles. The question is whether they can control the midfield as quietly as Busquets did. How they develop will shape Spain’s football future.

The battle for the defensive midfield spot that Busquets once held will be exciting and closely followed.

Coaching or Beyond?

Former coach and teammate Javier Mascherano confidently opines that Busquets is destined for a career in coaching. “I think he’s clearly going to be a coach,” he said.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Final Thoughts

Sergio Busquets’ retirement from international football was more than just one player stepping away. It signaled the end of a special midfield style and linked Spain’s winning past to its future. His influence still shapes Spain’s focus on control and leadership. As Busquets said, “What matters is the work that doesn’t make the highlights, the quiet moments that decide games.” He leaves a strong example for future generations.