Who is Jordi Alba
- Jordi Alba is a Spanish left-back widely considered one of the best of his generation. (Wikipedia)
- He played most of his prime for FC Barcelona, winning many trophies including: La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the 2015 Champions League. (Football Today)
- Internationally, Alba earned 93 caps for Spain. He was part of the team that won Euro 2012 (scoring in the final) and also won the 2023 Nations League. (Football Today)
What led to his retirement
- Alba currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), having joined in 2023. (ESPN.com)
- Earlier in 2025, he signed a contract extension with the club that would have kept him there through 2027. (Diario AS)
- On 7 October 2025, Alba announced that he will retire at the end of the 2025 MLS season (after the playoffs). (Reuters)
His announcement and reflections
- He shared the decision via a social media post (video), saying he made it “with complete conviction, peace and happiness.” (The Guardian)
- He expressed gratitude to all the clubs that shaped his career: from his youth clubs to Valencia, Barcelona, Spain’s national team, and finally Inter Miami. (ESPN.com)
- Alba also spoke about how the time felt right to start a new chapter personally, after many demanding years in football. (intermiamicf)
Legacy and what he leaves behind
- Alba is remembered for excellent pace, attacking support from left-back, pinpoint crossing, and a special connection with teammates (especially Lionel Messi during their time at Barça). (ESPN.com)
- Trophies: multiple domestic titles with Barcelona, the Champions League, several cup wins, and success also at Inter Miami (e.g. Leagues Cup, Supporters’ Shield) (Football Today)
- Alba’s retirement marks the end of a long and distinguished career, one that spanned over a decade at top levels in Europe and now in MLS. (ESPN.com)
