Former Spain international Sergio Busquets has joined Barca Atletic as assistant manager after ending his playing career at Inter Miami.
As reported earlier by Striver.Football, Busquets will work alongside head coach Juliano Belletti to contribute to the development of La Masia's next generation.
The new professional adventure is also expected to help the 38-year-old complete his coaching course following his retirement from playing at the end of 2025.
“Sergio Busquets joins Barca Atletic as assistant coach from this Monday,” the club statement read.
“The Barca legend is joining Juliano Belletti's team to bring his experience and football knowledge to the Barca team while he completes his coaching course.
“His experience, knowledge and way of understanding the game will become part of Juliano Belletti's team, with the aim of contributing to the growth and training of the young players in the Barca reserve team.”
Sergio Busquets Returns to Barcelona as Barca Atletic Assistant Coach
Busquets is making a legendary return to Barca after his two-year stint in the United States with Inter Miami.
He began his professional career at Barcelona and will now start his coaching journey at the same club.
Busquets rose from the La Masia academy to Barcelona's first team in 2008 and went on to stamp his authority in world football as one of the best defensive midfielders.
During his 15 seasons at Camp Nou, the Spaniard played 722 games for Barcelona and he won a total of 32 titles which include nine La Liga, seven Copa del Rey, seven Spanish Super Cups, three UEFA Champions League trophies and three FIFA Club World Cups.
On the international scene, the 38-year-old was also a member of the Spanish squad that won the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship.
At Inter Miami, Busquets reunited with ex-Barca teammates Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba where they won the 2025 MLS Cup, the 2024 Supporters' Shield and the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Busquets Follows Barcelona Legends Into Coaching
Coaching ideally offers retired footballers a natural second career with the opportunity to transfer their dressing room experience and tactical knowledge to the next generation.
Leadership is also an aspect a former captain can teach his players.
With Monday's appointment, Busquets joins an illustrious list of former Barcelona players who are now enjoying their time on the sidelines as coach.
They include Johan Cruyff, Pep Guardiola, Frank Riijkaard, Luis Enrique, Xavi Hernandez, Ernesto Valverde, Julen Lopetegui, Ronald Koeman, Patrick van Bronckhorst, Ronald de Boer and most recently, Yaya Toure.
What Barcelona's Young Players Can Learn From Busquets
Busquets is considered a serial winner for his influence in the Barcelona squad that dominated Spanish football for a decade between 2008 and 2018.
His presence at Barcelona can offer younger players more than motivation, providing valuable access to his experience, mentorship and advice.
In addition, Busquets is a true representation of La Masia culture and his commitment to Barcelona as a club could be a lesson for young players at a time when expensive transfers can sometimes challenge ideas of loyalty and club identity, his commitment to Barcelona can offer another example of what it means to embody a club's DNA.
With an extraordinary collection of honours across his career in Spain and the United States, Busquets' winning zeal and fighting spirit could be a soft skill for new generation players to learn.
