For Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets, the transition from player to coach has commenced with an apprenticeship at Barca Atletic.
The former midfielder will work alongside fellow ex-Barcelona star Juliano Belletti with the team of youngsters, which plays in the Segunda Federacion.
A midfield orchestrator back in the day, Busquets will combine hands-on technical observation with preparations to begin his UEFA coaching qualifications that will eventually enable him to work from the touchline.
Sergio Busquets Joins Juliano Belletti at Barcelona Atletic
Busquets was first reported to be returning to where it all began for him, La Masia, to kick off his career as a coach in August.
The 38-year-old retired from professional football in December 2025, after lifting the MLS Cup alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
According to Mundo Deportivo, he has now taken an understated assistant role to former Brazil international Juliano Belletti, who is the head coach of the Barca Atletic team.
Instead of stepping directly into the day-to-day hustle and bustle of senior management, Busquets is adopting a deliberate, observational approach on his way to becoming a coach.
He will attend training sessions at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and watch games from the stands at the Johan Cruyff Stadium while he begins his UEFA A license course in the coming weeks.
He does not travel with the team to games yet and currently watches matches from the stands while he begins his coaching qualifications.
How Sergio Busquets Is Beginning His Coaching Journey at Barcelona
For many months after he left Barcelona in 2023, there was a frantic scramble within the club to find the next Sergio Busquets-a midfielder with requisite understanding of space and time, who could effectively shield the backline and control the tempo of the game at the same time.
With Busquets himself now in the building, it should be easier for him to pass his knowledge onto youngsters in the academy, helping them to transition smoothly to the senior side.
His impact is already being felt by the midfielders, as his current responsibilities focus heavily on individual tactical advice for them.
He will teach them about positional discipline, body orientation, and press resistance without doing too much, due to limitations regarding his role.
The former midfielder has committed long-term to mastering football management from scratch within the La Masia ecosystem.
His immediate goal will be to complete his UEFA A coaching qualification, which would allow him to coach at national level, such as Juvenil A, or work as a first-team assistant.
He will then work towards obtaining a UEFA Pro licence, the highest coaching qualification, which would allow him to manage professional teams.
Busquets will join fellow former Barcelona midfielders Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, and Yaya Toure on the touchline in the near future.
