Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets has returned to the Spanish giants to begin a new chapter of his football career — this time from the dugout.
The former midfielder has joined Barça Atlètic as an assistant coach, becoming part of manager Juliano Belletti’s technical team for the 2026/27 season.
Barcelona confirmed on Monday that Busquets will contribute his experience and football knowledge to the reserve side while completing his coaching course.
The appointment brings the 38-year-old back to the club three years after he ended his illustrious spell as a Barcelona first-team player.
Busquets came through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before establishing himself in the senior side during the 2008/09 season.
He subsequently became one of the defining players of Barcelona’s most successful era, operating as the holding midfielder behind stars including Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi.
Busquets returns with 722 Barcelona appearances and 32 trophies
Busquets’ appointment gives Barça Atlètic’s young players the opportunity to work closely with one of the most decorated midfielders in the club’s history.
He played 722 competitive matches for Barcelona, placing him third on the club’s all-time appearance list, and won 32 trophies during his first-team career.
His honours included nine LaLiga titles, three UEFA Champions League trophies, seven Copa del Rey titles, seven Spanish Super Cups, three UEFA Super Cups and three FIFA Club World Cups.
Busquets also enjoyed enormous success internationally, helping Spain win the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2012.
After leaving Barcelona in 2023, the midfielder joined Inter Miami, where he reunited with several former Barcelona teammates before eventually bringing his playing career to an end.
His return to Catalonia now marks his first major move into coaching.
Barcelona said Busquets’ experience and understanding of the game will be used to support the development of young players under Belletti at Barça Atlètic.
For Busquets, the appointment could represent the first step in a coaching career at the club where he spent the overwhelming majority of his playing days.
