Sergio Busquets returns to Barcelona to join Barca Atletic coaching staff

Sergio Busquets has returned to Barcelona in a new role, joining the coaching staff of Barca Atletic three years after leaving the club and less than a year after retiring from playing.

The former Barcelona captain has officially become an assistant coach under Juliano Belletti, while completing the training course required to obtain his coaching licence.

Busquets, 38, will work alongside Belletti at the Johan Cruyff Stadium as Barcelona’s reserve side develops a new identity under its current coaching team. His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter at the club where he spent 15 seasons, won dozens of honours and established himself as one of the most influential midfielders of his generation.

The move brings the Catalan great back through the same door from which he departed in 2023. Having spent the majority of his professional career at Barcelona, Busquets formed a celebrated midfield partnership with Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez, helping define one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

He left Barcelona in the summer of 2023 to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. There, he played for two seasons alongside former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba before announcing his retirement in July 2025.

Busquets was a central figure in Barcelona’s “tiki-taka” style and became a key presence in the dressing room during more than a decade and a half at the club. His return is therefore regarded internally as significant not only because of his experience on the pitch, but also because of his understanding of Barcelona’s values and footballing principles.

Barca Atletic recorded their first victory of pre-season last week, beating L’Hospitalet 2-0 in a friendly. The goals were scored by Shane Kluivert and Ignasi Quer.

The reserve side are scheduled to play their next friendly against CE Europa on Wednesday. The match will be held behind closed doors at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.

Barcelona view Busquets’ arrival as a valuable addition to Belletti’s staff as the club continues to develop its younger players. His knowledge of the demands associated with playing for Barcelona is expected to aid the next generation as they attempt to progress through the club’s system.

The former Spain international’s coaching career has now formally begun at the club where he made his name. His work with Barca Atletic will be watched closely, with the possibility that he could eventually move into more senior coaching positions within Barcelona in the years ahead.