Former Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets returned to Barcelona on Monday, August 17, 2026, to take his first steps in coaching as an assistant manager for reserve side Barça Atlètic.
Busquets has joined the technical staff led by head coach Juliano Belletti, returning to the Catalan club three years after ending his decorated 15-season playing tenure in the first team.
The appointment coincides with Busquets completing his formal coaching license. In his new capacity, he will work alongside Belletti to mentor young players and pass on his extensive tactical experience accumulated over nearly two decades in professional football.
Barça Atlètic serves as FC Barcelona's primary reserve team, competing in the lower tiers of the Spanish football league system. The side plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between youth development and top-flight European football.
Coaching role at Barça Atlètic
Busquets officially started work with the squad on Monday. His daily responsibilities will focus on integrating into Belletti's backroom staff and directly assisting in the technical development of the squad's young players.
Belletti, a former Brazilian international defender who represented Barcelona from 2004 to 2007, famously scored the decisive goal in the 2006 UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal in Paris. He now oversees Barça Atlètic as head coach.
Together, the two former Barcelona players are charged with guiding the club's latest generation of emerging talent through the final phase of youth development.
Busquets officially retired as a player in 2025 after spending two and a half seasons in the United States with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.
Decorated playing career at Barcelona
Before his move to North America, Busquets built one of the most successful playing careers in European football history. Having risen through Barcelona's youth ranks, he earned his promotion to the senior squad during the 2008/09 season.
Over the subsequent 15 seasons, Busquets established himself as one of the premier defensive midfielders in world football. He made 722 official appearances for Barcelona, serving as the tactical anchor of the team's midfield.
During his 15 seasons in the main team, Busquets won a total of 32 major trophies with the Catalan club, cementing his status as one of Barcelona's greatest modern icons.
His impressive collection of 32 trophies with Barcelona includes nine LaLiga championships, seven Copa del Rey titles, seven Spanish Super Cups, three UEFA Champions League trophies, three European Super Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups.
International triumphs with Spain
Busquets achieved similar honors on the international stage as an indispensable member of Spain's national team during an era of global dominance.
Busquets was a central figure in Spain's 2010 FIFA World Cup victory in South Africa, anchoring the midfield throughout the tournament. He followed that success by helping Spain win the European Championship at Euro 2012, eventually representing his country at four World Cup tournaments.
Now back in Catalonia, Busquets begins his transition into management by stepping directly into the daily routine of Barça Atlètic's coaching staff.
