Sergio Busquets has officially taken his first step into coaching after returning to Barcelona as an assistant coach with Barça Atlètic, the club’s reserve team.
The former Barcelona captain has joined Juliano Belletti’s coaching staff, where he will work closely with the Brazilian coach while completing his coaching course.
Barcelona confirmed the appointment on Monday.
Busquets' new role marks the beginning of a fresh chapter after an outstanding playing career with the Catalan club.
Busquets Returns to Barcelona
The 38 year old spent 15 seasons with Barcelona's first team after progressing through the club's academy.
He made his senior debut during the 2008/09 season and went on to become one of the most important midfielders in the club's history.
Busquets made 722 appearances for Barcelona, making him the third-most capped player in the club's history. He also won 32 trophies with Barça, including nine La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies.
After leaving Barcelona in 2023, Busquets continued his playing career with Inter Miami before retiring from professional football.
Now, he is returning to the club where he built his legacy, but this time from the coaching side.
Working With Juliano Belletti
Busquets will work alongside Belletti as Barça Atlètic prepares the next generation of young players for senior football.
The former Brazil international and Barcelona defender has been coaching within the club structure and is currently in charge of Barça Atlètic.
Barcelona believe Busquets' experience and tactical understanding can benefit the young players in the reserve team while he develops his own coaching skills.
His transition could also prove particularly interesting given the number of former Barcelona players who have gone into management after starting their coaching careers with the club's reserve side.
Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique are two notable examples who previously managed Barcelona B before taking charge of the first team.
A New Chapter for a Barcelona Legend
Busquets was renowned throughout his playing career for his intelligence, positioning and understanding of the game.
Those qualities could now become valuable tools as he begins learning the coaching profession.
For now, Busquets will focus on gaining experience alongside Belletti while completing the required coaching qualifications.
His return to Barcelona therefore represents more than a reunion with his former club. It is the first step in what could become a long coaching career.
After spending nearly two decades controlling games from the midfield, Busquets now begins learning how to influence them from the touchline.