Busquets begins coaching journey at Barcelona alongside Egyptian prospect Abdelkarim

Sergio Busquets has returned to Barcelona’s training ground to start his first steps in coaching, joining the Barcelona Atletic set-up in a move that could pave the way for a future role on the club’s bench.

The former Barca and Spain midfielder has begun a period of work experience with the coaching staff of the club’s B team, which currently includes young Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

His presence at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper complex marks the start of a new chapter for the 36-year-old, only seven months after he called time on a glittering playing career.

Although his exact role has not yet been formalised, the intention from all sides is clear: Busquets is immersing himself in the day-to-day life of the technical staff to develop his skills and understanding of coaching at elite level.

Focus on learning before taking full charge

Busquets, regarded as one of the finest holding midfielders in football history, does not yet hold the full coaching licence required to become a head coach.

He is therefore using this spell with Barcelona Atletic to gain practical experience from within the structure he knows best – the club where he emerged from La Masia and spent the bulk of his career.

The period of integration is designed to expose him to Barca’s internal methodology: daily training routines, tactical planning, dressing-room management and long-term player development.

The club and Busquets are treating this as a preparatory phase, a foundation for a possible future on the touchline, without rushing into a formal appointment.

From MLS title to the training pitch

Busquets hung up his boots in December, ending his playing days on a high with an MLS Cup triumph at Inter Miami alongside former team-mate Lionel Messi.

That success in the United States came after a remarkable career at Barcelona, where he won every major club trophy available, including multiple La Liga titles and the Champions League, as well as lifting the World Cup and European Championship with Spain.

His move into coaching comes quickly after retirement. On Sunday he was in New Jersey, watching Spain defeat Argentina in the World Cup final thanks to an extra-time goal by Ferran Torres. He returned directly to Barcelona to begin what is being framed as his new professional project.

Boost for Barcelona Atletic and Abdelkarim

Within Barcelona Atletic, Busquets’ arrival is expected to provide both a technical and psychological boost to a young squad trying to break through into the first team.

Among those set to benefit is Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim, described as one of the side’s most promising attacking talents.

Working daily with a figure of Busquets’ stature offers Abdelkarim a rare opportunity to learn first-hand from a player renowned for his positioning, game intelligence and tactical adaptability.

For the club, re-integrating one of its most iconic academy graduates as an aspiring coach reinforces Barcelona’s tradition of continuity between generations – from La Masia to the first team and, potentially, back again on the bench.