It has been a year since Gerard Piqué, the iconic defender for FC Barcelona, played his last professional match on November 5, 2022, concluding a storied career that spanned over a decade with the Catalan giants. This momentous retirement came just two days after Piqué’s official announcement, a decision that had been on the horizon due to his reduced playing time under Barcelona’s new manager, Xavi Hernández.
Piqué’s departure marked the end of an era, as he left behind a remarkable legacy. With 616 appearances, Piqué is fifth on the list of players with the most games played for Barcelona, trailing legends like Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernández, Sergio Busquets, and Andrés Iniesta. He was an integral part of the squad that was widely regarded as the best team in football history, playing a pivotal role both on and off the field.
A controversial figure
Piqué’s career was marked not only by his footballing prowess but also by his fiery confrontations with Barcelona’s arch-rivals, Real Madrid. He never shied away from engaging in controversies with the club’s most bitter adversary. Additionally, he ventured into the political arena, making headlines for his involvement with the Spanish national team and for his role during the turbulent events in Catalonia in October 2017. His personal life also garnered significant attention, particularly his high-profile separation from Colombian singer Shakira.
Moreover, Piqué was at the center of a scandal surrounding the Spanish Super Cup, as he negotiated the tournament’s format through his company with the then-president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales. Piqué’s relationship with the club began to wane in the latter part of his tenure, exacerbated by his decision to renew his contract under the previous club president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, while his performances were starting to decline.
A new challenge
With Xavi Hernández taking over as the head coach, Piqué found himself increasingly relegated to the bench, marking the end of an era. His career with Barcelona was characterized by controversies, including the Davis Cup, which he organized through his company, Kosmos, and his contract resolution plan.
However, Piqué did not fade away from the spotlight, as he embarked on a new challenge in the world of sports. He launched the Kings League, a seven-a-side tournament that was established by Piqué in Barcelona last year, and he is now looking to take the event to North America. The Kings League aims to revolutionize the game of football by introducing innovative rules and formats, such as shorter matches, smaller pitches, and no offsides.
Piqué’s ambition is to create a global league that will attract the best players and teams from around the world, and to offer a new experience for the fans and the media. He has already secured the participation of some of the biggest names in football, such as Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, Piqué’s venture has not been without its challenges, as he faced a dramatic tumble off a stage after not looking where he was going during the launch event of the Kings League Americas in Miami. The 36-year-old football star, who was previously married to Shakira, had the embarrassing moment captured by cameras as he appeared to disappear during the event. Fortunately, he escaped unhurt from the fall, and he was able to resume his presentation with a smile.
A legend of the game
Gerard Piqué will always be remembered as one of the best defenders of his generation, and one of the most successful players in the history of Barcelona. He won 32 trophies with the club, including nine La Liga titles, six Copa del Rey titles, and four UEFA Champions League titles. He also won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and the UEFA European Championship in 2012 with Spain.
Piqué’s retirement left a huge void in the Barcelona defense, as the club struggled to find a suitable replacement for him. His leadership, charisma, and passion for the game will be missed by the fans and the teammates alike. He will always be a part of the Barcelona family, and a legend of the game.
Barcelona: One year since Gerard Piqué’s last game for LaLiga club : Gerard Pique falls down a hole at Kings League Americas launch event : Shakira’s ex Gerard Pique falls down hole in excruciatingly awkward moment
