FORMER BARCELONA WINGER CRISTIAN TELLO CALLS TIME ON 15-YEAR CAREER

Former Barcelona winger Cristian Tello has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35, bringing an end to a career that saw him make 512 appearances across six countries. The Spanish forward confirmed the decision on September 6, saying he was closing an important chapter of his life after more than a decade in professional football.

Tello, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, broke into the first team under Pep Guardiola and went on to feature prominently during his time at the Catalan club. He later continued his career with FC Porto, Fiorentina and Real Betis, while also playing in the United States and the Middle East. His final club was UAE third-tier side Palm City FC, where he had been playing since October 2025.

During his career, Tello collected several major honours, including a La Liga title with Barcelona, the Copa del Rey with Real Betis and an MLS Cup with Los Angeles FC. He also represented clubs in Spain, Portugal, Italy, the United States, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, making his career one that stretched across several different football cultures and leagues.

In announcing his decision, Tello reflected on the experiences football had given him, expressing gratitude to his family, former teammates, coaches, club staff and supporters who accompanied him throughout his career. He described the sport as having allowed him to fulfil dreams that once appeared impossible and said he was leaving with pride over everything he had achieved and experienced.

Tello's retirement closes the playing career of a winger who made his name at Barcelona before embarking on a journey that took him through some of Europe’s major leagues and eventually to the Middle East. With 512 professional appearances behind him, the 35-year-old now begins a new chapter away from active football.