Spanish football icon Gerard Pique has made a sensational return to the pitch, reportedly signing for the second-division club he owns, FC Andorra. The 38-year-old defender, who retired from professional football in 2022, is said to be preparing for a dramatic comeback.
From Owner to Player: Pique's Surprising Return
The news, reported by Spanish outlet RTVA, indicates that Pique has signed for FC Andorra. The club, which he purchased via his investment group Kosmos in 2018 when they were in the fifth tier, has not officially confirmed the move on its website or social media channels. Neither has Pique himself publicly announced the deal.
However, reports suggest his potential debut could come as soon as January 4, 2024, when Andorra are scheduled to travel to face AD Ceuta. This marks a remarkable twist for the former Barcelona and Spain star, who hung up his boots after a glittering career.
A Storied Career and Post-Retirement Ventures
Pique's retirement in 2022 followed an immensely successful 14-year spell at Barcelona, having joined from Manchester United for £5 million in 2008. During his time at the Camp Nou, he amassed an incredible 30 trophies, including nine LaLiga titles and three Champions League crowns.
On the international stage, he was a cornerstone of Spain's golden era, lifting the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 European Championship. His retirement came just five months after his high-profile split from singer Shakira.
Since leaving professional football, Pique has remained deeply involved in the sport. He famously launched the Kings League, a innovative seven-a-side tournament featuring celebrities and ex-players like Ronaldinho, which blends football with Twitch streaming culture. The competition recently secured a significant global broadcast deal with streaming service DAZN.
A Visionary's Critique of Modern Football
Pique has been an outspoken advocate for radical change in football, arguing the sport must evolve to compete for the attention of younger audiences. In a podcast with former teammate Iker Casillas, he criticised goalless draws, suggesting a match ending 0-0 should result in zero points for both teams.
"Football is entertainment, so it is not just competing with other sports," Pique stated. "It competes with Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, TikTok. Everyone has limited time. Football for 90 minutes is not as exciting."
He has previously proposed eliminating draws entirely, citing sports like baseball and basketball as models. "You go to a game and it ends with a draw and the feeling is, 'Who won?'" he remarked. However, he dismissed the idea of joining traditional governing bodies like FIFA or UEFA to enact change, calling their processes "very boring" and "a nightmare."
Despite his innovative ideas for the sport's future, Pique's immediate focus appears to be on a personal return to the grass. This unexpected move to play for the club he owns adds another fascinating chapter to his diverse and influential career in football.
