From Camp Nou to UAE third tier: Cristian Tello retires at 35
Former Barcelona winger ends a 512-match career that included spells at Porto, Fiorentina, Betis and Palm City (UAE third tier).
Former Barcelona winger Cristian Tello announced on September 7, 2026 that he is retiring from professional football at the age of 35.
Across a career that spanned six different countries, Tello played 512 official matches. He enjoyed his most notable spells with Barcelona, Porto, Fiorentina and Betis before heading to other leagues later in his career.
In the closing chapters of his playing days Tello moved to the Middle East. From October 2025 he was registered with Palm City, a club competing in the third tier of the United Arab Emirates.
Honours and international record
During his career Tello won the La Liga title with Barcelona, the Copa del Rey with Betis and an MLS championship with Los Angeles. Despite his club achievements, he earned only a single senior cap for Spain. He was, however, part of Spain’s under-21 side that became European champions in 2013.
Tello’s decision brings to a close a 512-match professional journey that took him from the Camp Nou to the UAE third division. Clubs, teammates and supporters will now reflect on a career that combined early promise at elite European teams with a global itinerant finish.
Photo: press material from the event
