November 3rd, 2022, marked the end of Gerald Pique's playing career. His journey, which began professionally in 2004, saw him win numerous trophies with club and country.
Pique also played for Manchester United early in his career and won major accolades with the English team. Here is a run-through of Pique's achievements across his tremendous career.
A Look at Pique's Successful Club Career
Undoubtedly, the 35-year-old's best days are traceable to Barcelona. He was only 4 games off the 400th La Liga appearance, a milestone only achieved by only 3 players before him. He has made more than 600 appearances for the club.
Individual Milestones
Pique's most significant achievement as a club man won on the European stage. He has been named 5 times in the UEFA Team of the year, standing amongst the best in his time.
In the 2010s, when Barcelona was at its best, he was the defensive anchor, learning from another team legend, Carles Puyol. Before his retirement, he deputized long teammate Sergio Busquets.
He stands as one of the most decorated footballers in the game's history (with 33 total trophies), behind former teammates Dani Alves and Lionel Messi.
As a dynamic defender, he's also been able to score 56 goals throughout his career. The stat is impressive for a center-back, mostly scoring from set pieces, placing him as one of the best defenders to grace the beautiful game.
Trophies
During the dominant Barcelona era, the tall CB was a force. He assisted his team win major trophies domestically and across Europe.
For sports betting fans, these were some of the best days to wage on the team. As the Barcelona team has finished rebuilding, also resulting in his departure, soccer betway is a great avenue to try your luck on the team. Here is a look at Barcelona's cabinet in defender's time:
Domestic Trophies
-La Liga titles: 8-time winner between 2008-2019
-Copa del Rey: 7 times; 2008-2021
-Supercopa de España: 6 times; between 2009-2018
European Silverware
-UEFA Champions League Cup: 3 times between 2008-09, 2010-11, and 2014-15 seasons
-UEFA Super Cup: A 3x winner in 2009, 2011, and 2015
World Club Trophies Won
He helped his team win the FIBA Club World Cup in 2009, 2011, and 2015
Honorable Mentions: Connection with Manchester United
Gerald Pique had a stint for 4 years with Manchester United's youth team from 2004. In his few games at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Fergusson, he was able to win:
-1 Champions League medal
-1 Premier League title
-Community Shield trophy
National Team Performances
Spain was also at its best in the 2010s, serving as a great betting option for Betway punters. Pique’s excellent display at Barcelona would earn him 102 appearances for the Spanish national team. He retired from the international stage back in 2018 after winning the following major trophies:
-2010 FIFA World Cup: Probably the most valuable piece in his achievement list, he won at the cost of the Dutch in a dramatic final on African soil.
-UEFA European Championship in 2012: Pique, at the heart of the defense, helped his team lift the trophy through the infamous 'tiki taka' football.
-U19 UEFA European Championship Cup in 2006
Conclusion
The end of Pique's career was a surprise, though it felt necessary with his contract running out a week away from the breaking announcement. He has no regrets, only love and respect for his team, as evidenced by his last emotional speech and activity on social media. Either way, he has technically won it all on the biggest stage for club and country.