Ivan Rakitić Announces Retirement from Professional Football
Veteran midfielder Ivan Rakitić has officially drawn the curtain on his illustrious professional football career, bringing an end to a journey that has left an indelible mark on European and international football.
After more than 18 years at the top level, Rakitić steps away from the game as one of the most decorated Croatian players of his generation. Known for his intelligence on the ball, tactical discipline, and elegant style of play, Rakitić’s career is one defined by consistency, professionalism, and big-game performances.
Club Career Highlights:
- Sevilla FC (2001–2014 & 2020–2024): Rakitić made a name for himself at Sevilla, captaining the side and leading them to a UEFA Europa League title in 2014. His leadership and creativity in midfield made him a fan favorite.
- FC Barcelona (2014–2020): At Barça, he became a key figure in one of the club’s most dominant eras. He helped the team to a historic treble in the 2014–15 season, including winning the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and the Copa del Rey. He played alongside legends like Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets, seamlessly fitting into the club’s famous tiki-taka style.
- Other Clubs: He also had a successful stint at Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga, where he began to establish himself as a top-tier European midfielder.
International Career:
Rakitić was a central figure for the Croatia national team, earning over 100 caps. He was pivotal in Croatia’s unforgettable run to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, where they finished runners-up to France. His calmness under pressure, especially in penalty shootouts, played a major role in their progress.
His partnership with Luka Modrić in midfield was widely praised and is considered one of the best midfield duos in modern international football.
Life After Football:
Rakitić will not be stepping away from the game entirely. After announcing his retirement, he confirmed that he will take up a technical or sporting director role at Hajduk Split, signaling his desire to contribute to the sport from behind the scenes. His transition from the field to a leadership role off the pitch reflects his deep understanding of the game and his commitment to nurturing the next generation.
Legacy:
Ivan Rakitić retires as:
- A Champions League winner
- A Europa League winner (twice)
- A four-time La Liga champion
- A World Cup finalist
- And one of the few players to have played over 100 matches for both club and country
His retirement has been met with heartfelt tributes from across the footballing world, with fans, players, and coaches all acknowledging the immense contributions he made to the sport.