Ivan Rakitić Bids Farewell To Football With Heartfelt Retirement.
Croatian football legend Ivan Rakitić has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37, bringing an illustrious career to a close. The midfielder, renowned for his stints at Barcelona, Sevilla, and the Croatian national team, confirmed the decision via an emotional social media post, stating, “Thank you, football,” after amassing 16 major trophies, 993 appearances, and 297 goal contributions across his career.
Rakitić’s journey began at FC Basel in Switzerland, where he won the Swiss Cup in 2007, before moving to Schalke 04 in Germany. His talent shone brightly at Sevilla, where he captained the side to a UEFA Europa League title in 2014, earning the man of the match award in the final against Benfica. In 2014, he joined Barcelona, where he became a cornerstone of their midfield, contributing to a historic treble in his debut season, including La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. Rakitić scored the opening goal in the 2015 Champions League final against Juventus, cementing his place in Barça history. Over six seasons with the club, he made 310 appearances, scored 36 goals, and won 13 trophies, including four La Liga titles and four Copas del Rey.
Returning to Sevilla in 2020, Rakitić added another Europa League title in 2023, further solidifying his legacy with the Spanish club, where he played 323 matches and was hailed as a “living legend.” His final chapter came with Hajduk Split in his homeland, where he made 35 appearances in the 2024/25 season before hanging up his boots. Internationally, Rakitić earned 106 caps for Croatia, playing a pivotal role in their 2018 World Cup final run, where they finished as runners-up to France. He retired from international duty in 2020, leaving as Croatia’s fourth most-capped player.
In his farewell message, Rakitić expressed gratitude for the sport that gave him “friends, emotions, joy, and tears,” reflecting on his time at Sevilla, where he met his wife and welcomed his daughter, and at Barcelona, which he called “the club of my dreams.” He also celebrated Croatia’s historic World Cup campaign, noting the pride of representing his nation. Rakitić is set to transition into a new role as assistant sporting director at Hajduk Split, where his footballing insight is expected to shape the club’s future. Fans and peers alike have hailed the midfielder’s work ethic, tactical brilliance, and enduring legacy as one of Croatia’s finest.
