Former Barcelona and Croatia midfield maestro Ivan Rakitić has officially retired from professional football at the age of 37, bringing an illustrious career to a close.
The veteran playmaker, who recently played for Hajduk Split in his homeland after a brief stint in Saudi Arabia with Al Shabab, shared the emotional news on social media.
“Football, you gave me more than I could ever imagine,” Rakitić wrote. “You gave me victories, defeats, lessons, and lifelong friendships. You gave me a unique journey and countless stories. You gave me a beautiful family and unforgettable memories that I’ll carry in my heart forever.”
He added, “Now it’s time to experience football from a different angle — with the same passion, but from the stands, the offices, from home, or wherever life leads me.”
Born in Switzerland to Croatian parents, Rakitić began his professional career at FC Basel before moving to German side Schalke 04 in 2007. Four years later, he signed for Sevilla, where he met his future wife and enjoyed two separate spells with the La Liga club.
His most successful chapter came at FC Barcelona, where he played for six seasons and won 13 major titles, including four La Liga crowns, four Copa del Rey trophies, and the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League.
Rakitić also played a pivotal role in Croatia’s historic 2018 World Cup run, helping the national team reach the final before falling to France. He earned 106 caps for Croatia before stepping away from international duty in 2019.
The midfield maestro capped off his club career with two UEFA Europa League titles at Sevilla and left an indelible mark on every team he played for.
