Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Ivan Rakitic Announces Retirement: Barcelona and Croatia Legend Hangs Up His Boots

The 37-Year-Old Midfielder Bids Farewell After a Trophy-Laden Journey With Sevilla, Barcelona, and Croatia.

Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37. This brings an end to the iconic midfielder’s remarkable journey that spanned nearly two decades, multiple leagues, and countless trophies.

The former FC Barcelona and Sevilla star confirmed his decision through a heartfelt social media post on Monday. Through the message, he reflected on the sport that had been central to his life since childhood. Rakitic wrote, “Football, you gave me more than I could ever imagine.”

He added, “You gave me victories, defeats, lessons, and friends for life. You gave me a unique path and a thousand stories to tell.” Rakitic was born in Switzerland to Croatian parents. He began his career at FC Basel before moving to Schalke 04 in 2007.

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His tenure in Germany helped shape his technical and tactical prowess, eventually leading him to Spain in 2011 with Sevilla. At Sevilla, he emerged as a leader, captaining the side and winning the UEFA Europa League. This was an achievement he would later repeat in his second stint at the club.

Ivan Rakitic: Golden Years at Barcelona and Croatia

In 2014, Rakitic signed for Barcelona and entered the most successful phase of his career. He spent six seasons at Camp Nou, amassing 16 trophies. He won four La Liga titles, four Copa del Rey crowns, and a UEFA Champions League trophy in 2015.

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His contribution in the 2015 final against Juventus, where he scored the opening goal, remains one of the highlights of his Barcelona legacy. Talking about Barcelona in his letter, Rakitic said, “Barcelona gave me everything. It’s the club of my dreams. I achieved all my goals there, playing with the best players in the world.”

On the international stage, Rakitic earned 106 caps for Croatia. He became an integral part of the squad that reached the 2018 FIFA World Cup final. Even though they fell short against France, his partnership with Luka Modric in midfield helped Croatia achieve their greatest footballing milestone.

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Sevilla and Barcelona paid tribute to Rakitic shortly after his announcement. Sevilla hailed him as a “legend” who played 323 matches for them. He contributed 53 goals and provided 63 assists for them. Barcelona shared a tribute post with his trophy haul.

The Catalan club stated in the post, “Football will miss you, Ivan.” Rakitic closes his career with 887 professional appearances, 125 goals, and a legacy that undoubtedly transcends statistics. As he steps away, he also leaves the Croatian team from their golden time.

Barcelona

Croatia

Ivan Rakitic

Sevilla

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.