Croatian maestro Ivan Rakitic has officially announced his retirement at 37, closing the curtain on one of modern football’s most decorated careers. The versatile midfielder, who seamlessly replaced Xavi at Barcelona and captained Sevilla, leaves behind a legacy spanning four countries and 17 major trophies.
Table of Contents
From Switzerland to Stardom
Ivan Rakitic’s journey began at FC Basel’s academy before a €5m move to Schalke transformed him into a Bundesliga star. His breakthrough came at Sevilla in 2011, where a bargain €2.5m transfer set the stage for greatness.
The Barcelona Golden Years
In 2014, Barcelona paid €18m for Ivan Rakitic’s services—a decision that proved transformational. Rakitic was part of an historic treble-winning side under Luis Enrique, achieving what many thought impossible: replacing the irreplaceable Xavi Hernandez.
Playing alongside Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Andres Iniesta, Rakitic provided the perfect balance between creativity and steel that defined Barcelona’s success.
Trophy Cabinet: A Glittering Collection
| Club | Major Trophies | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 11 (including 4 La Liga, 1 Champions League) | 2015 Treble Winner |
| Sevilla | 2 Europa League titles | Captain & Vice-Captain |
| Schalke | 1 German Cup | Bundesliga Star |
| Total | 17 Major Trophies | 887 Club Appearances |
Croatia’s Golden Generation Hero
Alongside Luka Modric, Ivan Rakiticwas the image of a resilient Croatian golden generation that reached the 2018 World Cup final. With 15 goals in 106 appearances, he became Croatia’s joint-sixth most capped player and won Croatian Player of the Year in 2015.
The Numbers That Define Greatness
Rakitic’s career statistics tell the story of a complete midfielder:
- 887 club appearances (just 7 shy of 1,000 including Croatia)
- 125 goals and 141 assists
- 17 major trophies across four different countries
- 106 Croatia caps spanning over a decade
A Sevilla Icon
At the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Rakitic wasn’t just a player—he was a symbol. At Sevilla, Rakitic is regarded as one of the best players in the history of the club, leading them to Europa League glory in both his spells.
The Art of Reinvention
What set Rakitic apart was his adaptability. Earlier on his career, he would play behind the forward, with jazz-like timing and superb control, before evolving into Barcelona’s midfield engine and later becoming Sevilla’s captain.
End of an Era
After spells at Al-Shabab and a romantic return to Hajduk Split, Ivan Rakitic chose to retire on his own terms. His final chapter in Croatia, where his heart always belonged, provided the perfect ending to an extraordinary journey.
Football has lost a true artist—a player who combined technical brilliance with tactical intelligence and unwavering loyalty. From UEFA’s official records to FIFA’s archives, Rakitic’s name will forever be etched among the greats.
Read more: India at Lord’s: From 54-Year Wait to Modern Dominance
