Ivan Rakitic, the former Croatian international widely celebrated for his creative playmaking and leadership in midfield, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37.
The ex-Barcelona and Sevilla star shared the emotional news on Monday through a heartfelt message posted to his social media platforms.
“Football, you gave me more than I ever dreamed of. You gave me friends, emotions, joy and tears,” Rakitic wrote in a reflective farewell letter. “Now it’s time to say goodbye. Because even if I walk away from you, I know you’ll never walk away from me. Thank you, football. For everything.”
Rakitic’s career spanned over two decades, beginning at Swiss club Basel, where his prodigious talent first caught international attention. He went on to join Schalke 04 in Germany before becoming a household name in Spain, where he enjoyed his most iconic years.
His time at Sevilla saw him claim two UEFA Europa League titles, firmly establishing him as one of La Liga’s premier midfielders. A subsequent move to Barcelona elevated his career further. There, he became a vital part of the team’s legendary 2014–2015 treble-winning side under Luis Enrique, helping the Catalan club lift the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey titles in one season.
On the international stage, Rakitic earned 106 caps for Croatia, playing an instrumental role in the country’s journey to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final. Though Croatia fell to France in a thrilling 4–2 showdown in Moscow, Rakitic’s presence and partnership with Luka Modric in midfield were widely praised as pivotal to the team’s historic run.
In the twilight of his career, Rakitic made a brief stop in the Saudi Pro League with Al Shabab before returning home for a final stint with Croatian side Hajduk Split.
His retirement marks the end of an era for a player known not just for his technical prowess and passing intelligence but for his consistent professionalism and humility on and off the pitch.
What You Should Know
- Ivan Rakitic retired from football on July 7, 2025, at 37, announcing his decision in a heartfelt social media letter, per X posts.
- The Croatian midfielder won the 2015 Champions League with Barcelona and two Europa Leagues with Sevilla, earning 106 caps for Croatia.
- Rakitic played for Basel, Schalke, Barcelona, Sevilla, Al Shabab, and Hajduk Split, ending his career with a final season in Croatia.
- Fans on X, like @BarcaTimes, celebrated his legacy, while his retirement aligns with Modric’s Milan move and Nigeria’s WAFCON win.
- The announcement follows tributes to Diogo Jota, with Rakitic’s career reflecting football’s emotional and competitive highs, per recent reports.
