Legendary Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitić has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37, bringing down the curtain on a glittering career that spanned over two decades. In an emotional social media post, the former Barcelona and Croatia star thanked the sport that gave him “victories, defeats, lessons, and friends for life.”
“Football, you gave me more than I could ever imagine,” Rakitić wrote. “Now, it’s time to enjoy you from a different perspective — from the stands, the offices, or wherever life takes me.”
Rakitić last played for Hadjuk Split after a stint in Saudi Arabia with Al Shabab. Born in Switzerland to Croatian parents, he started at FC Basel before spells with Schalke 04, Sevilla, and Barcelona — where he won 13 trophies, including a UEFA Champions League title and four La Liga titles.
Internationally, he earned 106 caps for Croatia, playing a vital role in their run to the 2018 World Cup final. At Sevilla, he lifted two UEFA Europa League trophies.
