July 3, 2025 – Former Barcelona and Sevilla midfield maestro, Ivan Rakitić, has officially announced his retirement from professional football, bringing to an end a distinguished career that saw him lift numerous trophies and become a fan favorite across Europe. The Croatian international made the announcement today, drawing tributes from former clubs, teammates, and supporters worldwide.
Rakitić, 37, hangs up his boots after a career spanning over two decades, marked by his exceptional vision, passing range, powerful long-range shots, and relentless work rate. He is perhaps best known for his highly successful six-year spell at FC Barcelona (2014-2020), where he played a pivotal role in a golden era for the Catalan giants. During his time at Camp Nou, he secured four La Liga titles, four Copa del Rey trophies, and, most notably, the UEFA Champions League in 2015 as part of the formidable MSN (Messi, Suarez, Neymar) treble-winning side.
His opening goal in the 2015 Champions League final against Juventus remains an iconic moment for Barcelona fans.
Prior to his move to Barcelona, Rakitić enjoyed a highly impactful period at Sevilla FC (2011-2014), where he captained the team and led them to a UEFA Europa League triumph in 2014. He later returned to Sevilla in 2020, adding another Europa League title to his impressive collection in 2023.
Internationally, Rakitić was a cornerstone of the Croatian national team for many years, earning 106 caps and playing a crucial role in their journey to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final in Russia.
While the specific details of his post-retirement plans were not immediately disclosed, Rakitić leaves behind a legacy as one of the most consistent and decorated midfielders of his generation. Tributes are pouring in from the football world, celebrating his remarkable career and contributions to the sport.
