Former Barcelona and Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitić has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37.
Rakitić most recently played for Hajduk Split in his native Croatia, following a brief stint with Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab. Sharing his farewell on social media, he wrote, “Football, you gave me more than I could ever imagine. You gave me victories, defeats, lessons, and friends for life. You gave me a unique path and a thousand stories to tell. You gave me a beautiful family and moments that I will carry forever in my heart.”
He continued, “Now it is time to enjoy you from another perspective, to live you with the same passion, with an always grateful heart, from the stands, from the offices, from home, or wherever life takes me.”
Born in Switzerland to Croatian parents, Rakitić began his career at FC Basel before moving to German club Schalke 04 in 2007. In 2011, he joined Sevilla, where he met his future wife. His time at Sevilla bookended six hugely successful years at Barcelona.
With Barcelona, Rakitić won 13 major trophies, including four La Liga titles, four Copa del Rey trophies, and a UEFA Champions League. At Sevilla, he lifted two UEFA Europa League titles.
Internationally, Rakitić earned 106 caps for Croatia before retiring from international football in 2019. A year earlier, he played a key role as Croatia reached the World Cup final, ultimately losing to France.
