Ivan Rakitic Announces Retirement, Bids Emotional Farewell to Football at 37

Former Croatia international Ivan Rakitic has officially retired from football at the age of 37, closing the curtain on a distinguished career that spanned top European clubs and historic moments on the international stage

The ex-Barcelona and Sevilla midfielder announced his decision in an emotional message shared on social media:
“Football, you gave me more than I ever dreamed of. You gave me friends, emotions, joy and tears. 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 began his professional journey at Basel, later moving to Schalke 04, before making his mark at Sevilla, where he won two Europa League titles. He later starred for Barcelona, playing a key role in the club’s 2015 treble-winning season, which included the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey titles.

On the international stage, he earned 106 caps for Croatia and was an integral part of the squad that reached the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, where they finished runners-up to France.

Rakitic briefly joined Saudi side Al Shabab in 2023, before spending his final season at Hajduk Split, where he wrapped up his storied career.