🔥 Trending Ivan Rakitic: Everything You Need to Know About the Croatian Midfielder

Ivan Rakitić is a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder and is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished players of his generation ²⁴. Born on March 10, 1988, in Rheinfelden, Switzerland, to Croatian parents, Rakitić was naturalized as a Croatian citizen ⁴⁸.

Career Highlights

Rakitić's professional career spanned nearly two decades, featuring stints at several top European clubs ⁴⁶:

• FC Basel 1893: Where he began his professional journey ⁴.
• FC Schalke 04: Another significant club in his early career ⁴.
• Sevilla FC: He had two spells with Sevilla, notably winning the UEFA Europa League during his first tenure ⁴.
• FC Barcelona: Joining in the summer of 2014, Rakitić became a regular starter and a key figure in their midfield throughout his time at the club ⁴⁸.
• Saudi Pro League and Croatia: He spent his final seasons playing in the Saudi Pro League and back in Croatia before retirement ⁵.

He was also a prominent figure in the Croatian national team, representing his country in numerous international tournaments ⁷.

Retirement and Current Role

Ivan Rakitić announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37 ⁵⁷. Following his retirement, he swiftly transitioned into a new role, becoming the technical director for Croatian Football League club Hajduk Split ²⁶.

Other Ventures

Beyond football, Rakitić has also ventured into other areas. He collaborated with Cria Cuervos to create his own wine, named "Union," a Ribera del Duero that pays tribute to family values ¹. He is the son of Luka Rakitić and the brother of Dejan Rakitić, who manages FC Aesch ³.