Croatian midfielder who played for top European clubs like Barcelona and Sevilla, and won numerous titles including the Champions League and La Liga.
Ivan Rakitić is a Croatian professional footballer known for his exceptional midfield skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability. With a career spanning over a decade, he has established himself as one of the most successful and decorated players in modern football, having won numerous titles with top-tier clubs like Barcelona and Sevilla.
Rakitić was born on March 10, 1988, in Rheinfelden, Switzerland, to Croatian parents from Yugoslavia. Growing up in Mühlin, Switzerland, he developed a passion for football and began his professional career at FC Basel in 2005.
In 2007, Rakitić made a significant move to Schalke 04 in the German Bundesliga, where he spent three and a half seasons before joining Sevilla in 2011. At Sevilla, he became an integral part of the team, eventually being named captain and leading the club to UEFA Europa League triumph in 2014.
In June 2014, Rakitić joined Barcelona, where he formed a formidable midfield trio with Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets. During his time at Barcelona, he won numerous titles, including La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. He became the first player to win the Champions League a year after winning the Europa League while playing for two clubs.
In 2020, Rakitić returned to Sevilla, where he again led the team to Europa League success in 2023. He retired from international duty in September 2020, having made 106 appearances for Croatia and representing the country in several major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.
Rakitić has won numerous individual and team awards, including:
Rakitić has a strong family bond, with a tattoo of his brother Dejan's name on his right arm. He is known for his humility and down-to-earth personality, often credited as a key factor in his success.
Ivan Rakitić's impressive career is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for the beautiful game. As a highly skilled midfielder, he has inspired a generation of footballers and left an indelible mark on the sport.
40 Years Old
A Croatian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, known for his exceptional vision, passing range, and control. He has won numerous accolades, including the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball.
40 Years Old
A Croatian footballer who played as a defender and won numerous titles with Dinamo Zagreb and the Croatian national team, including a World Cup runner-up finish in 2018.
32 Years Old
Croatian international footballer who played as a midfielder and won the Golden Boot at the 1979 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He also played for top-tier clubs like Inter Milan and Juventus.
58 Years Old
Croatian striker who played for top European clubs like Real Madrid and Arsenal, scoring crucial goals in major tournaments, including the 1998 World Cup.