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Ivan Rakitić

Ivan Rakitić is a Croatian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ivan Rakitić is a Croatian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. Born in Switzerland to Croatian parents, he represented Croatia internationally and was part of the squad that reached the 2018 FIFA World Cup final. He played for clubs including FC Basel, FC Schalke 04, Sevilla, FC Barcelona, Al-Shabab, and Hajduk Split.

Early life

Rakitić was born in Rheinfelden, Switzerland, and is of Croatian family background. He began his youth career in Switzerland before moving into senior football with FC Basel.

Club career

Rakitić played for several major European clubs, including Schalke, Sevilla, and Barcelona. His honours include major domestic trophies and continental titles, with notable success at Sevilla and Barcelona.

International career

He chose to represent Croatia and made 106 appearances for the national team. Rakitić was a key member of Croatia’s squad at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and announced his international retirement in 2020.

Later career and retirement

Rakitić later played for Al-Shabab and Hajduk Split. He ended his playing career in 2025 and remained involved in football off the pitch.

Key facts

  • Born in Switzerland to Croatian parents.
  • Made over 100 appearances for the Croatia national team.
  • Helped Croatia reach the 2018 FIFA World Cup final.
  • Won the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona in 2015 and scored in the final.
  • Captain of Sevilla when it won the 2014 UEFA Europa League.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Ivan Rakitić?
Ivan Rakitić is a Croatian former professional football midfielder known for his club career in Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Croatia.
Where was Ivan Rakitić born?
He was born in Rheinfelden, Switzerland, on 10 March 1988.
Which national team did he represent?
Rakitić represented Croatia at senior international level, making 106 appearances and scoring 15 goals.
What are his best-known club achievements?
He won the UEFA Europa League with Sevilla in 2014 and the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona in 2015.
Did Ivan Rakitić play in the 2018 World Cup final?
Yes. He was part of Croatia’s squad that reached the 2018 FIFA World Cup final.
When did he retire from international football?
He retired from international duty in September 2020.

References

  1. UEFA Foundation — https://uefafoundation.org/general-information/structure-and-organisation/ivan-rakitic/
    Supports: Birth date and place, club career overview, major honours, Croatia international career, 2025 retirement context, and later roles.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_Rakiti%C4%87
    Supports: International retirement date and Croatia appearances/goals.
  3. FC Barcelona — https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/players/7232/ivan-rakitic
    Supports: Birthplace, birth date, height, and club information.
  4. FC Barcelona — https://players.fcbarcelona.com/en/player/717-rakitic-ivan-rakitic
    Supports: Club seasons at Barcelona and titles.
  5. Wikipedia (Czech) — https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_Rakiti%C4%87
    Supports: Croatia caps/goals and 2020 international retirement.