Ivan Rakitić, the former Croatian international midfielder, has officially announced his retirement from professional football via his Instagram account. Born on March 10, 1988, Rakitić began his career in Switzerland with Basel before moving to Schalke 04. He later joined Sevilla, where he won the UEFA Europa League in the 2013-2014 season. In the 2014-2015 season, he transferred to Barcelona, becoming a key player and contributing to the team’s treble victory, including winning the UEFA Champions League and four La Liga titles. Rakitić returned to Sevilla in the 2020-2021 season, securing another Europa League title before stints with Al-Shabab and HNK Hajduk Split. Internationally, he debuted for Croatia in 2007, participating in four European Championships and two World Cups, helping Croatia reach the World Cup final in 2018. On July 1, his move into football management was announced, with Hajduk Split’s coach Gonzalo García confirming Rakitić’s retirement and new role as sports director.