‘More Than I Ever Dreamed Of’ – Ivan Rakitic Bids Farewell to Football in Emotional Retirement Message

Ex-Barcelona Star Ivan Rakitic Confirms Retirement, Begins New Chapter at Hajduk Split

One of modern football’s most elegant midfield maestros, Ivan Rakitic, has officially drawn the curtain on a remarkable playing career that spanned nearly two decades, close to 1,000 matches, and brought joy to millions across Europe and beyond.

At 37, the Croatian midfield legend shared a deeply heartfelt message with fans via social media, confirming what many had suspected: his playing days are over. But in typical Ivan Rakitic fashion, the announcement wasn’t about him — it was about the game he fell in love with as a boy, the game that gave him everything.

WHAT HAPPENED?

In a video posted to his Instagram, Ivan Rakitic confirmed his retirement from professional football. The message was simple yet deeply emotional, filled with gratitude, warmth, and sincerity. Sitting in a stadium seat, reflecting on the game that shaped his life, Ivan Rakitic spoke directly to football itself — a love letter to the sport that shaped his identity.

“Football, you gave me more than I ever dreamed of. You gave me friends, emotions, joy, tears. You gave me a whole life. A life I will always carry with pride. Now it’s time for me to say goodbye. Because even if I walk away from you, I know you’ll never walk away from me.”

There’s a sense of closure in those words — not just the end of a career, but the wrapping up of a lifelong relationship.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Sevilla FC v Getafe CF – LaLiga EA Sports

Rakitic’s career reads like a football fairytale. From a promising teenager at FC Basel to a European champion with Barcelona, to a World Cup finalist with Croatia, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

He played over 300 matches for Barcelona, winning 13 trophies in six seasons — including four La Liga titles and one Champions League. Who could forget his goal in the 2015 Champions League final against Juventus, setting the tone for Barca’s historic treble-winning night in Berlin?

Before and after his Barcelona years, he was a central figure at Sevilla, helping the Andalusian club lift the UEFA Europa League twice. His leadership, work rate, and effortless control of the midfield made him a fan favourite in both cities. With Croatia, he was the heartbeat of the team that reached the 2018 World Cup final in Moscow — the country’s greatest footballing achievement.

From humble beginnings in Switzerland to the biggest stages in football, Ivan Rakitic played with intelligence, class, and humility throughout his career.

IVAN RAKITIC’S CAREER BY NUMBERS

• Club appearances: Over 850

• International caps for Croatia: 106

• Goals scored (club + country): 100+

• Major trophies: 17

• Champions League titles: 1

• La Liga titles: 4

• Europa League titles: 2

• World Cup finalist: 2018

In every sense, Ivan Rakitic has left a legacy that few midfielders of his generation can match.

WHAT RAKITIC SAID

Ivan Rakitic admits the motivation to succeed in his first seven months at Sevilla had nothing to do with football | FourFourTwo

While announcing his retirement, Ivan Rakitic expressed nothing but gratitude for the game and those who helped shape his path:

“You gave me a dream, and then you gave me a life bigger than that dream. Every stadium I’ve played in, every teammate I’ve shared a pitch with, every fan who cheered or cried — I thank you.”

He also made it clear that his journey with football is far from over. “It’s not the end,” he added with a smile, “just the start of a new chapter.”

THE LEGACY HE LEAVES BEHIND

Few players have bridged cultures, clubs, and countries quite like Ivan Rakitic. Fluent in multiple languages, beloved in multiple fanbases, and respected by teammates and rivals alike, Ivan Rakitic was never just a great player — he was a great professional.

His ability to adapt was remarkable. At Sevilla, he was the engine. At Barcelona, the tactician. For Croatia, the heart. Regardless of role, Ivan Rakitic delivered with consistency and class. His career might not have had the spotlight that followed some of his teammates — the Messis, the Modrics — but it was no less vital. Often, it was Ivan Rakitic who allowed those stars to shine.

Perhaps more than the trophies and stats, what Ivan Rakitic leaves behind is the memory of a player who always gave his best, always played with purpose, and always represented his clubs and country with integrity.

WHAT NEXT FOR RAKITIC?

The next chapter of Ivan Rakitic’s footballing life begins in his homeland.

The 37-year-old has accepted a sporting leadership position at Croatian giants Hajduk Split, joining the club’s executive team alongside sporting director Goran Vučević. His role will be crucial in shaping the club’s long-term football strategy — not from the pitch, but from the boardroom.

This isn’t just a ceremonial return to Croatian football. It’s a full commitment. Ivan Rakitic wants to build, guide, and give back — particularly to a club that holds great potential and historical significance in Croatian sport.

Barça and Sevilla, of course, didn’t miss the chance to pay tribute. On their official social channels, messages poured in:

“Football will miss you, Ivan. We wish you the best in this new stage of your life,” wrote FC Barcelona.

Sevilla added: “A legend of Nervión and a champion in every sense. Gracias, Ivan Rakitic.”

FAREWELL, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN

It’s never easy watching great players say goodbye. Football fans grow up with players like Ivan Rakitic. They become part of the background of our lives — the voices we associate with Champions League anthems, the images we replay in our memories of World Cup summers and La Liga weekends.

But with Ivan Rakitic, there’s peace in this goodbye. He walks away on his own terms, with his head held high, his legacy intact, and a new path already mapped out.

He leaves as one of the finest midfielders of his generation. A tireless professional. A quiet leader. And above all, a man who loved the game — and was loved right back.