Ivan Rakitic has ended his playing career. Coach Gonzalo Garcia confirmed the news and announced that Rakitic will take on a new role at Hajduk Split: he will become the assistant to sporting director Goran Vucevic.
Ivan Rakitic, one of the most accomplished and elegant midfielders of his generation, has officially brought an end to his illustrious playing career at the age of 37.
The announcement came from Hajduk Split coach Gonzalo Garcia, who not only confirmed Rakitic’s retirement but also revealed that the Croatian international will immediately transition into a new role off the pitch, becoming assistant to the club’s sporting director, Goran Vucevic.
The decision marks the end of a remarkable two-decade journey in professional football for Rakitic, whose technical brilliance, leadership, and tactical intelligence saw him thrive at some of Europe’s biggest clubs. After spending the final months of his playing career at Hajduk Split where he fulfilled a personal dream of playing in Croatia’s top division Rakitic now begins a new chapter in football, this time behind the scenes.
Rakitic’s career path is a testament to consistency, adaptability, and class. He began his professional journey at FC Basel in Switzerland, where his talent quickly caught the attention of scouts across Europe. A move to the Bundesliga followed, joining Schalke 04 in 2007, where he matured into a top-level midfielder. But it was in Spain where Rakitic truly left an indelible mark.
He joined Sevilla in 2011 and went on to captain the club to UEFA Europa League glory in 2014. Rakitic's leadership and flair earned him a transfer to FC Barcelona, where he would spend six trophy-laden seasons, becoming a key figure in one of the most dominant eras in the club’s history. He made 310 official appearances for the Catalan giants, playing alongside legends like Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets. His crowning moment at Barça came in the 2014–15 season when he scored in the Champions League final against Juventus, helping the club to a historic treble.
Following his Barcelona spell, Rakitic returned to Sevilla in 2020, adding more experience and stability to their midfield. In total, he played 323 matches for the Andalusian side, making him one of the most beloved and respected figures in their modern history. After a short stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Shabab, where he added an international dimension to his career, Rakitic made a sentimental move to Hajduk Split in early 2024, fulfilling a lifelong wish to play in his ancestral homeland before hanging up his boots.
Speaking to Croatian media, Hajduk coach Gonzalo Garcia praised the veteran midfielder’s intelligence and insight, which made the transition from player to staff a natural next step.
"Rakitic is going to retire," Garcia said. "He’s a smart person, has good ideas, and understands everything about the game. Of course, it’s a difficult phase it's never easy to switch from football boots to a business suit but he has all the qualities to succeed in this new role. He’s one of the reasons I’m even here. His vision and influence are already being felt behind the scenes."
Rakitic’s new position as assistant to sporting director Goran Vucevic will involve talent scouting, squad planning, and mentoring the next generation of Hajduk players. Given his deep knowledge of the game, international experience, and calm demeanor, the club hopes he can bring the same level of professionalism and success off the field as he did on it.
Internationally, Rakitic was a crucial part of Croatia’s golden era. He earned 106 caps for the national team and was instrumental in their unforgettable run to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final in Russia. His composed penalty in the quarter-final shootout against Russia and his consistent performances in midfield were vital to Croatia’s historic journey. Alongside Luka Modric, Rakitic formed one of the most technically gifted midfield partnerships the country has ever seen.
Rakitic retires with an impressive collection of honors, including a Champions League title, four La Liga championships, four Copa del Rey trophies, a UEFA Europa League title, and numerous individual accolades. Beyond the trophies, he was known for his professionalism, versatility, and ability to adapt to different tactical systems and cultures.
Now, with his playing days behind him, Ivan Rakitic begins a new chapter where he hopes to give back to the sport that defined his life. At Hajduk Split, he will not only continue to shape the club’s future but also serve as a role model for young players looking to follow in his footsteps. One of the great midfielders of the modern era, Rakitic leaves the pitch with his legacy firmly intact and with a new purpose in the world of football.
