Latest news with #Rakitić
See - Sada Elbalad
07-07-2025
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
Croatian Star Ivan Rakitić Announces Retirement from Football
Rana Atef Croatian football star Ivan Rakitić announced his retirement from professional football on Monday at the age of 37. He brought an end to a distinguished career that spanned over two decades. Rakitić made the announcement through a video posted on his official social media accounts, in which he confirmed the end of his journey as a professional player and his readiness to begin a new chapter in football as an executive at his current club, Hajduk Split. Rakitić, who played for several major clubs—most notably Sevilla and Barcelona—chose to end his career in his homeland as a tribute to his roots, playing his final matches with Hajduk Split. Although he had previously denied intentions to retire, the decision is now official. Rakitić began his journey in La Liga with Sevilla in 2011, where he shone brightly and led the team to two UEFA Europa League titles (2014 and 2020). He also wore the captain's armband and became one of the symbols of the Andalusian club. In 2014, he moved to Barcelona in a €18 million transfer, marking a golden chapter in his career. During six seasons with the Blaugrana, he won 13 titles, including four La Liga championships, the UEFA Champions League (2015), four Copa del Rey titles, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Rakitić played 308 matches for Barcelona, scoring 36 goals and providing 40 assists. He was a key figure in the midfield alongside stars like Iniesta, Busquets, Modrić, Messi, and Neymar. Internationally, Rakitić is regarded as one of the most prominent players of Croatia's golden generation. He earned 106 international caps and played a crucial role in leading his country to the 2018 World Cup final (runners-up), third place in the 2022 edition, and a runner-up finish in the 2023 UEFA Nations League. His partnership with Luka Modrić was exceptional, making him one of the greatest midfielders in Croatian football history. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Morocco World
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Ivan Rakitić Announces Retirement After 20-Year Career
Former Barcelona and Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitić has officially retired from professional football at the age of 37, drawing the curtain on a two-decade career that took him from FC Basel's academy to the pinnacle of European football. The announcement came via a video on Instagram, where Rakitić described football as 'the greatest gift of my life' and thanked every club he had represented. The Swiss-born Croatian began his senior career at FC Basel in 2005 before moving to Schalke 04 in Germany. His breakthrough came at Sevilla, where he captained the side to the 2014 Europa League title – adding another on his return in 2023. Across both stints, he played 323 matches, scoring 53 goals and providing 63 assists. Rakitić's prime came during his six seasons at Barcelona (2014–2020), where he made 310 appearances and won 13 trophies – including four La Liga titles, four Copa del Reys, and the 2015 Champions League, where he scored the opener in the final against Juventus. Internationally, he earned 106 caps for Croatia and was instrumental in their run to the 2018 World Cup final, scoring decisive penalties in the Round of 16 against Denmark and the quarter-final against Russia. Short spells at Al-Shabab and his boyhood club Hajduk Split brought his career full circle. 'From Switzerland to Spain, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and home again – every step shaped me,' he said. 'Football, you gave me more than I could ever imagine. You gave me victories, defeats, lessons, and friends for life. My love for football will never fade. Thank you, football.' Tags: BarcelonaRakitićSevilla
