A farewell from a legend

Ivan Rakitic has said enough. At 37 years old, the Croatian midfielder announced his retirement from professional football this Monday, closing a career filled with trophies, emotions and unforgettable moments. The former Sevilla and Barcelona player shared an emotional letter on his Instagram account, saying goodbye to the sport that shaped his life.

“Thank you, football,” he wrote, as he looked back on each chapter of his journey: his beginnings at Basel, growth at Schalke 04, golden years at Sevilla, glory at Barça, a new adventure in Saudi Arabia with Al-Shabab, and a final chapter with Hajduk Split in his homeland. A journey that spanned nearly 900 matches, with 125 goals and 141 assists.

A life devoted to football

Rakitic played a total of 887 official matches, including 323 for Sevilla, a club that bid farewell to him this Monday as a true legend. There, he wore the captain’s armband, lifted the Europa League, scored 53 goals and dished out 63 assists. But his highest peak came with FC Barcelona, where he won 15 titles, including 4 La Liga trophies, 1 Champions League, 4 Copa del Reys, and a Club World Cup.

He also proudly represented Croatia over 100 times, playing a vital role in the team that reached the 2018 World Cup Final, where they fell to France. A historic achievement for a small country that experienced its greatest footballing moment with that generation.

A letter for the ages

In his farewell letter, Rakitic didn't just thank football for the trophies—but for everything deeper: the friendships, the lessons, his family, and the chance to live out all his dreams. “You gave me an entire life. A life I will always carry with pride.”

Football bids him farewell with the honors he deserves. And Rakitic, humble as ever, walks away knowing he left an unforgettable mark.