Few midfielders in modern soccer have combined elegance, intelligence, and work ethic like Ivan Rakitić. The Croatian playmaker made a name for himself with Sevilla, Barcelona, and the Croatian national team, earning a reputation as one of the most versatile and reliable midfielders of his generation.
From his pinpoint passing to his incredible vision, Rakitić controlled games with ease. He wasn’t just a deep-lying playmaker; he could score goals, dictate tempo, and provide defensive cover. His career was filled with trophies, iconic moments, and unforgettable performances.
Let’s take a closer look at the career of this midfield maestro.
Paulo Dybala: The Jewel of Argentine Football
Early Life and Rise in Switzerland
Ivan Rakitić was born on March 10, 1988, in Rheinfelden, Switzerland. His parents were Croatian, but they had moved to Switzerland before his birth.
From an early age, Rakitić showed a natural talent for soccer. He joined FC Basel’s youth academy, where he developed his technical skills. Basel recognized his potential and gave him his professional debut in 2005, at just 17 years old.
In his first full season, Rakitić impressed everyone. He scored 11 goals in 33 games, an incredible number for a young midfielder. His creativity and composure on the ball caught the attention of European clubs, and in 2007, he made a big move to Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga.
Schalke 04: A Stepping Stone to Greatness (2007-2011)
Moving to Germany was a big challenge for Rakitić, but he adapted quickly. Playing in the Bundesliga, he developed into a more complete midfielder. He improved defensively, became more physically strong, and continued to refine his passing game.
At Schalke, he played under Mirko Slomka and later Felix Magath, two coaches who helped him grow. He played an important role in Schalke’s second-place finish in the Bundesliga (2009-10 season), proving he could compete at the highest level.
However, Rakitić wanted a new challenge. In 2011, he moved to La Liga, joining Sevilla. This decision would change his career forever.
Sevilla: Becoming a Star (2011-2014)
At Sevilla, Rakitić reached his full potential. He became the heart of the midfield, controlling games with his intelligent movement and precise passing.
Key Moments at Sevilla
- Captain of the team – By 2013, he became Sevilla’s leader on the pitch.
- 2013-14 UEFA Europa League – He played a crucial role in Sevilla’s triumph, scoring goals and providing assists.
- Best Midfielder in La Liga – He was one of the top-performing midfielders in Spain.
Rakitić’s performances didn’t go unnoticed. In 2014, Barcelona came calling, and he made the biggest move of his career.
Barcelona: Glory, Trophies, and Champions League Success (2014-2020)
When Rakitić joined Barcelona, many questioned if he could replace Xavi Hernández, one of the greatest midfielders in history. He didn’t just replace him—he made the position his own.
Instant Impact and Treble-Winning Season
- 2014-15 season – Rakitić was instrumental in Barcelona’s treble-winning campaign.
- UEFA Champions League Final (2015) – He scored the opening goal against Juventus, helping Barcelona win 3-1.
- Strong partnership with Sergio Busquets and Andrés Iniesta – The trio dominated European soccer.
Over six seasons, Rakitić won four La Liga titles, four Copa del Rey trophies, and a Champions League. He was one of Barcelona’s most consistent performers, delivering in big matches.
But by 2020, with Barcelona undergoing changes, his time at the club came to an end. He returned to Sevilla, where his European journey had truly begun.
Return to Sevilla and Leadership Role (2020-2023)
Many players struggle when they return to a former club, but not Rakitić. He immediately became a veteran leader in Sevilla’s midfield.
Key Achievements in His Second Sevilla Spell
- Helped Sevilla qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
- Played a major role in Sevilla’s 2022-23 UEFA Europa League triumph.
- Provided leadership to young players.
His experience and ability to control games were still evident. Even in his mid-30s, Rakitić remained a top-class midfielder.
Luis Díaz: The Colombian Star Taking the World by Storm
Croatia National Team: A Golden Era (2007-2019)
Rakitić was just as important for Croatia as he was for his clubs. He played for the national team for over a decade, forming a legendary midfield partnership with Luka Modrić.
Key Moments for Croatia
- 2018 FIFA World Cup – He played a crucial role in Croatia’s historic run to the final.
- Winning penalty vs. Denmark (Round of 16) – A pressure moment where he showed incredible composure.
- Winning penalty vs. Russia (Quarter-finals) – Once again, he was the hero in a penalty shootout.
Croatia ultimately lost the final to France, but Rakitić’s performances were legendary. After the World Cup, he continued playing for Croatia until 2019, when he retired from international soccer.
Playing Style: The Complete Midfielder
What made Rakitić such a special player?
1. Passing and Vision
Rakitić was an exceptional passer. He could switch play with long balls, break defensive lines with through passes, and dictate tempo.
2. Tactical Intelligence
He read the game brilliantly. Whether in attack or defense, he was always in the right position.
3. Goal-Scoring Ability
Unlike many midfielders, Rakitić had an eye for goal. He could score from outside the box, make late runs, and finish calmly.
4. Work Ethic
Even though he was a playmaker, he worked hard defensively. He tracked back, won tackles, and helped the team in all areas.
5. Leadership
Rakitić wasn’t the loudest player, but he led by example. His experience and calmness under pressure made him a natural leader.
Legacy and Impact
Ivan Rakitić will always be remembered as one of the greatest Croatian midfielders of all time. His influence on Barcelona, Sevilla, and Croatia was enormous.
Key Achievements
- Champions League Winner (2015)
- Four-time La Liga Champion
- Two-time UEFA Europa League Winner
- 2018 FIFA World Cup Finalist
- Sevilla’s Captain and Leader
Even as he gets older, his impact on modern soccer remains strong. His ability to combine skill with work rate made him one of the most complete midfielders of his era.
Conclusion: A True Midfield Maestro
Ivan Rakitić was a genius with the ball at his feet. He played with grace, intelligence, and determination, leaving a lasting mark on every club he played for.
From his early days in Switzerland to Champions League glory with Barcelona, he achieved everything a midfielder could dream of. His career was filled with trophies, unforgettable goals, and historic moments.
Few midfielders combined class and combat as well as Rakitić. He was a true maestro, a leader, and a player who always delivered on the biggest stage.
Copa Argentina: The Ultimate Knockout Tournament
Keep the conversation going! Follow Soccer Wizdom on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Youtube for more soccer insights and updates.