Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ivan Rakitić

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 7, 2025

Discover the career path of Ivan Rakitić, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Ivan Rakitić is a Croatian professional footballer who played primarily as a central or attacking midfielder. Known for his technical skills, vision, and passing accuracy, he enjoyed a successful career at both club and international levels. He played for clubs like FC Basel, Schalke 04, Sevilla, and FC Barcelona, winning numerous titles, including the Champions League with Barcelona in 2015. A key member of the Croatian national team, he helped them reach the 2018 FIFA World Cup final. Rakitić retired from the Croatian national team in 2020.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 2007: Rakitić debuts and scores for Croatia

In September 2007, Ivan Rakitić made his international debut for Croatia in a UEFA Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia. He also scored his first international goal in his second appearance against Andorra.

May 2008: Rakitić in Euro 2008

In May 2008, Ivan Rakitić joined Croatia's squad for the Euro 2008 tournament. He made his first appearance against Germany and played a strong role in the quarter-finals against Turkey, but missed a penalty in the shootout.

October 2008: Rakitić scores twice against Andorra

In October 2008, Ivan Rakitić scored two goals in a 4-0 win against Andorra.

2008: Euro 2008 qualifying campaign

Ivan Rakitić finished the year 2007 with five senior international caps, four of which were in the successful Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

September 2009: Rakitić scores against Belarus

In September 2009, Ivan Rakitić scored the match-winning goal in a 1-0 win against Belarus.

October 2012: Rakitić scores against Macedonia

In October 2012, Ivan Rakitić scored a free-kick goal against Macedonia to help secure a 2-1 victory for Croatia in the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

2012: Rakitić plays in Euro 2012

In 2012, Ivan Rakitić played in all of Croatia's Euro 2012 group stage matches, including a game against Spain where his missed header contributed to Croatia's elimination.

2014: Rakitić at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

In 2014, Ivan Rakitić participated in the FIFA World Cup where Croatia did not progress from the group stage, despite his assist in the match against Mexico.

June 2016: Rakitić scores in Euro 2016

In June 2016, Ivan Rakitić scored a goal against the Czech Republic in Euro 2016, but the game was disrupted by Croatian fans and ended in a draw.

June 2018: Rakitić in 2018 FIFA World Cup

In June 2018, Ivan Rakitić was named in Croatia's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He scored Croatia's third goal in a 3-0 victory over Argentina.

October 2019: Rakitić expresses desire to play

In October 2019, Ivan Rakitić voiced his frustration about reduced playing time at Barcelona, stating that he wanted to play and had discussed other options with the club.

June 2020: Rakitić's 300th game and goal

In June 2020, Ivan Rakitić marked his 300th appearance for Barcelona and scored the winning goal against Athletic Bilbao, helping to secure three important points in the title race.

September 2020: Rakitić returns to Sevilla

In September 2020, Ivan Rakitić rejoined Sevilla on a four-year contract for a nominal fee of €1.5m, marking his return to the club after six years.

September 2020: Rakitić retires from international duty

In September 2020, Ivan Rakitić unexpectedly retired from international duty for Croatia. He made 106 appearances and scored 15 goals.

February 2021: Rakitić scores against Barcelona

In February 2021, Ivan Rakitić scored a goal in the Copa del Rey semi-final against his former club Barcelona, securing a 2–0 victory for Sevilla.

August 2021: Rakitić's 200th match for Sevilla

In August 2021, Ivan Rakitić played his 200th match for Sevilla in a 1–0 victory over Getafe.

May 2023: Rakitić wins Europa League with Sevilla

In May 2023, Ivan Rakitić won his second Europa League trophy with Sevilla.

January 2024: Rakitić transfers to Al-Shabab

In January 2024, Sevilla announced that Ivan Rakitić would be transferring to Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab.

July 2024: Rakitić joins Hajduk Split

In July 2024, Ivan Rakitić departed from Al-Shabab and joined Hajduk Split in Croatia on a free transfer.

July 2025: Rakitić retires and becomes assistant sporting director

In July 2025, head coach Gonzalo García announced Ivan Rakitić's retirement from playing and his transition to the role of assistant sporting director for Hajduk Split.