Former Barcelona and Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitić has officially brought his illustrious playing career to an end, taking up a new role as assistant sports director at former Croatian side Hajduk Split, as reported by Croatian-based network Dnevnika NoveTV.
The 37-year-old, who last featured for Sevilla, has opted for a new challenge off the pitch, joining the club’s management structure as they prepare for the 2025/26 season.
Hajduk Split’s new manager, Gonzalo Garcia, who confirmed the Croatian’s retirement while addressing the media said that:
“Ivan Rakitić has retired, he is no longer a footballer,” Garcia stated. “He’s entering a difficult period of adjustment. It’s never easy to transition from the pitch to the office.
“Now, instead of training sessions, it’s suits and phone calls. But I must say, Ivan played a key role in my arrival at Hajduk, and I’m grateful for that.”
Rakitić enjoyed a storied career that spanned over 20 years, with notable spells at Schalke 04, Sevilla, and Barcelona. He won numerous titles during his time in Spain, including the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona in 2015 and four La Liga titles.
On the international stage, Rakitić earned 106 caps for Croatia and was instrumental in the country’s historic run to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, where they finished runners-up to France.
Having returned to La Liga side Sevilla for a second spell in 2020, Rakitić concluded his playing days earlier this year before beginning his transition into football administration.
He now joins Hajduk Split’s backroom staff as the assistant sports director, marking a new chapter for one of Croatia’s most decorated midfielders.
Softfootball earlier reported how Rakitic’s former club, Barcelona, have been busy in the transfer market as Chelsea and Liverpool are reportedly in a summer transfer battle to clinch defensive midfielder Marc Casado.
The Spaniard, who has been valued at €30 million, could be set to leave Barcelona this summer as they seek to ease their ongoing issues with FFP and offer Nico Williams guarantees so he could be registered.
