Overview
Ivan Rakitić is a highly accomplished Croatian professional footballer, recognized for his extensive career at the top level of European club football and his significant contributions to the Croatia national team. Born on March 10, 1988, in Rheinfelden, Switzerland, Rakitić developed into a versatile midfielder known for his intelligence, passing range, and ability to influence play in both offensive and defensive phases.
Position
Throughout his career, Rakitić has predominantly operated as a central midfielder. He is adept at playing as a deep-lying playmaker, a box-to-box midfielder, or in a more advanced attacking midfield role. His tactical versatility has allowed him to adapt to various systems and partner effectively with different types of midfielders. This flexibility made him a key component in teams known for possession-based football as well as those relying on quick transitions.
Identity
Rakitić's identity on the pitch is characterized by his composure under pressure, exceptional vision, and precise ball distribution. He is often described as a 'complete midfielder' due to his balanced skill set, which includes strong defensive work rate, accurate long-range passing, and an eye for goal. His leadership qualities have also been evident throughout his career, often serving as a captain or a vice-captain for his clubs and country. Rakitić’s ability to dictate tempo and control the midfield battle has been a consistent feature of his game, making him a central figure in successful teams.
Career path
Ivan Rakitić's football journey began in Switzerland before he transitioned to major European leagues, building a career marked by consistent performance and significant trophy success.
Youth Academy and FC Basel
Rakitić started his youth career at FC Basel, an prominent club in his country of birth, Switzerland. He progressed through their academy ranks, making his senior debut for the club on September 29, 2005, in a UEFA Cup match against Široki Brijeg. He quickly established himself as a first-team regular, showcasing his talent in the Swiss Super League and European competitions. During his time at Basel, he won the Swiss Cup in the 2006–07 season, a significant early career honour (Transfermarkt).
Schalke 04
In the summer of 2007, Rakitić moved to Germany, joining Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga. He spent four seasons with the Gelsenkirchen club, continuing his development as a central midfielder. At Schalke, he gained valuable experience in one of Europe's top leagues and participated in the UEFA Champions League. His performances caught the attention of clubs across Europe.
Sevilla FC
January 2011 saw Rakitić make a move to Spain, signing for Sevilla FC. It was in Andalusia that he truly blossomed, becoming a focal point of the team's midfield. He was instrumental in Sevilla's success, notably captaining the side to a UEFA Europa League title in the 2013–14 season (UEFA Europa League Winners). His leadership and consistent high-level performances made him a fan favourite and attracted interest from major European powers.
FC Barcelona
Following his impressive spell at Sevilla, Rakitić transferred to FC Barcelona in June 2014 (Transfermarkt). He quickly integrated into Barcelona's midfield, becoming a vital player alongside Sergio Busquets and Andrés Iniesta. During his six years at Camp Nou, he achieved significant success, including four La Liga titles, four Copa del Rey trophies, and the UEFA Champions League in his debut 2014–15 season (UEFA Champions League Winners). He played a crucial role in the club's treble-winning campaign in 2015.
Return to Sevilla FC and Al-Shabab
In September 2020, Rakitić made an emotional return to Sevilla FC, where he continued to be a key player, contributing to their midfield and helping the club secure European qualification. He remained with Sevilla until January 2024, when he moved to Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab (Transfermarkt).
Playing style
Ivan Rakitić is characterized by a sophisticated and well-rounded playing style that combines technical elegance with tactical intelligence and a strong work ethic. His versatility allows him to influence games from various midfield positions.
Technical Attributes
Rakitić's passing is a cornerstone of his game. He possesses an excellent range of passing, capable of executing incisive short passes to maintain possession and accurate long balls to switch play or launch attacks. His vision allows him to identify openings and deliver the ball precisely to teammates in dangerous positions. According to FBref, Rakitić consistently ranks high in passing accuracy and progressive passes, reflecting his role in advancing play.
Beyond passing, Rakitić is also known for his ball control and dribbling in tight spaces, enabling him to retain possession under pressure. While not a primary dribbler, his ability to shield the ball and navigate crowded midfields is crucial. His shooting from distance is another notable attribute, with several memorable goals scored from outside the box throughout his career.
Tactical Intelligence and Work Rate
One of Rakitić's standout qualities is his tactical understanding. He reads the game effectively, anticipating opposition movements and positioning himself to intercept passes or break up play. His defensive contributions are significant; he tracks back diligently, presses opponents, and engages in duels to win back possession. Sofascore data often highlights his involvement in defensive actions, including tackles and interceptions, demonstrating his two-way play.
Rakitić's ability to cover ground and maintain intensity throughout a match makes him a reliable presence in midfield. He often acts as a link between defense and attack, providing stability and creativity. He can be compared to midfielders such as Toni Kroos or Luka Modrić for his vision and passing, but also possesses a more pronounced defensive contribution akin to players like Arturo Vidal in his prime.
Achievements & honours
Ivan Rakitić has enjoyed a highly decorated career, accumulating numerous team trophies and individual accolades across his spells in Switzerland, Germany, and particularly Spain.
Club Honours
His most significant club achievements came during his time with FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC, where he played pivotal roles in securing both domestic and international titles.
| Competition | Club | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss Cup | FC Basel | 2006–07 |
| UEFA Europa League | Sevilla FC | 2013–14, 2019–20 |
| La Liga | FC Barcelona | 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19 |
| Copa del Rey | FC Barcelona | 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18 |
| UEFA Champions League | FC Barcelona | 2014–15 |
| UEFA Super Cup | FC Barcelona | 2015 |
| FIFA Club World Cup | FC Barcelona | 2015 |
| Supercopa de España | FC Barcelona | 2016, 2018 |
Individual Accolades
Rakitić's individual contributions have also been recognized throughout his career. He was named the Swiss Super League Young Player of the Year in 2006–07. During his first spell at Sevilla, he was included in the UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season for 2013–14. His consistent performances in La Liga also earned him a place in the La Liga Team of the Season for 2013–14.
International career
Despite being born and raised in Switzerland, Ivan Rakitić chose to represent Croatia, the country of his parents' origin, at the international level. His decision marked the beginning of a distinguished international career that saw him become one of Croatia's most capped players.
Youth and Senior Debut
Rakitić initially represented Switzerland at various youth levels, but in 2007, he accepted a call-up to the Croatia senior national team. He made his debut for Croatia on September 8, 2007, in a UEFA Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia (FIFA). He quickly established himself as a key figure in the national team's midfield.
Major Tournaments
Rakitić participated in several major international tournaments for Croatia:
- UEFA European Championship: 2008, 2012, 2016
- FIFA World Cup: 2014, 2018
His most significant achievement with the national team came at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where he played a crucial role in guiding Croatia to the final. Rakitić was instrumental in their midfield, scoring winning penalties in both the round of 16 against Denmark and the quarter-final against Russia (FIFA World Cup 2018). Croatia ultimately finished as runners-up, their best-ever performance at a World Cup. Rakitić earned 106 caps for Croatia, scoring 15 goals, before announcing his retirement from international football in September 2020 (FIFA).
What makes Ivan Rakitić stand out
Ivan Rakitić stands out due to a combination of his exceptional footballing intelligence, diverse skill set, and consistent performance at the highest level for over a decade. His ability to adapt and excel in different tactical systems, particularly at clubs like Sevilla and Barcelona, highlights his profound understanding of the game.
One distinctive trait is his capacity to operate as both a creative force and a defensive shield. He can deliver killer passes from deep, orchestrate attacks, and simultaneously contribute significantly to breaking up opposition play. This two-way contribution, coupled with his leadership qualities, made him a trusted figure for coaches and teammates alike. His calm demeanor under pressure, especially in crucial moments like penalty shootouts, further underscores his mental fortitude.
"Rakitić is a complete midfielder. He works hard, he has quality, he scores goals and he controls the game." - Luis Enrique, former FC Barcelona manager.