Latest news with #IvanRakitic
Qatar Tribune
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Ex-Barcelona and Croatian star Ivan Rakitic retires at the age of 37
LondoncTypeface:> Former Barcelona and Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic has announced his 37-year-old made 106 appearances for his country and was part of the team which reached the 2018 World Cup final. He was a Champions League winner with Barcelona in 2015, and won Europa League titles in 2014 and 2023 in separate stints at Sevilla. Rakitic also won four Spanish top-flight titles with Barça. In a video letter posted on Instagram, which began 'Dear football', he said: 'You gave me friends, emotions, joy, and tears. You gave me a whole life, a life I'll always carry with pride. 'Now it's time to say goodbye. Because even if I walk away from you, I know you'll never walk away from me. Thank you, football. For everything.' Born in Switzerland to Croatian parents, he broke through at Basel before moving on to German side Schalke in 2007. He joined Sevilla in 2014 before moving on to achieve his greatest glories at Barcelona. He returned to the Andalusian club for four years from 2020 before stints at Al Shabab in Saudi Arabia and with Croatian side Hajduk Split. (PA Media/dpa)
Mint
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Mint
Ivan Rakitic, former Barcelona, Croatia midfielder announces retirement at 37
Ivan Rakitic, one of the most celebrated midfielders, announced his retirement from professional football on Monday (July 7) at the age of 37. The Croatian star, known for his illustrious career at FC Barcelona and Sevilla, shared an emotional message via social media, reflecting on a career that spanned nearly two decades. Born in Switzerland to Croatian parents, Ivan Rakitic began his professional career at FC Basel, where he showcased his talent. His move to Schalke 04 in 2007 marked his ascent in European football, but it was in Spain where he truly came into the limelight. After joining Sevilla in 2011 for €2.5 million, Rakitic became a star, captaining the team and leading them to the 2014 Europa League title. His performances earned him a €18 million transfer to FC Barcelona in 2014, where he would achieve the pinnacle of his career. Rakitic's six seasons at Barcelona (2014–2020) were remarkable. Under coach Luis Enrique, he played a significant role in the club's historic 2015 treble, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. His opening goal in the Champions League final against Juventus in Berlin remains a defining moment for Barca fans. 'Then came Barca. You made me live a dream I wouldn't even have dared to imagine,' Rakitic wrote in his heartfelt retirement message, reflecting on playing alongside legends like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Andrés Iniesta. Over his time at Barcelona, Rakitic made 310 appearances, scored 36 goals, and won 13 trophies, including four La Liga titles and four Copa del Reys. After leaving Barcelona in 2020, Rakitic returned to Sevilla, where he added another Europa League title in 2023. His final seasons saw him play for Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League and Hajduk Split in his native Croatia, fulfilling a personal dream. 'Football, you gave me more than I could ever imagine,' he wrote, expressing gratitude for a career that included 17 trophies across his clubs. Rakitic's contributions extended to the international stage, where he earned 106 caps for Croatia and played a key role in their 2018 World Cup final run. Though he retired from international football in 2019, his legacy with the national team remains strong. Following his announcement, FC Barcelona posted, 'Football will miss you, Ivan. We wish you all the best in this new chapter of your life.' Sevilla also honored their former captain, highlighting his 323 appearances and 53 goals for the club.
News18
07-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
Ivan Rakitic Announces Retirement From Football; Barcelona, Sevilla Honor Croatian
Last Updated: Ivan Rakitic, ex-Croatia international, retired at 37. He won 16 trophies with Barcelona and played 106 times for Croatia, including the 2018 World Cup final. Former Croatia international Ivan Rakitic, best known for his illustrious spells with Sevilla and Barcelona, officially announced his retirement from football on Monday at the age of 37. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Rakitic reflected on his journey through the sport. 'Football, you gave me more than I ever dreamed of. You gave me friends, emotions, joy and tears," he wrote. 'Now it's time to say goodbye. Because even if I walk away from you, I know you'll never walk away from me. Thank you, football. For everything." Sevilla and Barcelona Pay Tribute Rakitic's former clubs were quick to honour his career. Sevilla, where he made 323 appearances, scoring 53 goals and delivering 63 assists, shared highlights of his tenure at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium. The Croatian midfielder played a key role in the club's two UEFA Europa League triumphs. Barcelona also paid tribute, posting a photo of Rakitic surrounded by the trophies he won in Catalonia. 'Football will miss you, Ivan. We wish you all the best in this new chapter of your life," read the club's message. Internationally, Rakitic earned 106 caps for Croatia and was a starter in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, where his team finished runners-up to France. He concluded his career with brief stints at Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab and Croatian club Hajduk Split.
The Hindu
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Ivan Rakitic retires —Croatia legend and a treble winner with Barcelona announces retirement
Croatia legend and former treble winner with Barcelona Ivan Rakitic announced his retirement from professional football on Monday at the age of 37. The former Sevilla midfielder took to social media to announce the news. Rakitic started his career from Basel's youth setup in Switzerland, and went on to play for the senior team before shifting base to Schalke. He moved to Sevilla in La Liga before Barcelona decided to sign him in 2014. Six years later, he returned to Sevilla before a brief spell at Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab, which was followed by a return to his homeland with Hajduk Split. Last season, he recorded two goals and five assists across 39 matches across all competitions. In his illustrious career, he has won four La Liga, one Champions League, one Super Cup, four Copa del Rey, two Spanish Super Cup, one German Cup, one Swiss Cup, and one FIFA Cup World Cup.
Straits Times
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
From Basel to Geneva: Get to know the stadiums at Women's Euro 2025
UEFA Women's Euro 2025 flag is displayed along with the Geneva and Swiss flags on the Pont du Mont-Blanc ahead of the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 tournament. The tournament will kick off on July 2. PHOTO: EPA From Basel to Geneva: Get to know the stadiums at Women's Euro 2025 SINGAPORE – Switzerland is set to take centre stage this summer. Fresh off hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel , the alpine nation will once again open its doors to welcome the continent's finest footballers for Women's Euro 2025. This will be the first time Switzerland is staging a major footballing tournament on its own since it hosted the World Cup in 1954. It has also co-hosted the men's Euro 2008 with Austria. Ahead of kick-off on July 2, The Straits Times takes a look at the eight stadiums where the 31 matches will be played to determine the champions of Europe. St Jakob-Park, Basel St. Jakob-Park will host the final of Women's Euro 2025 on July 27. PHOTO: REUTERS With a capacity of 34,250, St Jakob-Park is Switzerland's largest football stadium and will be the stage for five fixtures, including the final. Home to Swiss Champions FC Basel, the stadium, established in 2001, has been the stomping ground for stars, with the likes of Ivan Rakitic and Mohamed Salah once plying their trade there. F un fact: The city of Basel is situated in northern Switzerland and intersects the border between France and Germany. Stadion Wankdorf, Bern Stadion Wankdorf is the home ground of BSC Young Boys. PHOTO: REUTERS The home ground of Young Boys is second to St Jakob-Park in terms of its 29,800 capacity. Originally branded as Stade de Suisse when the stadium was rebuilt in 2005, a fan-driven petition saw it renamed in 2020 to pay respect to its roots . Located in Bern's Wankdorf district, it will be the venue for four matches, the opener being an Iberian derby between Portugal and tournament favourites Spain. Fun fact: The 1954 World Cup final was played at the arena when West Germany came from 2-0 down to beat a Hungary team led by Ferenc Puskas 3-2 in what became known as the 'Miracle of Bern'. Stade de Geneve, Geneva Hosts Switzerland will play their final group-stage game at the Stade de Geneve. PHOTO: REUTERS Alongside the European headquarters of the United Nations , Geneva is home to the 26,750- seater Stade de Geneve, where Servette FC play their home games . Located at the Western edge of the city near Lake Geneva , the stadium offers stunning views of the Alps. H osts Switzerland's final group stage game against Finland is among the five matches to be held there. Fun fact: 90 per cent of the drinking water in the city is extracted from Lake Geneva, with the remainder coming from groundwater. Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich The Stadion Letzigrund has a running track that surrounds the pitch. PHOTO: REUTERS The Stadion Letzigrund is the home ground for Swiss Super League sides FC Zurich and Grasshopper Club Zurich , mirroring other European strongholds like the San Siro in Milan. The stadium has a capacity of 22,700 and will play host to two of defending champions England's three group-stage games . It is multi-purpose , with a running track surrounding the pitch that serves as the venue for athletics' Diamond League event. Fun fact: The Stadion Letzigrund also holds concerts. Ed Sheeran will be performing there from Aug 2-3 as part of the European leg of his tour. Arena St Gallen An aerial view of Kybunpark in St Gallen. PHOTO: REUTERS Arena St Gallen, also known as Kybunpark, is perched 652m above sea level, making it Switzerland's highest professional football stadium. The arena has a capacity of 16,300 and it is the home ground of FC St Gallen, Switzerland's oldest football club and the second oldest in continental Europe. The arena will host three group-stage games , welcoming the likes of Germany, France and England. Fun fact: Arena St Gallen is located in a retail park, wedged between Ikea and Decathlon stores. There is even a shopping centre underneath the stadium. Allmend Stadion, Lucerne The Stadion Allmend is part of a larger multi-use complex that includes two residential towers. PHOTO: REUTERS The Allmend Stadion, also called Swissporarena, is a 14,350- seater stadium and is the home of FC Luzern . The stadium in the central Switzerland city is part of a larger multi-use complex that features a sports centre and two residential towers offering stunning views, including Mount Pilatus in the Swiss Alps . Its three games include the opening Group D clash between Wales and the Netherlands. Fun fact: The locals speak Lucerne German, an Alemannic Swiss-German dialect specific to the city. Arena Thun, Thun The tournament will kick off in Arena Thun on July 2. PHOTO: REUTERS The Arena Thun, also known as Stockhorn Arena has a capacity of just 8,100. It is also the only ground to have an artificial grass surface . The alpine town itself is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland, l ocated in the Bernese Oberland region and overlooked by the Stockhorn mountain . The tournament will kick off here with Iceland and Finland facing off against each other. Fun fact: The stadium is home to FC Thun, who famously reached the Champions League group stage in the 2005-06 season, putting the club on the European football map. Stade de Tourbillon, Sion The Stade de Tourbillon remains one of the few grounds that has not been rebuilt this century. PHOTO: REUTERS Home to 13-time Swiss Cup winners FC Sion, Stade de Tourbillon, the smallest of the stadiums, is steeped in history despite being situated in a city with a population of around 37,000 people . Originally opened in 1968, the 7,750- seater remains one of the few grounds that has not been rebuilt this century, last receiving renovations in 1989 when roofs were installed across all four stands. Group B's opening game between Belgium and Italy is among the three games to be played there. Fu n fact: The stadium gets its name from the Chateau de Tourbillon, a medieval castle overlooking the city high up on the surrounding hills . Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
