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Ivan Rakitić, the Croatian football virtuoso, is renowned for his versatility and technical prowess. Born on March 10, 1988, in Switzerland, Rakitić represents the Croatian national team and plays for the prestigious La Liga club, Sevilla. From his early days at FC Basel to his success at Barcelona and his triumphant return to Sevilla, Rakitić’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ivan Rakitić was born into a football-oriented family. His father, Luka Rakitić, hails from Sikirevci in Croatia, while his mother, Kata, is a Bosnian Croat. Rakitić’s passion for the sport developed at a young age, and he grew up playing football alongside his father and older brother in Switzerland.
Rakitić’s talent quickly caught the attention of top European clubs, including Arsenal. However, he and his family decided to stay at Basel, where he could gain valuable playing time in a smaller league. It proved to be a wise decision as Rakitić rose through the ranks and made his professional debut in 2005.
Sevilla Success and European Triumph
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In 2011, Rakitić joined Sevilla FC, marking the beginning of a fruitful partnership. He played a pivotal role in the club’s success, helping them secure the UEFA Europa League title in 2014. Rakitić’s impressive performances earned him a move to FC Barcelona in 2014.
Barcelona Glory and International Acclaim
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Rakitić became a vital asset in Barcelona’s midfield, contributing to their numerous title triumphs, including multiple La Liga and Copa del Rey trophies. His crowning achievement came in 2015 when Barcelona emerged victorious in the UEFA Champions League. On the international stage, Rakitić represented Croatia in major tournaments, including the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup. His notable contribution helped Croatia reach the World Cup final in 2018, where they finished as runners-up.
Playing Style and Achievements
Ivan Rakitić is known for his versatility and technical brilliance. He can operate in various midfield positions, showcasing excellent passing skills, vision, and ball control. Rakitić’s contributions to his clubs and country have earned him numerous accolades, including being named in UEFA’s Team of the Season for the Europa League and the Champions League.
Throughout his career, Rakitić has amassed an impressive collection of honors. With Sevilla, he won the UEFA Europa League twice, while Barcelona brought him four La Liga titles, four Copa del Rey trophies, and a UEFA Champions League crown. Additionally, Rakitić achieved international recognition, playing a pivotal role in Croatia’s historic World Cup run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Ivan Rakitić’s height and weight?
- Height: 187cm (6ft 0in)
- Weight: 76kg
Q: What is Ivan Rakitić’s playing style?
Ivan Rakitić is a versatile midfielder known for his technical skills, tactical intelligence, and superb passing ability. He can play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even on the wings.
Q: What are Ivan Rakitić’s notable achievements?
- UEFA Champions League winner (2015)
- Four-time La Liga champion (2014-15, 2015-16, 2017-18, 2018-19)
- Four-time Copa del Rey winner (2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18)
- Two-time UEFA Europa League winner (2013-14, 2022-23)
- FIFA World Cup runner-up (2018)
- UEFA La Liga Team of the Season (2018-19)
- Croatian Footballer of the Year (2015)
Conclusion
Ivan Rakitić’s career is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. From his early days in Switzerland to his triumphs on the European stage with Sevilla and Barcelona, Rakitić has proven himself as one of Croatia’s finest football exports. His versatility, technical prowess, and remarkable achievements have etched his name in football history. As Rakitić continues to shine on the pitch for Sevilla, football enthusiasts around the world eagerly await his next masterclass performance.
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