Ivan Rakitić
A midfield maestro with a velvet touch, whose vision and passing precision powered Sevilla and Croatia to historic triumphs.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Croatian footballer·Birthday: March 10·Millennials
Biography
Born in Switzerland to Croatian parents, Ivan Rakitić's career was a tale of two footballing homelands. He broke through at Basel before catching the eye of German club Schalke 04. His elegant, controlling style in midfield truly flourished after his 2011 move to Sevilla. In Andalusia, he became the team's heartbeat, captaining them to a dramatic UEFA Europa League victory in 2014. That performance earned him a transfer to Barcelona, where he slotted perfectly into a legendary midfield, forming a crucial partnership with Sergio Busquets and Andrés Iniesta. At Barça, he won the treble in his first season, including a Champions League final where he scored the opening goal. For Croatia, his commitment was profound, serving as a vice-captain and playing a central role in their stunning run to the 2018 World Cup final, embodying the nation's technical grace and fighting spirit.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ivan was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ivan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ivan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the UEFA Champions League with FC Barcelona in 2015, scoring in the final against Juventus.
- Captained Sevilla to UEFA Europa League glory in 2014, their third title.
- Played a pivotal role in Croatia's journey to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, starting every match.
Did You Know?
He represented Switzerland at youth international levels before choosing to play for Croatia's senior national team.
He married a Spanish woman, Raquel Mauri, and speaks fluent Spanish, German, French, and English in addition to Croatian.
He ended his professional playing career where it began in Croatia, with Hajduk Split.
“I have two hearts: one Croatian, one Sevilla.”
