90min

Ivan Rakitic's Greatest Moments in a Barcelona Shirt - Ranked

By Adam McGroarty

FC Barcelona v SD Eibar SAD - La Liga
FC Barcelona v SD Eibar SAD - La Liga / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
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With Andres Iniesta and Xavi reaching the ends of their stellar careers at FC Barcelona and Cesc Fabregas returning to the Premier League, Luis Enrique was tasked with filling a void in midfield in 2014.

Instead of hunting down a global superstar with a huge profile, Enrique turned to a proven La Liga midfielder in Sevilla's Ivan Rakitic.

310 appearances and 13 trophies later, the Croatian's time at Camp Nou has come to an end. Rakitic will return to Sevilla at the age of 32, with an agreement having been struck with Barça.

Here's a look at some of Rakitic's greatest moments during his time as a Barcelona player.

1. Instant Impact in La Liga (2014)

Rakitic netted his first goal in Barça's 5-0 away win against Levante
Rakitic netted his first goal in Barça's 5-0 away win against Levante / Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

The Croatian is perhaps better known for his creative traits rather than his goalscoring record, however, that didn't stop him from making his mark on the scoresheet at Barcelona.

Rakitic scored his first goal for the club in September 2014, in a 5-0 win away at Levante. The midfielder then added another in the following game against Granada, instantly becoming a key part of the side.

2. Scoring in UEFA Champions League Final Triumph (2015)

Rakitic clinched the famous trophy in his first season at FC Barcelona
Rakitic clinched the famous trophy in his first season at FC Barcelona / Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Rakitic reached his first Champions League final in his first season with the Catalan giants, and it was one to remember.

The midfielder scored the opening goal of the game to send Barça on their way to a 3-1 victory over Juventus in Berlin.

When reflecting on the momentous occasion, Rakitic said: "That moment cannot be explained. I wanted to hug the whole stadium, not just the three teammates next to me. I wanted to open my arms, grab everyone… I got goosebumps."

3. Best Season in His Barça Career (2016/17)

The Croatian enjoyed his best season as an FC Barcelona player during 2016/17
The Croatian enjoyed his best season as an FC Barcelona player during 2016/17 / David Ramos/Getty Images

In 32 La Liga appearances during the course of the 2016/17 season, Ivan Rakitic scored seven goals and provided six assists for his teammates.

The midfielder wasn't able to reach those heights again during a domestic campaign while wearing Barcelona colours.

The Croatian did have a ruthless Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez partnership playing ahead of him at the peak of their powers - a trio Barça haven't been able to replicate since.

4. That Goal vs Tottenham (2018)

The Croatian scored one of the best goals of his career that night at Wembley Stadium.

Tottenham were Barça's toughest opponents in the group stage, but Rakitic added to Philippe Coutinho's opener in spectacular fashion.

The ball fell to him outside the box, with the midfielder sending a sweetly-struck half-volley into the back of the net via a clip of the inside of the post. Sumptuous.

Barcelona won the game 4-2.

5. Crucial Goal in El Clasico (2019)

Rakitic netted the only goal of the game
Rakitic netted the only goal of the game / Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

The La Liga title was on the line when league leaders Barcelona travelled to the Santiago Bernabéu to face Real Madrid in March 2019.

Seven points separated the two sides, with Real Madrid knowing they needed to win to stand any chance of pipping their rivals to the title.

However, it was Rakitic who killed those hopes when his delightful chip rose over Thibaut Courtois and into the back of the net.

A moment of class and composure, coupled with a complete individual display on enemy soil set Barça well on their way to another league title, with a 1-0 win.