Croatian soccer icon Ivan Rakitic is adding a new dimension to his career,
simultaneously playing for Hajduk Split and joining the broadcast booth. The
veteran midfielder will be offering his insights as a commentator on
Tiempo de Juego, a popular show on Spain’s Caden Cope network, a
leading radio station. This move mirrors similar transitions seen in American
sports, like former NFL players joining ESPN’s monday Night Football crew.
rakitic expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, emphasizing his commitment
to honest and insightful commentary.
I will try to be honest and clear. I hope to enjoy and give listeners a
different experiance. I will try to be my own. I love football and I am
very excited.
He also joked about the potential challenges of critiquing former teammates,
adding,
it will be easier for me to comment on the football players I have played
with because they will have to forgive me.
This lighthearted approach is reminiscent of Charles Barkley’s commentary style
in the NBA, where honesty and humor are key.
Addressing questions about his fellow Croatian star,Luka Modric,Rakitic
expressed admiration and confidence in Modric’s continued performance.I don’t know what happens to Modric, I don’t even want to ask him at all.
according to what I saw, he still enjoys. I saw what he was doing in
training, it’s crazy. He still can play and Real still needs Luka.
This echoes the sentiment frequently enough heard regarding Tom Brady’s longevity in the
NFL – a testament to enduring skill and passion.
Rakitic also revealed his past flirtations with Atletico Madrid, stating,
I was close to a Atletico signature three or four times. Once the job was
almost done. We talked a lot, but when I got the possibility to go to
Barcelona, I couldn’t refuse it. Still, we stayed in contact and when I
was in Barcelona.
This near-miss highlights the complex decisions athletes face,weighing
different opportunities and ultimately choosing the path that best aligns with
their career goals. It’s a scenario familiar to fans of all sports, from
baseball free agency to NBA trades.
Rakitic’s dual commitment to playing and commentating offers a fascinating
case study in the evolving landscape of professional sports. His move
underscores a growing trend of athletes leveraging their hard-earned expertise
beyond the field of play, enriching the fan experiance with insider knowledge
and a fresh viewpoint. This transition is particularly relevant in an era
where media consumption habits are diversifying, and fans crave authentic
voices and in-depth analysis from those who truly understand the game. Much like
former athletes such as Tony Romo in the NFL, Rakitic is poised to bring his
unique insights to the table, providing a compelling viewing experience for
audiences.

To further illustrate Rakitic’s multifaceted career, here’s a side-by-side
comparison of his playing career highlights and his new commentary role,
highlighting key data points:
| Aspect | Ivan Rakitic (Player) | Ivan Rakitic (Commentator) | Comparison and Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Professional midfielder | Football Commentator | Transition from active gameplay to analyzing gameplay. |
| Current Club/Platform | Hajduk Split | Tiempo de Juego (Caden Cope) | Dual commitment showcasing adaptability and ambition. |
| Playing Legacy Highlights |
La liga titles (Barcelona), UEFA Europa League winner, Croatian National Team Star. |
Providing expert analysis, game insights, player evaluations, and engaging listeners. |
Leveraging years of experience to bring an exclusive perspective to the broadcast booth. |
| key Skills |
Passing accuracy, tactical awareness, leadership, playmaking, ball control |
Clear communication, insightful analysis, ability to articulate game dynamics, engaging storytelling |
Transition of skills from on-field leadership to analytical excellence. |
| Challenges |
Physical demands of the game, maintaining peak performance, dealing with injuries. |
Providing insightful analysis, managing conflicts of interest, ensuring objective coverage. |
Similarities are high level of focus and passion. |
Rakitic’s move is indicative of a broader trend where athletes are
prioritizing career longevity and embracing opportunities that extend beyond
their playing careers. His decision to join the broadcasting world not only
provides him with a diversified income stream but also allows him to impart
his wisdom and expertise to a global audience.This career pivot is a testament
to his adaptability and his genuine passion for the game. The transition also
highlights the evolving landscape of sports media, where former athletes are
increasingly sought after for their authenticity and unique perspectives.
Rakitic may even be opening doors for other players to follow suit and start a
second career as a commentator, which could, in turn, enhance the fan
experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ivan Rakitic’s New Career Move
Table of Contents
- Frequently Asked Questions About Ivan Rakitic’s New Career Move
- What is Ivan rakitic doing now?
- Why did Rakitic decide to become a commentator?
- What kind of commentary style can we expect from rakitic?
- Can Rakitic balance both playing and commentary roles?
- How does Rakitic’s move compare to similar transitions in other sports?
- Will Rakitic provide commentary on Luka Modrić?
- What challenges might Rakitic face in his role as a commentator?
- How can I listen to Ivan Rakitic’s commentary?
Here are some of the most common questions about Ivan Rakitic’s transition
into football commentary:
What is Ivan rakitic doing now?
Ivan Rakitic is currently playing professional football for Hajduk Split while
also working as a football commentator for Tiempo de Juego on Caden Cope
in Spain. He’s balancing his playing career with offering insightful commentary
and analysis on football matches.
Why did Rakitic decide to become a commentator?
Rakitic has discussed that he enjoys the opportunity to stay involved with
the game while also offering his unique insights and perspective. The role
allows him to share his knowledge of the sport with a wider audiences and
develop new skills.
What kind of commentary style can we expect from rakitic?
Rakitic has stated he aims to provide honest, clear, and insightful
commentary. He intends to use his experience to give listeners a different
experience, offering a unique perspective as someone who has played at the
highest level.
Can Rakitic balance both playing and commentary roles?
Yes, Rakitic is managing both roles concurrently. He plays for Hajduk Split
when he is physically available and works as a commentator for tiempo de
Juego, balancing his commitments to both football and broadcasting.
How does Rakitic’s move compare to similar transitions in other sports?
Rakitic’s move mirrors transitions seen in the NFL, where former players like
Tony Romo have become triumphant commentators after their playing careers. this
trend of athletes leveraging their expertise in broadcasting is becoming more
common,offering authentic insights from those who have experience.
Will Rakitic provide commentary on Luka Modrić?
Rakitic has expressed immense admiration for Luka Modrić and his continued
performance. Rakitic is likely to offer commentary on Modrić and his influence
on the game, focusing on the qualities that have made him such a successful
player.
What challenges might Rakitic face in his role as a commentator?
As a commentator, Rakitic is expected to face the challenges of providing
in-depth and analytical commentary while also balancing his opinions,
managing potential conflicts of interest, and maintaining objectivity.
How can I listen to Ivan Rakitic’s commentary?
You can listen to Ivan Rakitic’s commentary on Tiempo de Juego,
broadcast on the Caden Cope network in Spain. Specific broadcast schedules
and availability may vary.
This dual-role approach positions Rakitic as a role model for athletes who
want to extend their influence beyond their playing careers. His dedication
to both fields, and his commitment to provide quality content make his story
compelling for both casual and passionate sports fans.