Ivan Rakitić
~Rakitić
Mar 10' 1988
Croatia
The Exhilarating Story...
The journey of Ivan Rakitić from a small-town boy in Switzerland to a football icon on the global stage is a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and sheer hard work. His story is not just about athletic prowess; it’s a profound narrative of overcoming adversity, which serves as a beacon of motivation for aspiring athletes everywhere. Born in Switzerland to Croatian parents, Ivan Rakitić had football woven into his destiny from a young age. His father, a former footballer, instilled in him the love for the game. However, Rakitić's early life was not without its challenges. Growing up in a foreign land, he faced the dual task of integrating into a different culture while holding onto his familial roots. This balancing act was crucial in shaping both his personality and his play style. Rakitić's professional journey began with FC Basel in Switzerland, where he quickly showcased his potential. However, the road to top-tier football was fraught with obstacles. Early in his career, he faced intense competition for a place in the starting lineup, battling not just opponents but also injuries. His move to Schalke 04 marked a significant step, but it was in Spain with Sevilla FC that Rakitić truly flourished. His leadership on the pitch was instrumental in Sevilla’s Europa League victory in 2014, yet this triumph came only after enduring seasons of rigorous competition and high expectations. The pinnacle of Rakitić's career arguably came during his time at Barcelona. Joining such a storied club brought immense pressure. Rakitić not only had to prove his worth but also adapt to a style of play that demands perfection in every pass. His determination and hard work paid off when he scored a crucial goal in the 2015 UEFA Champions League final, helping Barcelona lift the trophy. Throughout his tenure at Barcelona, Rakitić's resilience in the face of challenges—be it competition from new signings or adapting to different managerial strategies—underscored his robust character and commitment to excellence. Rakitić’s journey is a clear example of how perseverance can lead to great achievements. His career is a narrative that resonates deeply with the ethos of programs like the 8lete grassroots initiative, which aims to support and elevate talented athletes who face financial or visibility hurdles. Like Rakitić, many young athletes are today in need of that support and guidance to overcome their challenges and realize their potential. For every aspiring athlete, Rakitić's story is a reminder that success often comes to those who are willing to persevere through uncertainty and hardship. His career demonstrates that true champions are made not just by their talent, but by their ability to persist, adapt, and thrive against all odds. Let Ivan Rakitić's story inspire you to push beyond your limits and strive for excellence, no matter the obstacles. Remember, every champion was once a contender who refused to give up.
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It's not instinct; that's not the right word, but it's how you feel in this moment. It's trained, but it's trained inside you. It makes you faster in the moment.
Career
Last updated: Jun 25' 2024
FC Basel
- Career: 2005–2007
- Total Appearances: 34
- Total Goals: 11
Schalke 04
- Career: 2007–2011
- Total Appearances: 97
- Total Goals: 12
Sevilla
- Career: 2011–2014, 2020–2024
- Total Appearances: 238
- Total Goals: 36
Barcelona
- Career: 2014–2020
- Total Appearances: 200
- Total Goals: 25
Al-Shabab
- Career: 2024–Present
- Total Appearances: 8
- Total Goals: 1
Croatia Football Team
- Career: 2007–2019
- Total Appearances: 106
- Total Goals: 15
Achievements
Basel
- 1x Swiss Cup
Sevilla
- 2x UEFA Europa League
Barcelona
- 4x La Liga
- 4x Copa del Rey
- 2x Supercopa de España
- 1x UEFA Champions League
- 1x UEFA Super Cup
- 1x FIFA Club World Cup
Croatia
- 1x FIFA World Cup runner-up
Individual
- 1x Swiss Super League Young Player of the Year
- 1x Swiss Super League Goal of the Season
- 1x La Liga Fair Play award
- 1x La Liga Player of the Month
- 1x UEFA Europa League Final Man of the Match
- 2x La Liga Team of the Season
- 1x UEFA La Liga Team of The Season
- 2x UEFA Europa League Team of the Season
- 1x UEFA Champions League Team of the Season
- 1x Croatian Footballer of the Year
- 1x Croatian Sportsman of the Year
- 1x FIFA FIFPro World11 3rd team
- 1x La Liga Goal of the Month
Orders
- 1x Order of Duke Branimir
Celebrating
The Machine
Football
Sep 09' 2025
Celebrating Persistence & Determination Leon Christoph Goretzka.
Born on 6 February 1995 in Bochum, Germany, Leon Christoph Goretzka grew up just minutes away from the local stadium, where his passion for football was ignited. His birthplace shaped his character - grounded, hardworking, and determined to make an impact. His parents instilled values that would become his foundation. His father, Konrad, worked as an automotive and electrical engineer at Opel, while his mother, Katharina, served as a business manager and presbyter in Bochum’s Protestant parish. Their steady encouragement created a stable environment in which young Leon could dream big. Goretzka’s talent blossomed early, he earned the prestigious Fritz Walter Medal (U-17 Gold) in 2012, a testament to his extraordinary potential. But true to any athlete’s journey, challenges soon surfaced. In 2015-16, Goretzka was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory bowel disease, affecting his ability to recover and perform. Through dietary changes - eliminating gluten, dairy, pork, and nuts. He took control of his health and reclaimed his fitness. As if health battles weren’t enough, he endured a double fracture of his jaw in one match, playing almost the entire game before collapsing. And later, stress fractures sidelined him again. But those obstacles didn’t define him the resolve he displayed did. He rose to prominence at Schalke before joining Bayern Munich in 2018, where he became a core midfielder. He claimed multiple Bundesliga titles, Champions League glory, DFB-Pokals, and even a sextuple in 2020. Even after facing career heartbreak being excluded from Germany’s Euro 2024 squad and moments of doubt at Bayern, he turned the tide. His perseverance paid off: he fought his way back into the starting lineup and regained the trust of coach Vincent Kompany. Now, Goretzka is thriving again. He played a pivotal role in Bayern winning the 2025 Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, showcasing his attacking runs and synergy with teammates. Yet, his humility remains he continues advocating for improvement and precision. Under new coach Vincent Kompany, Goretzka praised the coach’s honesty and connection with the squad, comparing the unity to the golden era under Hansi Flick. That trust has reinvigorated him and energized the team. All athletes need guiding structures, mentorship, and persistence - just as Goretzka did. That’s where 8lete comes in. By providing personalized coaching, mental-health resources, and peer support, 8lete can help young players tackle adversity, maintain focus through setbacks, and chart their own path to success - mirroring the journey of Leon Christoph Goretzka.
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Celebrating
Palacios
Football
Sep 04' 2025
Celebrating Grit & Growth Exequiel Palacios.
Exequiel Alejandro Palacios was born on October 5, 1998, in Famailla, in the province of Tucumán, Argentina. His parents, Mariela Rodríguez from the rural area of Sumampa in Santiago del Estero and Luis Palacios from Tucumán, raised him in humble beginnings. When he was just two months old, his family moved to General San Martín in Buenos Aires. That move planted the early seeds of his future in a city with stronger football culture. Growing up, football was both escape and aspiration. Young Exequiel faced countless challenges typical to many young athletes: limited resources, intense competition, and the need to stand out to secure opportunities. Yet his talent was noticeable and his dedication unwavering as he rose through the youth ranks of River Plate. At age 17, he made his league debut for River Plate on November 8, 2015, entering the game against Newell’s Old Boys. It was a moment of vindication for years of sacrifice and perseverance. That breakthrough began a period during which he became instrumental in River’s success. In 2018, Palacios was part of the River Plate squad that clinched the Copa Libertadores. He contributed across 11 matches including the epic final against Boca Juniors. That same year, he earned a place in the South American Team of the Year, milestones that reflected his determination and progression. In January 2020 he took a major step forward by joining German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen on a long-term deal. It was a bold transition—leaving his homeland to embrace new challenges abroad. He helped his team win the 2023‑24 Bundesliga, Germany’s domestic cup, and Supercup, playing a solid role in their historic success. His national team journey faced a frightening moment in November 2020 when he fractured a bone in his spine during a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay. Doctors anticipated a three‑month recovery. For most athletes, such an injury could derail a career. Yet Exequiel’s mental strength, along with medical and support teams, saw him return to top form. Back in full health he was part of Argentina’s Copa América victory over Brazil in 2021 and later contributed to their 2022 World Cup triumph. In 2024, he was again part of Argentina’s victorious Confederations Cup–style title, continuing his national‑team legacy. Most recently in August 2025 he returned from a hamstring injury and was named on the bench for Bayer Leverkusen’s match against Werder Bremen. His resilience after yet another setback shows his relentless spirit and readiness to fight for opportunities. This journey shows how drive, support, and vision transform ambition into achievement. That is where 8lete steps in as a beacon for young athletes. 8lete’s platform connects emerging players with mentors, training resources, medical support, and success stories like Palacios’s. By providing structured guidance and encouragement at every stage, 8lete can help talented youth navigate trials and stay committed to their dreams. Exequiel Alejandro Palacios’s story from a small town boy to a Bundesliga champion and World Cup winner embodies grit, community, and growth. It reminds us that with the right tools, support, and mindset, young players can reach elite levels. Through 8lete, aspiring athletes gain access to the guidance and infrastructure that turn potential into accomplishment. Let Palacios’s path inspire the next generation to believe, work, and succeed.
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Celebrating
Senna
Football
Sep 02' 2025
Celebrating Support & Perseverance Marcos Senna.
Born on 17 July 1976 in São Paulo, Brazil, Marcos Antônio Senna da Silva grew up playing football in poverty, his earliest games woven into the rough streets of his youth. His story begins not in lavish academies, but with a passion that drove him to dream bigger. Senna’s start was far from spectacular. He spent his early career in the lower tiers, featuring for Rio Branco, Corinthians, Juventude, and São Caetano. These formative years were a test of patience, determination, and unwavering belief. In 2002, a modest €600,000 move to Villarreal opened a new chapter. Though coming late to broader recognition, he embraced it, steadily becoming the heartbeat of a rising club. Injuries could have derailed him. A serious knee injury in 2003, one of four he endured, threatened to halt his ascent. Yet with faith and resolve, he rebounded. Drawing strength from his Christian values, he leaned on inner peace during his recovery. What set Senna apart wasn’t flair but intelligence. His playing style was simple, direct, and effective. He earned trust through disciplined positioning, precise passing, and a calming presence in midfield. His humility shone through in an understated grace that defined his legacy. Naturalised in 2006, Senna joined the Spain national team. He played a pivotal role in their Euro 2008 victory scoring in the penalty shootout and anchoring midfield with composed authority. This triumph transformed both his career and legacy. Back at Villarreal, he delivered memorable moments like his “best goal of my life” scored from inside the centre circle against Real Betis and captained the side through highs and lows, including relegation and resurgence. Later, he returned as the club’s director of international relations, continuing to inspire. Behind Senna’s resilience were companions, coaches, and inner convictions - Luis Aragonés who invited him to Spain, teammates who trusted him, mentors in faith. These networks buoyed him through every stumble and success. The lessons from Senna’s path resonate: Embrace humility and grind Lean on faith or values during adversity Let mentors and community guide you Play with clarity, not flash 8lete embodies these principles providing young athletes with mentorship, tailored guidance, and the mental resilience to thrive, just as Senna did. At 8lete, we believe in building journeys, not just talents. Like Senna overcoming his early anonymity, injuries, and late bloom into international acclaim, young players today need not be defined by where they begin, but by how they grow with support, perseverance, and smart training.
