Zlatan Ibrahimović is a former Swedish professional footballer who played as a striker for AC Milan in Serie A. Known for his incredible acrobatic strikes, powerful shots, and technical skills, Ibrahimović is considered one of the greatest strikers of all time. Throughout his career, he has won an impressive 34 trophies and scored over 570 goals, including more than 500 at the club level. His longevity in the game is evident as he has scored in each of the last four decades. He began his career at Malmö FF and quickly gained recognition as a promising forward. He then moved to Ajax and later joined Juventus, followed by a transfer to Inter Milan in 2006. At Inter, he achieved great success, winning three consecutive Serie A titles and becoming immensely popular. Ibrahimović's journey continued with moves to Barcelona, Milan (for a second stint), Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and LA Galaxy. During his time with Paris Saint-Germain, he helped the club secure four consecutive Ligue 1 titles and became their all-time leading goalscorer. In 2020, Ibrahimović returned to AC Milan and clinched his fifth Serie A title in 2022. As a key figure for the Swedish national team, he earned over 100 international appearances during his 20-year career. He holds the record for the most goals scored by a Swedish player with 62 goals. Ibrahimović showcased his talents in several major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cups in 2002 and 2006 and the UEFA European Championships in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016. He has received numerous accolades, including the Guldbollen (Golden Ball) award for the Swedish player of the year, which he won a record 12 times. His remarkable 35-yard bicycle kick goal against England in 2013 earned him the FIFA Puskás Award and is considered one of the greatest goals ever scored. Off the field, he is known for his confident and outspoken personality, often referring to himself in the third person. He has been recognized by FIFA and UEFA in their respective awards, earning spots in the FIFPro World XI and the UEFA Team of the Year. While he has come close, he has not won the UEFA Champions League, leading him to be regarded as one of the best players never to have won the competition. Ibrahimović's impact transcends football, as he was ranked the second-greatest Swedish sportsperson ever by Dagens Nyheter in 2014, second only to tennis legend Björn Borg.
Zlatan Ibrahimović, a former Swedish professional footballer, is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time. Throughout his career, he won 34 trophies and scored over 570 goals, showcasing his acrobatic strikes, powerful shots, and technical skills. He played for renowned clubs such as AC Milan, Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and LA Galaxy. Ibrahimović made over 100 appearances for the Swedish national team, scoring a record-breaking 62 goals. He has received numerous accolades, including the FIFA Puskás Award for his extraordinary bicycle kick goal in 2013. Off the field, Ibrahimović is known for his confident and outspoken personality, leaving a lasting impact on and off the football pitch.
Zlatan Ibrahimović was born on October 3, 1981, in Malmö, Sweden, to parents of different backgrounds. His father, Šefik Ibrahimović, was a Muslim Bosniak who immigrated to Sweden in 1977, while his mother, Jurka Gravić, was a Catholic Croat who also emigrated to Sweden. Despite his diverse heritage, Zlatan identifies with his mother's Catholic faith. About his religion, he considers himself a devout Catholic Christian. He grew up with five siblings named Sapko, Monika, Sanela, Aleksander, and Violeta. He is Swedish when it comes to his nationality while his ethnicity is Mixed as he has Bosniak ancestry on his father’s side while he is of Croatian descent on his mother’s side. Ibrahimović began his football journey at the age of six, starting with clubs such as FBK Balkan, Malmö BI, and BK Flagg. His upbringing was challenging, marked by a tough environment and personal struggles. At the age of nine, he was sent to live with his father due to his mother's inability to care for the family adequately. Despite facing hardships, Zlatan used his difficult experiences to fuel his determination and shape his character. He found solace and motivation in football, striving to prove himself to those who doubted him due to his background. During his early teenage years, Zlatan became a regular player for his hometown club, Malmö FF. At the age of 15, he contemplated quitting football and working at the docks in Malmö, but his manager persuaded him to persevere. Zlatan looked up to Brazilian forward Ronaldo and admired the playing style of prolific striker Gabriel Batistuta. Despite facing financial difficulties and feeling inferior compared to his middle-class peers, Zlatan used his anger and determination to drive himself towards success. Education-wise, Zlatan attended Malmö Borgarskola gymnasium in Malmö, Sweden. His upbringing and struggles have played a significant role in shaping his complex and resilient personality, making him the renowned footballer he is today.
Zlatan Ibrahimović began his professional career with Malmö in 1999 after signing his first contract with the club in 1996. Although Malmö faced relegation to the second division in the 1999 season, they quickly regained their position in the top-flight league. Prominent managers, including Arsène Wenger from Arsenal and Leo Beenhakker from Ajax, expressed interest in Ibrahimović during his early career. In March 2001, a deal was announced for Ibrahimović's transfer to Ajax, where he initially received limited playing time under manager Co Adriaanse. However, with the appointment of Ronald Koeman, Ibrahimović became a key player and helped Ajax win the Eredivisie title in the 2001-02 season. He continued to shine, scoring twice in his Champions League debut and earning recognition for his sensational goal against NAC Breda in 2004. Ibrahimović later joined Juventus for €16 million, making an immediate impact by contributing 16 goals and helping the club clinch the Serie A title. Despite a change in his role the following season and Juventus' relegation due to the Calciopoli scandal, Ibrahimović's performances earned him accolades such as the Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year and the Guldbollen.
In August 2006, Ibrahimović joined Inter Milan for €24.8 million and expressed his childhood support for the club. He made an impressive debut in the 2006 Supercoppa Italiana against Roma and scored in his Serie A debut against Fiorentina. Despite a defeat in his first Champions League appearance, Ibrahimović shined in the "Derby della Madonnina" against Milan, scoring a crucial goal. In his debut season, he emerged as Inter's top scorer with 15 goals, contributing to their Scudetto victory with a record 97 points. Ibrahimović continued his success in subsequent seasons, winning back-to-back league titles and becoming the top goalscorer in Serie A in 2008-09. He was recognized as Footballer of the Year and Foreign Footballer of the Year for two consecutive seasons.
After Maxwell's transfer to Barcelona, Ibrahimović joined Barcelona in exchange for Samuel Eto'o and a reported fee of £59 million. He made a strong start, assisting in the Supercopa de España win and scoring in his first five league matches. Ibrahimović had a successful season, contributing to Barcelona's victories in the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. However, his relationship with coach Pep Guardiola deteriorated, and he criticized the tactical changes that limited his freedom on the pitch.
AC Milan announced on 28 August 2010 that they had signed Ibrahimović on loan from Barcelona for the 2010-11 season, with an option to purchase him for €24 million. He made his debut in September and scored his first goals for Milan in the Champions League. Ibrahimović had a successful season, scoring important goals, including against his former club Inter in the Derby della Madonnina. He received bans for misconduct but went on to win his first Scudetto with Milan. In the following season, he continued his strong performances, scoring goals in both domestic and Champions League matches, finishing as Serie A's top scorer with 28 goals in 32 matches. On 17 July 2012, Paris Saint-Germain acquired Ibrahimović from Milan for €20 million, making him the second highest-paid footballer in the world. He signed a three-year contract and expressed his excitement about being part of the club's history. Ibrahimović had a strong start with PSG, scoring crucial goals and helping the team to a 2-2 draw in their opening Ligue 1 match. He continued to perform well, becoming the first player to score for six clubs in the UEFA Champions League. Ibrahimović ended the season as Ligue 1's top scorer with 30 goals, helping PSG win their first league title since 1994. In the following seasons, he continued to shine, leading PSG to back-to-back league titles and achieving personal milestones such as scoring a quadruple and becoming the club's second all-time top scorer.
On 4 October 2015, Ibrahimović became Paris Saint-Germain's all-time leading goalscorer with 110 goals in all competitions. He continued to break records, becoming PSG's top goalscorer in the French first division and entering the Champions League's all-time top ten appearance makers. In his final season with PSG, Ibrahimović scored 38 goals in Ligue 1, becoming the league's top scorer and setting a new club record. He ended his PSG career with a domestic treble and a standing ovation from fans, leaving a legendary legacy at the club. On 1 July 2016, Ibrahimović joined Manchester United on a one-year contract with the option to extend. He made an impressive start, scoring crucial goals including the winner in the FA Community Shield and a brace in his home debut. Ibrahimović continued his scoring form and became the oldest player to score 15 goals in a Premier League season. He also contributed to Manchester United's Europa League and League Cup victories, but his season was cut short due to a knee injury. After recovering, Ibrahimović signed a new contract for the 2017-18 season but left the club in March 2018.
On 23 March 2018, Ibrahimović joined LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer (MLS). He made a spectacular debut, scoring two goals, including a remarkable 45-yard half-volley, to help the Galaxy win 4-3. Ibrahimović continued to make an impact throughout the season, scoring goals and setting records. In 2019, he was named team captain and had another impressive season, scoring multiple hat-tricks and breaking club records. Despite leading the Galaxy to the playoffs, they were eliminated in the Western Conference Semifinals. On 13 November 2019, Ibrahimović announced his departure from the LA Galaxy. On 27 December 2019, Ibrahimović returned to AC Milan on a six-month contract with an option to extend. He made an impact with goals and milestones, scoring in each of the last four decades and becoming the oldest goalscorer in the Derby della Madonnina. He reached his 50th Serie A goal for both Milan clubs and became the oldest player to score at least ten goals in a Serie A season. Ibrahimović extended his contract until 2021 and helped Milan secure a runner-up position in Serie A and a return to the Champions League. However, he suffered a hamstring injury that ended his season prematurely.
On 12 September 2021, Ibrahimović became the oldest non-Italian player to score in Serie A. He continued to break records, becoming the fourth player to score a Serie A goal after turning 40 and the oldest player to score a brace in a Serie A game. He reached the milestone of 300 career league goals and helped Milan win the Serie A title. Ibrahimović played through an injury and underwent surgery. He signed a contract extension with Milan, made a comeback, became the oldest goalscorer in Serie A, and announced his retirement after the season.
Internationally, in his youth career, Zlatan Ibrahimović represented the Sweden national team at various levels. In 1999, he played for the Sweden U18 team, scoring one goal in four games. In 2001, he made his debut for the Sweden U21 team and went on to score six goals in seven games for the team. However, Sweden was eliminated from the 2002 UEFA European Under-21 Championship during the qualification play-offs. These early experiences helped shape Ibrahimović's international career and set the stage for his future success. He chose to represent the senior Sweden national team, making his debut in a friendly match against the Faroe Islands in January 2001. He scored his first international goal in a World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan in October 2001, helping Sweden secure a 3-0 win and qualify for the tournament. Ibrahimović then participated in the 2002 FIFA World Cup held in Korea and Japan, where Sweden reached the round of 16 but was eliminated by Senegal. Although he appeared in only two matches during the tournament, it marked his first experience on the global stage.
Ibrahimović played a crucial role in Sweden's qualification for the UEFA Euro 2004. He scored three goals during the qualifying campaign, helping Sweden top their group and secure a spot in the tournament. In their opening match against Bulgaria, Ibrahimović provided an assist and scored a penalty in a 5-0 victory. He continued his impressive form by scoring a memorable back-heel lob goal against Italy, which was later named the best goal of the tournament. Sweden advanced to the quarter-finals but was eliminated by the Netherlands in a penalty shoot-out, with Ibrahimović missing a penalty. Despite the disappointment, his performances showcased his skill and talent on the international stage. In the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, Ibrahimović scored eight goals, contributing significantly to Sweden's qualification. However, Sweden was eliminated in the round of 16 by Germany. In the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifiers, Ibrahimović faced disciplinary issues but eventually returned to the national team. He ended his international goal drought during the tournament itself, scoring two goals in the group-stage matches against Greece and Spain. Sweden, however, failed to progress beyond the group stage. Despite the team's early exit, Ibrahimović's performances earned him recognition as one of the top players in the tournament.
These early stages of Ibrahimović's international career showcased his ability to make an impact on Sweden at various levels. From his youth achievements to his senior appearances in major tournaments like the World Cup and the European Championship, Ibrahimović established himself as a key figure in Swedish football history. His skill, goal-scoring ability, and memorable moments on the international stage further solidified his status as one of Sweden's greatest footballers.
Ajax
Juventus
Inter Milan
Barcelona
AC Milan
Paris Saint-Germain
Manchester United
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LA Galaxy
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Zlatan Ibrahimović is not only a highly accomplished footballer but also a wealthy individual. His net worth is estimated to be around $190 million, equivalent to £156 million. He earns a substantial salary of $30 million and an additional $20 million from endorsement deals, making him one of the highest-paid footballers in the world. His net worth has seen significant growth over the years, with $180 million in 2022, $160 million in 2021, $145 million in 2020, $130 million in 2019, and $120 million in 2018. Zlatan's endorsement deals include partnerships with brands like Nike, although their contract ended in 2014 due to a breach involving him wearing cleats with a competitor's logo. He has also appeared in TV commercials for companies such as Volvo, Vitamin Well, and Xbox One. Apart from football, Zlatan is a black belt in taekwondo. With his impressive wealth, he leads a lavish lifestyle.
Zlatan Ibrahimović is currently in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Helena Seger, whom he has been together with since 2001. Helena is a Swedish model. Although they are unmarried, they have built a strong and happy life together. The couple has two sons, Maximilian, born on September 22, 2006, and Vincent, born on March 6, 2008, completing their loving family.
In 2000, Zlatan Ibrahimović entered a relationship with Maria Olhage, a Swedish web designer whom he met while on vacation in Cyprus. Maria, who was working at a hotel where they crossed paths, spent quality time with the renowned footballer without knowing his true identity. After a year together, Zlatan and Maria got engaged on April 22, 2001, with plans to move to Amsterdam, where Zlatan would continue his football career while Maria pursued studies in computer science. However, their plans took an unexpected turn, and the engagement came to an end in 2002. During that same year, Ibrahimović had a brief romantic involvement with another Swedish model named Erika Johnson.
Zlatan Ibrahimović, the handsome footballer known for his athletic body type, stands at an impressive height of 6 ft 4¾ in or 195 cm and weighs around 91 kg or 201 lbs. With dark brown hair and matching dark brown eyes, he possesses distinctive features such as a sharp nose, towering height, and a bun hairstyle. Ibrahimović takes his physical fitness seriously and is dedicated to maintaining his physique. He works out regularly, both during the on-season and off-season, visiting the gym four times a week. His workout routine focuses on strengthening both his lower and upper body, with low-volume exercises and moderate weights during the season and heavy lifting and high-intensity training, including plyometrics and sprinting, during the off-season.
On the back of his right arm, Zlatan Ibrahimović has his surname tattooed in Arabic, while the names of his sons Vincent and Maximilian are inked on his right arm. Among his tattoos, he proudly displays a Buddhist "Five Deva Faces Yantra" on his lower back, symbolizing wind, water, fire, creative perception, and space, arranged in a manner believed to offer protection against illness and injury. Accompanying this is a depiction of a roaring lion. On his upper right arm, he bears another Buddhist tattoo called "Yant Prajao Khao Nirote," serving as a protective emblem intended to alleviate the suffering of his family. Furthermore, he has the phrase 'Only God can judge me' tattooed on his ribcage, along with a feather, a Koi fish, Polynesian tribal designs, and the ace of hearts and clubs.
Zlatan Ibrahimović's passion for football ignited at a young age, as he took his first steps on the field when he was just six years old. From that moment forward, the beautiful game became an integral part of his life, shaping his character and paving the way for his remarkable career as a professional footballer. With a humble beginning at such a tender age, Ibrahimović's love for the sport only grew stronger as he honed his skills and embarked on an incredible journey filled with success, determination, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. His early start in football allowed him to develop his talents and lay a solid foundation for the years to come, ultimately leading him to become one of the most renowned and respected strikers in the history of the game. From playground kickabouts to the grandest stadiums, Zlatan Ibrahimović's journey from a six-year-old aspiring footballer to a global icon serves as an inspiring testament to the power of passion and dedication in achieving one's dreams.
At a crucial turning point in his life, when Zlatan Ibrahimović was just 15 years old, he faced the difficult decision of quitting football and seeking work on the docks in Malmö. However, his manager recognized the immense talent and potential within him and persuaded him to stay on the path of football. It was a pivotal moment that changed the course of Ibrahimović's life, as he decided to continue pursuing his passion and dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the sport. This fateful intervention not only preserved the world of football from losing one of its greatest talents but also set in motion a remarkable journey that would see Ibrahimović rise to become one of the most iconic and celebrated figures in the realm of football.
Zlatan Ibrahimović had the opportunity to don the iconic jersey of FC Barcelona during his illustrious football career. In 2009, he joined Barcelona in a highly anticipated transfer, showcasing his exceptional skills and talent alongside some of the world's best players. Although his time at Barcelona was relatively brief, Ibrahimović made a notable impact, contributing to the team's success and winning the La Liga title in his debut season. His stint at Barcelona added another significant chapter to his football journey, highlighting his versatility and ability to adapt to different playing styles and environments.
Zlatan Ibrahimović, known for his remarkable achievements in football, has also attained a black belt in taekwondo, bestowed upon him by the Malmö Taekwondo club. This recognition showcases Ibrahimović's dedication and proficiency in martial arts, highlighting his commitment to excellence beyond the realm of football. The attainment of a black belt represents a significant accomplishment, symbolizing mastery and expertise in taekwondo techniques. Ibrahimović's pursuit of martial arts alongside his football career further exemplifies his relentless drive and passion for personal growth and development in various disciplines.
In May 2003, the name "Zlatan" belonging to Zlatan Ibrahimović was officially trademarked, solidifying its exclusive association with the renowned footballer. This trademark registration serves as legal protection, preventing unauthorized use of his distinctive name for commercial purposes. The trademarked name "Zlatan" not only represents Ibrahimović's unique identity but also reflects his significant impact and brand value in the world of football. This intellectual property safeguard ensures that his name is recognized and used exclusively in connection with his personal brand, contributing to the preservation of his image and reputation in the global sporting arena.