Full Name: Zlatan Ibrahimović
Date of Birth: October 3, 1981
Place of Birth: Malmö, Sweden
Nationality: Swedish
Ethnicity: Bosnian (father) and Croatian (mother)
Height: 1.95 meters (6 feet 5 inches)
Weight: 95 kg (209 lbs)
Marital Status: Married to Helena Seger with two children (Maximilian and Vincent)
Religion: Devout Catholic
Languages Spoken: Swedish, Bosnian, English, Spanish, Italian
Nickname: "Zlatan," "The King," "The Legend"
Early Life
Zlatan was born in Malmö, Sweden, to a Bosnian Muslim father and a Croatian Catholic mother. He grew up in the diverse Rosengård neighborhood, which influenced his early life. As a child, he showed great promise in football and began playing at a young age. He moved through local clubs like "Rosengård" and "FBK Balkan" before joining the Malmö academy, the club where his professional career truly began.
Football Career
Early Years: Malmö (1999–2001)
In 1999, Ibrahimović began his professional career with Malmö FF in the Swedish Allsvenskan, where he impressed with his goal-scoring abilities. Even though the team faced relegation in 1999, Ibrahimović helped them secure a quick return to the top league the following year.
Ajax Amsterdam (2001–2004)
In 2001, Ibrahimović moved to Ajax Amsterdam in the Netherlands, where he began to rise as one of the top talents in European football. Under manager Ronald Koeman, Ibrahimović scored many goals and won his first major titles with Ajax in the 2001-2002 season when the team won the Eredivisie (Dutch league).
Achievements with Ajax: He won the Eredivisie title and became known for his performances in the UEFA Champions League.
Juventus (2004–2006)
In 2004, Ibrahimović joined Italian giants Juventus for €16 million. He started his first season in Serie A strongly, showcasing his attacking skills. However, Juventus was embroiled in the "Calciopoli" scandal in 2006, which resulted in the team being relegated to Serie B. Despite this, Ibrahimović chose to leave the club.
Inter Milan (2006–2009)
In 2006, Ibrahimović joined Inter Milan for €24.8 million, quickly becoming one of the league’s top forwards. Over the next three seasons, he helped Inter win three consecutive Serie A titles from 2006 to 2009, further cementing his reputation as one of the best strikers in the world.
Achievements with Inter Milan: Ibrahimović won three Serie A titles and became one of the league’s most dominant attackers.
Barcelona (2009–2011)
In 2009, Ibrahimović made a high-profile move to Barcelona for €69 million, one of the most expensive transfers in football history at the time. However, his stay at Barcelona was short-lived due to differences with manager Pep Guardiola and struggles with adapting to Barcelona's playing style. He left the club after just one season.
AC Milan (2010–2012)
Ibrahimović returned to Italy in 2010, joining AC Milan, where he had a strong impact, finishing his first season with 21 goals. In the 2011-2012 season, he became the top scorer of Serie A and led Milan to the league title, further solidifying his legacy as one of the world’s top strikers.
Paris Saint-Germain (2012–2016)
In 2012, Ibrahimović moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in France, where he became one of the club’s most prominent stars. He played a key role in PSG’s domination of French football, winning multiple Ligue 1 titles and domestic cups, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer.
Achievements with PSG: Ibrahimović won 4 Ligue 1 titles, 3 Coupe de la Ligue trophies, and 2 Coupe de France titles.
Manchester United (2016–2018)
In 2016, Ibrahimović joined Manchester United on a free transfer. He made an immediate impact, scoring goals in key matches and helping the team win the 2016 Community Shield and the 2017 UEFA Europa League, along with the EFL Cup.
LA Galaxy (2018–2019)
Ibrahimović moved to Major League Soccer in 2018, signing with LA Galaxy. His time in the U.S. was marked by spectacular goals and performances, including his 500th career goal in 2018.
Return to AC Milan (2019–2023)
In 2019, Ibrahimović returned to AC Milan, where he continued to play at a high level, helping the team compete for league titles and maintain their place as one of Italy’s top clubs.
International Career
Swedish National Team: Ibrahimović played for the Swedish national team for over 15 years, scoring 62 goals in 121 appearances.
Major Tournaments: He represented Sweden in the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups and appeared in four UEFA European Championships (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016).
Achievements and Individual Awards
FIFA Puskás Award (2013): For the best goal of the year, following his stunning strike against England.
Golden Foot Award (2012): For being one of the best players in the world.
Swedish Player of the Year: 11 times (a record).
Serie A Player of the Year: Several times throughout his career.
Best Foreign Player in Serie A: 2005.
Style and Characteristics
Ibrahimović is regarded as one of the greatest forwards in football history, thanks to his physicality, technical skills, and ability to score incredible goals. He is known for his ability to control the ball in tight spaces and his proficiency in finishing from any angle.
Physical Power: Known for his remarkable physical strength, making him one of the tallest and most imposing forwards.
Goal-scoring Ability: He has an incredible knack for scoring goals, both inside and outside the penalty box, from various positions.
Technical Skill: Ibrahimović’s dribbling, ball control, and creativity set him apart from other strikers.
Personality and Legacy
Ibrahimović is known for his strong personality and immense self-confidence. He is famous for making bold and sometimes controversial statements. Despite this, he is admired and respected globally and is considered an icon in football, both in Sweden and at the clubs he has played for. His legacy is that of a true football legend.
