Zlatan Ibrahimović is a true legend in the world of football. Not only was he an exceptional striker who played for some of the biggest clubs on the planet, but he also stood out for being entirely his own person. We’ve taken a look back in time and uncovered 15 facts about Zlatan that you probably never knew.
He Stole Bicycles to Get to Training
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Growing up in Rosengård, a disadvantaged neighborhood in Malmö, Zlatan often resorted to stealing bicycles just so he could make it to football practice on time. In his autobiography, I Am Zlatan, he openly shares this part of his childhood, highlighting his determination to pursue his passion against the odds.
He Has a Black Belt in Taekwondo
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Zlatan’s famous acrobatic goals aren’t just for show—he was awarded an honorary black belt in taekwondo by a club in Malmö. His high kicks and athletic moves on the field are a direct nod to this martial arts training.
Born to a Bosnian Muslim father and a Croatian Catholic mother, Zlatan grew up balancing different cultural influences. In interviews and his autobiography, he reflects on how his dual heritage shaped both his mindset and his approach to the game.
As a teenager, Zlatan was invited by Arsène Wenger to undergo a trial at Arsenal. He famously refused with the line, “Zlatan doesn’t do trials.” This self-assured attitude has become a hallmark of his career.
He Made a Cameo in an Asterix & Obelix Movie
Photo: Asterix
In Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom (2023), Zlatan appears as a Roman soldier named Caius Antivirus. Though a brief cameo, it showcased his willingness to step out of his comfort zone and explore pop culture.
He Quietly Gives to Charity
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Zlatan is known for big gestures on the field, but he also makes big charitable gestures behind the scenes. For instance, he once covered expenses for Sweden’s Homeless World Cup team and has participated in various other philanthropic initiatives—often with minimal publicity.
He Inspired a Swedish Word: “zlatanera”
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The Swedish Language Council added the term “zlatanera” to its list of new words, meaning “to dominate” or “to do something with force.” It’s a direct nod to his larger-than-life persona and commanding style on the pitch.
While playing for Paris Saint-Germain, Zlatan reportedly bought PlayStation consoles for several teammates, encouraging bonding over gaming. Despite his tough exterior, stories like this reveal a generous side behind the scenes.
He Briefly Tried to Mimic Mauricio Pochettino
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As a young player, Zlatan was compared to Argentine defender Mauricio Pochettino by a scout. Unaware of who Pochettino was, Zlatan did a quick search and momentarily tried to adopt some defensive traits—until realizing defense wasn’t exactly his calling.
He Tattooed 50 Names on His Body for Charity
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In a 2015 UN World Food Programme campaign, Zlatan temporarily tattooed the names of 50 people suffering from hunger. During a PSG match, he removed his shirt to reveal the tattoos, aiming to draw attention to global hunger issues.
His Agent Was More Than Just a Deal-Maker
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Zlatan had a long and close relationship with agent Mino Raiola, who passed away in 2022. They shared a similar no-nonsense approach, which led to some of the most talked-about transfers and contracts in modern football.
During his youth career at Malmö FF, Zlatan felt underappreciated and even considered quitting football to work on the docks. In the end, he stuck it out, leading to a professional contract and the launch of his extraordinary career.
He Clashed with Pep Guardiola at Barcelona
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Despite an exciting start at FC Barcelona, Zlatan’s relationship with manager Pep Guardiola quickly soured. He later described Guardiola as “the philosopher,” criticizing him for limiting his freedom on the pitch and stifling his creativity.
He Launched (and Closed) His Own Sports Brand
Photo: Private
In 2016, Zlatan introduced “A–Z” (Aim for Zenith), a sportswear brand. The venture failed to take off as hoped and eventually shut down. Still, it reflected his ambition to extend his personal brand beyond football.
His Statue in Malmö Was Vandalized and Removed
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Unveiled in 2019 outside Malmö’s stadium, Zlatan’s statue soon became a target for vandalism after he invested in rival club Hammarby. It was eventually taken down for repairs and, to date, has not returned to its original spot.
