Zlatan Ibrahimović is the master of the quote, and this summer the global soccer legend brings his words of wisdom to FOX Sports as an analyst for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ahead of his debut with FOX Sports this summer, let’s look at some of The Lion’s most memorable sayings that have made him an icon on and off the pitch.
26. “When I say I am God? You think I’m joking or not? … I’m not joking. I feel like God.”
Zlatan is never shy to compare himself to God or any deity out there, nor tell you that he truly believes it.
25. “I don’t do trials. You know who I am.”
Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger was impressed enough by Zlatan’s talents back in 2000 to offer him a trial. But the confident striker felt he didn’t need to be evaluated, and joined Ajax in 2001. Oh, what could have been for the Gunners.
24. “It’s true I don’t know much about the players here, but they definitely know who I am.”
(Photo by Geoffroy Van der Hasselt/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
When Zlatan signed with Paris Saint-Germain in 2012, the team was still a sleeping giant which had just been acquired by its Qatari owners. Once he joined, PSG began its domination of French soccer.
23. “An injured Zlatan is a pretty serious thing for any team.”
The Swede detailed the serious knee injury he suffered in 2017 with Manchester United in his autobiography I Am Zlatan with some poignant third-person insight. Luckily for him and soccer fans everywhere, he recovered to continue playing for several seasons.
22. “I came like a king, left like a legend.”
From 2012-16, PSG dominated French soccer with 12 trophies, which included four straight league titles. When Zlatan departed the club, he was the club’s all-time leading scorer.
21. “I feel like Benjamin Button. I was born old, and I will die young.”
Getting younger with age? An ever-rejuvenating Zlatan AC discussing his two-goal performance for ACMilan that won a key league game over Sampdoria in 2020.
20. “I can’t help but laugh at how perfect I am.”
A new challenge and a reunion with manager José Mourinho tempted Zlatan to join Manchester United in 2016. You’d think joining the world’s most popular club would humble the Swedish star? Think again.
(Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
