Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one player every young footballer admires and aspires to be like. He has achieved a lot in his career and he is known for his scoring ability. The attacker is also known for his arrogance, pride and insulting manner both on the pitch and off-pitch. We will be looking at the controversies around his career in this article.
Fights in Ajax
Ibrahimović has been involved in several violent incidents with teammates, some of which have gone viral on the internet. After a 2004 international friendly against the Netherlands, Rafael van der Vaart accused him of intentionally injuring him. Zlatan responded by threatening to break both legs. The Swedish man also punched fellow Ajax teammate Mido in the dressing room.
At Barcelona and AC Milan
During his stay in Barcelona, Ibrahimović had a fall-out with the then manager Pep Guardiola. The incidents resulted from the dressing room. Ibrahimović manager had insulted him, Pep refused to speak to Ibrahimović and loaned him out to Milan. Carles Vilarrubi also revealed that Ibrahimović had promised to beat up Guardiola if he was not released.
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In 2010, Ibrahimović fought with his teammate (Oguchi Onyewu) during a training session. After Ibrahimović made a two-footed tackle on him, followed by a headbutt. Both players were separated and Ibrahimović suffered a broken rib in the fracas. In March 2011, Ibrahimović was given a three-match ban for punching Bari defender Marco Rossi in the stomach.
He received another three-match ban in February 2012 for slapping Napoli player Salvatore Aronica. In 2011, Ibrahimović kicked Antonio Cassano in the face while Cassano was speaking to reporters. He also kicked Rodney Strasser during a training session.
The Match Ban Kept Coming for Ibrahimovic
In November 2012 with PSG, Zlatan received a two-match ban for kicking Saint-Étienne goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier in the chest. In December 2012, Ibrahimović was accused of deliberately stepping on Lyon defender Dejan Lovren on the head. February 2013, UEFA handed Ibrahimović a two-match ban for stamping on Valencia winger Andres Guardado.
March 2013, PSG winger Lucas Moura accused Ibrahimovic of regularly insulting his teammates. Lucas Moura said, “He always asks for the ball and insults a lot. He is sometimes a bit arrogant and complains. May 2013, Ibrahimović was caught on camera shouting at PSG sporting director Leonardo.
Hubert Fournier accused Ibrahimović of abusing officials, he said: “all the referees in this league get insulted by this person”. Two months later, after a loss by PSG in a Ligue 1 match, Ibrahimović ranted, “In 15 years I’ve never seen a [good] referee in this shit country. [they] don’t even deserve PSG.” He later apologized but was criticized, and Ligue 1 imposed a four-match ban on him.
Trouble from Country Side
Ibrahimović has additionally engaged in multiple incidents while with the national team. After Sweden’s 1–0 victory over the Faroe Islands in October 2012. Faroes captain Fróði Benjaminsen accused Ibrahimović of foul play and insults, describing him as “arrogant”, “childish”, “ignorant”, and a “dirty player”. In December 2015, French sports daily L’Équipe branded Ibrahimović and Cristiano Ronaldo the “most arrogant” footballers in the world. H caught on camera kicking teammate Christian Wilhelmsson during training.
In 2013, he came under fire from the Sweden women’s team. He had commented about the disparity of achievements by, and the treatment of, male and female footballers. Anders Svensson was rewarded with a car for becoming Sweden’s most-capped player that year. Therese Sjogren had received no such reward for doing likewise for the women’s team. Despite owning 41 more caps (187 to 146) than Svensson.
Ibrahimović’s response to the issue was that Sweden would be “devaluing” Svensson “by comparing him with the ladies’ individual achievements. Sjögran said, “I understand him when he says that the men’s national team brings in more money and exposure. That’s true, but this is about respect.”
Dope Charges Against Zlatan Ibrahimović
In April 2016, Mino Raiola announced that Ibrahimović would be suing Swedish trainer Ulf Karlsson over doping claims. According to Expressen, Karlsson cited Ibrahimović’s “unnatural” and “rapid weight gain” during his stint with Juventus. Raiola said about the allegations, “The claims are just crazy – the facts are not there. All the clubs Zlatan has been at know he doesn’t even take aspirin”.
In April 2019, Real Salt Lake defender Nedum Onuoha accused Ibrahimovic of foul play and threats to injure him during a game. He called him “arrogant”, “disrespectful”, and “a complete thug”. In May 2019, Ibrahimović received a two-match ban for violent conduct, after choking NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
With all of these controversies, he is still one of the best players the world of football has ever seen. Ibrahimovic prefers not to compare himself with other players. he believes “Lions don’t compare themselves with humans.” According to the attacker, where he comes from you have to believe and work your way out else nobody will. So his arrogance, pride and ugly character are only but a reflection who will never give up in life.
