History of Zlatan Ibrahimović in Timeline
Zlatan Ibrahimović is a highly decorated Swedish former professional footballer renowned as one of the greatest strikers of all time. Known for his exceptional technique, acrobatic goals, and physical dominance, he has amassed 34 trophies throughout his career. He has scored over 570 career goals and found the net in four different decades. A prolific goalscorer and dominant presence on the field, Ibrahimović has played for several top clubs across Europe and the United States, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
3 hours ago : Ibrahimovic praises Allegri, discusses Milan's future and growth in the USA.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic highlighted Allegri's winning mentality and knowledge of Milan. He also promoted Milan in the USA and shared insights on developing Milan's youth and Primavera teams for the future.
1977: Father Emigrates to Sweden
In 1977, Šefik Ibrahimović, Zlatan's father, emigrated to Sweden from Bosnia, setting the stage for the family's life in a new country.
1977: Ibrahimović Became Top Scorer in a Single Ligue 1 Season.
On 14 May 2016, Ibrahimović made his final Ligue 1 appearance for PSG against Nantes at the Parc des Princes, scoring twice in a 4–0 victory to become Paris Saint-Germain's top scorer in a single Ligue 1 season with 38 goals, which put him one goal ahead of Carlos Bianchi, who managed 37 in the 1977–78 campaign.
October 1981: Birth in Malmö, Sweden
In October 1981, Ibrahimović was born in Malmö, Sweden, marking the beginning of his life and football journey.
October 1981: Zlatan Ibrahimović's Birth
In October 1981, Zlatan Ibrahimović was born in Sweden, marking the start of his life journey.
1989: Jean-Pierre Papin Ligue 1 top goalscorer
In May 2013, Ibrahimović ended the year as Ligue 1's top goalscorer with 30 goals, becoming the first player to reach that mark in the French top flight since Jean-Pierre Papin in the 1989–90 season.
1994: PSG won Ligue 1 title
In May 2013, Paris Saint-Germain won the Ligue 1 title which was their first title since 1994
1996: Signed First Contract with Malmö
In 1996, Ibrahimović signed his first contract with Malmö, marking a pivotal step in his early career and formalizing his commitment to the club.
1999: Ibrahimović begins career at Malmö FF
In 1999, Ibrahimović commenced his professional football journey at Malmö FF, marking the beginning of his senior career.
1999: Moved Up to Malmö Senior Side
In 1999, Ibrahimović moved up to the senior side for the season of Allsvenskan, Sweden's top-flight league, indicating his progression into professional football.
1999: Played for Sweden U18 team
In 1999, Ibrahimović played four games and scored one goal for the Sweden U18 team.
2000: Played in Nordic Football Championship
In 2000, Ibrahimović played in a friendly match against the Faroe Islands in the 2000-01 Nordic Football Championship on January 31, 2001.
January 2001: Debut for Sweden national team
In January 2001, specifically on the 31st, Ibrahimović debuted for the Sweden national team in a friendly match against the Faroe Islands during the 2000–01 Nordic Football Championship.
March 2001: Deal Announced with Ajax
In March 2001, a deal was announced between Ajax and Malmö regarding Ibrahimović's transfer to Amsterdam, marking a significant move in his career to a prominent European club.
October 2001: First competitive match and goal for Sweden
In October 2001, specifically on the 7th, Ibrahimović played his first competitive match for Sweden, a 2002 World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan, and scored his first international goal.
November 2001: New Coach Inserts Ibrahimović into Starting Lineup
In November 2001, after the sacking of manager Co Adriaanse, new coach Ronald Koeman inserted Ibrahimović into the starting lineup, giving him a prominent role in the team.
2001: Jersey Name Change at Ajax
Following his 2001 transfer to Ajax, Ibrahimović changed his jersey name from "Zlatan" to "Ibrahimović" to honour his background and inspire children from Rosengård and Malmö. However, in his autobiography, he says that this change was only because his relationship with his father had improved at the time.
September 2002: Champions League Debut
On 17 September 2002, Ibrahimović debuted in the Champions League, scoring twice in a 2–1 victory over French champions Lyon and marking a memorable entry into the prestigious competition.
2002: World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan
In 2002, Ibrahimović played in a World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on October 7, 2001. He scored his first goal for the national team in this game.
May 2003: Trademarking "Zlatan"
In May 2003, the name "Zlatan" was trademarked at the Swedish Patent and Registration Office, recognizing it as primarily associated with Zlatan Ibrahimović. This granted him exclusive rights to the name for products, including sporting goods, clothing, and shoes.
August 2004: Scored Goal of the Year against NAC Breda
In August 2004, Ibrahimović scored an individual goal against NAC Breda, dribbling past five players, which was voted Goal of the Year by Eurosport viewers.
September 2004: Four goals against Malta
On September 4, 2004, during the 2006 World Cup qualification campaign, Ibrahimović scored four goals in a 7–0 victory away to Malta.
2004: UEFA Euro 2004
In 2004, Ibrahimović participated in UEFA Euro, assisting a goal against Bulgaria on June 14th and scoring against Italy on June 18th. He was named Man of the Match for the game against Italy. However, Sweden was later eliminated in the quarter-finals against the Netherlands.
2004: Accusation of Deliberate Injury and Threats
In 2004, following an international friendly against the Netherlands, Ajax teammate Rafael van der Vaart accused Ibrahimović of deliberately injuring him during the game, leading to Ibrahimović threatening to break van der Vaart's legs.
November 2005: Awarded Guldbollen
In November 2005, Ibrahimović was awarded the Guldbollen, a prize given to the best Swedish footballer of the year, marking his recognition as the top Swedish player.
2005: Breakthrough with Juventus
In 2005, Ibrahimović had his breakthrough with Juventus. This was the point where the documentary 'Becoming Zlatan' ended.
2005: Response to "Mini Balkan War" Description
In 2005, Ibrahimović was incensed when Italian media described a Juventus-Inter match as a "mini Balkan War" between himself and Serbian opponent Siniša Mihajlović, stating he had no interest in nationalism.
2005: Changed role in Juventus Attack
In 2005, Ibrahimović's role in Juventus' attack changed, shifting from a primary goalscorer to a more involved player in build-up play.
August 2006: Inter Debut and Supercoppa Italiana Win
In August 2006, Ibrahimović made his debut for Inter against Roma in the Supercoppa Italiana, playing the full 90 minutes as Inter won, and marking his first appearance and victory with the club.
August 2006: Completed Move to Inter Milan
On 10 August 2006, Ibrahimović completed a €24.8 million move to Inter Milan, signing a four-year deal and marking a new chapter in his career.
September 2006: Team Curfew Violation
In September 2006, specifically on the 6th, Ibrahimović violated team curfew with teammates Christian Wilhelmsson and Olof Mellberg, resulting in their dismissal from a Euro 2008 qualifier against Liechtenstein.
2006: Joins Inter Milan
In 2006, Ibrahimović signed with Inter Milan, marking a significant move in his career to one of Italy's top clubs.
February 2007: Boycott of Friendly Against Egypt
In February 2007, specifically on the 7th, Ibrahimović refused to partake in a friendly against Egypt due to feeling the punishment for curfew violation was unjust.
September 2007: 100th Serie A Match
On 16 September 2007, Ibrahimović played his 100th Serie A match against Catania, marking a milestone in his Italian league career.
2007: Receives First of Ten Consecutive Guldbollen Awards
In 2007, Ibrahimović was awarded the Guldbollen (Golden Ball), given to the Swedish player of the year, marking the start of a record-breaking streak of 10 consecutive awards through 2016.
2007: Named in UEFA Team of the Year
In 2007, Ibrahimović was named in the UEFA Team of the Year, highlighting his performance and recognition among the best players in Europe.
2007: Self-funded Zlatan Court
In late 2007, Ibrahimović, with help from Nike, self-funded Zlatan Court in the Rosengård district of Malmö, providing a playing mat, goalposts, lighting, and a fence.
May 2008: Secured the Scudetto
On 18 May 2008, Ibrahimović scored both goals in a 2–0 defeat of Parma to give Inter a second consecutive Scudetto.
October 2008: Backheel Goal of the Year
In October 2008, during a match against Bologna, Ibrahimović scored a sensational backheel goal that was later voted Goal of the Year in Serie A.
2008: Named Serie A Footballer of the Year
Ibrahimović ended the 2008–09 Serie A season as the league's top goalscorer with 25 goals, helping Inter to another league title. He was also named both Footballer of the Year and Foreign Footballer of the Year for the second consecutive season.
2008: Donation of Nike kits
In 2008, Ibrahimović donated new Nike kits to his youth club, FBK Balkan.
2008: Euro 2008 Qualifier Incident
In 2008, specifically on September 6, 2006, Ibrahimović violated team curfew by leaving the hotel with teammates Christian Wilhelmsson and Olof Mellberg, visiting a nightclub. They were sent home by manager Lars Lagerbäck as punishment and did not take part in the Euro 2008 qualifier match against Liechtenstein.
June 2009: Goal against Malta in World Cup qualifier
In June 2009, specifically on the 10th, Ibrahimović scored a goal in a 4–0 win against Malta in a 2010 World Cup qualifier.
August 2009: Competitive Debut for Barcelona
On 23 August 2009, Ibrahimović made his competitive debut for Barcelona, assisting a goal by Lionel Messi. In his third appearance, he scored his first goal in Barcelona's La Liga season opener against Sporting Gijón in a 3–0 win.
September 2009: Goal against Hungary
In September 2009, specifically on the 5th, Ibrahimović scored a last second goal against Hungary in a 2–1 win for Sweden in their 2010 World Cup qualification match.
2009: Moves to Barcelona
In 2009, Ibrahimović transferred to Barcelona in a high-profile move, representing a pivotal moment in his career and a step towards playing for one of the world's elite clubs.
2009: Named in UEFA Team of the Year
In 2009, Ibrahimović was named in the UEFA Team of the Year, acknowledging his continued excellence and impact in European football.
January 2010: Goal in Copa del Rey against Sevilla
On January 5, 2010, Ibrahimović scored Barcelona's only goal in their 2-1 loss against Sevilla during the first leg of the Copa del Rey round of 16.
August 2010: Signed by AC Milan
On August 28, 2010, AC Milan announced the signing of Ibrahimović for the 2010-11 season on loan, with an option to purchase him for €24 million. He signed a four-year deal after passing medical examinations.
December 2010: Goal and Assist Streaks, Compared to Marco van Basten
In December 2010, Ibrahimović assisted Kevin-Prince Boateng and scored against Brescia, leading to a 3-0 win. On December 12, 2010, he repeated this feat against Bologna, bringing his total to 13 goals and 8 assists in 21 matches. He was then compared to Marco van Basten.
2010: Violent Tackle on Marco Materazzi
During a Milan derby in the 2010–2011 Serie A season, Ibrahimović made a violent tackle on Inter defender Marco Materazzi, leading to Materazzi's hospitalization. Ibrahimović admitted he did it intentionally as payback for a tackle made on him while he was playing for Juventus.
2010: Training-Ground Fist-Fight with Oguchi Onyewu
In 2010, Ibrahimović was involved in a fist-fight with Milan teammate Oguchi Onyewu after a violent tackle and headbutt during training, resulting in a broken rib for Ibrahimović and premature abandonment of the session.
2010: Failed to Qualify for World Cup
In 2010, Sweden failed to qualify for the World Cup, finishing third in their qualifying group. Ibrahimović scored in a 2-1 win against Hungary on September 5, 2009.
2010: Confrontation with Pep Guardiola and Final Goal for Barcelona
In 2010, following Barcelona's Champions League defeat to Inter Milan, Ibrahimović confronted coach Pep Guardiola. On August 14, 2010, he scored his final goal for Barcelona in the Supercopa de España against Sevilla. On August 25, 2010, he played his last match for the club against Milan.
February 2011: Idolizing Muhammad Ali
In a February 2011 interview, Ibrahimović stated that the boxer Muhammad Ali is one of his role models.
March 2011: Three-Match Ban for Punching Marco Rossi
In March 2011, Ibrahimović received a three-match ban after being shown a red card during a 1-1 draw against Bari for punching Bari defender Marco Rossi in the stomach.
June 2011: Won First Scudetto with Milan, Agreements Confirmed
In June 2011, Ibrahimović won his first Scudetto with Milan after a draw against Roma. All agreements between Milan and Barcelona were confirmed on June 18, 2011.
2011: Violent Tackle on Marco Materazzi
During the 2010-2011 Serie A season, Ibrahimović made a violent tackle on Inter defender Marco Materazzi, leading to Materazzi's hospitalization. Ibrahimović admitted he did it intentionally.
2011: Last Serie A title with Milan
In 2011, Ibrahimović was part of the Milan team that won the Serie A title, marking his last title with the club until their victory in 2022.
2011: Scored in Supercoppa Italiana and Start of League Season
On August 6, 2011, Ibrahimović scored in the Supercoppa Italiana against Inter, winning the trophy. In the opening league match of the 2011-12 season, he scored in a 2-2 draw against Lazio.
February 2012: Three-Match Ban for Swearing at Assistant Referee
In February 2012, Ibrahimović received a three-match ban for swearing at an assistant referee during a 2-1 defeat against Fiorentina. He claimed he was talking to himself.
February 2012: Three-Match Ban for Slapping Salvatore Aronica
In February 2012, Ibrahimović received another three-match ban for slapping Napoli player Salvatore Aronica.
July 2012: Agreement to join Paris Saint-Germain
On July 17, 2012, Paris Saint-Germain confirmed an agreement to acquire Ibrahimović from Milan for a €20 million transfer fee. He signed a three-year contract with a €14 million annual salary.
September 2012: Honoured on Walk of Fame of Sports
In September 2012, while in Malmö, Ibrahimović was honoured with his name inscribed on the city's "Walk of Fame of Sports".
September 2012: Scored for sixth club in Champions League
On September 18, 2012, Ibrahimović scored a penalty against Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League, becoming the first player to score for six different clubs in the competition.
November 2012: Four Goals against England
In November 2012, specifically on the 14th, Ibrahimović scored all four goals in a 4–2 win over England. His fourth goal, a 35-yard overhead kick, was highly praised.
November 2012: Two-Match Ban for Kicking Stéphane Ruffier
In November 2012, while playing for Paris Saint-Germain, Ibrahimović was handed a two-match ban for kicking Saint-Étienne goalkeeper Stéphane Ruffier in the chest.
December 2012: Accusation of Stamping on Dejan Lovren's Head
In December 2012, Lyon defender Dejan Lovren and president Jean-Michel Aulas accused Ibrahimović of deliberately stamping on Lovren's head.
December 2012: Hat-trick against Valenciennes
On December 11, 2012, Ibrahimović scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 away win against Valenciennes.
2012: Signed contract with PSG
In 2012 Ibrahimović signed the contract with PSG and declared his intentions to win with the club. He scored twice in his debut match against Lorient to secure a 2-2 draw. He then scored two goals in the first half to help PSG to a 2–1 win over Lille.
2012: Joins Paris Saint-Germain
In 2012, Ibrahimović joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), a move that saw him become a key figure in the club's rise to dominance in French football.
2012: Named Team Captain, Goals Against San Marino and Hat-trick Against Finland
In 2012, ahead of the Euro qualification, Ibrahimović was named team captain. He scored his first goals of the qualifying game against San Marino and a hat-trick against Finland.
2012: Led Champions League in Assists
In 2012-2013 Champions League season, Ibrahimović led the competition in assists, providing a total of seven.
2012: Views on Religion and Football
In a 2012 interview with PSG, Ibrahimović said: "My father is Muslim, my mother is Catholic, but none of that has anything to do with football... football is a religion in its own right, and everyone is welcome."
January 2013: Received number 10 jersey
In January 2013, Ibrahimović was given the number 10 jersey at Paris Saint-Germain after Nenê's departure.
March 2013: Lucas Moura Claims Ibrahimović Insults Teammates
In March 2013, PSG winger Lucas Moura stated that Ibrahimović regularly insulted teammates and complained, though Moura later claimed the interview was twisted.
April 2013: Scored against former club Barcelona in Champions League
In April 2013, Ibrahimović scored in a 2-2 draw against his former club Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals. However, PSG were knocked out on away goals.
May 2013: Screaming at PSG Sporting Director Leonardo
In May 2013, Ibrahimović was filmed screaming at PSG sporting director Leonardo after the club's title victory.
May 2013: Ligue 1 Title and Player of the Year Award
In May 2013, Paris Saint-Germain won the Ligue 1 title for the first time since 1994. Ibrahimović was named Ligue 1's Player of the Year and ended the season as the league's top goalscorer with 30 goals.
June 2013: Signed New Contract Until 2013
In 2007, Ibrahimović signed a new contract with Inter until June 2013, reportedly making him the world's highest-paid footballer at the time.
August 2013: Hat-trick Against Norway
In August 2013, specifically on the 14th, Ibrahimović scored a hat-trick against Norway in a friendly match, scoring Sweden's first three goals in a 4-2 win.
August 2013: First Goal of the Season
On August 31, 2013, Ibrahimović scored his first goal of the season for PSG in a 2-0 victory over Guingamp.
2013: Criticism from Sweden Women's National Team
In 2013, Ibrahimović faced criticism from the Sweden women's national team for comments made about the disparity between male and female footballers. It began when Anders Svensson received a car and Therese Sjögran received no gift when she earned more caps.
2013: Named in FIFA FIFPro World XI
In 2013, Ibrahimović was named in the FIFA FIFPro World XI, recognizing him as one of the best players in the world based on votes from professional footballers.
2013: Equaled Season-Best Goal Record
On 16 April, Ibrahimović scored twice in a 6–0 home win against Caen to earn him a season-best 32 goals in league; it was also his 41st goal of the season, equaling his season-best in 2013–14 season with two games less playing.
March 2014: Featured on Postage Stamps
In March 2014, the Swedish Post Office released a set of five postage stamps featuring Ibrahimović.
March 2014: Surpassed Carlos Bianchi's club record
On March 16, 2014, Ibrahimović scored both goals in a 2–0 win over Saint-Étienne to surpass Carlos Bianchi's club record of 39 goals in a season.
August 2014: Two goals against Guingamp and Hat-trick against Saint-Étienne
On August 2, 2014, Ibrahimović scored his first two goals for Paris Saint Germain against Guingamp. On August 31, 2014, he scored his first league hat-trick of the season in a match against Saint-Étienne.
September 2014: All-time leading goalscorer for Sweden
In September 2014, specifically on the 4th, Ibrahimović scored his 50th international goal, becoming the Swedish national team's all-time leading goalscorer in a friendly match victory over Estonia.
December 2014: Ranked Second-Greatest Swedish Sportsperson Ever
In December 2014, Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter ranked Ibrahimović as the second-greatest Swedish sportsperson ever, after tennis player Björn Borg, underscoring his significance in Swedish sports history.
January 2015: Accusations of Abusing Officials
In January 2015, Lyon coach Hubert Fournier accused Ibrahimović of abusing referees, stating that "all the referees in this league get insulted by this person."
January 2015: Goal Against Saint-Étienne
On January 13, 2015, Ibrahimović scored the only goal in the Coupe de la Ligue quarter-final to win against Saint-Étienne.
February 2015: Raising Awareness for Famine
On 14 February 2015, during a league match against Caen, Ibrahimović removed his shirt to reveal temporary tattoos of 50 people suffering from hunger, aiming to raise awareness for famine in collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme.
October 2015: Became PSG's All-Time Leading Goalscorer
On 4 October 2015, Ibrahimović became Paris Saint-Germain's all-time leading goalscorer with 110 goals in all official competitions, after scoring both goals from penalty kicks in a 2–1 home win over Marseille.
November 2015: Muslim Background Not a Factor
In a CNN interview on 24 November 2015, Ibrahimović stressed that his Muslim background was "not a factor" in fans' perception of him.
December 2015: Became PSG's All-Time Top Goalscorer in French First Division
On 4 December 2015, Ibrahimović became the club's all-time top goalscorer in the French first division, after scoring twice in PSG's 3–0 win over Nice, surpassing Mustapha Dahleb's previous record of 85 goals.
2015: Ibrahimović ended the 2015–16 Ligue 1 season as its top scorer.
Ibrahimović ended the 2015–16 Ligue 1 season as its top scorer, the third time that he had done so.
2015: Red Card Against Chelsea and Hat-Tricks for PSG
In 2015, Ibrahimović received a red card against Chelsea in the Champions League. He later scored hat-tricks against Lorient and Saint-Étienne, reaching his 100th goal for PSG and winning the Coupe de la Ligue Final against Bastia.
2015: Recognized as one of the best players to not win the UEFA Champions League
In 2015, UEFA recognized Ibrahimović as one of the best players who had not won the UEFA Champions League, highlighting his individual achievements despite not winning the prestigious club competition.
2015: Coupe de France semi-final winner goal.
On 19 April, Ibrahimović netted the winner in the 2015–16 Coupe de France semi-final match away against Lorient to send Paris into the final for the second consecutive season; it was also his 42nd goal of the season, setting a new personal best.
February 2016: Release of 'Becoming Zlatan' Documentary
In February 2016, Auto Images, an independent Swedish film production company, released the sports documentary 'Becoming Zlatan'. The film follows Ibrahimović through his formative years with Malmö FF and Ajax up to his breakthrough with Juventus in 2005.
February 2016: Scored against Chelsea in Champions League and Entered Top Ten Appearance Makers
On 16 February 2016, Ibrahimović scored the opener in the 39th minute with a free kick to help his team win 2–1 against Chelsea in the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg at home. This was Ibrahimović's 116th appearance in the Champions League, meaning that he overtook Carles Puyol to enter the competition's all-time top ten appearance makers.
May 2016: Final Ligue 1 Appearance and Top Scorer
On 14 May 2016, Ibrahimović made his final Ligue 1 appearance for PSG against Nantes at the Parc des Princes, scoring twice in a 4–0 victory to become Paris Saint-Germain's top scorer in a single Ligue 1 season with 38 goals. On 21 May 2016, Ibrahimović scored twice in the second half of the 2016 Coupe de France Final, and also set up Edinson Cavani's goal.
May 2016: Named UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Season for the Third Consecutive Year
On 8 May 2016, Ibrahimović was named UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Season for the third consecutive year.
June 2016: Retirement from International Football Announced
In June 2016, Zlatan Ibrahimović announced his retirement from international football after Sweden's final match at Euro 2016, where they were eliminated in the group stage after a loss to Belgium. Ibrahimović, as captain, played every minute of the three group matches but failed to score.
July 2016: Signed with Manchester United
On 1 July 2016, Ibrahimović signed as a free agent for Manchester United on a one-year contract, with the option of an extension. His decision was influenced by the chance to play in England and reunite with José Mourinho.
2016: Fabio Capello comments on Ibrahimović's work-ethic
In 2016, Fabio Capello commented on Ibrahimović's work-ethic, mentioning that he pushed him to improve his finishing by watching videos of Van Basten.
2016: Joins Manchester United
In 2016, Ibrahimović joined Manchester United on a free transfer, reuniting with José Mourinho and marking a new chapter in his career in the English Premier League.
2016: Ibrahimović sustained serious ligament damage in his right knee
On 20 April, Ibrahimović sustained serious ligament damage in his right knee in a Europa League quarter-final against Anderlecht at Old Trafford. Several sources reported that the injury would sideline the player until at least the end of the 2016–17 season.
2016: Scored Winning Goal in FA Community Shield and Premier League Debut
On 7 August 2016, Ibrahimović scored the match-winning goal for Manchester United in the 2016 FA Community Shield. He also scored in his Premier League debut on 14 August 2016, in a 3–1 away win at AFC Bournemouth. On 20 August 2016, he scored both goals to beat Southampton 2–0 on his home debut.
2016: Contract Extension with PSG
On September 24, 2013, it was announced that Ibrahimović had extended his contract with PSG, keeping him at the club until 2016.
February 2017: Became Oldest Player to Score 15 Goals in a Premier League Season
On 5 February 2017, Ibrahimović became the oldest player to manage at least 15 goals in a single Premier League season at the age of 35 years and 125 days, after scoring his 15th league goal of the season in a 3–0 away win against Leicester City.
June 2017: Manchester United released Ibrahimović at the end of his contract
At the end of the season, it was announced that Manchester United would release Ibrahimović at the end of his contract on 30 June 2017, although they later confirmed that they were in talks with Ibrahimović to re-sign him for the latter half of the 2017–18 Premier League season.
August 2017: Signed New Contract with Manchester United
On 24 August 2017, Ibrahimović signed a new one-year contract with Manchester United and was assigned the number 10 jersey.
2017: Serious Knee Injury
In 2017, Ibrahimović suffered a serious knee injury while playing for Manchester United, which significantly impacted his playing time and recovery.
2017: Described Himself as a "Deeply Faithful Catholic"
In 2017, Zlatan described himself as a "deeply faithful Catholic".
2017: Manchester United Hat-trick, FA Cup Appearance, EFL Cup Win
In February 2017, Ibrahimović achieved several milestones with Manchester United, including registering his first hat-trick for the club in a 3–0 win over Saint-Étienne in the Europa League Round of 32 on 16 February. On 19 February, he made his first FA Cup appearance, scoring the winner. Exactly a week later, on 26 February, he scored two goals in the 2017 EFL Cup Final, helping United win the League Cup.
January 2018: Cavani Surpassed Ibrahimović's Record as PSG's All-Time Top Scorer
In January 2018, Cavani surpassed Ibrahimović's record as PSG's all-time top scorer, achieving this milestone after Ibrahimović had left the club.
March 2018: Manchester United Announced Termination of Ibrahimović's Contract
On 22 March 2018, Manchester United announced that Ibrahimović had agreed to terminate his contract due to competition and fitness struggles.
March 2018: Signed for LA Galaxy
On 23 March 2018, Ibrahimović signed for Major League Soccer (MLS) club LA Galaxy. He announced his arrival with a signed full-page advertisement in the Los Angeles Times.
May 2018: Sent Off for Slapping Michael Petrasso
On May 21, 2018, Ibrahimović was sent off for slapping Montreal Impact player Michael Petrasso in the head during a game.
2018: Joins LA Galaxy
In 2018, Ibrahimović joined MLS club LA Galaxy, signaling a move to the United States and a new phase in his career.
2018: Limited Self-Portraits at Home
In 2018, Ibrahimović mentioned that his wife limits him to having only one picture of himself at home, which is a picture of his feet.
March 2019: Reached 515 Career Goals
On 31 March 2019, Ibrahimović scored two goals from the penalty spot, including one Panenka-style, in a 2–1 home win over the Portland Timbers. With this he reached 515 career goals, overtaking fellow countryman Gunnar Nordahl to become the Swedish player with the most goals in football history.
April 2019: Accusations of Foul Play and Threats by Nedum Onuoha
In April 2019, Real Salt Lake defender Nedum Onuoha accused Ibrahimović of foul play and threats during a game, describing him as arrogant and disrespectful.
May 2019: Two-Match Ban for Violent Conduct
In May 2019, Ibrahimović received a two-match ban for violent conduct after grabbing New York City FC goalkeeper Sean Johnson by the neck.
July 2019: Elbowing Incident and Altercation with Goalkeeping Coach
On July 20, 2019, Ibrahimović elbowed Mohamed El Monir during a match against Los Angeles FC, followed by an altercation with their goalkeeping coach Zak Abdel, where he was seen making obscene gestures towards heckling fans.
August 2019: Ibrahimović's 500th Career Goal Nominated for FIFA Puskás Award
In August 2019, Ibrahimović's 500th professional career goal, scored on 15 September 2018, was nominated for the 2019 FIFA Puskás Award for Goal of the Year.
October 2019: Unveiling of Ibrahimović Statue
On 8 October 2019, a statue of Ibrahimović was unveiled outside Malmö's Stadion in his hometown. The statue is 2.7 meters tall and weighs almost 500 kg.
November 2019: Investment in Hammarby Sparks Controversy
In November 2019, Ibrahimović's purchase of a stake in Hammarby, the rivals of his boyhood team Malmö FF, infuriated many Malmö fans, leading to vandalism of his statue and setting it ablaze.
November 2019: Ibrahimović Announced Departure from LA Galaxy
On 13 November 2019, Ibrahimović announced his departure from the LA Galaxy through his Twitter account.
November 2019: Ibrahimović Buys Shares in Hammarby IF
On November 27, 2019, Ibrahimović purchased 23.5 percent of the shares in Hammarby IF, a Swedish top-flight club. This led to vandalism of his statue in Malmö by unhappy Malmö FF fans.
December 2019: Returned to AC Milan
On 27 December 2019, Ibrahimović returned to AC Milan on a free transfer on a six-month contract until the end of the season, with an option to extend his contract until the end of the 2020–21 season.
2019: Named Third-Greatest Player Never to Win Champions League
In 2019, FourFourTwo magazine named Ibrahimović the third-greatest player never to win the UEFA Champions League, acknowledging his exceptional talent and career achievements despite not securing the title.
January 2020: Scored in Each of the Last Four Decades
On 11 January 2020, Ibrahimović scored his first goal for Milan since returning, in a 2–0 away win against Cagliari. This landmark goal saw him score in each of the last four decades (1990s, 2000s, 2010s, 2020s).
July 2020: Made 100th Appearance for AC Milan
On 15 July 2020, Ibrahimović made his 100th appearance for AC Milan (including his previous stint), in a 3–1 home league win over Parma.
August 2020: Extended Contract with AC Milan Until 2021
On 31 August 2020, Ibrahimović extended his contract with AC Milan until the summer of 2021.
September 2020: Goal against Shamrock Rovers and brace against Bologna
In September 2020, specifically on the 17th, Ibrahimović scored Milan's first goal of the 2020–21 season in a 2–0 away win over Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League qualifying round. Just four days later in September 2020, he scored a brace in Milan's opening Serie A match against Bologna, contributing to a 2–0 victory.
November 2020: Hint at Potential Return to Swedish National Side
In November 2020, Ibrahimović hinted at a possible return to the Swedish national team in a newspaper interview, prompting manager Janne Andersson to meet with him.
January 2021: Altercation with Romelu Lukaku and Racism Accusations
In January 2021, Ibrahimović had an altercation with Romelu Lukaku during a Coppa Italia fixture, resulting in a one-match ban and accusations of racism after making comments like "Go do your voodoo shit." He was later cleared of the racism charge.
January 2021: Goals against Torino and Cagliari and Confrontation with Romelu Lukaku
In January 2021, Ibrahimović returned from injury, playing against Torino on the 9th. On January 18th, 2021, he scored twice against Cagliari in a 2-0 win. Later in January 2021, specifically on the 26th, he had a confrontation with Romelu Lukaku during a Coppa Italia match against Inter, leading to bookings for both players and eventual dismissal for Ibrahimović.
February 2021: Racist Abuse During Europa League Match
On 18 February 2021, during a Europa League match between Red Star Belgrade and Milan, Ibrahimović was subjected to racism by Red Star fans, who shouted insults, including "balija," an ethnic slur targeting Bosnian Muslims. UEFA opened an investigation into the incident.
March 2021: Comeback to Sweden Squad Confirmed
On March 15, 2021, Ibrahimović's return to the Swedish national team was confirmed by Janne Andersson, almost five years after his initial retirement, for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Georgia. Ibrahimović marked the announcement with a tweet saying "The return of the God".
April 2021: UEFA Investigation and Fine
In April 2021, UEFA investigated Ibrahimović for his alleged financial interest in the betting company "Bethard".
September 2021: First appearance and Goal against Lazio
On September 12, 2021, Ibrahimović made his first appearance for Milan since returning from injury and scored in a 2–0 win over Lazio, becoming the oldest non-Italian player to score a goal in Serie A.
2021: Extended Contract with AC Milan Until 2021
On 31 August 2020, Ibrahimović extended his contract with AC Milan until the summer of 2021.
April 2022: Assist against Lazio and Serie A title win
In April 2022, specifically on the 24th, Ibrahimović assisted Tonali's winning goal against Lazio. This helped Milan secure the top spot in the league table. Then in May 2022 Milan won the Serie A title.
July 2022: One-year contract extension with Milan
In July 2022, specifically on the 18th, Ibrahimović signed a one-year contract extension with Milan, committing to stay for the upcoming season.
2022: Ibrahimović's Visit to Qatar and Controversial Remarks
In 2022, during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Ibrahimović visited the country amidst boycotts and later praised Qatari politics, stating, "Qatar has a system that works." These remarks drew widespread criticism due to concerns about human rights in Qatar.
February 2023: Return to first-team action
In February 2023, Ibrahimović returned to first-team action for Milan after recovering from an injury, marking his first appearance in nine months in a match against Atalanta.
March 2023: Return to Sweden Squad After One-Year Absence
On March 15, 2023, it was announced that Ibrahimović would rejoin the Sweden squad after a year's absence for European Championship qualifiers against Belgium and Azerbaijan. Despite being hailed as the oldest player to appear in a European Championship qualifier, Lee Casciaro later claimed the record.
December 2023: Ibrahimović Hired as Senior Advisor to AC Milan
On December 11, 2023, RedBird Capital Partners announced Ibrahimović's hiring as a senior advisor to AC Milan, deeply involving him in the club's internal organizational matters.
2024: Suggesting He Did Not Believe in God
In 2024, Zlatan suggested that he did not believe in God following his brother dying of Leukaemia, saying ″In my world, you are your own God.″
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