Challenges in the Life of Zlatan Ibrahimović in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Zlatan Ibrahimović. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Zlatan Ibrahimović is a retired Swedish professional footballer, renowned as one of history's finest strikers. Celebrated for his exceptional technique, ball control, acrobatic goals, and physical prowess, Ibrahimović boasts an impressive record of 34 trophies. Throughout his career, he amassed over 570 goals, surpassing 500 at the club level, and remarkably scored in each decade from the 1990s to the 2020s, solidifying his place as a decorated and enduring figure in the sport.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2002: Eliminated from UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign

In 2002, Ibrahimović played in the second-leg game against Belgium in the qualification play-offs which saw Sweden eliminated from the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign.

September 2006: Team Curfew Violation

In September 2006, Ibrahimović violated team curfew with teammates and was sent home, missing a Euro 2008 qualifier against Liechtenstein.

February 2007: Refusal to play friendly against Egypt

In February 2007, Ibrahimović refused to play in a friendly against Egypt due to feeling the punishment for violating team curfew was unjust. He ended his self-imposed boycott a month later.

2008: Euro 2008 qualifier

In 2008, Ibrahimović did not score in any of the 12 qualifying matches

2010: Sweden failed to qualify for the tournament

In 2010, Sweden failed to qualify for the tournament, finishing third in their qualifying group.

March 2011: Red Card and Ban

In March 2011, Ibrahimović received a three-match ban after being shown a red card in a match against Bari for punching Marco Rossi.

February 2012: Additional Ban for Swearing

In February 2012, Ibrahimović received another three-match ban for swearing at an assistant referee during a match against Fiorentina.

February 2012: Red Card Against Napoli

On February 5, 2012, Ibrahimović received a red card in a match against Napoli for slapping Salvatore Aronica, resulting in a three-match ban.

2014: Failed to reach the 2014 World Cup

In 2014, Ibrahimović's team failed to reach the World Cup after a play-off defeat to Portugal. Ibrahimović scored twice in the match.

2015: Red Card, Hat-Tricks, and Coupe de la Ligue Final

In 2015, Ibrahimović received a red card against Chelsea, scored a hat-trick against Lorient, and another against Saint-Étienne in the Coupe de France. He also scored twice in the Coupe de la Ligue Final against Bastia.

2016: Serious Injury

On 20 April 2017, Ibrahimović sustained serious ligament damage in his right knee in a Europa League quarter-final against Anderlecht.

2020: UEFA Euro 2020

In 2020, the UEFA Euro tournament was held, however in May 2021 it was confirmed that Ibrahimović would not be included in Sweden's UEFA Euro 2020 squad due to a knee injury sustained with Milan.

January 2021: Return from injury and confrontation with Lukaku

In January 2021, Ibrahimović returned from injury and was involved in a confrontation with Romelu Lukaku during a Coppa Italia match. He also scored twice against Cagliari, ensuring Milan stayed at the top of the league. Following the match, Ibrahimović faced backlash for comments made during the confrontation with Lukaku, and was later fined for unsportsmanlike conduct.

February 2021: Racist Abuse at Red Star Belgrade Match

During a Europa League match between Red Star Belgrade and Milan on 18 February 2021, Ibrahimović, watching from the stands, was subjected to racist insults from Red Star fans, leading to an apology from the club and a UEFA investigation.

May 2021: Exclusion from UEFA Euro 2020 Squad

In May 2021, it was confirmed that Ibrahimović would not be included in Sweden's UEFA Euro 2020 squad due to a knee injury sustained with Milan.

March 2022: World Cup Qualifying Play-off Final

In March 2022, Ibrahimović appeared as a late substitute in Sweden's 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off final against Poland, where Sweden lost 0-2.

2022: World Cup Qualifiers

In 2022, Ibrahimović appeared in Sweden's FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off final against Poland on March 29, but Sweden lost 0–2 and failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.