Major Controversies Surrounding Zlatan Ibrahimović: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Zlatan Ibrahimović.

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.

Sections (6)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

February 2013: UEFA Ban for Stamping on Andrés Guardado

In February 2013, UEFA imposed a two-match ban on Ibrahimović for stamping on Valencia winger Andrés Guardado.

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.

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.

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.

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."

November 2015: CNN Interview: Pep Guardiola "Not a Man"

During his spell at Barcelona, Ibrahimović had a falling-out with coach Pep Guardiola, culminating in a dressing room incident. In November 2015, Ibrahimović stated that Pep Guardiola was "not a man" during an interview with CNN.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

April 2021: UEFA Investigation and Fine

In April 2021, UEFA investigated Ibrahimović for his alleged financial interest in the betting company "Bethard".

April 2021: Red Star Belgrade Fined by UEFA

On 14 April 2021, Red Star Belgrade was fined €30,000 by UEFA and ordered to play a home game in European competition behind closed doors, following the racist abuse directed at Ibrahimović in February 2021.

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.