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 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

August 2004: Goal of the Year and Injury Incident

In August 2004, Zlatan Ibrahimović scored a remarkable goal against NAC Breda, which was later voted Goal of the Year. Also in August 2004, he injured Ajax teammate Rafael van der Vaart during an international match.

2004: Accusation by Rafael van der Vaart

After a 2004 international friendly, Ajax teammate Rafael van der Vaart accused Ibrahimović of deliberately injuring him during the game, leading to threats from Ibrahimović.

2005: Response to "Mini Balkan War" Description

In 2005, Ibrahimović reacted strongly against Italian media framing a Juventus-Inter match as a "mini Balkan War" between himself and Serbian player Siniša Mihajlović, asserting his disinterest in nationalism due to his mixed Bosniak-Croat parentage and family history.

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.

2010: Violent Tackle on Materazzi

During a Milan derby in the 2010-2011 Serie A season, Ibrahimović made a violent tackle on Inter defender Marco Materazzi, resulting in Materazzi's hospitalization.

2010: Confrontation with Guardiola and Final Goal for Barcelona

Following Barcelona's Champions League defeat to Inter Milan, Zlatan Ibrahimović confronted coach Pep Guardiola. On August 14, 2010, he scored his final goal for Barcelona in the Supercopa de España. On August 25, 2010, he played his last match for the club.

2010: Training-Ground Fight with Onyewu

In 2010, Ibrahimović was involved in a training-ground fist-fight with Milan teammate Oguchi Onyewu, resulting in a broken rib for Ibrahimović.

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.

March 2011: Three-Match Ban for Punching Rossi

In March 2011, Ibrahimović received a three-match ban for punching Bari defender Marco Rossi in the stomach during a game.

2011: Serie A Season tackle

During a Milan derby in the 2010–2011 Serie A season, Ibrahimović made a violent tackle on Inter defender Marco Materazzi, resulting in Materazzi's hospitalization.

February 2012: Three-Match Ban for Slapping Aronica

In February 2012, Ibrahimović received another three-match ban for slapping Napoli player Salvatore Aronica.

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.

November 2012: Two-Match Ban for Kicking Ruffier

In November 2012, while with Paris Saint-Germain, Ibrahimović received a two-match ban for kicking Saint-Étienne goalkeeper Stéphane Ruffier in the chest.

December 2012: Accusation of Stamping on Lovren

In December 2012, Ibrahimović was accused by Lyon defender Dejan Lovren and president Jean-Michel Aulas of deliberately stamping on Lovren's head.

February 2013: Two-Match Ban for Stamping on Guardado

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

March 2013: Moura Claims of Insults

In March 2013, PSG winger Lucas Moura claimed that Ibrahimović regularly insulted teammates, showing arrogance and complaints.

May 2013: Screaming at Leonardo

In May 2013, Ibrahimović was filmed screaming at PSG sporting director Leonardo after the club's title victory.

2013: Controversy with Sweden Women's National Team

In 2013, Ibrahimović faced criticism from the Sweden women's national team for comments about the disparity in achievements and treatment between male and female footballers.

January 2015: Fournier Accuses Ibrahimović of Abusing Officials

In January 2015, Lyon coach Hubert Fournier accused Ibrahimović of abusing officials during games in the league.

January 2015: Controversial Goal Against Saint-Étienne

On January 13, 2015, Ibrahimović scored the only goal in the Coupe de la Ligue quarter-final against Saint-Étienne, sparking controversy over whether the ball crossed the line.

November 2015: Ibrahimović on Pep Guardiola

In November 2015, Ibrahimović stated that Pep Guardiola was "not a man" during an interview with CNN, stemming from a falling-out during his spell at Barcelona.

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.

May 2018: Sent Off for Slapping Petrasso

On May 21, 2018, Ibrahimović was sent off for slapping Montreal Impact player Michael Petrasso in the head.

April 2019: Accusations by Nedum Onuoha

In April 2019, Real Salt Lake defender Nedum Onuoha accused Ibrahimović of foul play and threats to injure him during a game.

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 El Monir and Altercation with Abdel

On July 20, 2019, Ibrahimović elbowed Mohamed El Monir during a match and had an altercation with Los Angeles FC's goalkeeping coach Zak Abdel after the match, making obscene gestures towards fans.

November 2019: Bought Shares in Hammarby IF

In November 2019, Ibrahimović bought 23.5 percent of the shares in Hammarby IF, a Swedish top flight club from Stockholm.

November 2019: Investment in Hammarby IF and Fan Vandalism

In November 2019, Ibrahimović's purchase of a stake in Hammarby IF, rivals of his boyhood club Malmö FF, led to vandalism of his statue by Malmö fans.

January 2021: Altercation with Romelu Lukaku

In January 2021, Ibrahimović received a one-match ban following an altercation with Romelu Lukaku during a Coppa Italia fixture, involving unsportsmanlike conduct and accusations of racism.

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.

April 2021: UEFA Investigation over Betting Company

In April 2021, Ibrahimović was investigated by UEFA over alleged financial interest in a betting company called "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 behind closed doors following racist abuse directed at Ibrahimović in February 2021.