Early Life and Education of Zlatan Ibrahimović: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Zlatan Ibrahimović. A timeline of key moments.

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

1977: Father Emigrated to Sweden

In 1977, Šefik Ibrahimović, Zlatan's father, emigrated to Sweden.

October 1981: Born in Malmö, Sweden

In October 1981, Zlatan Ibrahimović was born in Malmö, Sweden, marking the beginning of his life and eventual football career.

Others born on this day/year

October 1981: Zlatan Ibrahimović's Birth

In October 1981, Zlatan Ibrahimović was born in Sweden. He would later become a professional footballer known for his striking ability and decorated career.

Others born on this day/year

2001: Change of Jersey Name at Ajax

In 2001, upon transferring to Ajax, Ibrahimović changed his jersey name from 'Zlatan' to 'Ibrahimović', which he stated in his autobiography was to honor his improved relationship with his father.

May 2003: Trademark of "Zlatan"

In May 2003, the name "Zlatan" was trademarked, giving Ibrahimović exclusive rights to the name for certain products.

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.

2007: Self-funded Zlatan Court

In late 2007, Ibrahimović, with the help of Nike, self-funded Zlatan Court in his hometown Malmö, providing a playing mat, goalposts, lighting and a modern fence.

2008: Donation to Youth Club

In 2008, Ibrahimović donated new Nike kits to his youth club, FBK Balkan.

February 2011: Role Model

In February 2011, Ibrahimović declared Muhammad Ali as one of his role models, admiring his principles and unwavering belief in them.

2012: Football as a Religion

In a 2012 interview with PSG, Ibrahimović expressed that his parents' religious backgrounds (Muslim and Catholic) were separate from football, emphasizing football as a religion of its own where everyone is welcome.

August 2014: Donation to Swedish National Football Team

On 11 August 2014, Ibrahimović donated US $51,000 to support the Swedish national football team for the intellectually disabled in the INAS World Football Championships held in Brazil.

February 2015: Tattoo Awareness Campaign

On 14 February 2015, Ibrahimović removed his shirt after scoring a goal against Caen to reveal temporary tattoos of 50 names of individuals suffering from hunger worldwide, in order to promote famine awareness in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme.

November 2015: Muslim Background and Perceptions

On 24 November 2015, in an interview with CNN, Ibrahimović stated that his Muslim background did not impact fans' perception of him, emphasizing respect and his upbringing, while also describing himself as a "deeply faithful Catholic".

February 2016: Becoming Zlatan Documentary Release

In February 2016, Auto Images, a Swedish film production company, released "Becoming Zlatan", a sports documentary about Ibrahimović's early years at Malmö FF, Ajax, and his breakthrough at Juventus.

2018: Ibrahimović's Home Decor

In 2018, Ibrahimović mentioned that his wife only permits him to display one picture of himself at home, specifically a picture of his feet, as a reminder of their family's achievements.

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.

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: 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.