Zlatan Ibrahimović's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Zlatan Ibrahimović. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

June 2008: Euro 2008

In June 2008, Ibrahimović ended his international goal drought in a 2–0 win against Greece in Sweden's Euro 2008 opener on June 10th, and scored in the next match against Spain on June 14th. Sweden was eliminated in the group stage.

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.

December 2009: Barcelona Wins FIFA Club World Cup

In December 2009, Barcelona, with Ibrahimović as part of the team, won the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup against Estudiantes.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

2012: Euro 2012 Finals

In 2012, at the Euro finals, Ibrahimović scored the opening goal against Ukraine and a volley against France. Despite Sweden's group stage elimination, he was named to the Team of the Tournament.

2012: Led Champions League in Assists

In 2012-2013 Champions League season, Ibrahimović led the competition in assists, providing a total of seven.

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.

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: Wins FIFA Puskás Award for Bicycle Kick Goal

In 2013, Ibrahimović won the FIFA Puskás Award for his spectacular 35-yard bicycle kick goal for Sweden against England, recognizing it as one of the best goals of the year.

2013: FIFA Puskás Award

In 2013, Ibrahimović's fourth goal against England in November 2012 was awarded the FIFA Puskás Award for Goal of the Year.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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: 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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2022: Wins Fifth Serie A Title

In 2022, Ibrahimović played a key role in AC Milan's success, contributing to the team winning his fifth Serie A title, showcasing his continued impact on Italian football.

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.