Player Profile - Zlatan Ibrahimović

Vendetta 10 years ago Edited

Chelsea FC, Egypt 202 3025

EARLY LIFE AND YOUTH CAREER
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was raised in Rosengard, Malmo - a violent and poor area in Malmo. He had a strict mother, a drunk dad, and two drug addicted (half-)sisters. Because of the situation he was in as a boy, the only place he could really play football in was a very small pitch by his house. There he would play with the neighborhood kids everyday, honing his skills as a footballer. Zlatan was happy with playing everyday with the other kids but he wanted more, so when he got his first ($10) shoes from the local market he decided to join the Malmo FF youth academy.

At first, he was shunned by almost everyone in the academy. A poor kid with an attitude amongst all the rich Swedes was not welcomed in the youth academy. By the end of his first week as a starter for his youth team, he was criticised by the parents of the other kids. Zlatan is a menace! He doesn’t pass! He steals bicycles to get to this academy! Who does he think he is, Ronaldo!? We want him out!

Ibrahimovic had to listen to these unfair criticisms constantly as a kid. But through those insults from the parents, he obtained his ‘Your hate makes me stronger!’ attitude. He couldn’t handle it though as he was constantly juggling different problems. His dad was more drunk than usual, his two (half-)sisters ran away and were never heard of again, and the thing he loves doing the most has become a place for old men to shout at him. To make things worse, he couldn’t handle school anymore. Because of his tendency to state what he really thinks, he was given a counselor that constantly followed him around. In his book, he considered that month of being followed around like baby under watch was the most embarrassing thing he has ever experienced, especially when talking with friends or girls. It also made him become socially awkward for a short time. One day, during Italian class, as the teacher was criticizing him, Ibra stood up, shouted at the teacher and said “Screw you! I’ll learn Italian when I play in the Serie A!” and he never went back to school after that. To make things worse, parents of the other kids in the youth academy were signing a petition to get Zlatan out of the team. They all knew he had the talent, but they couldn’t accept him. Everything was going downhill for him and he was seriously considering quitting football. But one day, Mick Andersson, the manager of the first team, invited Ibra for a chat. Ibra had thought that this was it, he was getting the axe. What he got though, was something nobody expected.

Showing previous versions of this text.

2014-07-20 15:59:42

EARLY LIFE AND YOUTH CAREER
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was raised in Rosengard, Malmo - a violent and poor area in Malmo. He had a strict mother, a drunk dad, and two drug addicted (half-)sisters. Because of the situation he was in as a boy, the only place he could really play football in was a very small pitch by his house. There he would play with the neighborhood kids everyday, honing his skills as a footballer. Zlatan was happy with playing everyday with the other kids but he wanted more, so when he got his first ($10) shoes from the local market he decided to join the Malmo FF youth academy.

At first, he was shunned by almost everyone in the academy. A poor kid with an attitude amongst all the rich Swedes was not welcomed in the youth academy. By the end of his first week as a starter for his youth team, he was criticised by the parents of the other kids. Zlatan is a menace! He doesn’t pass! He steals bicycles to get to this academy! Who does he think he is, Ronaldo!? We want him out!

Ibrahimovic had to listen to these unfair criticisms constantly as a kid. But through those insults from the parents, he obtained his ‘Your hate makes me stronger!’ attitude. He couldn’t handle it though as he was constantly juggling different problems. His dad was more drunk than usual, his two (half-)sisters ran away and were never heard of again, and the thing he loves doing the most has become a place for old men to shout at him. To make things worse, he couldn’t handle school anymore. Because of his tendency to state what he really thinks, he was given a counselor that constantly followed him around. In his book, he considered that month of being followed around like baby under watch was the most embarrassing thing he has ever experienced, especially when talking with friends or girls. It also made him become socially awkward for a short time. One day, during Italian class, as the teacher was criticizing him, Ibra stood up, shouted at the teacher and said “Screw you! I’ll learn Italian when I play in the Serie A!” and he never went back to school after that. To make things worse, parents of the other kids in the youth academy were signing a petition to get Zlatan out of the team. They all knew he had the talent, but they couldn’t accept him. Everything was going downhill for him and he was seriously considering quitting football. But one day, Mick Andersson, the manager of the first team, invited Ibra for a chat. Ibra had thought that this was it, he was getting the axe. What he got though, was something nobody expected.

Vendetta 10 years ago Edited

Chelsea FC, Egypt 202 3025

MALMO FF

“It’s time for you to start playing with the big boys.”

“Huh?”

“Welcome to the first team, lad.”

Somehow, like a miracle, Ibra had become part of the first team. He was one of the five youth players to make it into the first team. Two of the five were his childhood friends. He was enjoying the greatest moment of his life at that time, but he got a little carried away. Most players will tell you, when you make it into the first team, the first thing to do is shut your trap and do what the veterans do. Zlatan did not agree with that. Instead, he did what he has always done. State what he thinks, without hesitation (including shouting at the more experienced players). That of course, was one of his biggest mistakes because soon, he faced the same criticisms as he did in the youth academy. But he thrived from their hate and didn’t stop going.

His first season was, of course, a boring one without too many starts, considering he was still young and inexperienced. But Ibra now had luck on his side. Malmo FF had just gotten relegated and many of their stars left for better teams. This gave Ibra the big opportunity to cement his place as the star of his team only at the age of 18, which he did - scoring 12 goals in 26 appearances at the age of 18. He was the club’s top scorer for that season and also promoted Malmo FF back the first division. Ibrahimovic was seen as the next best thing in Sweden and it didn’t take time for him to grab the attention of Europe’s top clubs, including one that is known for developing youth greatly.

Showing previous versions of this text.

2014-07-20 16:01:18

MALMO FF

“It’s time for you to start playing with the big boys.”

“Huh?”

“Welcome to the first team, lad.”

Somehow, like a miracle, Ibra had become part of the first team. He was one of the five youth players to make it into the first team. Two of the five were his childhood friends. He was enjoying the greatest moment of his life at that time, but he got a little carried away. Most players will tell you, when you make it into the first team, the first thing to do is shut your trap and do what the veterans do. Zlatan did not agree with that. Instead, he did what he has always done. State what he thinks, without hesitation (including shouting at the more experienced players). That of course, was one of his biggest mistakes because soon, he faced the same criticisms as he did in the youth academy. But he thrived from their hate and didn’t stop going.

His first season was, of course, a boring one without too many starts, considering he was still young and inexperienced. But Ibra now had luck on his side. Malmo FF had just gotten relegated and many of their stars left for better teams. This gave Ibra the big opportunity to cement his place as the star of his team only at the age of 18, which he did - scoring 12 goals in 26 appearances at the age of 18. He was the club’s top scorer for that season and also promoted Malmo FF back the first division. Ibrahimovic was seen as the next best thing in Sweden and it didn’t take time for him to grab the attention of Europe’s top clubs, including one that is known for developing youth greatly.

Vendetta 10 years ago Edited

Chelsea FC, Egypt 202 3025

AJAX

On March 22, 2001, it was announced that Zlatan Ibrahimovic would move from Malmo FF to Ajax for €8.7 million. At first he was used a substitute instead of a striker but when Ajax hired Ronald Koemen as their new manager he immediately put Ibra in the starting line-up. In Ajax, Ibrahimovic became a much more clinical striker under the guide of legendary footballer, Marco Van Basten, and in the 2001/02 season he won the Eredivisie with Ajax.

He also made his Champions League debut for Ajax, scoring 2 goals in their 2-1 win over Olympique Lyonnais. In 2004, he scored the goal of the year against NAC Breda.

Due to an ongoing rivalry between Ibrahimovic and van der Vaart, Ibra was sold to Juventus for €16 million. As you can see in the video, VDV’s reaction is one of hate and jealousy that caused a scandal in the Eredivisie. It was VDV, the fans, the media and the staff vs Ibrahimovic, and he silenced them all with that goal.

GOAL OF THE YEAR

Showing previous versions of this text.

2014-07-20 16:03:04

AJAX

On March 22, 2001, it was announced that Zlatan Ibrahimovic would move from Malmo FF to Ajax for €8.7 million. At first he was used a substitute instead of a striker but when Ajax hired Ronald Koemen as their new manager he immediately put Ibra in the starting line-up. In Ajax, Ibrahimovic became a much more clinical striker under the guide of legendary footballer, Marco Van Basten, and in the 2001/02 season he won the Eredivisie with Ajax.

He also made his Champions League debut for Ajax, scoring 2 goals in their 2-1 win over Olympique Lyonnais. In 2004, he scored the goal of the year against NAC Breda.

Due to an ongoing rivalry between Ibrahimovic and van der Vaart, Ibra was sold to Juventus for €16 million. As you can see in the video, VDV’s reaction is one of hate and jealousy that caused a scandal in the Eredivisie. It was VDV, the fans, the media and the staff vs Ibrahimovic, and he silenced them all with that goal.

GOAL OF THE YEAR

2014-07-20 16:03:04

AJAX

On March 22, 2001, it was announced that Zlatan Ibrahimovic would move from Malmo FF to Ajax for €8.7 million. At first he was used a substitute instead of a striker but when Ajax hired Ronald Koemen as their new manager he immediately put Ibra in the starting line-up. In Ajax, Ibrahimovic became a much more clinical striker under the guide of legendary footballer, Marco Van Basten, and in the 2001/02 season he won the Eredivisie with Ajax.

He also made his Champions League debut for Ajax, scoring 2 goals in their 2-1 win over Olympique Lyonnais. In 2004, he scored the goal of the year against NAC Breda.

Due to an ongoing rivalry between Ibrahimovic and van der Vaart, Ibra was sold to Juventus for €16 million. As you can see in the video, VDV’s reaction is one of hate and jealousy that caused a scandal in the Eredivisie. It was VDV, the fans, the media and the staff vs Ibrahimovic, and he silenced them all with that goal.

GOAL OF THE YEAR

Vendetta 10 years ago Edited

Chelsea FC, Egypt 202 3025

JUVENTUS

Zlatan had finally reached the destination his Italian teacher back in high school had mocked him for. He had made it to the Serie A and not only that, but to Juventus, the champions of the Serie A back then. There, he also met his toughest challenge yet: dealing with the “Demon manager,” Fabio Capello. When Zlatan said that in his autobiography he meant it as a compliment. Wherever Capello went, respect and fear was always following him. If he had Messi, Pele, Zidane, Maradona and both Ronaldos in front of him he’d shout at them to form a line and then tell them to jump while holding hands, and he would still not get questioned for it.

When Ibrahimovic first met him, he knew he could become a better player under Capello’s watch. To make things easier for Ibra, Juventus’s main striker, David Trezeguet was injured at the start of the season, leaving Zlatan to dominate the competition. In his first season in a top European league he scored 16 goals in 35 appearances in the Serie A. The second season was not as impressive for Ibrahimovic though and to make matters worse, Juventus had been relegated to Serie B for a scandal. He had been labeled a flop and his price seemed to have went down. Ibrahimovic quickly decided to escape Juve’s downward spiral and made it back to the Serie A, this time though, for Inter.

Showing previous versions of this text.

2014-07-20 16:05:27

JUVENTUS

Zlatan had finally reached the destination his Italian teacher back in high school had mocked him for. He had made it to the Serie A and not only that, but to Juventus, the champions of the Serie A back then. There, he also met his toughest challenge yet: dealing with the “Demon manager,” Fabio Capello. When Zlatan said that in his autobiography he meant it as a compliment. Wherever Capello went, respect and fear was always following him. If he had Messi, Pele, Zidane, Maradona and both Ronaldos in front of him he’d shout at them to form a line and then tell them to jump while holding hands, and he would still not get questioned for it.

When Ibrahimovic first met him, he knew he could become a better player under Capello’s watch. To make things easier for Ibra, Juventus’s main striker, David Trezeguet was injured at the start of the season, leaving Zlatan to dominate the competition. In his first season in a top European league he scored 16 goals in 35 appearances in the Serie A. The second season was not as impressive for Ibrahimovic though and to make matters worse, Juventus had been relegated to Serie B for a scandal. He had been labeled a flop and his price seemed to have went down. Ibrahimovic quickly decided to escape Juve’s downward spiral and made it back to the Serie A, this time though, for Inter.

Vendetta 10 years ago Edited

Chelsea FC, Egypt 202 3025

INTERNAZIONALE

On 10 August 2006, Ibrahimović completed a €24.8 million move to Internazionale, making this the second time he’s signed for a Serie A club. Moratti had told Ibrahimovic that he had signed him so they can win the Scudetto, and in his first season, the did. Inter broke the record for the most points in a season (97 points) and Ibrahimovic was the club’s top scorer, scoring 15 league goals. Unlike his second season with Juventus, Ibrahimovic’s second season with Inter was better than his first as he scored 17 league goals and won the Scudetto again. In his last season with the club (2008/09), Ibrahimovic won his third consecutive Scuedtto with Inter, this time under Jose Mourinho. By the end of the season, he was named the best foreign player of the league and the best player, but the highlight of his season was the goal that made him the top scorer, making it 25 league goals.

GOAL #25

Showing previous versions of this text.

2014-07-20 16:07:46

INTERNAZIONALE

On 10 August 2006, Ibrahimović completed a €24.8 million move to Internazionale, making this the second time he’s signed for a Serie A club. Moratti had told Ibrahimovic that he had signed him so they can win the Scudetto, and in his first season, the did. Inter broke the record for the most points in a season (97 points) and Ibrahimovic was the club’s top scorer, scoring 15 league goals. Unlike his second season with Juventus, Ibrahimovic’s second season with Inter was better than his first as he scored 17 league goals and won the Scudetto again. In his last season with the club (2008/09), Ibrahimovic won his third consecutive Scuedtto with Inter, this time under Jose Mourinho. By the end of the season, he was named the best foreign player of the league and the best player, but the highlight of his season was the goal that made him the top scorer, making it 25 league goals.

GOAL #25

Vendetta 10 years ago Edited

Chelsea FC, Egypt 202 3025

BARCELONA

On 28 July, 2009, Ibrahimovic signed for FC Barcelona in a deal worth €70 million. He was presented in front of 60,000 fans and was welcomed by Pep Guardiola. Ibrahimovic started the season with a bang, assisting Messi on his debut to win the Spanish Super Cup. In his second match, he won the UEFA Super Cup and in the third match (opening La Liga match) he scored his first goal. He continued to perform above standards and led the top scorer table with 7 goals in 7 games. He finished the year by winning the FIFA Club World Cup after coming back from an injury. Things quickly turned upside down for Ibra though, as Pep began to push him out of his plans. At first Ibra had no idea what was going on. Then he figured out that Messi had demanded that he play in the central role instead of Ibra. After Ibra was moved to the wings to make way for Messi, Pep stopped talking to him. He would say good morning to all his players except Ibra. He would speak to him only when he was going to include him in a game, which rarely happened. Zlatan eventually exploded and caused a scene in front of everybody in the dressing room. He shouted at Pep saying “You have no balls!” and threw objects across the dressing room. After the incident, Ibrahimovic sarcastically nicknamed Guardiola as ‘The Philosopher’. Before his loan to AC Milan was announced, Ibra gave one last blow to Guardiola by announcing publicly that ‘The Philosopher’ stopped speaking to him since March.

Showing previous versions of this text.

2014-07-20 16:09:00

BARCELONA

On 28 July, 2009, Ibrahimovic signed for FC Barcelona in a deal worth €70 million. He was presented in front of 60,000 fans and was welcomed by Pep Guardiola. Ibrahimovic started the season with a bang, assisting Messi on his debut to win the Spanish Super Cup. In his second match, he won the UEFA Super Cup and in the third match (opening La Liga match) he scored his first goal. He continued to perform above standards and led the top scorer table with 7 goals in 7 games. He finished the year by winning the FIFA Club World Cup after coming back from an injury. Things quickly turned upside down for Ibra though, as Pep began to push him out of his plans. At first Ibra had no idea what was going on. Then he figured out that Messi had demanded that he play in the central role instead of Ibra. After Ibra was moved to the wings to make way for Messi, Pep stopped talking to him. He would say good morning to all his players except Ibra. He would speak to him only when he was going to include him in a game, which rarely happened. Zlatan eventually exploded and caused a scene in front of everybody in the dressing room. He shouted at Pep saying “You have no balls!” and threw objects across the dressing room. After the incident, Ibrahimovic sarcastically nicknamed Guardiola as ‘The Philosopher’. Before his loan to AC Milan was announced, Ibra gave one last blow to Guardiola by announcing publicly that ‘The Philosopher’ stopped speaking to him since March.

Vendetta 10 years ago Edited

Chelsea FC, Egypt 202 3025

AC MILAN

On 28 August, 2010, Ibrahimovic joined AC Milan on loan, making it the third time he has rejoined the Serie A. His first season with them was a mixed performance. He missed a penalty on his debut but made it up by scoring the only goal in the Milan Derby. Ibra lacked discipline in the 2010/11 season, getting two three-match bans. He was constantly seen arguing with the opponents. By the end of the season, Ibrahimovic scored 14 goals and created 8 assists in the league and had won the Scudetto once again. On his official first season with Milan, Ibrahimovic won the Italian Super Cup, scoring one of the goals in a win vs. Internazionale. He went on to become the club’s best player and the top scorer, scoring 28 goals in 32 appearances.

Showing previous versions of this text.

2014-07-20 16:10:41

AC MILAN

On 28 August, 2010, Ibrahimovic joined AC Milan on loan, making it the third time he has rejoined the Serie A. His first season with them was a mixed performance. He missed a penalty on his debut but made it up by scoring the only goal in the Milan Derby. Ibra lacked discipline in the 2010/11 season, getting two three-match bans. He was constantly seen arguing with the opponents. By the end of the season, Ibrahimovic scored 14 goals and created 8 assists in the league and had won the Scudetto once again. On his official first season with Milan, Ibrahimovic won the Italian Super Cup, scoring one of the goals in a win vs. Internazionale. He went on to become the club’s best player and the top scorer, scoring 28 goals in 32 appearances.

2014-07-20 16:10:41

AC MILAN

On 28 August, 2010, Ibrahimovic joined AC Milan on loan, making it the third time he has rejoined the Serie A. His first season with them was a mixed performance. He missed a penalty on his debut but made it up by scoring the only goal in the Milan Derby. Ibra lacked discipline in the 2010/11 season, getting two three-match bans. He was constantly seen arguing with the opponents. By the end of the season, Ibrahimovic scored 14 goals and created 8 assists in the league and had won the Scudetto once again. On his official first season with Milan, Ibrahimovic won the Italian Super Cup, scoring one of the goals in a win vs. Internazionale. He went on to become the club’s best player and the top scorer, scoring 28 goals in 32 appearances.

Vendetta 10 years ago Edited

Chelsea FC, Egypt 202 3025

PARIS SAINT-GERMAN

On 18 July, 2012, Ibrahimovic joined PSG for a fee around €20 million. He was immediately placed in the first team under Carlo Ancelotti’s management and became an instant star in the Ligue 1. By the end of 2012/13 season, he had scored 30 goals in the league and winning Ligue 1 player of the year. The last to match that record in a season was Jean-Pierre Papin. In his second season with the club Ibrahimovic continued to dominate as the league’s best player. He had his best season in the Champions League that season, scoring 8 goals in 10 matches. He was named the Ligue 1 POTY for the second time in a row and scored 41 goals in all competitions.

GOAL OF THE SEASON

Showing previous versions of this text.

2014-07-20 16:12:40

PARIS SAINT-GERMAN

On 18 July, 2012, Ibrahimovic joined PSG for a fee around €20 million. He was immediately placed in the first team under Carlo Ancelotti’s management and became an instant star in the Ligue 1. By the end of 2012/13 season, he had scored 30 goals in the league and winning Ligue 1 player of the year. The last to match that record in a season was Jean-Pierre Papin. In his second season with the club Ibrahimovic continued to dominate as the league’s best player. He had his best season in the Champions League that season, scoring 8 goals in 10 matches. He was named the Ligue 1 POTY for the second time in a row and scored 41 goals in all competitions.

2014-07-20 16:12:40

PARIS SAINT-GERMAN

On 18 July, 2012, Ibrahimovic joined PSG for a fee around €20 million. He was immediately placed in the first team under Carlo Ancelotti’s management and became an instant star in the Ligue 1. By the end of 2012/13 season, he had scored 30 goals in the league and winning Ligue 1 player of the year. The last to match that record in a season was Jean-Pierre Papin. In his second season with the club Ibrahimovic continued to dominate as the league’s best player. He had his best season in the Champions League that season, scoring 8 goals in 10 matches. He was named the Ligue 1 POTY for the second time in a row and scored 41 goals in all competitions.

Vendetta 10 years ago Edited

Chelsea FC, Egypt 202 3025

NATIONAL TEAM
-Mentored by Henrike 'Henke' Larsson at the start of his international career
-Went on to star in the Euro 2004 scoring a nearly impossible goal against Italy
-Temporarily retired from the national team due to a fight with the coach
-Rejoined the national team when a new coach was hired
-Became captain of the Swedish national team
-Was part of the Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament
-Scored that goal vs England in a 4-2 win
-Currently has 48 goals in 98 appearances, making him the second top scorer for the national team

GOAL VS. ITALY (EURO 2004)

GOAL VS. FRANCE (EURO 2012)

THAT GOAL

Showing previous versions of this text.

2014-07-20 16:20:00

INTERNATIONAL TEAM
-Mentored by Henrike 'Henke' Larsson at the start of his international career
-Went on to star in the Euro 2004 scoring a nearly impossible goal against Italy
-Temporarily retired from the national team due to a fight with the coach
-Rejoined the national team when a new coach was hired
-Became captain of the Swedish national team
-Was part of the Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament
-Scored that goal vs England in a 4-2 win
-Currently has 48 goals in 98 appearances, making him the second top scorer for the national team

GOAL VS. ITALY (EURO 2004)

GOAL VS. FRANCE (EURO 2012)

THAT GOAL

Vendetta 10 years ago

Chelsea FC, Egypt 202 3025

TYPICAL ZLATAN

Dynastian98 10 years ago

Real Madrid 483 7140

Very well done Vendetta! Just don't forget to cite your sources. :)

Vendetta 10 years ago Edited

Chelsea FC, Egypt 202 3025

CREDIT TO

I Am Zlatan for:
-Most of the information here

Wikipedia for:
-The goals statistics
-Achievements
-Transfer prices
-Extra info

YouTube for:
-The goals and highlights of Zlatan's career

WhoScored for:
-Strengths and Weaknesses
-Style of Play

Showing previous versions of this text.

2014-07-20 16:36:34

CREDIT TO

I Am Zlatan for:
-Most of the information here

Wikipedia for:
-The goals statistics
-Achievements
-Transfer prices
-Extra info

YouTube for:
-The goals and highlights of Zlatan's career

WhoScored for:
-Strengths and Weaknesses
-Style of Play

Vendetta 10 years ago

Chelsea FC, Egypt 202 3025

@Dynastian: Thank you. :)

And yes, I just remembered to post them now. Now I'm completely finished!

liomessi10 10 years ago Edited

Barcelona, Argentina 222 3053

@vendetta very nicely done.
i rate it 10/10.
+1

Showing previous versions of this text.

2014-07-20 16:55:33

@vendetta very nicely done.
i rate it 10/10.

Vendetta 10 years ago

Chelsea FC, Egypt 202 3025

Thank you for the positive feedback. :)

tiki_taka 10 years ago

Barcelona, France 367 9768

Nice post, i regret selling Etoo for Ibra, Barça biggest mistake. Inter fans like wolfie will tell you why :)

Vendetta 10 years ago

Chelsea FC, Egypt 202 3025

Thanks, tiki. :)

And yes, Ibra to Barcelona is definitely one of the biggest transfer mistakes for Barcelona. I think in the end, it was a buy to match Real Madrid's transfer for buying Ronaldo. This always happens between the two clubs. One of them buys an expensive big star for a lot who will actually help them and then the other has to quickly match that transfer so the fans don't get disappointed. Like Neymar/Bale or Suarez/Rodriguez(?).

Dynastian98 10 years ago

Real Madrid 483 7140

@Vendetta

We were the "original" big-money spenders. Barcelona be stealin' our swag since 1950. ;)

Vendetta 10 years ago

Chelsea FC, Egypt 202 3025

No denying that. ;)

Dynastian98 10 years ago Edited

Real Madrid 483 7140

5 legends in one picture..... damn.

I got an equally impressive one though. ;)

Left to right, Kopa, Rial, Di Stefano, Puskas, and Gento. Difference is that these 5 actually won trophies with Madrid. xD

Showing previous versions of this text.

2014-07-20 18:17:49

5 legends in one picture..... damn.

I got an equally impressive one though. ;)

Left to right, Kopa, Rial, Di Stefano, Puskas, and Gento.