Football great Zlatan Ibrahimovic has called time on his long and illustrious career at the age of 41. The Swedish hero finished playing after scoring 511 goals for nine clubs and 62 international goals.
Here we look back on just five of the greatest moments, in no particular order, from Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s career that has wowed fans around the world.
The Greatest Moments From Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Career
Speaking on the pitch at the San Siro following the final game of the season, the AC Milan legend said: “I have so many memories and lived so many emotions in here, the first time I arrived here you gave me happiness. The second time love.
“I want to thank my family, everyone close to me, for their patience. My second family, the players and (AC Milan head coach Stefano) Pioli and his staff for the responsibility you have given me. I want to thank the managers for the opportunity.
“But most important of all: from my heart I want to thank you fans. You welcomed me with open arms, you made me feel at home. I will be a Milan fan for life. The time has come to say goodbye to football, but not to you.
“I have too many emotions that are passing through me. See you around, if you’re lucky. Forza Milan and goodbye”.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Career: Five of His Greatest Moments
500th Career Goal: LA Galaxy v Toronto
Ibrahimovic gave fans something special for his 500th goal in football. His piece of individual magic came in an eight-goal thriller against Toronto. 3-0 down, the stunning goal sparked a comeback from his LA Galaxy team. A looping ball into the penalty box was watched all the way by the striker and as the ball dropped over his head he executed a spinning kick to perfection leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
ARE YOU SERIOUS? #Zlatan500 in the most Zlatan way possible. pic.twitter.com/CSvyF9vszv
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) September 16, 2018
Overhead Kick: Sweden vs England
Scoring with an overhead kick will always make the sports headlines; however, scoring one from 30 yards in an international game, it becomes front-page news. The stunning effort was the last of his four goals in a man-of-the-match performance in a 4-2 victory over England in 2012.
Solo Goal: Ajax vs NAC Breda
The goal that thrust Zlatan Ibrahimovic into the spotlight. A solo goal that Maradona or Lionel Messi would have been proud to have called their own. The giant Swede picked up the ball in the opposition half with his back to goal, he beat his marker, then another defender before heading towards goal, beating several more defenders on a mazy run and then cooly placing the ball past the goalkeeper.
The Zlatan Show. 🎪 #OnThisDay, 2004. pic.twitter.com/woXQwpz01i
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) August 22, 2021
Taking AC Milan Back Into the UCL and Winning Serie A
Milan had been out of the Champions League for several years, but the 2020/21 season saw a change in their fortunes. Ibrahimovic rejoined Milan in December 2019 on a six-month contract; however, 11 goals in 20 games convinced the club and the player that there was to come.
The following season saw the Swede top the Milan scoring charts as the Rossoneri finished runners-up in Serie A and earned a place back in the Champions League amongst Europe’s elite. More goals would surely have been added but for an injury that ended his season.
Early the following season, Zlatan was back and at 39 years and 344 days, he became the oldest non-Italian to score in the 123-year history of Serie A. It was a season where he would help his club win the title for the first time in 11 years all while playing through the pain barrier for six months with a cruciate ligament injury.
LA Galaxy Debut: Ibrahimovic Has Arrived in The USA
If there is a way to introduce yourself to a new club and country, this is it. Galaxy were 3-0 down but had managed to pull two goals back. Ibrahimovic had just come on as a substitute to make his debut and introduced himself to his new fans with a stunning goal to make the game 3-3.
40 yards from goal, the striker volleyed the ball with great technique over the stranded keeper that left him on his knees in disbelief. LA’s new hero was not done and in the 90th minute, he headed the ball into the net to complete a remarkable comeback and debut.
“I heard the crowd saying ‘We want Zlatan’, so I gave them Zlatan.”
Three years ago today, during the inaugural El Tráfico Derby between LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC, Ibrahimovic made his debut in the MLS and promptly did *this*:
— These Football Times (@thesefootytimes) March 31, 2021
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