Jaw-dropping goals, trophies and misbehaviour made him a superstar, competitiveness and drive made him a role model
It is September 2003 and Sweden have just been awarded a second penalty against San Marino in a European Championship qualifier. The team’s designated penalty taker, Kim Källström, has dispatched the first and expects to take this one too.
However a 21‑year‑old Zlatan Ibrahimovic has other ideas. He is the player who has been fouled and grabs the ball to take the spot-kick. He scores to make it 5-0 but no one is in a mood to celebrate with him. He has disobeyed orders and, even worse, has put himself above the team.
About Author
More Stories
Sydney to Hobart yacht race: third death averted as sailors prepare for ‘challenging night in the Bass Strait’
Arne Slot warns of ‘many challenges still ahead’ after Liverpool extend lead
Australia v India: fourth men’s cricket Test, day two – live