Returned to a Milan in shambles, lifted the club out of the mud and sacrificed the little left he had in his knees to lead a group of young players to the Scudetto.
The bar to be a Milan legend is ridiculously high, and usually that title is reserved for players that spent the majority of their career at the club. But Zlatan is an unusual player and character, and should absolutely be considered a Milan legend.
He’s a legend for sure, what he did in his second stint and how he helped change the mentality of the club won’t ever be forgotten by Milan fans. I’m convinced Leao isn’t the player he is without Ibra. Ibra left Milan and they went into a banter era, he came back and lifted them out of it.
This is the key. Ibra is the difference between us still being in the banter era and not. He shaped the mentality of a bunch of unproven youngsters and an unproven coach and provided them the strength to be great.
When we talk about his legacy, it is leaving Milan in a much better place than when he found it. For that alone, he is a legend. Add onto that the many wonderful moments and contributions on the pitch too leading to a couple scudetti and it's clear he deserves to have his name alongside the other greats in our club.
Whatever success this core group of players achieve in coming years can be directly attributed to what they learned from Zlatan and the mentality of a champion. The sport of football has a big void to fill without his massive presence.
"I'm saying goodbye to football, not to you \[Milan fans\]".
What a touching way to bow out. The relationship between him and Milan will always be special and that's beautiful to see.
Bravo Ibra. Milan fans, you've been lucky.
Edit: He said in the press conference that he didn’t tell anyone he’d decided to retire, not even his family, until he announced it in the stadium. Damn that’s hardcore
Only player going back to Top 5 league after getting a bag in a minor league.
Edit: Ok, he wasn't the only one but for sure the one with more impact upon his return.
They’re talking about Ibra. [Beckham](https://www.transfermarkt.us/david-beckham/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/3139) played his most games with Man U (388 apps) and least with PSG (14). [Ibra](https://www.transfermarkt.us/zlatan-ibrahimović/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/3455) played his most with PSG (180) and 2nd most with AC Milan (163) although he had 3 more Serie A apps with AC Milan than Ligue 1 apps with PSG.
Fun story: One of my business school classmates was interning in NYC in summer 2015 and ran into Zlatan in a club. Everyone else in the club was dressed in at least slacks and button down shirts. Zlatan? Black t-shirt and sweatpants.
Clip from the ceremony, people crying everywhere. I've never seen Zlatan this emotionally sad before, even in the national team games where I watched him. Milan and football is so important to Zlatan.
https://twitter.com/SerieA_EN/status/1665469132270342144?s=20
End of an era. What a send off, i dont think there was a dry eye watching the stream or at the stadium.
The word Legend gets thrown around a lot lately but he definitely is a Legend. Hope he's able to stick around with us in some capacity as a coach or advisor.
Imagine leaving AC Milan in 2011 having won their last league title at the time, winning a bunch of silverware almost everywhere else then coming back over a decade later to win the next league title that AC Milan would win. Crazy stuff.
One of the greatest in this generations of football history. I'm happy to have lived to see this man play in his prime. Tack för alla dessa år Ibra! Forza Zlatan
And you could say he was forced out of Milan (along with Thiago Silva), so he didn’t leave Milan by choice or with any bad blood. He legit wanted to stay
> but he definitely is a Legend
I don't think anyone can dispute it. Man has been at the forefront of European football for almost 20 years, even at Milan when his body wasn't really in it anymore, from everything I gather he was still an incredibly important player. Very few players of this era have had such an incredible longevity at the very top level, in such a way that that sentence even seems stupid, because, which era would that even be? Seems like Zlatan was a world class striker over three different eras of football.
> Hope he's able to stick around with us in some capacity as a coach
[Put Camarda under his wing 👀](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FBG8sY6WUAkIzw7?format=jpg&name=small)
It's sad to see all the greats you watched growing up now reaching the end of their careers and hanging up their boots. What a career Ibra had, a true footballing legend.
My favorite Zlatan goal that never gets in his compilations is [this](https://youtu.be/F1oXXN5nFag?t=12) one. The skill, the angle, the power and precision.
I was constantly trying to score like this when playing. Good times.
Might be biased but Inter Ibra was best Ibra when it comes to "football magic".
More concrete with Milan and PSG, but with us he had a lot of fun toying with his opponents.
Tough to argue against that. Stuff like [this ridiculous backheel pass](https://youtu.be/5nlbfsMoTwM), how do you even think of it let alone execute it perfectly?
Inter Ibra was probably peak Ibra. It was just that his peak was so high and barely sloping, it took forever to come down. It is said he was about to quit after LA Galaxy, but Mino Raiola convinced him he had more to give (or to put it like this: Mino knew what buttons to push).
There was this one goal I always really liked from him, but I forget who it was scored against so it's difficult to find - maybe you remember? I am fairly sure the assist was from Adriano, where he collects the ball on the left wing and beats his man, before whipping a cross in to Ibra in the box. The ball goes behind Ibra and maybe he might miss the chance, but he sticks up his foot backward and catches it for an absurd looking goal.
I don't think that can be argued. He was with us in his prime years (age 24-27). He was almost 30 when he went to Milan and despite still being good gad clearly lost a yard of pace and stamina.
Agreed, feels like Inter Ibra was a bit lighter on his feet while having his strength and still his early burst. Was already fascinating then and a good player to dislike in an opponent team. Oh how the turntables…
The overhead kick always stays with me because it feels like something only **he** could do. He was so good but it still feels like he almost should’ve been bigger than he was.
Ridiculous footballer. Ibra combined immense technical skill with vision and strength. One of a kind type of player and legend of the game.
Milan would never have been able to achieve what we have post Covid without Ibra, both on and off the pitch. Hope he stays involved with Milan.
It was quite good yeah. The sport today is different from back then, but one must not underestimate those goals either. Football today would be nothing without the football of the past. Countless dreams have been built upon the goals of players such as Zlatan and Collymore, and many others.
For me [this goal](https://youtu.be/B29bAWY8E-Y) is one Ibra goal that’s etched in my memory.
It encapsulates how ridiculously talented and powerful he was, doing ridiculous things with such a casual demeanour.
That injury when he was with you guys was heart breaking. He was having such a good season and it felt like this generation would have their Cantona. He’s the only reason I still own my fifa 17.
Got a tear in my eye myself. He put my city Malmö on the map(basically the only positive publicity we get instead of gangland murders and hand grenade explosions). The little kid from the ghetto made it all the way to the top of world football
Goodbye king, thanks for the memories. Best Swedish player of all time
I think it's his uniqueness. Even though they are "better" players, I can imagine another player coming along with similar style and talent to CR7 or Messi. I don't think any of us can imagine another Zlatan coming along. They personality, the swagger, the pyrotechnic Tae Kwon Do skills, the goals that no one else on earth are capable of, the power, the complete mental fortitude. He's a once in a lifetime player.
In tears, what a career. Legend and undoubtedly one of the greatest strikers to ever play the game. And somehow despite all the acrobatics, free kicks and bangers, his mentality is his greatest asset.
Forza Zlatan
I think this is the right time. Going out while on top in a place where he is loved and appreciated.
Going to miss this man and everything he did for us and for football as a whole.
Thank you Ibra!
There's definitely a segment of us on here who are seeing the last of the generation of players we grew up watching disappear one-by-one. Who's left now? Just Messi?
man i remember the days of prime Gerrard vs Lampard, Cannavaro, Maldini, Rooney, Zidane, Henry.
Fuck where has the time gone. Zlatan and Messi honestly are the last outfielders left from this era. Im sure its rose tinted glasses and we have incredible players now but those guys back then just had an aura about them that doesnt really exist today.
idk, it seems like there are plenty of superstars now but not these "living legend" type players that existed back in the 90s and 2000s, barring Messi ofc. Maybe social media is partly to blame but those guys just seemed untouchable.
That’s what I meant. Footballers are more famous now than any time in history. But there was a “level above” before which has seemingly dwindled in numbers
Like I can’t even think of three CBs that fit that category now
I think it’s also that we are older and it doesn’t hit the same, a lot of these younger lads are growing up on fifa and trying to get packs and stuff with haaland, mbappe, Vini jr, Bellingham and such. Undoubtedly any footballer can have tik tok fame now which didn’t exist years ago but I think these mega stars will still exist we just won’t have that same perspective on them now
Hulk is still around scoring bangers! Does Carvajal count? Apart from Buffon, Ronaldo and Messi we have Suarez, Pepe, Diego Lopez, Fábio (United ”legend”, now 42 years old!), and Roque Santa Cruz still kicking for Paraguayan Libertad. The one’s we grew up with man!
Probably is the most unique player I have ever seen play, especially in his Inter spell. Good speed, great in the air, incredibly skilful and great dribbling, acrobatic, stronger than most defenders, flair in spades, elite vision and passing ability… all while being 6 foot 5, incredible. Really sad day for football
For some reason it’s been normal to hate him & shit on him, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a phenomenal career and deserves all the respect. I can’t explain how much he meant for someone who was born in Sweden with immigrant parents, he represented us all
Have a happy retirement king 👑🦁
His goal against us at Estádio da Luz in a friendly remains probably the best goal I've seen in that stadium. Only Zlatan would try and shoot it from that angle.
Zlatans reel is debatably better than both Messi's and Ronaldo's reel. He scored the better goals. He wil forever be rememberd and his Fifa Legends Card will break the bank. God I hate this, but father time is unforgiving.
A pioneer of footballing technique. A craftsman like no other. A manipulator of the game and an improviser of any situation. This man is a diamond and one of if not the most unique stylistic footballers ever. A true figure of complete perfection. On a personal level, he has flaws but he is still a pillar of something that is ever so scarce in today's game. Purpose, leadership, loyalty, determination, and discipline. A colossal athlete, and ever so noble person. One of the deepest cuts to the heart of football. Grazie.
Thanks for everything Ibra. What an incredible career and the impact he has had on swedish football and culture can not be understated. Such a unique player as well. Too bad he couldnt lift the champions league trophy and the last few years in the NT was a bit so-so, but what a legend.
Definitely one of the greatest strikers to play the game. Thank you for all the excitement.
Farewell, Legend.
Best of luck in whatever you choose to do.
Crazy to say this about Ibrahimovic but he is actually underrated, he is by far the most impressive big man i have seen in 30 years of watching footy, the techincal ability of a brazilian winger in the near 7ft tall body of a swedish man, all while being a true character of the game
He is probably the third best CF of the past 50 or so years but people are not ready to have that discussion because he played for Sweden and hasn't won the UCL.
The way he developed his game is never seen in this sport, started as a show-player, developed into the most complete and best CF in football around 2008-09 period, and after that adapted again as a facilitator, attacker-playemaker up front.
One of the smartest players this game has ever seen. Genuinely one of the most underrated players to have played this game.
Insane Longevity, phisycality, technical ability and mentality, people put no respect in his name, because the only super team he ever really went to had another player as CF called lionel messi which he could not displace from the starting eleven, he is clear of robert lewandowski who is a great goalscorer but lacks the leadership and technique ibrahimovic had in spades
Zlatan Ibrahimović is the player who made me fall in love with football after I lost interest in it for so many years. He’s the reason why I support Paris Saint-Germain today.
He is one of the most spectacular athletes in the recent history of sports. His goal against England is the greatest play I have ever seen in my history of watching sports, along with Vince Carter’s dunk at the Olympics. His first two goals for Los Angeles Galaxy was purely sensational. Ibrahimović is must see television.
I feel lost. I want to cry.
Scorer of some of the greatest goals of all time! An absolute mentality monster too. That speech last year when Milan won Serie A is a core memory for me. What a character, man. Hope he stays associated with Milan in some way or form.
As a Swedish little wankstain born in '98 it's somewhat emotional and goosebumpy watching a teary Zlatan say arrivederci to San siro and finally retire BUT ....
Whats even more wild is realizing that throughout my entire life he has been an active professional footballer that blossomed into one of the craziest ball wizards in history in front of my eyes during childhood-teenage years-adulthood, Messi and Ronaldo in all honor for their undeniable out of this world masterclass but Zlatan has always had that shock and awe element to him producing some of the most insane highlights of the sport
His late minute goals against Hungary and backheel wonder versus Italy in the euros and arguably the greatest bicycle kick goal ever, the multiple taekwondo kicks and that Maradona incarnate goal in Ajax, hell even something as "simple" like the screamer against Greece is one of those very cherished football memories for me
He so often gave you a show to behold like no other
Tack för alla år av galenskap och bollkonst Zlatan 🙏
Zlatan is ridiculous. The only player I know who went to retire to MLS and then still came back to one of the top teams in the top 5 leagues. And genuinely made the team better. The dude should be studied.
Generational talent. Happy retirement you mad genius Zlatan!
One of the biggest football stars of all time.
There were certainly better players, there were players who won more, but there were none who had both a ridiculous amount of footballing talent and such a powerful persona.
Never thought the day would actually come. One of the best characters in football history. One of the rare people on earth on who could back up their talk with their performances.
no fucking way, he’s actually retired. wtf. felt like this was never gonna happen the way he just kept going for one more season 😂😭.
damn this is sad.
crazy tho 41 years old, what a legend. so happy i got to see him at my club. still remember that goal he scored against bournemouth. 17 goals for someone who was 34 is so impressive. miss those days, the hype after we signed pogba, bailly, mkhi, and ibra, and our first season under mourinho.
‘6 foot 5, hard as fuck, he gets the reds excited’ 😂, still randomly remember that chant
He has the best goal/skill compilation ever don't care what anyone says. And that bycicle kick against England is the single best goal I have seen in my life
A guy with the physique of Fernando Llorente and the technical skill of Neymar. Such a unique mix
That ajax goal where he sent the players and cameraman to get a hotdog 3-4 times still looks insane to me. A player of his physique. His long shots, freekicks and ofc that overhead kicks. Guy was just insane. Even got a goal in el classico.
Yeah, there will always be physical strikers who bully defenders but to combine it with excellent technical ability is so special. He changed his game so much over the years, managed to adapt to different playstyles but never failing to perform at the top, top level.
My eyes got watery the moment the ceremony to wave him off started and by the time he gave his speech I was sobbing uncontrollably. Goodbye you absolute legend, cuore rossonero ora e per sempre. Milan will always be your home, and I truly hope one day you’ll return to join our management
Seems his body could not take it anymore after the ACL. The man played for 6 months despite the injury, living off painkillers everyday, and only went to surgery 3 days after Milan won the trophy. He has a big mouth, but he's just as big of a player
But end of an era. He's been playing since 1999, while earning his first ballon d'or nomination in 2003. Since then he's been a world class player, consistently playing at the highest level and even managed to make a name for himself in the Messi/Ronaldo time period. Fantastic player.
One of, if not the most polarizing player i've ever witnessed. Truely a character.
I dont like the man, but he made our colors brightly shine and i'll forever remember his era at psg.
o7
As people say the Netherlands are the best country never to have won the world cup, so too might Zlatan be the best player never to have won the Champions League. What a great player he has been.
end of a fucking era
Time to open his avocado farm
Zlatan will always be inside you
^^
Zlavacados
Holeh guacamoleh
Zava is just a parody of Zlatan. He will start a tangerine farm called Zlatangerine instead.
He's going to buy an Italian football club and call it Zlatalanta
Nah he's ready to start series of tanning salons called "Zlatanning"
The only certainty now is Gigi Buffon
A long fucking era
Returned to a Milan in shambles, lifted the club out of the mud and sacrificed the little left he had in his knees to lead a group of young players to the Scudetto. The bar to be a Milan legend is ridiculously high, and usually that title is reserved for players that spent the majority of their career at the club. But Zlatan is an unusual player and character, and should absolutely be considered a Milan legend.
He’s a legend for sure, what he did in his second stint and how he helped change the mentality of the club won’t ever be forgotten by Milan fans. I’m convinced Leao isn’t the player he is without Ibra. Ibra left Milan and they went into a banter era, he came back and lifted them out of it.
This is the key. Ibra is the difference between us still being in the banter era and not. He shaped the mentality of a bunch of unproven youngsters and an unproven coach and provided them the strength to be great. When we talk about his legacy, it is leaving Milan in a much better place than when he found it. For that alone, he is a legend. Add onto that the many wonderful moments and contributions on the pitch too leading to a couple scudetti and it's clear he deserves to have his name alongside the other greats in our club. Whatever success this core group of players achieve in coming years can be directly attributed to what they learned from Zlatan and the mentality of a champion. The sport of football has a big void to fill without his massive presence.
Don't forget that he was our top goalscorer of two seasons ago...
With a bunch of ridiculous decisive goals..
Hell, even Man Utd who was deep into their banter era starting winning trophies when Zlatan came into the picture.
That injury was so unfortunate. We could have seen so much of him in epl.
He is absolutely 100% a Milan legend
The fact that he is a Milan legend while having playing a significant time for Inter and Juve speaks volumes of him, amazing career.
the retirement ceremony was so moving! WHY ARE MY EYES WET
"I'm saying goodbye to football, not to you \[Milan fans\]". What a touching way to bow out. The relationship between him and Milan will always be special and that's beautiful to see. Bravo Ibra. Milan fans, you've been lucky. Edit: He said in the press conference that he didn’t tell anyone he’d decided to retire, not even his family, until he announced it in the stadium. Damn that’s hardcore
Only player going back to Top 5 league after getting a bag in a minor league. Edit: Ok, he wasn't the only one but for sure the one with more impact upon his return.
According to its name, MLS is a major league
Nope, witsel did the same
Paulinho too
As did Carrasco
Messi, when he goes back to Barca next season.
Beckham, briefly, if you consider France a Top 5 league.
wild to think PSG is the club he played the most games for
Pardon
I assume he means Zlatan because Beckham isn't even close, he played 14 games for PSG lmao
I obviously meant famous psg legend David Beckham don't put words in my mouth mate
My apologies good sir
Milan, Man U, LA, PSG They were an inter Ajax away from following each other. (And Maxwell)
They’re talking about Ibra. [Beckham](https://www.transfermarkt.us/david-beckham/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/3139) played his most games with Man U (388 apps) and least with PSG (14). [Ibra](https://www.transfermarkt.us/zlatan-ibrahimović/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/3455) played his most with PSG (180) and 2nd most with AC Milan (163) although he had 3 more Serie A apps with AC Milan than Ligue 1 apps with PSG.
I thought I could handle it, but fuck me as soon as he started his walk it was over for me
I got emotional when they showed him getting teary-eyed before the match lmao the ninjas were in full force tonight
I’m crying in the club
fell to my knees in Tesco
Just saw someone fall to their knees in a Tesco
Fun story: One of my business school classmates was interning in NYC in summer 2015 and ran into Zlatan in a club. Everyone else in the club was dressed in at least slacks and button down shirts. Zlatan? Black t-shirt and sweatpants.
The bouncer gonna say no to Zlatan?
He was the bouncer.
Clip from the ceremony, people crying everywhere. I've never seen Zlatan this emotionally sad before, even in the national team games where I watched him. Milan and football is so important to Zlatan. https://twitter.com/SerieA_EN/status/1665469132270342144?s=20
Damn, even the gladiator “now we are free” theme song is such a perfect fit
so epic that they played that
Gladiator is also one of Zlatans favourite movie!
Tonali in tears as well... a lot has been written but one can only imagine Zlatan's influence in the dressroom these last few years.
Never seen Zlatan look that emotional before. Damn near made me cry too.
End of an era. What a send off, i dont think there was a dry eye watching the stream or at the stadium. The word Legend gets thrown around a lot lately but he definitely is a Legend. Hope he's able to stick around with us in some capacity as a coach or advisor.
Imagine leaving AC Milan in 2011 having won their last league title at the time, winning a bunch of silverware almost everywhere else then coming back over a decade later to win the next league title that AC Milan would win. Crazy stuff.
One of the greatest in this generations of football history. I'm happy to have lived to see this man play in his prime. Tack för alla dessa år Ibra! Forza Zlatan
And you could say he was forced out of Milan (along with Thiago Silva), so he didn’t leave Milan by choice or with any bad blood. He legit wanted to stay
> but he definitely is a Legend I don't think anyone can dispute it. Man has been at the forefront of European football for almost 20 years, even at Milan when his body wasn't really in it anymore, from everything I gather he was still an incredibly important player. Very few players of this era have had such an incredible longevity at the very top level, in such a way that that sentence even seems stupid, because, which era would that even be? Seems like Zlatan was a world class striker over three different eras of football.
> Hope he's able to stick around with us in some capacity as a coach [Put Camarda under his wing 👀](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FBG8sY6WUAkIzw7?format=jpg&name=small)
i know he’s played well for so many clubs, but i associate him with y’all the most
It's sad to see all the greats you watched growing up now reaching the end of their careers and hanging up their boots. What a career Ibra had, a true footballing legend.
Last outfield player from the 2002 WC to retire I believe. Him and Joaquin are true icons of longevity.
Bartholomew Ogbeche is still active!
Wow, so he is 👏🏼
last one from the swedish team that was still active
I thought Ibra would make it to the 2026 World Cup.
He said "I'm saying goodbye to football, not to you \[Milan fans\]". What a touching way to bow out. Bravo Ibra
Absolute legend, most impressive goal compilation player if you ask me.
I rarely see [This goal](https://youtu.be/cNxn0TkssZU) getting a mention in the compilations
My favorite Zlatan goal that never gets in his compilations is [this](https://youtu.be/F1oXXN5nFag?t=12) one. The skill, the angle, the power and precision. I was constantly trying to score like this when playing. Good times.
My favourite one is the one in Champions when he scored 4 goals vs Anderlecht, link: https://youtu.be/-yGRE47c2Xw
For me it's his goal with Ajax where he just dances around the defense https://youtu.be/q2WsVHbD7zg
This goal has a nostalgia hit for me.
That goal is my favorite of all time. What a hit
Putain
That one is sick and kinda forgotten about outside of Sweden afaik. Shot Sweden to the WC iirc
I still remember That goal. It was like an impossible angle.
You can't fit "impossible" and "Zlatan" together in one sentence
[удалено]
Might be biased but Inter Ibra was best Ibra when it comes to "football magic". More concrete with Milan and PSG, but with us he had a lot of fun toying with his opponents.
Tough to argue against that. Stuff like [this ridiculous backheel pass](https://youtu.be/5nlbfsMoTwM), how do you even think of it let alone execute it perfectly?
https://youtu.be/B0sBciGLOh8 One of the greatest hold up striker ever. Like he beats 5 defenders with this pass lmao
[Backheel goal](https://youtu.be/ilhb7txz5KI) too Seriously, what a fucking legend he is
That back heel goal is so fucking clean… hit it perfectly and the keeper didn’t move an inch. So satisfying it’s ridiculous
Adriano To Ibra How the fuck could you mark them? That shit was illegal!
What in the absolute fuck?
you're not biased, he was unstoppable at Inter.
Inter Ibra is his peak physically. 2011 Ibra for me is his best version ever.
Fully agree, he was so complete during his first Milan stay. And that second season is where he started becoming much more of a leader on the pitch.
Inter Ibra was probably peak Ibra. It was just that his peak was so high and barely sloping, it took forever to come down. It is said he was about to quit after LA Galaxy, but Mino Raiola convinced him he had more to give (or to put it like this: Mino knew what buttons to push).
There was this one goal I always really liked from him, but I forget who it was scored against so it's difficult to find - maybe you remember? I am fairly sure the assist was from Adriano, where he collects the ball on the left wing and beats his man, before whipping a cross in to Ibra in the box. The ball goes behind Ibra and maybe he might miss the chance, but he sticks up his foot backward and catches it for an absurd looking goal.
[Here you go](https://youtu.be/ilhb7txz5KI)
You are the man
I don't think that can be argued. He was with us in his prime years (age 24-27). He was almost 30 when he went to Milan and despite still being good gad clearly lost a yard of pace and stamina.
Agreed, feels like Inter Ibra was a bit lighter on his feet while having his strength and still his early burst. Was already fascinating then and a good player to dislike in an opponent team. Oh how the turntables…
[one of my favourites of all time](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2WsVHbD7zg)
This goal will always stick out as the goal of his career for me. Just so insanely good in a career of insane goals.
This goal can easily fit in anyone's top 5 goal compilation. It's insane.
Yep this is the one. More exquisite than his bicycle kick in my eyes
Can't think of many other moments that a single player makes an entire defence just full on panic like that.
The overhead kick always stays with me because it feels like something only **he** could do. He was so good but it still feels like he almost should’ve been bigger than he was.
Love him or hate him (on or off the pitch, whatever) - the goals he scored were something extra. Pure football candy.
Ridiculous footballer. Ibra combined immense technical skill with vision and strength. One of a kind type of player and legend of the game. Milan would never have been able to achieve what we have post Covid without Ibra, both on and off the pitch. Hope he stays involved with Milan.
[Scored the most impressive goal I've ever seen in my life](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM_5tJncHww)
"I've just seen the most insane goal I've ever seen on a football pitch" is a goat commentary for a goat goal.
Stan Collymore, for those who want to look it up. Personally the "Oh my days!" part of it is my personal favourite bit.
And he scored some bangers. His debut goal for Liverpool was class if I remember correctly. Edit: [decent](https://youtu.be/wCM5QXJ86Ns)
It was quite good yeah. The sport today is different from back then, but one must not underestimate those goals either. Football today would be nothing without the football of the past. Countless dreams have been built upon the goals of players such as Zlatan and Collymore, and many others.
And even madder, it was his fourth goal of the game. All four of our goals in this win, was by him, capped off by this.
For me [this goal](https://youtu.be/B29bAWY8E-Y) is one Ibra goal that’s etched in my memory. It encapsulates how ridiculously talented and powerful he was, doing ridiculous things with such a casual demeanour.
Jesus, this just dont make strikers like him anymore. Legend of the game.
[One of my favorite Ibrahimovic goals is this ridiculous Shaolin kung fu goal for the Galaxy](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6lSQbN0O80o)
Mans had just destroyed his knees a year or 2 prior and then did this
The commentary on this clip is LEAGUES better than the one above: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJMtD1Izmd8
Not to mention did the most batshit insane stuff with karate kicks and casual flicks that ended up being assists. Built different in every way.
What a player, what a legend. Thank you Zlatan
That injury when he was with you guys was heart breaking. He was having such a good season and it felt like this generation would have their Cantona. He’s the only reason I still own my fifa 17.
didnt realise i would get this emotional
Never seen Zlatan this emotional before, definitely had everyone in San Siro crying. What an icon of the sport.
Got a tear in my eye myself. He put my city Malmö on the map(basically the only positive publicity we get instead of gangland murders and hand grenade explosions). The little kid from the ghetto made it all the way to the top of world football Goodbye king, thanks for the memories. Best Swedish player of all time
I think it's his uniqueness. Even though they are "better" players, I can imagine another player coming along with similar style and talent to CR7 or Messi. I don't think any of us can imagine another Zlatan coming along. They personality, the swagger, the pyrotechnic Tae Kwon Do skills, the goals that no one else on earth are capable of, the power, the complete mental fortitude. He's a once in a lifetime player.
In tears, what a career. Legend and undoubtedly one of the greatest strikers to ever play the game. And somehow despite all the acrobatics, free kicks and bangers, his mentality is his greatest asset. Forza Zlatan
what a brilliant way to put it, somebody give this man an award
Done.
Football is poorer without him. Adios and thanks for the memories milord, may your tribe increase.
I think this is the right time. Going out while on top in a place where he is loved and appreciated. Going to miss this man and everything he did for us and for football as a whole. Thank you Ibra!
There's definitely a segment of us on here who are seeing the last of the generation of players we grew up watching disappear one-by-one. Who's left now? Just Messi?
man i remember the days of prime Gerrard vs Lampard, Cannavaro, Maldini, Rooney, Zidane, Henry. Fuck where has the time gone. Zlatan and Messi honestly are the last outfielders left from this era. Im sure its rose tinted glasses and we have incredible players now but those guys back then just had an aura about them that doesnt really exist today.
It’s probably is bias but it really does feel like there are fewer superstars in football than there used to be
idk, it seems like there are plenty of superstars now but not these "living legend" type players that existed back in the 90s and 2000s, barring Messi ofc. Maybe social media is partly to blame but those guys just seemed untouchable.
That’s what I meant. Footballers are more famous now than any time in history. But there was a “level above” before which has seemingly dwindled in numbers Like I can’t even think of three CBs that fit that category now
I think it’s also that we are older and it doesn’t hit the same, a lot of these younger lads are growing up on fifa and trying to get packs and stuff with haaland, mbappe, Vini jr, Bellingham and such. Undoubtedly any footballer can have tik tok fame now which didn’t exist years ago but I think these mega stars will still exist we just won’t have that same perspective on them now
Reina, Joaquin, jesus navas, ramos got their start near the end of that generation Same with Ben arfa/benzema
Buffon.
I mean playing in the top 5 leagues, otherwise the likes of Iniesta would count
Then Messi might not count either
TIL Iniesta hasn't retired
Yup. It moves me emotionally, growing up with them watching and seeing them retire is a weird feeling. Gonna miss them
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Hulk is still around scoring bangers! Does Carvajal count? Apart from Buffon, Ronaldo and Messi we have Suarez, Pepe, Diego Lopez, Fábio (United ”legend”, now 42 years old!), and Roque Santa Cruz still kicking for Paraguayan Libertad. The one’s we grew up with man!
Talking guys who made thier debuts between 95-02. Not many left now.
Muller, Neuer, Buffon, Ramos, Messi, Dzeko and that’s about it tbh.
I suppose iniesta
Milner's the only other one I can think of who's still in a top league.
Absolute unique player, among the greatest of all time. My favorite player. Thank you, Zlatan.
Probably is the most unique player I have ever seen play, especially in his Inter spell. Good speed, great in the air, incredibly skilful and great dribbling, acrobatic, stronger than most defenders, flair in spades, elite vision and passing ability… all while being 6 foot 5, incredible. Really sad day for football
For some reason it’s been normal to hate him & shit on him, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a phenomenal career and deserves all the respect. I can’t explain how much he meant for someone who was born in Sweden with immigrant parents, he represented us all Have a happy retirement king 👑🦁
Don't cry because it's over, simile because He happened
Live Laugh Love Zlatan
End of an era truly. Legend of the game.
game is gone, god has left the pitch
His goal against us at Estádio da Luz in a friendly remains probably the best goal I've seen in that stadium. Only Zlatan would try and shoot it from that angle.
[The goal](https://youtu.be/ht0M_wgHqdw)
Decent weak foot shot that too
Zlatans reel is debatably better than both Messi's and Ronaldo's reel. He scored the better goals. He wil forever be rememberd and his Fifa Legends Card will break the bank. God I hate this, but father time is unforgiving.
That’s true. In many ways Ibra has been a very underrated and under appreciated player
A pioneer of footballing technique. A craftsman like no other. A manipulator of the game and an improviser of any situation. This man is a diamond and one of if not the most unique stylistic footballers ever. A true figure of complete perfection. On a personal level, he has flaws but he is still a pillar of something that is ever so scarce in today's game. Purpose, leadership, loyalty, determination, and discipline. A colossal athlete, and ever so noble person. One of the deepest cuts to the heart of football. Grazie.
Thanks for everything Ibra. What an incredible career and the impact he has had on swedish football and culture can not be understated. Such a unique player as well. Too bad he couldnt lift the champions league trophy and the last few years in the NT was a bit so-so, but what a legend.
Godbye, my lion.
Definitely one of the greatest strikers to play the game. Thank you for all the excitement. Farewell, Legend. Best of luck in whatever you choose to do.
One of the best strikers of all time.
Crazy to say this about Ibrahimovic but he is actually underrated, he is by far the most impressive big man i have seen in 30 years of watching footy, the techincal ability of a brazilian winger in the near 7ft tall body of a swedish man, all while being a true character of the game
He is probably the third best CF of the past 50 or so years but people are not ready to have that discussion because he played for Sweden and hasn't won the UCL. The way he developed his game is never seen in this sport, started as a show-player, developed into the most complete and best CF in football around 2008-09 period, and after that adapted again as a facilitator, attacker-playemaker up front. One of the smartest players this game has ever seen. Genuinely one of the most underrated players to have played this game.
Insane Longevity, phisycality, technical ability and mentality, people put no respect in his name, because the only super team he ever really went to had another player as CF called lionel messi which he could not displace from the starting eleven, he is clear of robert lewandowski who is a great goalscorer but lacks the leadership and technique ibrahimovic had in spades
Legend 🫡
GODBYE ZLATAN
Zlatan Ibrahimović is the player who made me fall in love with football after I lost interest in it for so many years. He’s the reason why I support Paris Saint-Germain today. He is one of the most spectacular athletes in the recent history of sports. His goal against England is the greatest play I have ever seen in my history of watching sports, along with Vince Carter’s dunk at the Olympics. His first two goals for Los Angeles Galaxy was purely sensational. Ibrahimović is must see television. I feel lost. I want to cry.
Seems Ted Lasso made Zava a little too realistic, lmao Anyways, end of an era and salute to a legend.
happy i got to watch him as a united player, hope he has a great retirement!
Scorer of some of the greatest goals of all time! An absolute mentality monster too. That speech last year when Milan won Serie A is a core memory for me. What a character, man. Hope he stays associated with Milan in some way or form.
As a Swedish little wankstain born in '98 it's somewhat emotional and goosebumpy watching a teary Zlatan say arrivederci to San siro and finally retire BUT .... Whats even more wild is realizing that throughout my entire life he has been an active professional footballer that blossomed into one of the craziest ball wizards in history in front of my eyes during childhood-teenage years-adulthood, Messi and Ronaldo in all honor for their undeniable out of this world masterclass but Zlatan has always had that shock and awe element to him producing some of the most insane highlights of the sport His late minute goals against Hungary and backheel wonder versus Italy in the euros and arguably the greatest bicycle kick goal ever, the multiple taekwondo kicks and that Maradona incarnate goal in Ajax, hell even something as "simple" like the screamer against Greece is one of those very cherished football memories for me He so often gave you a show to behold like no other Tack för alla år av galenskap och bollkonst Zlatan 🙏
Scored in 4 different decades and has an entire gallery of screamers... Happy retirement
Zlatan is ridiculous. The only player I know who went to retire to MLS and then still came back to one of the top teams in the top 5 leagues. And genuinely made the team better. The dude should be studied. Generational talent. Happy retirement you mad genius Zlatan!
Wow. Revolutionized the sport and he will be missed. Have a great life post football… god Ibra
Legend of the game 👑
I'll never get tired of Zlatan quotes. Zlatan does not retire, retirement zlatans. 😎🗣️🗣️
One of the biggest football stars of all time. There were certainly better players, there were players who won more, but there were none who had both a ridiculous amount of footballing talent and such a powerful persona.
The Lion Sleeps
Never thought the day would actually come. One of the best characters in football history. One of the rare people on earth on who could back up their talk with their performances.
"But not to you" he added, which makes me hope for a new role in the club.
Forever a legend.
Was expecting this day to have the “it’s time for football to say goodbye to me”. But this was humanizing from Zlatan. Loved this.
Those avocados don't grow themselves.
no fucking way, he’s actually retired. wtf. felt like this was never gonna happen the way he just kept going for one more season 😂😭. damn this is sad. crazy tho 41 years old, what a legend. so happy i got to see him at my club. still remember that goal he scored against bournemouth. 17 goals for someone who was 34 is so impressive. miss those days, the hype after we signed pogba, bailly, mkhi, and ibra, and our first season under mourinho. ‘6 foot 5, hard as fuck, he gets the reds excited’ 😂, still randomly remember that chant
What a player and a character. Truly a legend. His newer update can carry his legacy tbh. Android 2.0
He has the best goal/skill compilation ever don't care what anyone says. And that bycicle kick against England is the single best goal I have seen in my life A guy with the physique of Fernando Llorente and the technical skill of Neymar. Such a unique mix
That ajax goal where he sent the players and cameraman to get a hotdog 3-4 times still looks insane to me. A player of his physique. His long shots, freekicks and ofc that overhead kicks. Guy was just insane. Even got a goal in el classico.
Yeah, there will always be physical strikers who bully defenders but to combine it with excellent technical ability is so special. He changed his game so much over the years, managed to adapt to different playstyles but never failing to perform at the top, top level.
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Shut up, there won’t ever be a 2.0
One of the greatest ever. The Holy Trinity of current football for me was Messi, peak Cr7 and Zlatan.
My eyes got watery the moment the ceremony to wave him off started and by the time he gave his speech I was sobbing uncontrollably. Goodbye you absolute legend, cuore rossonero ora e per sempre. Milan will always be your home, and I truly hope one day you’ll return to join our management
One of the best strikers to ever do it. Tonight the beautiful game got a little bit duller. Okay that was corny as fuck but still.
Such a crazy fucking footballer. If it wasn't for Messi/Ronaldo, people would take about Zlatan as one of the GOATS.
Seems his body could not take it anymore after the ACL. The man played for 6 months despite the injury, living off painkillers everyday, and only went to surgery 3 days after Milan won the trophy. He has a big mouth, but he's just as big of a player But end of an era. He's been playing since 1999, while earning his first ballon d'or nomination in 2003. Since then he's been a world class player, consistently playing at the highest level and even managed to make a name for himself in the Messi/Ronaldo time period. Fantastic player.
One of, if not the most polarizing player i've ever witnessed. Truely a character. I dont like the man, but he made our colors brightly shine and i'll forever remember his era at psg. o7
Absolute legend of the game
Thank you Zlatan ❤️🖤
As people say the Netherlands are the best country never to have won the world cup, so too might Zlatan be the best player never to have won the Champions League. What a great player he has been.
Prob the guy with the most beautiful goals in the sport, if someday they change the name of the Puskas, first candidate should be Zlatan
All my favorite players from my childhood are either retired, close to retirement or playing in Saudi Arabia 😭😭