Zlatan Ibrahimovic Biography




Zlatan Ibrahimovic
extracted from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, distributed under the GNU Free Documentation License

Zlatan Ibrahimović
Ibrahimović.jpg
Personal information
Date of birth 3 October 1981 (1981-10-03) (age 28)
Place of birth Malmö, Sweden
Height 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in)1
Playing position Striker
Club information
Current club Barcelona
Number 9
Youth career
1987–1991 Malmö BI
1989–1995 Balkan
1995–1999 Malmö FF
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
1999–2001 Malmö FF 40 (16)
2001–2004 Ajax 74 (35)
2004–2006 Juventus 70 (23)
2006–2009 Internazionale 88 (57)
2009– Barcelona 9 (7)
National team‡
2001 Sweden U21 7 (6)
2001– Sweden 60 (22)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 07 November 2009.

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 14 October 2009

Zlatan Ibrahimović (Serbian Cyrillic: Златан Ибрахимовић) (born 3 October 1981) is a Swedish football player of Bosnian2 and Croatian2 parentage who plays striker for Spanish La Liga club Barcelona and the Swedish national team.

Ibrahimović started his career at Malmö FF in the late 90's under Roland Andersson. He was signed by Ajax, and made a name for himself under Ronald Koeman. Years later, he signed with Juventus for €16 million. Zlatan gained fame and popularity in the Italian top flight while having a striking partnership with Alessandro Del Piero. After playing for the bianconeri, he made his move to league giants Internazionale in 2006. His record breaking performances led him to awards such as the Oscar del calcio, the Guldbollen, and being named in the 2007 UEFA Team of the Year. In the summer of 2009, Ibracadabra transfered to Barcelona, while continuing to break records.

As of February 2009, Ibrahimović, along with Kaká, were the highest salaried football players in the world with an annual pay of €9 million.3 Ibrahimović won the Capocannoniere on 31 May, 2009 with 25 domestic goals during the season. He has been named as one of the best players of his generation by being nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year due to his playing style, technique, and goal scoring abilities.4 Ibrahimović currently holds the record for the second highest transfer fee in football history, with a total of €69 million for his transfer from Internazionale to Barcelona

Twice footballing manager of the year, Jose Mourinho, said in an interview to The Sun on 5 March 2009, “I think there are four outstanding players in the world - Ibrahimovic, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kaka. At the moment, I think I have the best in the four - the best player in the world [Zlatan Ibrahimovic].” 5

Contents

Early life

Ibrahimović was born in Malmö to a Bosnian father, Šefik Ibrahimović, and a Croatian mother, Jurka Gravić,2 who emigrated to Sweden, where they first met. Ibrahimović grew up in Rosengård, a Malmö neighbourhood known for its immigrant communities, along with his three sisters and two brothers. After receiving his football boots, Ibrahimović began playing football at the age of six, alternating between local junior clubs Malmö BI and FBK Balkan67 While in his early teens, he was a regular in his hometown club Malmö FF.7 At the age of 15, Ibrahimović was close to quitting his football career, in favor of working at the docks in Malmö, but his manager convinced him to continue playing.8 Ibrahimović successfully completed junior high school in the ninth grade, and though he was admitted to Borgarskolan, he soon dropped out of high school to focus on his football career.

Club career

Malmö FF (1996-2001)

Ibrahimović signed his first contract with his hometown club Malmö FF in 1996, and moved up to the senior side for the 1999 season of Allsvenskan, Sweden's top-flight league. That season, Malmö finished 13th in the league and were relegated to the second division, but returned to the top flight the next season. Arsenal coach Arsène Wenger unsuccessfully tried to persuade Ibrahimović to join, while Ajax coach Leo Beenhakker also expressed interest in the player after watching him in a training match against Norwegian side Moss FK. 9 On 22 March 2001, a deal between Ajax and Malmö regarding Ibrahimović's transfer to Amsterdam was announced, and in July, Ibrahimović officially joined Ajax for €7.8 million.10

Ajax (2001-2004)

Ibrahimović received little playing time under manager Co Adriaanse, but when Adriaanse was sacked on 29 November 2001, new coach Ronald Koeman inserted Ibrahimović into the starting lineup as Ajax won the 2001-02 Eredivisie title. The next season, Ibrahimović scored twice in a 2-1 victory over perennial French champions Olympique Lyonnais in his Champions League debut on 17 September 2002. He scored four Champions League goals overall as Ajax fell to AC Milan in the quarter-finals. In his final season with Ajax, Ibrahimović's profile rose when he scored a breathtaking goal against NAC Breda on 22 August 2004, a goal that was eventually voted the "Goal of the Year" by Eurosport viewers.11 He netted only once in the 2003-04 Champions League (against Celta de Vigo on 22 October) as Ajax were eliminated in the group stage.

On 18 August 2004, Ibrahimović injured fellow Ajax teammate Rafael van der Vaart during an international match against the Netherlands, which led to accusations from van der Vaart that Ibrahimović had hurt him intentionally. This led to Ibrahimović's sudden sale to Juventus on 31 August.12

Juventus (2004-2006)

Ibrahimović moved from Ajax to Juventus for a €16 million transfer fee.13 He was promptly inserted into the starting eleven due in part to top scorer David Trezeguet's injury problems, and scored sixteen goals. Near the end of the season, Juventus reportedly rejected a €70 million bid for him from Real Madrid, which was later revealed to be a publicity stunt initiated by Ibrahimović's agent, Mino Raiola, in order to increase his market value.11 On 14 November 2005, he was awarded the Guldbollen, a prize awarded to the best Swedish footballer of the year.14

The following season was poor compared to his first season; his role in Juventus' attack changed, as he became less of a goalscorer and moved more to the sidelines, taking much part in the build-up play, especially as a target player, and his assist numbers increased. In the 2005-06 season, Juventus fans often got frustrated with him due to his anonymous presence in certain important games such as the Champions League defeat to Arsenal. Juventus were stripped of their last two Scudetti as part of the verdict from the Calciopoli scandal, and were relegated to Serie B. The new staff tried to persuade Ibrahimović and other top players to stay with Juventus, but the player and his agent were adamant to move on, with Raiola threatening legal action in order to extricate Ibrahimović from his contract.15

Internazionale (2006-2009)

Ibrahimović in a training match for Internazionale.
Ibrahimović and Mario Balotelli against Palermo in 2009.

Ibrahimović signed a four-year contract with Internazionale on 10 August 2006,16 a few days after Patrick Vieira completed his transfer. Internazionale paid Juventus for €24.8 million.17 He revealed that he supported Internazionale when he was young,18 He started his spell at the club by scoring one goal and assisting another in a league match against Fiorentina and ended his first season as Inter's top goalscorer with 15 goals.

Ibrahimović played his 100th Serie A match on 16 September 2007. His contract was renewed in 2007, last until June 2013.19 He was estimated as the top of footballer wages.20 He scored two Champions League goals in the group stage against PSV on 2 October, which marked his first European goals since December 2005 and his first goals overall in an Inter jersey, and finished with five goals in seven Champions League matches. Against Parma in the final league matchday on 18 May 2008, he returned from a chronic knee injury and scored both goals as Inter won 2-0, clinching their third straight Scudetto.

On 16 November 2008, Ibrahimović said that he would not return to the Allsvenskan of Sweden as an active player, but he would stay the rest of his active career as a player abroad.citation needed

Ibrahimović's 2008-09 season started brilliantly, hitting the back of the net in Inter's first league match. His goal against Bologna was voted "Goal of the Year". He scored it with his heel without moving and accurately into the net from a cross by the Brazilian Adriano.21 Ibrahimović's form in the season had been eye-catching, with clever movement on and off the ball, and his passing had been outstanding, such as his acrobatic pass against Lazio. He ended a month long goal drought against Genoa, handing them their first home loss of the season, making Inter the only team not to lose at home in the league. In the final league game of the season, Ibrahimović scored twice against Atalanta, securing the Capocannoniere for himself by finishing one goal ahead of Marco Di Vaio and Diego Milito.

Barcelona (2009-present)

"It's the club that can make me a better football player than I am today. I want to be part of this project and history that Barcelona is making now."
—Zlatan Ibrahimović upon arriving in Barcelona.22

After Maxwell completed his transfer to Barcelona, president Joan Laporta confirmed that there was an agreement in principle between Barcelona and Internazionale for Ibrahimović to join the club in exchange for Samuel Eto'o, plus a fee.23 Ibrahimović left Internazionale from the United States on tour in the World Football Challenge on 23 July 2009 for negotiations with Barcelona, with his last match for Internazionale being against Chelsea.24 After Internazionale agreed terms with Eto'o25 and Barcelona with Ibrahimović,26 Barcelona announced Ibrahimović would arrive on 26 July 2009 and undergo a medical test on 27 July 2009.27 Ibrahimović passed his medical and was presented to a crowd of over 60,000 at Camp Nou.28 He signed a 5-year contract,29 for €46 million ($65 million)29 and the exchange of Eto'o (valued at €20 million) and loan of Aliaksandr Hleb (with an option to buy for a €10 million fee),29 with a €250 million release clause,29 making Ibrahimović worth €66 million ($94 million). Afterwards, Hleb refused the transfer and later loaned out to VfB Stuttgart; therefore, Barcelona added a reported €3 million fee to compensate,30 making Ibrahimović worth a final total of €69 million ($99 million). He currently earns an annual salary of €9.5 million.31 Barcelona announced Ibrahimović successfully underwent surgery on his fractured left hand's second metacarpal on 28 July 2009.32 He returned to full training on 12 August 2009 for Barcelona.33

2009-2010 season

Ibrahimović playing for Barcelona against Sporting Gijon.

Ibrahimović made his competitive debut for Barcelona on 23 August 2009 by tallying an assist for teammate Lionel Messi, leading them to win the 2009 Spanish Super Cup. In his second competitive match, Ibrahimović helped his team win the 2009 UEFA Super Cup.34 In his third competitive match for the Catalan outfit, Ibrahimović scored his first goal in his debut match in La Liga against Sporting Gijon with a diving header from a deflected cross, giving Barcelona a 3-0 win to the start of the season. In his second league match, he scored his second goal against Getafe CF, and assisted Lionel Messi in a 2-0 win, bringing his team to the top of the table.35 He continued his great start to the season by opening the scoring for Barcelona, in the second minute, versus Atletico Madrid in his third league match, leading to a 5-2 win for the Blaugrana. Ibrahimović starred again in the next league match, the fourth of the season, at Racing Santander by scoring a goal and giving a back-heel assist in a 4-1 win for Barcelona, making it four goals and two assists in four league matches for the Swede. Ibrahimović is the only Barcelona player in history to have scored in each of his first four league games.36 Barcelona stated on their website that Ibrahimović suffered a "grade 1-2" injury on his right ankle in the second half of the Santander match, and was doubtful for the fifth league match against Malaga CF. 37 After days of rest, he recovered from an ankle sprain, featured in the fifth league match after coming on for the injured Thierry Henry in the 29th minute, and scored his fifth goal of the season in the 39th minute with a half-volley. Days later, he provided an assist for Pedro in a UEFA Champions League group stage match against Dynamo Kyiv. He then scored his first Champions League goal of the season in the next group stage match against Rubin Kazan. Five days later, Ibrahimović scored two goals and gave an assist in a league match against Real Zaragoza, bringing Barcelona top of the league table and bringing himself top of the 2009-10 Pichichi Trophy table with seven goals and three assists in seven league matches.38 On 7 November, Ibrahimović provided a back-heel assist for Pedro and was brought down by Josemi for a penalty in a 4-2 league match win against Mallorca at Camp Nou.

International career

Ibrahimović playing for Sweden.

Even though he was eligible to play for Bosnia and Croatia he chose to play for Sweden, his country of birth.39

Ibrahimović debuted for Sweden in a goalless friendly match against the Faroe Islands on 31 January 2001.citation needed His first competitive match was a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on 7 October. Ibrahimović was part of Sweden's 2002 World Cup finals squad who were eliminated in the round of 16 by newcomers Senegal.40

Ibrahimović was a fixture in the starting lineup for Euro 2004, scoring a penalty against Bulgaria and rounding off a fine performance against the solid defense of Italy by scoring a late equaliser. However, he missed a penalty as Sweden were sent home following a shootout loss to the Netherlands. He went scoreless during the 2006 World Cup finals as Sweden were again snuffed out in the round of 16, this time by Germany.41

He was called up for a Euro 2008 qualifier against Liechtenstein on 6 September 2006, but two days before the match, he violated team curfew by leaving the hotel with teammates Christian Wilhelmsson and Olof Mellberg and visiting a nightclub. Though none of the players consumed any alcohol, they were nonetheless all sent home by coach Lars Lagerbäck as punishment and did not take part in the match. Mellberg and Wilhelmsson did not appeal the coach's decision, but Ibrahimović felt that it was unjust and therefore refused to take part in Sweden's next qualifiers against Iceland and Spain. He also skipped a friendly against Egypt on 7 February 2007, but ended his self-imposed boycott a month later,42 and returned for Sweden's loss to Northern Ireland on 28 March. He did not score in any of the 12 qualifying matches; his one goal was disallowed for offside in a 3-0 loss to Spain on 17 November. On 12 November 2007, Ibrahimović was awarded the 2007 Swedish Golden Ball as the "Country's Top Player of the Year."citation needed

Ibrahimović ended his international goal drought, which had lasted for over two years, against Greece in Sweden's Euro 2008 opener on 10 June 2008, and the next match against Spain four days later.4344 He finished the tournament with two goals as Sweden were eliminated in the group stage by Russia.45

Ibrahimović scored a goal in a 4-0 win against Malta on 10 June, 2009 in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier.46 On 5 September, 2009, he scored a last second goal in Stadium Puskás Ferenc against Hungary in a 2-1 win for Sweden in their qualification match.47

Personal life

Zlatan Ibrahimović and Mikael Persbrandt in Brazil while doing charity work for UNICEF.

Zlatan Ibrahimović is married to Helena Seger and has 2 children, Maximilian (born on 22 September, 2006), and Vincent (born on 06 March, 2008). They have a pet pug named Trustor. He currently resides in Barcelona, although he visits his summer home in Malmö annually. Ibrahimović received a black belt in Taekwondo at the age of 17, where he attended classes at the Malmö Taekwondo club Enighet, which has helped his flexibility in the ability to take acrobatic shots and passes. He has stated that he enjoys watching new movies and traveling with his family.48 Ibrahimović is fluent in Swedish, Bosnian, English, and Italian, and is learning Catalan and Spanish. Ibrahimović is sponsored by Nike and features in their television advertisements.

Career statistics

Club

Club performance League Cup Continental Total
Season Club League Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Sweden League Svenska Cupen Europe Total
1999 Malmö FF Allsvenskan 6 1 - - 6 1
2000 Superettan 26 12 - - 26 12
2001 Allsvenskan 8 3 - - 8 3
Netherlands League KNVB Cup Europe Total
2001–02 Ajax Eredivisie 24 6 3 0 6 2 33 8
2002–03 25 13 3 3 13 5 41 21
2003–04 22 13 1 0 6 2 29 15
2004–05 3 3 - - 3 3
Italy League Coppa Italia Europe Total
2004–05 Juventus Serie A 35 16 0 0 10 0 45 16
2005–06 35 7 2 0 9 3 46 10
2006–07 Internazionale Serie A 27 15 2 0 7 0 36 15
2007–08 26 17 1 0 7 5 34 22
2008–09 35 25 3 3 8 1 46 29
Spain League Copa del Rey Europe Total
2009–10 FC Barcelona La Liga 9 7 0 0 4 1 13 8
Total Sweden 40 16 - - 40 16
Netherlands 74 35 7 3 25 9 106 47
Italy 158 80 8 3 41 9 207 92
Spain 9 7 0 0 4 1 13 8
Career Total 279 140 15 6 70 19 366 163

International goals

  • Sweden score first

Honours

Ajax

Internazionale

Barcelona

Individual

References

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External links

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Sporting positions
Preceded by
Henrik Larsson		 Sweden national football team Captain
2009–		 Succeeded by
Incumbent
v • d • e
FC Barcelona – current squad

1 Valdés · 2 Dani Alves · 3 Piqué · 4 Márquez · 5 Puyol (c) · 6 Xavi · 8 Iniesta · 9 Ibrahimović · 10 Messi · 11 Bojan · 13 Pinto · 14 Henry · 15 Keita · 16 Busquets · 17 Pedro · 18 Milito · 19 Maxwell · 21 Chygrynskiy · 22 Abidal · 24 Touré · 35 Jeffrén · Coach: Guardiola