Fox Sports has agreed a deal with Zlatan Ibrahimovic to ensure the legendary Swedish striker will be a full-time TV studio analyst for the upcoming World Cup.
Although Zlatan Ibrahimovic signed for Manchester United towards the latter stages of his career in 2016, he defied critics who claimed he was too old for the Premier League before scoring 28 goals across all competitions.
Ibrahimovic acted as the focal point for a team in transition during Jose Mourinho’s first season in charge, but his momentum was tragically halted in April 2017 during a Europa League quarter-final against Anderlecht, where he suffered a double cruciate ligament rupture.
The highlight of Ibrahimovic’s time at United came when he won the Carabao Cup in 2017, but the injury meant he missed the Europa League final win over Ajax, which negatively impacted his second season at Old Trafford before departing in March 2018.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic working for CBS Sports at the Milan derby
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Fox Sports prioritised Zlatan Ibrahimovic as a World Cup pundit
In recent years, Ibrahimovic has held a hierarchical role at AC Milan, after returning to the club as a player to retire between 2020 and 2023.
There is always a feeling of what could have been had Ibrahimovic joined United earlier in his career, but at least we still have fond memories of the 44-year-old Swede.
With three years of retirement under his belt, Ibrahimovic will now make his studio debut when the World Cup begins on June 11. He will be a regular on Fox Sports throughout the tournament.
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Ibrahimovic is one of three big hires conducted by Fox Sports for the World Cup. They include Thierry Henry and, on loan from NBC, host Rebecca Lowe.
Ibrahimovic announced the news on X with a teaser video created by Fox Sports.
Having played in two World Cups, 2002 and 2006, Ibrahimovic will bring a wealth of experience to the studio. There won’t be a shortage of clips shared on social media once he tucks into the action.
Ibrahimovic will be joined by Henry, who has lots of experience working as a pundit, including on NBC Sports’ Champions League coverage with former Premier League defenders Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic was at the top of the wish list for Fox Sports
It is understood that Fox Sports looked at several icons from the game.
Former United midfielder David Beckham was approached, like ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, but Fox Sports has decided to go with former Barcelona strikers Ibrahimovic and Henry.
“He was at the top of the list of people we wanted to take swings at for this World Cup,” Fox Sports president Brad Zager told The Athletic.
“We put a blank slate on the board, thinking some were longshots and guys who have worked with us in the past and a lot of stuff in between. And Zlatan was one that there was no reason to not take a swing and see if he would be willing to do this.”
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