The Lion is set to leave the hunt.
After a breakout first stint on the commentary desk, Zlatan Ibrahimovic announced on Fox Sports’ coverage of the World Cup Final that he will not be returning for 2030.
“I have been talking a lot the last one and half months, so these will be my last words,” Ibrahimovic said, before turning to thank each of his co-hosts individually.
“I hope, America, you enjoyed it as much as I did. And this is also my farewell to this studio.”
Rebecca Lowe, the show’s host, asked Ibrahimovic to clarify what he meant.
“This was the first and last time for me, so thank you everybody,” Ibrahimovic ended.
Ibrahimovic is no stranger to quick goodbyes, playing for 10 different clubs throughout his professional career, but Sweden’s all-time leading goal scorer was a natural on TV.
His outwardly confident personality and soccer knowledge made him an entertaining combination with Thierry Henry.
Ibrahimovic’s relationship with Alexis Lalas also drew attention as he repeatedly took playful-but-pointed shots at the former USMNT defender.
After Lalas criticized France’s arrogance against Senegal, Ibrahimovic said “it’s not arrogance, it’s confidence. Ignorant people will say it’s arrogance. Intelligent people will say it’s confidence.”
“It has been an absolute pleasure to share this studio with you guys,” Ibrahimovic said. “You made it very easy for me. I also want to thank Fox studio. I want to thank America. I also want to thank all the other people you don’t see. I don’t remember all their names like Thierry.”
Some expected Ibrahimovic to use the World Cup to launch his TV career as a new chapter after playing soccer, which he retired from at the end of the 2022-23 season.
Ibrahimovic became a household name for his years with Inter Milan, Barcelona, PSG, and Manchester United and had broken into the American market while playing for LA Galaxy in 2018 and ’19.
At the peak of his career, Ibrahimovic finished fourth for the FIFA Ballon d’Or and was Ligue 1’s Player of the Year in 2013.
