Latest news with #Zlatan

Hypebeast
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Zlatan Ibrahimović: From Malmö Dream to FC 26 Cover
Zlatan Ibrahimovićhas been unveiled as the cover star forEA SPORTS' FC 26 Ultimate Edition, set to launch worldwide on September 26, 2025. This highly anticipated reveal, which also introducedJude BellinghamandJamal Musialaas the Standard Edition athletes for FC 26 and FC Mobile, brings a unique blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge gaming. The Ultimate Edition cover notably features a powerful recreation of an iconic photo from Zlatan's early days at Malmö FF, promising fans a deep dive into the legendary striker's journey and celebrating his illustrious career that spans across Europe's biggest clubs. Stepping onto the set for the cover shoot was a profound experience for the Swedish maestro, transporting him back decades. 'It brings back memories,' Zlatan reflected. 'This was a long time ago. It makes me feel young. It makes me feel like that little boy that had this big dream to become a professional football player.' He candidly shared the pivotal role of his idol, Ronaldo (R9), in shaping his ambitions: 'I took him as an example, and I tried to copy him in every movement he did on the field. I was young, crazy, and rock and roll, just like every young kid out there.' The set was packed with 'easter eggs' from his biggest moments, including those very posters of Ronaldo. Reflecting on seeing them now versus then, Zlatan quipped, 'At that time, I saw only Ronaldo posters in the books, but today I know Ronaldo personally, so it's a big difference.' When asked about the legacy he's building as an icon, Zlatan emphasized authenticity: 'From day one, I have always been myself. I didn't try to change for nobody. I brought my character, I brought whoever I am, wherever I went.' From his humble beginnings in Malmö to gracing the global stage, his journey serves as a powerful inspiration. As he puts it, 'I'm a living proof that you can make it even if you come from different kinds of circumstances. And I came from nothing and I made it. So, it's a whole package. That's what I come to stand for.'


Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Joins EA Sports as Icon for EA FC Mobile
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is returning to EA Sports, and this time, he's headed straight for FC Mobile. Probably for the first time, fans will experience an EA FC Mobile Icon debut before PC and console! After much speculation and anticipation, EA Sports has confirmed Zlatan's arrival in FC 26 and EA FC Mobile Season 3 through their official social media handles. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In a week filled with teaser reveals, Zlatan is set to make his debut as an Icon in the handheld sports game through a new Icon Chronicles chapter, as suggested by well-known leakers. Official announcement from EA Sports confirms Zlatan's EA FC Mobile return: Leaks hint at a special Icon Chronicles chapter On July 15, 2025, EA Sports dropped a bombshell via their official X (formerly Twitter) account, showcasing the FC 26 Ultimate Edition Cover. Accompanying the teaser was a reminder that the full reveal of EA FC 26 is scheduled for July 16. But what really caught FC Mobile fans' attention was the response from the official FC Mobile X handle, which stated: 'There are players. And then there is Zlatan. Coming to FC Mobile later this week.' EA FC Mobile Official This confirms what leakers like @MadridistaaFC and @Sappurit had previously hinted: Zlatan will not only feature in FC 26 but will arrive early in FC Mobile, even before the Season 3 reset, which is not expected this month. According to leaker Sappurit, Zlatan Ibrahimovic will debut in EA FC Mobile through the exclusive "Icon Chronicles" chapter, a format previously used to introduce David Beckham in Season 2. These chapters typically offer players a chance to complete a series of objectives to unlock high OVR versions of a specific Icon. The rumored 'Icon Chronicles: Zlatan Ibrahimovic' chapter is expected to go live around July 18–19, 2025, aligning with EA's pattern of dropping big content in the days following an Ultimate Edition reveal. Why Zlatan Ibrahimovic's debut as an Icon is huge for EA FC Mobile Players Zlatan's inclusion as an Icon ST card brings unmatched flair, power, and swagger to the game. Known for his acrobatic volleys, outrageous long shots, and towering headers, the Swedish legend could become one of the most dominant strikers in EA FC Mobile. This will be exciting for young gamers who have not played with his prime EA FC (or formerly FIFA) cards during his playing days, as they will get their hands on a completely new set of elite Zlatan Ibrahimovic cards, who recently retired from football. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Expect a player card with elite stats in Finishing, Shot Power, Heading, and Ball Control, along with traits like Flair, Outside Foot Shot, and possibly the iconic Bicycle Kick trait. In gameplay terms, Zlatan will likely be: A physical powerhouse with high Strength and Jumping A clinical finisher in the box with elite Positioning A tall target-man ideal for crossing meta tactics A charismatic leader with custom celebrations and animations With no season reset in FC Mobile, Zlatan's Icon version is coming in fast. Whether you're a longtime fan or just looking to add one of football's most iconic figures to your squad, this is a can't-miss opportunity.

Hypebeast
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Zlatan Ibrahimović Announced as 'FC 26 Ultimate Edition' Cover Star
Former Swedish footballerZlatan Ibrahimovićhas been announced as the cover star forEA SPORTS'upcomingFC 26 Ultimate Edition. The formidable striker – who started his senior career with Swedish side Malmö FF before stints at a number of Europe's biggest teams including both Inter and AC Milan, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Ajax and Manchester United – will grace the cover of the game in a photo described by EA as 'a recreation of the iconic photo of Zlatan during his days at Malmo.' EA says that the cover is 'packed with easter eggs from his biggest moments' and has confirmed that the superstar's boyhood club, Malmo, will be playable in the upcomingFC 26game. FC 26, the latest title in EA's long-running football simulation series (which is in its fourth decade now) is due to launch later this summer. Stay tuned for more information as we get it.


NDTV
30-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
"Lionel Messi Playing With Statues, Not Teammates": Zlatan Ibrahimovic Tears Into Inter Miami
Lionel Messi 's PSG reunion in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 clash with Inter Miami turned out to be a nightmare. The UEFA Champions League winners taught the MLS side a big lesson on how to play football, securing a 4-0 win to qualify for the quarter-finals. Messi himself looked on song, orchestrating passes and building moves for his team, but Inter Miami, overall, just weren't a match for PSG. Be it attack of defence, the MLS club could hardly trouble the men from Paris. The result of the match saw Messi being trolled, with many fans saying that the Argentine great is well past his prime. However, Messi's former Barcelona teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic wasn't in agreement. In a chat with Foot Mercato, Ibrahimovic tore into Messi's Inter Miami teammates, saying the PSG match made him feel like the 8-time Ballon d'Or winner was playing with statues and not humans. "Messi's defeat? No, no, don't talk about the defeat as if it were his fault! Messi didn't lose, Inter Miami did! Have you seen the team? Messi plays with statues, not teammates! If he was in a real team, in Paris, Manchester, in any of the big teams, you'd have seen the real lion. "Messi only plays because he loves the game, because he can still do what 99% of players can't! But he's surrounded by those who run around like they're carrying bags of cement! Zlatan also criticised those questioning Messi, saying the standard of players he was with and the level of the league he features is extremely low. "There are no coaches, no stars, not even players who understand how to move without the ball! You want to blame Messi? When he plays with Ronaldo, with Mbappé, with Haaland, with Zlatan. Then you can talk! But today? No, no, no, no, no. The former Sweden International feels Messi still has what it takes to perform at the top level, but he needs to be in a better team. "But be careful, if you give him a real team, he'll burn down the stadium again! Because, quite simply. Messi is still Messi, but today? It's not his defeat, it's the defeat of Inter Miami and of football."


Daily Record
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Benjamin Nygren to Celtic transfer fee revealed as Brendan Rodgers closes in on man who was once hotter than Zlatan
The Hoops are in talks with the Swedish winger as they look set to beat a number of clubs to his signature Celtic are closing in on Swedish ace Benjamin Nygren – who was once tipped as a hotter prospect than superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Hoops are set for talks with the 23-year-old Nordsjaelland attacker and could seal the deal for just £1.7million with the youngster's current deal up at the end of the year. Danish big guns Copenhagen are also in the hunt, along with Anderlecht and sides in the MLS. But boss Brendan Rodgers and Celts have already stolen a march having been granted permission to open discussions. Nygren has admitted he's keen for a new challenge this summer after his career sparked back to life in Denmark. The wide man – who can also play as a no.10 – was a sensation when he broke into the IFK Goteborg side at just 17-year-old with pundits suggesting he was ahead of Swedish legend Zlatan at the same age. Then Goteborg boss Poya Asbaghi said: 'I've worked with him for over a year, so now it's no longer surprising. But I haven't worked with anyone like him before, to be honest. 'He is much further along than the guys I have met his age. I have highlighted Nygren as a great talent many times. 'Then I can't highlight him as often as I want because I also know the pressure it brings. 'Here we have a player who has extremely high potential. The expectations for Benja are very, very high. 'When he hasn't scored two goals after two training matches, people start to wonder, 'What's going on with Benja?' 'But he's 17 years old. What did Zlatan do when he was 17? He barely played football then. Nygren does and he plays in the Allsvenskan. 'That alone is big. But the expectations can't be as high on him as they have been. 'Benjamin if anyone is good at handling pressure – but he also has to have a coach who comes to him and says that the pressure is disproportionate if it is.' Nygren was snapped up by Belgians Genk for £4.5m after less than 20 top team appearances but the move didn't go to plan and landed in Denmark following a loan spell in Holland. He's roared back to form with Nordsjaelland though and has emerged as one of the top players in Denmark in the last 12 months, landing a pick in the team of the season after notching 16 goals. Nygren also blasted his way into the Sweden national side and he has hit the net in the last two of his three appearances, with goals against Northern Ireland and Hungary. Celts are hoping to push a deal over the line early but also remain in the hunt for several attacking options, including Sarpsborg's Sondre Orjasaeter and Royal Antwerp's Michel-Ange Balikwisha.