At the age of 41, Zlatan Ibrahimovic officially declared his retirement from professional football on Sunday, June 4.This decision marked the end of a remarkable career for the Swedish football icon, which spanned over two decades.
“The first time we arrived in Milan, you gave me happiness, the second time, you gave me love. From my heart, I want to thank you fans,” the legendary striker announced per Goal.
Zlatan’s retirement came after a glittering career that had seen him ply his trade with top European clubs, including AC Milan, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United.During the period, the 41-year- old won several titles and shattered a number of records that he is bound to hold for some time.
Sports Brief takes a look at the top six records held by the former Sweeden international.
First player to score every minute
Zlatan, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, are the only two players to have scored in every single minute of a football match.
The Swedish talisman was the first player to reach the landmark before Ronaldo replicated it.
Serie A’s oldest-ever goalscorer
The 41-year- old hit the milestone in March 2023.
According to talkSPORT, Zlatan broke the record as Serie A’s oldest-ever goalscorer with a penalty for AC Milan against Udinese.
The Swede set the benchmark at 41 years and 166 days, shattering the previous record by Alessandro Costacurta at 41 years and 25 days.
Most assists in a UEFA competitions season
During the 2012– 13 UEFA Champions League, Zlatan had the record for the most assists in a UEFA competition.
At the time, the forward bagged an impressive seven assists for Paris Saint-Germain.
Most Goals by a Swedish Player
Zlatan holds the record for the most goals by a Swedish player.
While Sweden has produced some top footballers in the past, Zlatan has emerged as the standout.
The striker scored 62 goals in 122 appearances for the national team.
Playing UCL for seven clubs
Zlatan is the only player to feature for seven different clubs in the Champions League.
The striker’s longevity and ability to play at the top level for long allowed him to play in the European competition for nearly every club he has played for.
He played for Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United.
King of scoring on debut
This is perhaps the most unique record that Zlatan holds.
The 41-year- old has been dubbed the king of debuts, having scored on his debut in Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1 and UCL.
Zlatan breaks down after retirement
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Zlatan Ibrahimovic could not fight his emotions after he unexpectedly announced his retirement from professional football after AC Milan’s final game of the season.
His contract is up this summer, and both parties had mutually decided to call it quits, but no one knew what the Swede’s next steps were until he made them.
Ibrahimovic was not listed in the matchday squad as he had been battling a knee injury that kept him out of action since April, but was in the stands at the San Siro.
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