Zlatan Ibrahimovic has blasted everyone involved in the post-match brawl following the World Cup final, targeting both Argentine aggression and the Spanish players' passive response. The former Sweden international, serving as a pundit for Fox Sports, did not hold back in his assessment of the chaotic scenes that marred Spain's 1-0 victory after extra time in New Jersey.
World Cup final ends in controversy
Spain secured their World Cup triumph with a goal from former Manchester City forward Ferran Torres in the 106th minute. The European champions dominated the match, with Argentina failing to register a single shot in 90 minutes and none on target over the entire 120 minutes. Frustration boiled over before the final whistle, with Enzo Fernandez receiving a red card near the end of normal time. Leandro Paredes was fortunate to avoid a second yellow after being booked early in the second half.
After the match, Paredes was at the center of a brawl as he kicked and shoved Eric Garcia before hauling Gavi to the ground. Nahuel Molina sparked the scrap by hitting Rodri, while Argentina coach Roberto Ayala appeared to punch Dani Olmo. Ibrahimovic was particularly critical of Paredes, stating that the Argentine midfielder would have faced a headbutt if the Swedish legend had been on the pitch.
Ibrahimovic's harsh words for both sides
“Paredes can be happy there was no player like me on the pitch,” Ibrahimovic said on Fox Sports. “If I had been there, I would have headbutted him and been sent off. It is unprofessional behaviour from him.” The 44-year-old also questioned the Spanish players' lack of retaliation: “I don’t know what the Spanish players are doing? They are just watching another player hit their teammate.” Despite the irony of criticizing professionalism while threatening a headbutt, Ibrahimovic remained unapologetic.
Ibrahimovic announces retirement from punditry
In a surprising twist, Ibrahimovic used the broadcast to announce his retirement from punditry. Having worked alongside Arsenal legend Thierry Henry on Fox's World Cup coverage, he declared this would be his last appearance. “I have talked a lot during the past month and a half, but these will be my last words. Alexi (Lalas), Thierry, Rebecca (Lowe), thank you. It has been my pleasure to share this studio with you. I also thank Fox, the United States and everyone who watched. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. This is my last visit to the studio. For me, this was the first and last time,” he said.
