Ibrahimovic retires from punditry after World Cup coverage

Football icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic has retired from punditry duties after the World Cup.

Ibrahimovic retires from punditry after World Cup coverage

Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has announced he is stepping away from television punditry following the 2026 World Cup final.

The 44-year-old, who earned 122 caps for Sweden during his illustrious playing career, joined Fox Sports’ World Cup coverage this summer alongside Rebecca Lowe, Thierry Henry and Alexi Lalas for his first experience as a television analyst.

Following Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the World Cup final, Ibrahimovic revealed live on air that the tournament would mark the end of his broadcasting stint.

Former footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic looking sternly to his right in a football stadium while wearing a dark suit jacket and top with a crowd blurrily visible in the background

“I’ve been talking a lot the last one-and-a-half months, so this will be my last words,” Ibrahimovic said. “I want to thank America. I want to thank all the other people you don’t see. I don’t remember all their names like Thierry.

“I hope, America, you enjoyed it as much as I did. And this is also my farewell to the studio.”

When host Rebecca Lowe asked whether he was leaving for good, Ibrahimovic confirmed there would be no return.

“This was the first and last time for me – so take care, everybody.”

Despite having no previous television punditry experience before the tournament, Ibrahimovic quickly became a popular figure with viewers thanks to his outspoken analysis and trademark personality.