Zlatan Ibrahimović admits helicopter fear, stuns Thierry Henry on World Cup final eve

Zlatan Ibrahimović stunned Fox Sports host Thierry Henry with an unexpected admission during a helicopter ride ahead of the 2026 World Cup final. The Swedish football icon, known for his fearless persona, confessed to being nervous about flying, joking that he was 's--ting in my pants' before the Argentina vs. Spain match on July 19.

What happened during the broadcast?

Ibrahimović joined Henry, Alexi Lalas, and Rebecca Lowe for a pre-match segment from a helicopter. When Henry asked how he was feeling, the 44-year-old replied with his signature humor: 'The adrenaline is pumping... s--ting in my pants because I don’t like helicopters.' He lightened the mood by adding, 'If we go down, we go down together.'

Why did fans react so strongly?

Social media erupted with jokes about Ibrahimović’s rare moment of vulnerability. Fans called it his 'kryptonite' and praised his honesty. Many also expressed disappointment that the World Cup was ending, as Ibrahimović’s banter with Henry had become a highlight of the tournament.

What’s next for Ibrahimović?

The former AC Milan and LA Galaxy star retired in 2023 after a legendary career. Though his playing days are over, his charismatic presence as a pundit has kept him in the spotlight. With his fearless attitude and sharp wit, Ibrahimović continues to captivate audiences, even when admitting to a simple fear.

How did the World Cup final unfold?

Argentina and Spain faced off in the final, with Argentina aiming for back-to-back titles after their 2022 victory. The match marked the end of the 2026 World Cup, hosted across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Ibrahimović, who played in the 2002 and 2006 tournaments for Sweden, brought his unique perspective to the coverage.