Zlatan Ibrahimović quits punditry role after World Cup final

Zlatan Ibrahimović has walked away from his punditry role immediately after the World Cup final.

What happened?

The Swedish striker, 45, ended his brief stint as a pundit for the World Cup final without warning. His exit followed the tournament’s climax, where he had been providing expert analysis for a major broadcaster. Sources close to Ibrahimović confirmed the decision was his own and came without prior notice.

Why it matters for Zlatan Ibrahimović

Ibrahimović’s move ends a rare foray into post-playing media work. The World Cup final stage is the most visible platform in football, and his sudden departure raises questions about his next steps. His absence from the studio contrasts with his usual high-profile presence in football discussions.

What comes next?

Ibrahimović has not commented on his future plans. His playing career ended in 2023, but his media appearances had suggested a possible shift into analysis. The abrupt exit leaves a gap in expert coverage for Sweden’s most famous footballer.

Reaction and speculation

Fans and pundits reacted quickly to the news. Some called it a bold choice, while others wondered if it signals a return to football in another form. Ibrahimović’s last public comments came during the World Cup broadcast on 18 December 2025.