Zlatan Ibrahimovic has announced his sudden retirement from television punditry live on air – moments after launching a withering attack on Argentina’s Leandro Paredes for his conduct in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain.
The Sweden great, working as a studio analyst for Fox Sports during the tournament in the United States, condemned Paredes’ aggressive clashes with Spain defenders Eric Garcia and Gavi, calling the midfielder’s behaviour “unprofessional”.
The 44-year-old, who had been widely praised for his forthright and charismatic analysis throughout the tournament, then shocked colleagues by declaring that this World Cup would be both his first and last experience as a TV pundit.
‘He can be happy there wasn’t a player like me’
Speaking on Fox Sports as replays showed Paredes’ confrontations with Spanish players at MetLife Stadium, Ibrahimovic said the Roma midfielder was fortunate not to have faced him on the pitch.
“He can be happy there wasn’t a player like me on the field,” Ibrahimovic said. “If I had been there I would have headbutted him and been sent off. It’s an unprofessional act from him.”
Paredes’ combative display in the final, which Argentina lost to Spain, drew widespread scrutiny, with the experienced midfielder involved in several heated exchanges as tempers flared.
But Ibrahimovic, who represented clubs including Barcelona, Juventus, AC Milan, Paris St-Germain and Manchester United, also turned his ire on Spain’s players, accusing them of failing to stand up for their team-mates.
Criticism for Spain players’ lack of response
The former Sweden captain appeared incredulous that no Spanish player had forcefully confronted Paredes over his challenges.
“I don’t know what the Spanish players are doing?! They are just watching another player hit their team-mate,” he said, questioning the lack of collective reaction on the field.
Ibrahimovic’s remarks were in keeping with the outspoken persona that has defined his career, both on and off the pitch. Known for his physical presence, self-belief and combative style, he has often spoken about the importance of intimidation and personality in elite football.
His comments added another layer of controversy to a final already remembered for its tension, high stakes and disciplinary flashpoints.
‘My first and last time’ in the studio
In a move that took viewers – and even his fellow panellists – by surprise, Ibrahimovic then used the same segment to declare his immediate exit from television work.
“I have talked a lot during the last month and a half, but these will be my last words, Alexi (Lalas), Thierry (Henry), Rebecca (Lowe), thank you,” he said, turning to his colleagues in the studio.
The Swede, who had been a central figure in Fox’s World Cup coverage, went on to offer a farewell message to the broadcaster, the host nation and viewers.
“It has been my pleasure to share this studio with you, and I also thank Fox and the United States and everybody who watched,” he added. “I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. This is my last visit to the studio, for me it was the first and the last time.”
Short but headline-grabbing punditry stint
Ibrahimovic’s decision brings to an end a brief but highly talked-about spell in television punditry, lasting just six weeks over the course of the World Cup.
In that time, he attracted attention for the same qualities that marked his playing days: blunt honesty, sharp criticism and a flair for dramatic statements.
By closing his TV career with a fierce denunciation of Paredes and a pointed rebuke of Spain’s players, Ibrahimovic ensured his departure from the studio was as memorable as many of his moments on the pitch.
His exit leaves questions over whether he might reconsider media work in future, but by his own account, this World Cup has been both debut and finale in front of the cameras.
