Lately, the buzz around whether Zlatan Ibrahimovic would participate in the World Cup has reached a fever pitch. The legendary striker repeatedly claimed, “If I want to go, I’ll go!” making it clear he believed his return to international football was entirely in his hands.

However, the Swedish Football Association officially shut the door, confirming that Ibrahimovic would not be part of the national team for the tournament. In classic Zlatan fashion, he fired back with biting sarcasm. Despite being left out, Ibrahimovic will still travel to Russia during the World Cup, as his club LA Galaxy has granted him time off. “I’ve always said it—I have a private jet, I’ll go to the World Cup anyway,” he quipped. “From where I stand, Sweden is now a top contender to win the tournament—because without Zlatan, they’ll play even better!”

His tongue-in-cheek remark was clearly aimed at mocking the Swedish squad. The team had barely made it to the World Cup, needing a play-off to qualify. In the two-legged tie against Italy, their only goal came from an own goal by Daniele De Rossi—essentially a stroke of luck that sent them to the finals. Missing out on the World Cup himself, Zlatan didn’t hold back in roasting the Swedish Football Association. Whether it’s confidence or arrogance, one thing’s certain—this is pure, unfiltered Zlatan.

Ibrahimovic’s larger-than-life personality continues to polarize fans. Some admire his self-belief and charisma, while others see him as too self-centered. It’s a case of “love him or hate him”—there’s rarely any middle ground with the towering Swede.

Just like a thrilling BD Cricket Match where the unexpected becomes the main attraction, Zlatan’s antics keep global sports fans entertained off the pitch. Whether you cheer for him or against him, he remains one of football’s most magnetic figures. And as BD Cricket Match fans know all too well, sometimes the biggest drama happens far from the field—especially when legends decide to write their own rules.