Zlatan criticized for choosing Trump event over Sweden's World Cup opener
Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Zlatan Ibrahimović is facing criticism for attending a Donald Trump-organized UFC event instead of Sweden's World Cup opening match.
- The Swedish footballer chose the event celebrating U.S. independence and Trump's birthday over his national team's game against Tunisia.
- Teammates and media in Sweden expressed disappointment with Ibrahimović's priorities.
Football superstar Zlatan Ibrahimović has drawn criticism for prioritizing a UFC event organized by Donald Trump over Sweden's opening match in the World Cup. Ibrahimović, 44, was absent as Sweden decisively beat Tunisia 5-1 in their World Cup opener on Monday.
Instead, the former star striker attended a UFC event held to celebrate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and coinciding with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. Ibrahimović shared his excitement about the event in a video posted by UFC Europe on X, stating, "It feels fantastic. This is something I never imagined being a part of, but let's just enjoy it and hope for a good fight."
It feels fantastic. This is something I never imagined being a part of, but let's just enjoy it and hope for a good fight.
His absence from the Swedish team's crucial match sparked reactions in his home country. Aftonbladet reported that "Zlatan rejected Sweden." Swedish midfielder Jesper Karlström also questioned Ibrahimović's choices. "I think he should have prioritized our game instead," Karlström said after the match. Ibrahimović remains the all-time top scorer for the Swedish men's national team, with 62 goals.
I think he should have prioritized our game instead.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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