Despite the best efforts of Alexi Lalas, Fox’s World Cup anchor desk featuring Zlatan Ibrahimović, Thierry Henry and host Rebecca Lowe was a rousing success.
But it sounds like a 2030 reunion is not in the cards.
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Ibrahimović — whose bombastic personality, acerbic wit and soccer insight helped make the desk’s segments must-watch — says he’s done. Ibrahimović signed off from Fox’s coverage of Sunday’s World Cup final by telling Lowe and his audience that he’s one-and-done.
“I have been talking a lot the last one and half months, so these will be my last words,” Ibrahimović said, before turning to thank each of his co-hosts individually.
“I hope, America, you enjoyed it as much as I did. And this is also my farewell to this studio.”
Lowe then asked Ibrahimović to confirm what he meant.
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“This was the first and last time for me, so thank you everybody,” Ibrahimović concluded.
Why stop now, Zlatan?
Ibrahimović was a giant in the game long before his broadcasting stint with Fox. He was a standout on the pitch who played in two World Cups and four UEFA European championships and retired as Sweden’s all-time leading goal scorer. His outsized personality elevated “Zlatan” to a household name and ultimately made him a prime pick for Fox’s World Cup anchor desk.
That personality translated seamlessly to the World Cup desk and elsewhere for Fox. He’s a natural fit who appeared destined for a thriving post-playing career in soccer broadcasting. But it sounds like that’s not what he wants.
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It’s unclear what’s next for Ibrahimović at 44 years old. But it sounds like he has his sights set on something other than talking soccer in the broadcast studio.
For the rest of us, let’s selfishly hope that he has a change of heart before the 2030 World Cup rolls around.
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