Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s signature response to billionaire queries & his latest venture with AC Milan

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a retired football legend, now serves as an advisor at San Siro and has investments in Hammarby.

March 1, 2024

Zlatan Being Zlatan When Asked About Being A Billionaire — Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images

The mysterious Swede accumulated significant wealth during his playing career, featuring stints at renowned clubs like Juventus, Inter, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and the LA Galaxy. His retirement in June 2023, at 41, was prompted by accumulating injuries.

Ibrahimovic now assumes an advisory role at San Siro, supporting the RedBird Capital ownership led by Gerry Cardinale, and holds a stake in Swedish club Hammarby. Speculation suggests that his involvement in Milan could yield substantial benefits.

During the Financial Times Business of Football summit, Ibrahimovic addressed queries about collaborating with Cardinale, dismissing notions of aiming for billionaire status by stating, “Who says I’m not already one? First of all, I had finished my career three months before I met Gerry. After 20 years, I felt free, and then Gerry made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. It opens doors for me. I couldn’t say no. When I quit, I said I wanted to start from scratch. Then, this opportunity came. I feel like I have a lot to give. When you work with the best, you become the best. I used to play with these guys. They were my teammates eight months ago. There is a tremendous amount of respect between us and my current role. You have to make certain decisions, not be too kind and think from other perspectives. Think about the club and the future. I am still part of the Swedish club Hammarby, just like before. We are working to improve and take steps with Hammarby. This changes nothing.”

Cardinale likened Ibrahimovic’s charisma and business acumen to that of LeBron James and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, envisioning his seamless transition into the business realm. Meanwhile, Milan continues to evolve under Stefano Pioli’s leadership, with talents like USMNT star Christian Pulisic aiming for success in Serie A and the Europa League.