It's a one-and-done for Zlatan.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is no stranger to farewells. After all, the iconic Swedish footballer spent his professional career with 10 different squads, leaving plenty of time for goodbyes over two-plus decades.
However, his latest stay might end up being his shortest one yet. After making his soccer desk analyst debut during the 2026 World Cup, Ibrahimovic confirmed that this would be his first and last time covering the event in the analyst's chair.
During the Fox postgame show after Spain's 1-0 win over Argentina, Ibrahimovic took time to say goodbyes and give thanks for his stay with a heartfelt sign off.
"I've been talking a lot the last one-and-a-half months, so this will be my last words," he said on the Fox postgame show. "I want to take this moment: Alexi (Lalas), thank you. Thierry (Henry), thank you. Rebecca (Lowe), thank you.
"It has been an absolute pleasure to share this studio with you guys. You made it very easy for me. I want to thank also, Fox studio. I want to thank, America. I want to thank also, all the other people you don't see. I don't remember all their names like Thierry.
"But, you made it easy for me. I hope, America, you enjoyed as much as I did. And this is also my farewell to the studio. This was the first and last time for me. So thank you, everybody."
Fox's World Cup broadcast analyst desk featuring Ibrahimovic, Thierry Henry and Alexi Lalas drew eyeballs for its at-times seemingly contentious chemistry, with some critics noting the difference in reputation between the two European icons and American Lalas.
Ibrahimovic specifically has been praised for his honest and entertaining work from behind the desk throughout the tournament.
Not all goodbyes are permanent, however, and time will tell if Zlatan plans to lace up the proverbial cleats by firing up the microphone in four years' time.
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Source: USA Today
