Brazil Launches #VemIbra Campaign to Woo Zlatan Ibrahimović to the World Cup Party
Zlatan Ibrahimović may not have qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but that hasn’t stopped Brazil from trying to bring the iconic Swedish striker to the tournament — this time, as a guest of honour rather than a competitor.
Despite Sweden’s failure to qualify after a dramatic playoff defeat to Portugal, a star-studded campaign is underway in Brazil to lure the Paris Saint-Germain forward to South America for the football celebration of the year. The initiative, dubbed #VemIbra (Come Ibra), has already captured the attention of fans and celebrities alike.
Spearheaded by some of Brazil’s biggest sporting legends, the campaign features videos of football greats such as Ronaldo, Daniel Alves, and Rai personally inviting Zlatan to join them in Brazil during the tournament. These heartfelt messages have been circulating widely online, urging the mercurial striker to join the festivities — not on the pitch, but in spirit.
The call isn’t just coming from the footballing world. Brazilian TV presenters, musicians, pilots, and even everyday fans have taken to social media and television to add their voices to the chorus, encouraging Ibrahimović to reconsider his stance on missing out entirely. The movement has gained traction across digital platforms, with the hashtag #VemIbra trending and drawing widespread support both in Brazil and internationally.
Ibrahimović, known for his charisma and blunt statements, famously dismissed the idea of watching the World Cup after Sweden’s elimination. Speaking shortly after the decisive playoff loss to Portugal, he stated:
“A World Cup without me is something I’m not going to follow.”
That quote quickly made headlines and became a defining soundbite in the aftermath of the playoff, underlining the disappointment felt by fans around the globe who were hoping to see Ibrahimović’s flair and presence on football’s biggest stage.
Now, Brazil hopes to change his mind — not by appealing to competitive spirit, but by offering an invitation to experience the World Cup atmosphere from a different perspective: as a guest of honour at the heart of the football-mad nation.
While Ibrahimović has yet to respond publicly to the campaign, the momentum behind #VemIbra is growing. With the tournament fast approaching, many are watching to see if the Swedish superstar will be swayed by the show of admiration and hospitality. His presence, even off the pitch, would undoubtedly add star power to a World Cup already brimming with anticipation.
As one Brazilian fan put it in a video message:
“The world needs Zlatan — even if it’s just for the party.”
Whether Zlatan chooses to join Brazil for the World Cup or not, one thing is certain: few players could miss out on qualification and still be at the centre of the global football conversation. That, in itself, speaks volumes about the legend of Ibrahimović.
