Zlatan Ibrahimovic has stirred controversy in women’s football by making remarks many consider misogynistic. The issue arose when Ibrahimovic commented on a car gifted by the federation to midfielder Anders Svensson after his 144th selection, suggesting that the women players could receive a bike if they wanted the same privileges. This statement, made during a Christmas interview with Expressen, triggered strong reactions from Swedish players, with Nilla Fischer, a striker from Lyon, deeming it one of the “stupidest reactions” she had ever read.
In Sweden, where gender equality holds significant importance, Ibra’s comments sparked a lively controversy, reaching even UEFA. Karin Espelund, the President of the women’s committee of the European body, expressed her dismay on TV4, questioning why such debates still arise in football and highlighting that this kind of divide has long been addressed in other sports, if it ever existed. Ibrahimovic’s remarks have intensified discussions on gender equality within the sport and its broader implications.
