Ibrahimovic Eyes Retirement While Reflecting on Family and Future
Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has admitted he is already looking forward to life after football, as he begins to consider retirement and spending more time with his family.
The 33-year-old has been sidelined for two weeks with injury, a period that he says has offered a rare opportunity to reflect on his career and what comes next. In an interview with The Guardian, the Swedish forward was candid about his desire to step away from the game while still at the top of his performance.
“On the contrary, I’m looking forward to it [retirement],” Ibrahimovic said. “When you play football, you spend a lot of time in hotels and you miss a lot. My oldest son is eight, my youngest is six — it’s not like I’ve been with them every day of their lives. I want to be a good father and I want to retire when I’m at the top of my game.”
Ibrahimovic, who has scored five goals in as many starts this Ligue 1 season, remains under contract with PSG until 2016. While he continues to be a key figure in the French club’s title ambitions, the veteran forward appears increasingly focused on what he calls “the next chapter.”
Known for his outspoken personality and prolific scoring record, Ibrahimovic has enjoyed a glittering career across Europe’s top leagues, having played for Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, and now PSG. He remains Sweden’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most recognisable figures in global football.
Despite his current injury absence, the forward has maintained a high level of performance this season, demonstrating that age has yet to slow his impact on the pitch. However, his comments suggest that a decision to retire may come not due to declining form, but from a personal desire to devote more time to his family.
His remarks also underline a broader conversation taking place among ageing footballers about the physical and emotional toll of the game — and the importance of finding balance beyond the sport.
For now, PSG will hope their talisman recovers quickly as they look to maintain momentum in both domestic and European competition. But fans may already be preparing themselves for the possibility that Ibrahimovic’s era is approaching its final chapter.