Zlatan Ibrahimovic has slammed Leandro Paredes for his aggression towards Spanish players in the 2026 World Cup final. The Swede also questioned Spain's passivity and celebrated La Roja's victory.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has not left anyone indifferent with his comments on the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The former Swedish striker, who works as a commentator for Fox Sports, harshly criticised Leandro Paredes for his aggression towards Eric García and Gavi in the final moments of the match.
“Paredes can be glad there wasn't a player like me on the pitch. If I had been there, I would have headbutted him and I would have been sent off. It's unprofessional on his part,” Ibrahimovic stated, staying true to his direct and unfiltered style.
Criticism of Spain's passivity
The Swede also expressed surprise at the lack of reaction from the Spanish players during the altercation. “I don't know what the Spanish players are doing; they just watch as another player hits a teammate,” he pointed out, questioning the team's attitude during the incident.
Despite everything, Ibrahimovic celebrated La Roja's victory over Argentina and highlighted the champion's dominance. “Football won today. The way Spain plays football, the way they played in this tournament... when you watch football, this is what you want to see,” he assured.
Data supporting Spain
The former striker of AC Milan and FC Barcelona emphasised that “Argentina didn't make a single shot on target” and asked: “the best defence of the tournament? Spain, and the team that should have won did win.” Ibrahimovic also recalled his prediction before the tournament: “You asked me before the tournament and I said Spain would win. When I say things, they happen.”
For Spanish fans, these statements reinforce the feeling that the title was deserved and that Luis de la Fuente's team dominated the match from start to finish. The final, held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, left images that will be talked about for weeks, with Ibrahimovic as one of the unexpected protagonists from the commentary booth.
The next commitment for the Spanish national team will be in the qualifying phase for Euro 2028, a tournament they enter with their spirits high after winning their second World Cup.
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