Ah Zlatan Ibrahimovic, you continue to endear yourself to football fans across the world, you elegant giant of a man, you. Your performance last night was nothing short of spectacular, assisting all four goals in Paris St. Germain’s 4-0 thrashing of Dinamo Zagreb.
Many felt the Sweden captain had opted to join the Ligue 1 side with a view to one final big payday and while it may be the case, Ibrahimovic continues to impress for Les Rogue-et-Bleu, having netted 12 goals and contributed a further five assists in 12 appearances in all competitions.
Of those 12 goals, two came in the 2-2 draw with Marseille last month, both of which were traditional Zlatan efforts – an impressive backheel from a corner and a thumping 30-yard free-kick which clocked 101 kph, according to Canal+.
The 31-year-old continues to have his doubters, especially those within the confines of England, but at times, Ibra’s class continues to shine through. Therefore, despite failing to win the Serie A trophy with AC Milan last season, his first season without a domestic title in eight years, it was no surprise to see him nominated as a potential receiver of the Ballon d’Or.
Many will recall his comments earlier this year regarding the need for a change in the winner of the prestigious individual accolade, with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi picking up the award the past three winners running with many expecting him to make it four.
His performance on Wednesday night will forever be remembered by fans of the player and even though he may not have his name called out when the winner is announced later this year; it is likely to have turned heads from those that doubted Ibrahimovic in the past.