Zlatan Ibrahimović, a figure often characterized by his bold persona and self-assured pronouncements, revealed a distinct vulnerability during his recent role as a television pundit: a fear of helicopters. The Swedish football legend, who stands at 6 feet 5 inches, admitted to feeling terrified as he prepared for a helicopter journey to the World Cup final, working alongside Thierry Henry and former U.S. international Alexi Lalas for Fox Sports.
"The adrenaline is pumping on the way, I'm s******* in my pants," Ibrahimović stated with a grin, attempting to lighten the mood. "I don't like helicopters but it's okay, I have Rebecca [Lowe, presenter] close to me, I have Thierry, I have Alexi. If we go down, we go down together."
Despite his on-air persona, which often includes grandiose statements and a perceived lack of vulnerability, Ibrahimović's aversion to flying machines was evident. His career has been marked by confident declarations, such as his assertion to Arsène Wenger regarding a potential Arsenal trial: "I will not do a trial: either you take me or not, I'm not here to waste time." He has previously stated, "When I was young, in my mind no one was better than me," and "I can't help but laugh at how perfect I am."
Ibrahimović's tenure as a pundit has also involved playful, and at times tense, interactions with his colleague Alexi Lalas. Fox World Cup host Rebecca Lowe has publicly addressed these exchanges, asserting that any perceived tension is exaggerated and a source of amusement among the broadcast team. Lowe described the suggestions of discord as "getting a little out of hand" and noted that the team often laughs about the resulting media narratives.
Lalas has occasionally responded to Ibrahimović's remarks, once likening his cream suit to an outfit from the 1970s television show 'Fantasy Island.' However, Lowe maintains that a strong mutual respect underlies the banter. "Everybody respects everybody hugely," she said, emphasizing that the dynamic viewers witness on screen is part of their professional rapport and not indicative of genuine conflict.