Ibrahimovic criticizes the pacifism of Spain's players: "I would have headbutted Paredes"'

Leandro Paredes can be glad there wasn’t any player like me on the field. If I had been there, I would have headbutted him and I would have been sent off

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a football legend who has become one of the main protagonists of the 2026 World Cup, shining in his new role as a television commentator, was very forceful when analyzing the behavior of Argentina's Leandro Paredes before and after the final against Spain.

I don't know what the Spanish players are doing; they simply watch as another player hits a teammate

"Parades can be glad there wasn’t any 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 a lack of professionalism on his part," said Ibra on Fox Sports commenting on Paredes’ assault on Eric García and Gavi at the end of the match.

The former Swedish footballer also criticized the lack of response from Spain's players to Paredes' assault at MetLife Stadium: "I don't know what the Spanish players are doing; they simply watch as another player hits a teammate".

'Ibrahimovic, after Spain's victory over Argentina: "Football won"'

"Today football won. The way Spain plays football, the way they played in this tournament... when you watch football, this is what you want to see," Ibra said after the final that Spain won.

'Ibra commented that "Argentina didn't have a single shot on target" and "the best defense in the tournament? Spain, and the team that was supposed to win won... You asked me before the tournament and I said Spain was going to win. When I say things, they happen".'

'Ibrahimovic retires as a television commentator: "This is my farewell from the studio"'

Zlatan Ibrahimovic took the opportunity to announce that he was planning to retire from his successful career as a television commentator.

"He hablado mucho en el último mes y medio, but these will be my last words. Alexi (Lalas), thank you. Thierry (Henry), thank you. Rebecca (Lowe), thank you," said the former Barcelona, Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Milan, PSG and Manchester United player.

'Ibra acknowledged that "it has been a great pleasure to share this studio with you; you really made it very easy for me. I also want to thank Fox, the United States, and all the people you don't see. I hope the United States enjoyed it as much as I did. This is my farewell to the studio. For me, it was the first and the last time. So, take care, everyone"'