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I Am Football: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
FROM THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF I AM ZLATAN COMES...
I AM FOOTBALL.
A photographic journey around planet Zlatan including interviews with: POGBA, MINO RAIOLA, JOSE MOUINHO AND MANY OTHERS.
"He is an amazing talent, one of the best around." Pep Guardiola
"He is skillful. He is outspoken. He is Zlatan." New York Times
"Wonderful. The best footballer's autobiography of recent years . . . and the bestselling European immigrant's tale since Zadie Smith's White Teeth and Philip Roth's Portnoy's Complaint." Simon Kuper,Financial Times
"I came like a hero. I left like a legend." Zlatan Ibrahimovic
From Malmo, to becoming the Ligue 1's highest ever goal scorer with Paris Saint-Germain, before on further triumph at Manchester United.
ZLATAN IS FOOTBALL!
I AM FOOTBALL.
A photographic journey around planet Zlatan including interviews with: POGBA, MINO RAIOLA, JOSE MOUINHO AND MANY OTHERS.
"He is an amazing talent, one of the best around." Pep Guardiola
"He is skillful. He is outspoken. He is Zlatan." New York Times
"Wonderful. The best footballer's autobiography of recent years . . . and the bestselling European immigrant's tale since Zadie Smith's White Teeth and Philip Roth's Portnoy's Complaint." Simon Kuper,Financial Times
"I came like a hero. I left like a legend." Zlatan Ibrahimovic
From Malmo, to becoming the Ligue 1's highest ever goal scorer with Paris Saint-Germain, before on further triumph at Manchester United.
ZLATAN IS FOOTBALL!
256 pages, Hardcover
First published November 8, 2018
52 people are currently reading
1241 people want to read
About the author
Zlatan Ibrahimović
9 books113 followersA Swedish professional footballer who plays as a striker for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the Swedish national team for which he is captain. Ibrahimović started his career at Malmö FF in the late 1990s under Roland Andersson. He was signed by Ajax, and made a name for himself under Ronald Koeman. He later signed with Juventus for €16 million. Ibrahimović gained fame in Serie A, benefiting from his strike partnership with David Trezeguet.
In 2006, Ibrahimović signed with league rival Inter Milan, where he won individual awards such as the Italian Oscar del Calcio and the Swedish Guldbollen, and was named in the 2007 and 2009 UEFA Team of the Year, in addition to finishing as the league's highest scorer in 2008–09 while winning three straight Scudetti. In the summer of 2009, he transferred to Barcelona. His time at Barcelona was short-lived, however, moving back to Serie A football with A.C. Milan the following season, in a deal which made him one of the highest paid footballers in the world and cost the Italian club €24 million. He signed a three-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain in July 2012.
With his playing style compared to Dutch legend Marco van Basten, Ibrahimović is regarded to be one of the best footballers of his generation.His spectacular bicycle kick for Sweden against England won the 2013 FIFA Puskás Award for Goal of the Year.In December 2013, Ibrahimović was ranked by The Guardian as the third-best footballer in the world
In 2006, Ibrahimović signed with league rival Inter Milan, where he won individual awards such as the Italian Oscar del Calcio and the Swedish Guldbollen, and was named in the 2007 and 2009 UEFA Team of the Year, in addition to finishing as the league's highest scorer in 2008–09 while winning three straight Scudetti. In the summer of 2009, he transferred to Barcelona. His time at Barcelona was short-lived, however, moving back to Serie A football with A.C. Milan the following season, in a deal which made him one of the highest paid footballers in the world and cost the Italian club €24 million. He signed a three-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain in July 2012.
With his playing style compared to Dutch legend Marco van Basten, Ibrahimović is regarded to be one of the best footballers of his generation.His spectacular bicycle kick for Sweden against England won the 2013 FIFA Puskás Award for Goal of the Year.In December 2013, Ibrahimović was ranked by The Guardian as the third-best footballer in the world
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 10, 2019
This is not a book. It's an experience of Zlatan.
A nice hardcover black paged book with white letters contains Zlatan's journey through his clubs Malmo, Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, Milan, PSG, Manchester United and Swedish Football Team. Each chapter has some interviews of his teammates, coaches or someone related to Zlatan there. There are ample pictures of those times which teleport you to those times and make you feel what Ibra felt.
At the end of each chapter, Zlatan narrates his experiences in that club.
After reading I am Zlatan and looking at his backheel against Italy, bicycle against England, and following his every match at PSG (14-15 and 15-16) which I now know was the peak of his career, I became an avid Zlatan fan. Ibra speaks what he feels and does what he says which is a singlemost greatest quality. It's difficult to do that at his level where everyone becomes answers diplomatically to preserve relations. To do what he did, bring league losing clubs back to glory, every time after speaking strong words focused at himself and having older experienced world class teammates is something unmatched. Someone who's truthful and that successful will teach you more than any other people who use words in an artistic way.
"... It was fun playing in the Premier League. And now, having played there, I can tell it like it is: the quality is exaggerated but the pace and tempo are maxed out. Had I been ten years younger and gone to Premier League I would've had them for breakfast, now it ended up being lunch instead."
There's only one Zlatan!
A nice hardcover black paged book with white letters contains Zlatan's journey through his clubs Malmo, Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, Milan, PSG, Manchester United and Swedish Football Team. Each chapter has some interviews of his teammates, coaches or someone related to Zlatan there. There are ample pictures of those times which teleport you to those times and make you feel what Ibra felt.
At the end of each chapter, Zlatan narrates his experiences in that club.
After reading I am Zlatan and looking at his backheel against Italy, bicycle against England, and following his every match at PSG (14-15 and 15-16) which I now know was the peak of his career, I became an avid Zlatan fan. Ibra speaks what he feels and does what he says which is a singlemost greatest quality. It's difficult to do that at his level where everyone becomes answers diplomatically to preserve relations. To do what he did, bring league losing clubs back to glory, every time after speaking strong words focused at himself and having older experienced world class teammates is something unmatched. Someone who's truthful and that successful will teach you more than any other people who use words in an artistic way.
"... It was fun playing in the Premier League. And now, having played there, I can tell it like it is: the quality is exaggerated but the pace and tempo are maxed out. Had I been ten years younger and gone to Premier League I would've had them for breakfast, now it ended up being lunch instead."
There's only one Zlatan!
February 24, 2019
Fantastic book regarding one of the worlds greatest athletes and arguably the worlds biggest sports personality since Ali.
The book is big. Like Zlatan.
It is divided into chapters representing each team and statistics. It came out while he began his present LA stint so there is yet a chapter to be told.
Each chapter has a summary of his experience then several players or the coach from the team tell their experience with Zlatan and then Zlatan tells his experience. Awesome.
The pictures are many, large and incredible.
The statistics at the end include career stats, stats from each team and stats from every game.
Dang.
It is not a complete story but it does a great job with how it is presented.
If you like Soccer or Zlatan, you must get this.
The book is big. Like Zlatan.
It is divided into chapters representing each team and statistics. It came out while he began his present LA stint so there is yet a chapter to be told.
Each chapter has a summary of his experience then several players or the coach from the team tell their experience with Zlatan and then Zlatan tells his experience. Awesome.
The pictures are many, large and incredible.
The statistics at the end include career stats, stats from each team and stats from every game.
Dang.
It is not a complete story but it does a great job with how it is presented.
If you like Soccer or Zlatan, you must get this.
May 12, 2021
This is the 2nd book I have read (1st one was I am Zlatan), I really enjoyed reading the 1st book, so due to this I bought Zlatans 2nd book. And I have to say, it is very good, loved it, the high standard of the 1st book is continued in this novel, more than just a typical story about a footballer, you get a strong understand of the character/person that is Zlatan and what makes him tick. You learn about various sides of his life, the book is entertaining, and very interesting for any football fan. I like the front book cover, simple but good enough. the book is well structured, the stroy line flows at a nice pace that keeps the reader interested, without oversaturating the reader with too much information at the same time. Only negative, the book is not long enough. I hope Zlatan produces more books in the future. Well worth reading.
September 30, 2019
Arguably one of the enigmatic footballers of a generation opens up thoughts on his successful career and personal life in this frank autobiography. It has many plaudits due to its honesty and no-holds-barred attitude and I can add to that list. It’s arrogant and bullish and sums up the man well, but it’s also clear that he’s self aware, and has used his inner strengths to become one of the most revered footballers over the last 20years.
May 27, 2021
Zlatan is great at football and gets angry a lot. Tantrums often lead to transfers. Actually the nuts and bolts of transfer dealings are this book's saving grace.
Too often appears ghostwritten - did Zlatan really know details of the genesis of modern Manchester United and its drinking culture of the 80s?
Too often appears ghostwritten - did Zlatan really know details of the genesis of modern Manchester United and its drinking culture of the 80s?
June 16, 2019
It is just his World. You will feel empowered if you are different from the rest.
Thanks Zlatan for standing up for everyone who is different. Who just doesn't back down from fight. Who just speaks his/her mind without suger-coating the things.
Thanks Zlatan for standing up for everyone who is different. Who just doesn't back down from fight. Who just speaks his/her mind without suger-coating the things.
December 25, 2018
Recension: ZellysBokhylla
January 2, 2024
Cea mai tare autobiografie
April 9, 2019
great book for footballers, the real football that is. Zlatan chronicles is harsh upbring and the hardships that came with his childhood, start of his career and prime. Gives the behind the scenes on certain goals, tabloid stories and moments in football and his personal life. The book did a great job of grasping what was going on in his head in the highlights and lowlights of his career. It all also showed that through ridicule, backlash and problems stacked on each other; how a unruly boy from the streets of Rosengård became the king of italian football in the late 2000s.
July 9, 2023
Very little content compared to how big the book is. There are quite a few mistakes in the statistics part (looks like nobody double-checked the work before publishing). However, I liked how the book was chronological starting from his early years to his latest adventures. Also, I enjoyed the combination of the author/journalists writtings, Zlatan own descriptions and descriptions from people who know Zlatan (managers, players, etc.)
September 8, 2019
a narcissists player who doesn't afraid to say the truth
February 22, 2020
A fascinating story from boy from ghetto to one of world’s most valuable footballer. Highly reccommend
Currently reading
December 2, 2024Personally as a football fan, who has been watching this legend playing, I can indeed confirm that this is Zlatan thinking and everything. Not suave, not sophisticated, but rather straightforward without filter, every line is majestic and Zlatan-esque!!!
I Am Zlatan Ibrahimović is an autobiography of Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović, one of the most controversial, talented, and charismatic players of his generation. The book was published in 2011 and written with journalist David Lagercrantz permits the reader to penetrate into the life of the man who became both a football icon and a phenomenon, a cultural phenomenon.
The autobiography explores Zlatan’s journey from his early years growing up in the tough working-class neighborhood of Rosengård in Malmö,Sweden, faced immense challenges, like with his estranged relationship with his dad, which he later used as motivation for his success and to his rise as one of the best footballers in the world. And of course his defiant attitude often put him in Traka with coaches, teammates, and critics(papers).
Ibrah’s career is chronicled through his time at major European clubs such as Ajax, Juventus, Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United. The book portrays his relentless ambition, fierce competitive spirit. Known for his larger than life personality and ego, Zlatan is unafraid to speak his mind, whether in terms of his play on the field, his relationships with coaches, or his thoughts on other football legends, like Messi, CR7, TiTi, you know...
Everytime when I am watching professional footballers, they have that attitude that show how strong and fixed they are, well we know of course for such achievement it's work and dedication, after that what?
Is it only that, Ibrah defied conformity at both from reality, in that book and his actual life. He isn't embarrassed to show his dirty behaviors. At some point I think it's because he could never hide them
from the public
so why not write a book lol...
The guy took a Karate class just to drop the hardest bicycle kicks in football(hilarious).
I’d wholeheartedly recommend I Am Zlatan Ibrahimović to anyone dealing with distress, low self-esteem, or any of those self-doubt blues that sneak into your life impropmtu. Honestly, this book isn’t just a collection of words—it’s a defibrillator for your self-confidence. Feeling down? Zlatan’s words are like a motivational slap in the face, reminding you to pick yourself up, puff out your chest, and strut through life with the swagger of someone who just scored a last-minute winner in the Champions League final.
Zlatan doesn’t do subtlety, and neither does his book. It's the literary equivalent of a flying karate kick powerful, unexpected, and oddly satisfying. His words don’t just inspire; they practically yell at you to stop whining, believe in yourself, and take on the world with the ferocity of a lion. Like driving a Ferrari that is more expensive than the salary of all the players of that team I don't want to name for the love of this sport,lol...
I Am Zlatan Ibrahimović is an autobiography of Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović, one of the most controversial, talented, and charismatic players of his generation. The book was published in 2011 and written with journalist David Lagercrantz permits the reader to penetrate into the life of the man who became both a football icon and a phenomenon, a cultural phenomenon.
The autobiography explores Zlatan’s journey from his early years growing up in the tough working-class neighborhood of Rosengård in Malmö,Sweden, faced immense challenges, like with his estranged relationship with his dad, which he later used as motivation for his success and to his rise as one of the best footballers in the world. And of course his defiant attitude often put him in Traka with coaches, teammates, and critics(papers).
Ibrah’s career is chronicled through his time at major European clubs such as Ajax, Juventus, Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United. The book portrays his relentless ambition, fierce competitive spirit. Known for his larger than life personality and ego, Zlatan is unafraid to speak his mind, whether in terms of his play on the field, his relationships with coaches, or his thoughts on other football legends, like Messi, CR7, TiTi, you know...
Everytime when I am watching professional footballers, they have that attitude that show how strong and fixed they are, well we know of course for such achievement it's work and dedication, after that what?
Is it only that, Ibrah defied conformity at both from reality, in that book and his actual life. He isn't embarrassed to show his dirty behaviors. At some point I think it's because he could never hide them
from the public
so why not write a book lol...
The guy took a Karate class just to drop the hardest bicycle kicks in football(hilarious).
I’d wholeheartedly recommend I Am Zlatan Ibrahimović to anyone dealing with distress, low self-esteem, or any of those self-doubt blues that sneak into your life impropmtu. Honestly, this book isn’t just a collection of words—it’s a defibrillator for your self-confidence. Feeling down? Zlatan’s words are like a motivational slap in the face, reminding you to pick yourself up, puff out your chest, and strut through life with the swagger of someone who just scored a last-minute winner in the Champions League final.
Zlatan doesn’t do subtlety, and neither does his book. It's the literary equivalent of a flying karate kick powerful, unexpected, and oddly satisfying. His words don’t just inspire; they practically yell at you to stop whining, believe in yourself, and take on the world with the ferocity of a lion. Like driving a Ferrari that is more expensive than the salary of all the players of that team I don't want to name for the love of this sport,lol...
April 25, 2021
For the first time in my life, I read an entire book in just one night, from a ghetto kid to one of the greatest soccer players in history, I know that's tacky! It's a cliche ! there are many similar situations in the football world! Most football legends came from poor and devastated communities, but Zlatan is an indisputable one.
I think he is the greatest and most influential athlete and sport personality since Jordan, he speaks of what he feels without reservation, as he is always the brave man who is not afraid to tell the truth, which is a great quality of him, he relates his glory in the highlights of his career using racy words.
The book is divided into branches, each branch takes you back to the old days when the star of Zlatan was sparkling at its top! From Malmo to L.A , each chapter has some interviews with his teammates and coaches, and in the end Zlatan talks about his experience in each club and his emotions with his colleagues and even with the fanatics, and there are some statistics prove that Zlatan is not just a player that fans will forget one day ! also he recounts the backgrounds behind some of his decisions and important events , what makes you believe that football is not just a game, it's a craft and a magical world !
If you think , Ibra is an arrogant and selfish player and he is just an egocentric showman! Get this book you will change your mind
I think he is the greatest and most influential athlete and sport personality since Jordan, he speaks of what he feels without reservation, as he is always the brave man who is not afraid to tell the truth, which is a great quality of him, he relates his glory in the highlights of his career using racy words.
The book is divided into branches, each branch takes you back to the old days when the star of Zlatan was sparkling at its top! From Malmo to L.A , each chapter has some interviews with his teammates and coaches, and in the end Zlatan talks about his experience in each club and his emotions with his colleagues and even with the fanatics, and there are some statistics prove that Zlatan is not just a player that fans will forget one day ! also he recounts the backgrounds behind some of his decisions and important events , what makes you believe that football is not just a game, it's a craft and a magical world !
If you think , Ibra is an arrogant and selfish player and he is just an egocentric showman! Get this book you will change your mind
November 15, 2023
I read the book I am Zlatan. I chose the book because Zlatan Ibrahimovic has always been one of my favorite football players. I Am Zlatan is an autobiography written by Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović, together with David Lagercrantz. First published in 2011, the book tells the life story of Zlatan, starting from his childhood in Sweden to his adult years as a professional footballer. You can read more about his time at Ajax, Juventus, AC and Inter Milan, Barcelona and PSG. I had previously read a book about all of Zlatan's statements, but in this book you will learn more about the real Zlatan. I think it is a good book, because you learn more about Ibrahimovic's youth. How he grew up in a deprived area in Malmö. He also talks about how his passion for football helped him become a professional footballer. You can also read about his contact with his coaches. His favorite coach was José Mourinho. Then he played for Inter and Manchester United. Now Mourinho is a trainer at AS Roma. Zlatan did not get on well with Guardioa during his time at Barcelona.
January 4, 2023
The book is amazing and it shows how Zlatan Ibrahimovic learned how to play football and how he can use his skills from judo and karate in football. In the book he starts of by sharing his upbringing and how he started playing football, it shows us how he joined his first club in Sweden at a very young age and how he learned to master football skills and how he can use his martial arts to his advantage in football. He shows us that as he started growing older he got some offers to play in professional football clubs and how he dealt with injuries and more. It showed how he was young and he wanted to become the best player in the world by having the best mentality. His hard work paid off and that made a global superstar, he showed his journey throughout football and how he has accomplished becoming one of the best players and how he has won trophies for his efforts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2024
Listened as: Audiobook
Speed: 1.7x
Duration: 10h
Language: English
Actual Review:
Disappointed this book contains only half Zlatan's journey, until his first AC Milan spell in 2010. Still, it's an engaging read, filled with crazy, but expected, Zlatan-esque moments. Although the book offers some personal insights, it feels overly polished, intentionally toned down to appear more politically correct.
What stood out most to me was the faith he (and likely other successful people) had in himself, when nobody else did. And, of course, the Zlatan way.
Speed: 1.7x
Duration: 10h
Language: English
Actual Review:
Disappointed this book contains only half Zlatan's journey, until his first AC Milan spell in 2010. Still, it's an engaging read, filled with crazy, but expected, Zlatan-esque moments. Although the book offers some personal insights, it feels overly polished, intentionally toned down to appear more politically correct.
What stood out most to me was the faith he (and likely other successful people) had in himself, when nobody else did. And, of course, the Zlatan way.
January 4, 2019
Låten Se på mig av Jan Johansen är en bra beskrivning till Zlatans senast tillökning till litteraturvärlden. En snygg bilderbok med obetydlig innehåll, som vi redan hört så många gånger. En fin julklapp för fotbollsintresserade tonåringar.
August 22, 2020
A wonderful book in a very aesthetic format. There is only one Zlatan, and that in itself is gold.
Many touching stories, but this book is about presentation. This is Thomas the Tank Engine for the young and the old. Never, never give up.
Many touching stories, but this book is about presentation. This is Thomas the Tank Engine for the young and the old. Never, never give up.
August 27, 2025
Ég las þessa bók þegar ég var í 8/9 bekk og sem mikill áhugamaður á fótbolta elskaði ég hana. Zlatan er algjörlega “one of a kind” einstaklingur og efast ég að ehv annar fótboltamaður eða hver annar einstaklingur eigi eftir að skrifa jafn skemmtilega ævisögu.
September 16, 2020
Decent book if you're a football fanatic.
Read
October 18, 2020I 've read the first one. "I am Zlatan". Is this any different ?
January 5, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed learning about zlatan’s rag to riches.
March 30, 2022
Van straatjochie naar een van de beste voetballers van de wereld. Je snapt wel hoe hij "zo" is geworden. Een volwassene is toch wel vaak een product van opvoeding/milieu.
May 24, 2022
amazing story. amazing player.
August 30, 2022
Really enjoyable book, especially for Ibra lovers, honest and controversy as the character itself!
December 6, 2022
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I READ
December 16, 2022
Heard the audiobook of Zlatan's adventures from Malmo to Milan. Not really planning to visit this one again, one time read at best.
Read
March 29, 2023Excellent
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews