Zlatan Ibrahimovic Rips Into Leandro Paredes For Physical Altercation With Spanish Players

Last Updated:July 22, 2026, 20:29 IST

Zlatan Ibrahimovic slams Leandro Paredes' post-match antics, says that he would have headbutted him after FIFA World Cup final chaos.

Former Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic has said that if he had been on the field when Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was carrying out his post-match antics, he would have headbutted him and been happily sent off, with the Argentina star copping a lot of flak for his physical altercation with Spanish footballers after the FIFA World Cup final.

The FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey ended dramatically, with Spain lifting the trophy after Ferran Torres scored the decisive extra-time winner in the 106th minute. But the celebrations were marred by chaotic scenes after the final whistle, as multiple Argentina footballers and members of the coaching staff became involved in heated confrontations.

Speaking in his role as a Fox Sports pundit, Ibrahimovic didn’t mince his words, describing Paredes’ actions as ‘unprofessional’ and expressing surprise at what he felt was Spain’s restrained response to the incident.

Tempers boiled over after the final whistle as Argentina’s loss sparked heated confrontations on the field. The post-match chaos came after Enzo Fernandez had already been sent off late in regulation time, with tensions erupting into a mass melee.

Broadcast footage appeared to show Nahuel Molina striking Rodri, while Paredes seemed to kick Eric Garcia before grabbing Gavi by the throat and wrestling the Spain midfielder to the ground.

Roberto Ayala, a member of Argentina’s coaching staff, also appeared to get involved in the confrontation as footballers and officials from both teams rushed in to separate those at the centre of the melee.

“Paredes can be happy there was no player like me on the pitch. If I had been there, I would have headbutted him and been sent off. It’s unprofessional behaviour from him," Ibrahimovic said.

While Paredes was the primary focus of his criticism, Ibrahimovic expressed surprise at Spain’s response as well, arguing that their cricketers should have done more to stand up for their teammates during the confrontation.

“I don’t know what the Spanish players are doing? They are just watching another player hit their teammate," Ibrahimovic said.

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