Ibracadabra – The Wizard Of Football

The French League may be one of the top 5 leagues in Europe, but it is hardly followed as religiously over the world as, say, the Premier League or La Liga. Why? Because throughout history, it has lacked the likes of Ronaldo and Messi, i.e. star players who bring the glamor and shine to a country’s top-level league. All that however, changed when the Qatar Investment Authority and a Russian billionaire purchased two French clubs, namely PSG and AS Monaco respectively. These two clubs have since used their spending power to lure many stars to Ligue 1, and the French League has started to come under the spotlight more.

PSG used their finances much more cleverly than Monaco, however, and it can be seen in the fact that they already have a title under their belt since the changeovers. One of PSG’s most expensive, but also most profiting purchases was that of the giant Swede, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, from AC Milan. Ibra, as he is fondly referred to by his fans, is one of the most dangerous strikers playing in World Football as of now, and he is also one of the most successful. Only in one of his last ten seasons has Ibra not won the domestic league with the club that he has played football for. Over these ten years, Ibra has played for six different clubs in four different countries, and has won the league with each of those teams atleast once.

Why do I call him a giant? At 6’5”, Zlatan’s armory of dribbles, tricks and flicks seems even more daunting as it is much difficult for a guy of his physical stature to carry out those incredible acts. Although his height does give him an advantage when contesting long balls or going for headers, but take nothing away from the magician as he has shown time and again, that where height can also be a disadvantage, he has never let it be one. Zlatan’s agility and movement is amazingly quick for a tall guy, and the way he goes about his brilliance on the football pitch just doesn’t fail to mesmerize anyone watching.

Why did I refer to him as The Wizard of Football in the title? It can not merely be expressed in words. Visit this link and find out why. This goal is the first of his brace against Bastia last week in the French League. But it isn’t first among the many wonder goals that Ibrahimovic has scored across the span of his career. Who among us can forget Zlatan’s ridiculous 30-yard bicycle kick against England, his mazy run for Ajax or his taekwondo flick against Marseille? Ibra has treated football fans all around the world with some wonderful moments of magic, that would seem impossible if it were not for the Swede’s skill and audacity.

If you ever get the chance to buy a ticket to a Sweden game or a PSG one, do not hesitate. Because when you purchase a ticket to a game featuring Ibrahimovic, you also buy a ticket to the Ibracadabra’s personal magic show, and boy, you better be prepared for it! Zlatan’s feats are so huge, and his achievements so many, that the Swedish government added a new word to the Swedish language and dictionary in his honor last year. The word is “zlatanera”, and in English, it would roughly mean “to dominate”. There could not be a more fitting way to define Ibrahimovic’s brilliance.