Zlatan Ibrahimović joined Jimmy Kimmel Live this week ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he will serve as a studio analyst for FOX Sports. Ibrahimović has already made headlines for his Messi versus Ronaldo take.
But it was the moment Kimmel asked whether he would become the Charles Barkley of the FOX soccer desk that produced the most typical Zlatan answer of the entire interview.
Zlatan Ibrahimović Brushes Off Charles Barkley Comparisons
Kimmel suggested that Ibrahimović, known for his blunt opinions and complete lack of filters, could fill the same role on FOX that Barkley has carved out on TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA’ for decades. Ibrahimović’s response was hilarious and savage.
“I won. He didn’t win. That’s the difference. Not being disrespectful,” he said while laughing it off. Kimmel pointed out right away that the Swedish legend will indeed play Barkley’s role on the team.
The difference, as Ibrahimović wasted no time pointing out, is silverware. Ibrahimović won 34 major trophies throughout his career, including 11 league titles across four countries.
Barkley, for all his brilliance, retired from the NBA without a championship ring. The Phoenix Suns legend had a decent career that spanned across 16 seasons. He was one of the most dominant forwards in the league, and even reached the 1993 NBA Finals. He was quite unlucky that he had to face Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls that year.
The rest of the conversation was equally good value. When asked about his role on the broadcast, Ibrahimović was refreshingly honest about the stakes, or the lack of them.
“I feel good. Something new in front of the cameras in a different way. I have nothing. They cannot judge me because it’s not my job. So I cannot do wrong. I can only do good,” he told Kimmel.
Ibrahimović has been on FOX’s broadcast since the World Cup kicked off on June 11, and has been exactly what the network signed him to be. On his first day on the desk, he called Panama the “punching bag” of their group without a second hesitation.
MORE: 2026 FIFA World Cup Simulator
Ibrahimović has made a name for himself while being one of the most savage soccer players. His blunt opinions have a dedicated fanbase who appreciate that he’s able to talk the talk and walk the walk.
Unfortunately for Ibrahimović, he was unable to win a major trophy with Sweden, despite appearing for his country at two World Cups and four Euro tournaments. However, he would be able to root for his country at the World Cup this year, with Sweden set to face off against Japan, Netherlands and Tunisia in Group F.
