Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Swedish football legend and current advisor to the Italian club AC Milan, has once again brought a smile to fans’ faces with a humorous and candid statement. Known for his charisma and larger-than-life personality, the former striker revealed that he deeply dislikes wearing suits and ties, despite his new leadership role in the world of football. In an interview with Football Italia, Zlatan recounted that when he accepted his position at Milan, he promised the team that he would never be seen in a suit: “At the very beginning, I promised the team: you will never see me in a suit and tie. But that changed very quickly.”
He then explained that this change didn’t really come from him, but rather from his wife, Helena Seger, who plays a vital role in his life and helps him manage his public image. “Do I like wearing a suit? No. I admit it.” I feel uncomfortable. I’m a sportsman, an athlete. But every time I want to dress the way I like, Helena looks at me and says, “You have to wear a suit today.” And I reply, “Why?” And she says, “Because you have a press conference. So put on a tie and shut up.”
Since hanging up his boots, Zlatan Ibrahimovic hasn’t left the world of football. In Milan, he’s found a second life as an advisor to the management, a position that demands a more formal demeanor and a more understated image than that of the provocative and flamboyant player he embodied on the pitch. While he admits he doesn’t like this new dress code, Zlatan nevertheless understands that it’s part of the role:
“I understand that I don’t dress to show who I am today. I prepare for my role. And today, I represent Milan.” This statement illustrates how much the Swede has evolved. Behind his humor, he demonstrates a real awareness of his influence and responsibility. Representing a club like AC Milan, with its prestigious history and image of class, means respecting certain traditions, including the suit and tie.
According to club members, Ibrahimovic is a valuable asset behind the scenes. He mentors younger players, helps strengthen team cohesion, and acts as a bridge between management and the coaching staff. Even though he no longer needs to score goals, he continues to leave a strong mark, this time off the pitch. His colleagues say he maintains the same high standards and winning mentality that made him one of the best strikers of his generation. But to fully fulfill this role, he sometimes has to adopt an image that doesn’t reflect his natural personality.
And that’s where his wife Helena comes in. As a true life partner, she ensures that Zlatan remains impeccable in public. As the Swede himself often says, “Behind every strong man, there’s an even stronger woman.” Zlatan Ibrahimovic has always been a unique figure in the world of football. He built his legend on confidence, charisma, and a touch of self-assured arrogance. Yet, since retiring from the pitch, we’ve discovered a more composed, more thoughtful Zlatan, aware of his legacy and the role he plays for the new generation. This anecdote about the suit perfectly illustrates this natural evolution: a man who dominated through talent and mental strength, and who is now learning to embody stability and professionalism. As a player, Zlatan was famous for his unique style: long hair tied back, luxurious sportswear, and the look of a modern-day gladiator. Seeing him today in a suit, posing for the cameras with a serious expression, testifies to the journey he has taken since his early days at Malmö FF.
Ibrahimovic’s story with AC Milan is above all a story of love and mutual respect. Arriving at the club for the first time in 2010, then returning in 2020 to revitalize a struggling team, he was the catalyst for Milan’s resurgence. Under his guidance, young talents like Rafael Leão and Theo Hernández have flourished, inspired by his discipline and high standards.
Today, even in a suit, Zlatan remains the heart and soul of the dressing room. His advice, leadership, and presence continue to motivate the players, who see him as a role model. The fact that he adheres to the dress code, despite his reluctance, demonstrates his deep commitment to the club. He doesn’t do it to please or out of obligation, but out of respect for the institution he represents.
