Zlatan Ibrahimovic has criticised Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes and questioned the reaction of Spain’s players following the chaotic scenes that marred the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
The former Sweden striker, who had been part of Fox Sports’ World Cup coverage as a pundit, was reacting after Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina was overshadowed by a post-match altercation involving players from both sides.
The flashpoint came after the final whistle when Paredes was seen grabbing Spain defender Eric García by the throat before wrestling midfielder Gavi to the ground, triggering a confrontation that is now under investigation by FIFA.
Speaking during the broadcast, Ibrahimovic strongly condemned Paredes’ conduct.
“Parades can be glad there wasn’t any player like me on the pitch. If I had been there, I would have headbutted him and I would have been sent off. It’s a lack of professionalism on his part.”
The former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain forward also questioned Spain’s response to the incident, suggesting its players should have done more to protect their teammates.
“I don’t know what the Spanish players are doing; they simply watch as another player hits a teammate.”
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Published on Jul 23, 2026