World Cup 2026: What Ancelotti did to me – Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Legendary forward, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has reflected on the ‘dark side’ of his experience working with Brazil manager, Carlo Ancelotti.

This was following Ancelotti’s Brazil team drawing 1-1 with Morocco in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ibrahimovic is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in football history. Throughout his career, he played for prestigious European clubs such as AC Milan, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Manchester United, amassing an impressive total of 496 goals and 205 assists across 827 matches.

During the 2012-13 season, the Swede was under Ancelotti’s guidance at PSG, where he scored an astonishing 35 goals and provided 17 assists in just 46 appearances, contributing to the team’s Ligue 1 title victory.

In a recent interview with FOX Sports, Ibrahimovic stated that although Ancelotti is typically calm and composed, he occasionally revealed his ‘dark side’ to maintain control. 

The 44-year-old recounted an incident (via @FOXSports on X), “I remember after a game, he was not pleased with the team.

“I was sitting there when he kicked a box that struck my forehead. I was taken aback because no one does that to me, but Carlo did. So yes, he has a dark side as well, which I appreciate because it serves as my trigger.”

Now at the helm of Brazil, marking his first international coaching role, Ancelotti aims to add more trophies to his already impressive collection. 

With a star-studded squad featuring players like Vini Jr, Raphinha, Marquinhos, Gabriel, and Alisson, the Selecao are viewed as one of the frontrunners for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Following a rocky start against Morocco, the five-time World Cup champions are eager to recover in their next group stage match against Haiti on June 19.

World Cup 2026: What Ancelotti did to me – Zlatan Ibrahimovic