Zlatan Ibrahimovic slams Spain players for not confronting Leandro Paredes after World Cup final

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has launched a blistering attack on Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, accusing him of unprofessional conduct after the 2026 World Cup final. The Swedish icon also took aim at Spain's players for not standing up to Paredes in the ugly scenes that followed the match.

Speaking to Marca, Ibrahimovic did not hold back. 'I would have headbutted him,' he said, referring to Paredes. The former Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United striker questioned why the Spanish squad failed to confront the Argentine.

'They just stood there'

Ibrahimovic expressed bewilderment at the reaction of Spain's players. 'They just stood there and let him get away with it. That is not how you handle a situation like that,' he said. 'If someone is unprofessional and disrespectful, you need to respond.'

The Swedish forward, known for his own fiery temperament during his playing days, suggested that a lack of aggression cost Spain in the moment. 'You need to show that you are not someone to be messed with. Otherwise, they walk all over you,' he added.

Remake of Zidane-Materazzi?

Observers have drawn parallels between this incident and Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi during the 2006 World Cup final. In that case, Zidane was sent off in his final professional match after reacting to verbal provocation from the Italian defender.

Ibrahimovic's comments have reignited debate about how players should respond to provocation on the biggest stage. While some argue that restraint is necessary to avoid red cards, others believe that showing weakness can be worse than retaliation.

Neither Paredes nor the Spanish football federation has officially responded to Ibrahimovic's remarks. Officials have not yet confirmed whether any disciplinary action will be taken over the post-match scenes.

Paredes' history of confrontations

This is not the first time Paredes has been at the centre of a post-match controversy. The 32-year-old midfielder has previously been involved in altercations with opponents and has a reputation for aggressive play.

During the 2022 World Cup, Paredes was involved in a scuffle with Netherlands players after Argentina's quarterfinal victory. He has also clashed with opposition fans and coaching staff during his stints at Roma, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.

Ibrahimovic, who played alongside Paredes at PSG, did not mince words. 'I know him. He is a good player, but sometimes he crosses the line. And if no one stops him, he will keep doing it,' the Swede said.

Spain's players have yet to publicly address Ibrahimovic's criticism. The Spanish federation has not released a statement, and several players have declined to comment when approached by reporters.

What happens next could depend on whether FIFA reviews the incident. If video evidence of the post-match confrontation emerges, the governing body could take action against Paredes or even the Spanish players for failing to control the situation.

For now, the football world waits to see if this war of words escalates further.