Zlatan Ibrahimovic wins UEFA President’s Award for Achievements in European Football

The former Swedish Striker is given the President’s award during the UEFA Champions League Draw

Monaco, France- As the start of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Draw was beginning in front of a live audience at the Grimaldi Forum, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin came on the stage to announce the winner of the 2025 UEFA President’s Award to a man who has shown to be dedicated to the game both as a player and now an executive with AC Milan of Italy’s Serie A in former Swedish International striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Zlatan as a Player

We have seen Zlatan dominate on the pitch many times, as he has played for multiple clubs in some of the best leagues in Europe. He has suited up for Swedish side Malmö FF, as well as for Ajax in Amsterdam, Juventus, Inter Milan, twice for AC Milan in Italy, FC Barcelona in Spain, Paris Saint-Germain in France, Manchester United in England, and a brief stint with the Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer.

Playing for the Swedish National Team, Zlatan has appeared in 122 Matches and scored 62 goals in friendly matches, Euro Cup Qualifiers, World Cup Qualifiers, and has played in the World Cup itself. The tall and lanky Swede has always been a terror and found ways to score against his opponents for club and country, no matter how many times he laced up his boots.

Zlatan off the pitch

Zlatan has quietly contributed to humanitarian causes, including significant donations to hospitals and efforts to support children in need. He has also leveraged his globally influential platforms to advance critical causes, raising awareness and mobilising resources to combat hunger, promote education, and support disaster relief efforts. His charisma, generosity, and resilience make him not only a true sporting icon but also a figure of inspiration well beyond the sport.

Honoring Zlatan

This is considered to be the highest honor to a man who has dedicated his life and his own celebrity to making others around him better when fighting for 90 minutes, and helping those who need assistance in life, or just to feel good about themselves. Zlatan has done well, and many have recognized him for these moments in his life dedicated to the game.

“Zlatan is known as the ultimate competitor, a natural-born winner, and a pop-culture icon. But above all, he’s a remarkable human being – a golden boy who never forgot his roots, quietly putting compassion before recognition, always reaching out to those in need. I’m very proud that this year’s award found its way into his hands” said UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin handed the award to Zlatan during the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League 36-team league phase draw ceremony in Monaco.

“To receive this award is a big honour, I want to thank the UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin for this. It means I did something in my career or else I wouldn’t get it, I’m super happy. I was lucky to play with big players and big clubs. It made me the person I am today. I’m just grateful and thankful.” said Zlatan Ibrahimovic

This award is fitting for this man for what he has accomplished. There will be others one day to receive such a great honor, but maybe not at the level of stature that Zlatan has done it at. This man is confident, bold, brash, and straight to the point, but one thing is for certain. He knows what he needs to do to get the job done and has been doing it for a long time.