Zlatan Ibrahimović: From Malmö Dream to FC 26 Cover
A behind-the-scenes look with the legend in an exclusive interview.
Zlatan Ibrahimović has been unveiled as the cover star for EA SPORTS’ FC 26 Ultimate Edition, set to launch worldwide on September 26, 2025. This highly anticipated reveal, which also introduced Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala as the Standard Edition athletes for FC 26 and FC Mobile, brings a unique blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge gaming. The Ultimate Edition cover notably features a powerful recreation of an iconic photo from Zlatan’s early days at Malmö FF, promising fans a deep dive into the legendary striker’s journey and celebrating his illustrious career that spans across Europe’s biggest clubs.
Stepping onto the set for the cover shoot was a profound experience for the Swedish maestro, transporting him back decades. “It brings back memories,” Zlatan reflected. “This was a long time ago. It makes me feel young. It makes me feel like that little boy that had this big dream to become a professional football player.” He candidly shared the pivotal role of his idol, Ronaldo (R9), in shaping his ambitions: “I took him as an example, and I tried to copy him in every movement he did on the field. I was young, crazy, and rock and roll, just like every young kid out there.”
The set was packed with “easter eggs” from his biggest moments, including those very posters of Ronaldo. Reflecting on seeing them now versus then, Zlatan quipped, “At that time, I saw only Ronaldo posters in the books, but today I know Ronaldo personally, so it’s a big difference.”
When asked about the legacy he’s building as an icon, Zlatan emphasized authenticity: “From day one, I have always been myself. I didn’t try to change for nobody. I brought my character, I brought whoever I am, wherever I went.”
From his humble beginnings in Malmö to gracing the global stage, his journey serves as a powerful inspiration. As he puts it, “I’m a living proof that you can make it even if you come from different kinds of circumstances. And I came from nothing and I made it. So, it’s a whole package. That’s what I come to stand for.”
