Zlatan Ibrahimović receives 2025 UEFA President’s Award
Swedish football legend Zlatan Ibrahimović has been named the recipient of the 2025 UEFA President’s Award, a recognition that celebrates not only his extraordinary career on the pitch but also his humanitarian impact off it. The announcement was made during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league phase draw ceremony in Monaco, where UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin personally handed him the honour.
A career that redefined Football Greatness
Few players in modern football have left as strong a mark as Zlatan Ibrahimović. From his acrobatic goals to his unmatched self-confidence, Ibrahimović built a reputation as one of the game’s most charismatic strikers. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he starred for some of Europe’s biggest clubs including Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and LA Galaxy.
He retired in 2023 as one of football’s most prolific forwards, with over 500 career goals, countless domestic league titles, and a cult following that stretched far beyond Sweden. His fiery personality and ability to back it up with stunning performances made him a true icon of the modern era.
While the world knows Zlatan for his swagger and legendary quotes, UEFA’s decision to honour him also reflects the values he has championed outside football. Ibrahimović has consistently supported humanitarian causes, often without seeking recognition.
He has donated millions to hospitals, funded projects for children in need, and used his global platform to raise awareness about hunger, education, and disaster relief. His influence has extended beyond stadiums, shaping him into not only a sports figure but also a social force.
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin praised him as:
“The ultimate competitor, a natural-born winner, and a pop-culture icon. But above all, a remarkable human being who never forgot his roots. Zlatan has quietly put compassion before recognition, always reaching out to those in need. I’m proud that this year’s award found its way into his hands.”
Zlatan’s reaction to the Award
Clearly moved, Ibrahimović expressed gratitude for receiving the 2025 UEFA President’s Award:
“To receive this award is a big honour. I want to thank UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin for this recognition. 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, and that made me the person I am today. I’m just grateful and thankful.”
UEFA President’s Award: A Legacy of Recognition
First introduced in 1998, the UEFA President’s Award honours individuals whose contributions to football transcend the sport itself. Winners are celebrated for both professional excellence and exemplary personal qualities, embodying the spirit of leadership, respect, and inspiration.
Past recipients include some of the most influential figures in football history. David Beckham (2018), Eric Cantona (2019), Didier Drogba (2020), Gianluigi Buffon (2024) and many others have been recognised for their impact.
Full List of Previous Winners (1998–2025)
- 1998: Jacques Delors (France)
- 2000: Guy Roux (France)
- 2002: Sir Bobby Robson (England)
- 2003: Paolo Maldini (Italy)
- 2007: Alfredo Di Stéfano (Spain)
- 2008: Sir Bobby Charlton (England)
- 2009: Eusébio (Portugal)
- 2013: Johan Cruyff (Netherlands)
- 2017: Francesco Totti (Italy)
- 2018: David Beckham (England)
- 2019: Eric Cantona (France)
- 2020: Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
- 2021: Simon Kjær & the Copenhagen EURO 2020 medical team (Denmark)
- 2022: Arrigo Sacchi (Italy)
- 2023: Miroslav Klose (Germany)
- 2024: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
- 2025: Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden)
Zlatan Ibrahimović’s recognition comes at a time when football continues to look beyond the pitch, celebrating individuals who use their influence to inspire change. His story reinforces the idea that sporting greatness is not just about goals and trophies, but also about how athletes impact society once the final whistle blows.
As UEFA looks to the future, Ibrahimović’s legacy, both as a footballer and as a humanitarian, stands as a reminder that legends are remembered for more than just the matches they played.
SportsLigue