Ibrahimović: a lower profile, but the connection to Milan endures
In recent weeks, much has been made of a Zlatan Ibrahimović who seems less present, less visible — almost in the background compared to the prominent role he had played in the Milan world over previous months. A noticeable shift that has fuelled speculation about his actual influence on the Rossoneri’s decision-making.
Always an informal role, but one with real weight
It’s worth remembering that Ibrahimović has never held an official executive position at AC Milan. The Swedish icon has a contract with RedBird Capital Partners, the American investment fund that owns the club under Gerry Cardinale, and operates as a close collaborator and key reference figure for the ownership. He is not a sporting director, nor a CEO — his is a hybrid profile, hard to categorise neatly, yet one that has carried genuine weight in the club’s decisions over recent years, particularly during moments of internal turbulence.
At times, Ibra reportedly went as far as offering tactical guidance to certain players, some of whom were subsequently sold or made available for transfer — a detail that speaks volumes about the specific influence he has wielded, at least up to a certain point.
A summer spent away from Milanello
This summer, however, the story appears to be different. Ibrahimović threw himself into a range of other commitments: he took part in several television programmes covering the World Cup, spent considerable time in the United States working on his personal brands, advertising projects and social media. In short, a packed schedule of non-football activities that kept him well away from AC Milan’s daily orbit for much of the pre-season period.
This distance was felt in the media too: fewer statements about the club, fewer appearances linked to the Rossoneri world, less visibility around the team’s present and future. For a personality like Ibrahimović — historically a headline-maker on and off the pitch — this silence has not gone unnoticed.
Back in Italy and a brief encounter with Leão
More recently, Ibrahimović returned to Italy and was spotted at Linate Airport on the very day that Rafael Leão departed. The two crossed paths for just a few minutes — a brief but meaningful encounter that underlines the deep bond between them. This is nothing new: Ibra and Leão have always shared a special connection, built over time through advice, trust and mutual respect. In the farewell video the Portuguese winger published at the end of his Milan adventure, an image of Ibrahimović features prominently — further proof that their relationship goes well beyond the purely professional.
Fewer voices at the top, clearer decision-making
Some observers actually see something positive in Ibrahimović stepping back. Having too many influential figures within a club — especially when roles are not clearly defined — can create confusion and internal friction. A leaner structure, with clear lines of authority running from head coach Amorim through to the technical management, could prove beneficial for the club’s day-to-day operations.
Time will tell whether Ibrahimović returns to a more prominent role, perhaps reappearing at San Siro or reconnecting more actively with the club’s inner workings. For now, the Swede appears to prefer a more understated position, observing Milan from a distance. But anyone who knows Zlatan knows the fire never truly goes out: when the moment is right, the lion may well roar again.
