The story of Adrien Rabiot is full of unusual anecdotes, but this is undoubtedly one of the most striking. In 2014, when he was a young prospect at Paris Saint-Germain, the French midfielder, according to several accounts, dared to verbally attack one of the club’s icons: Zlatan Ibrahimović. An episode, told by La Provence, which illustrates as much of the young player’s passion as of his strong character.
It was during a friendly match, a meeting where Rabiot did not hesitate to launch a scathing dig at the Swedish striker. A bold move which, in a locker room dominated by Ibrahimovic’s imposing personality, could have cost the young player dearly. However, this event quickly became one of the many facets of Rabiot’s impetuous character, often seen as a talented but difficult player to manage.
A journey strewn with controversy
This anecdote is just one example among others of the frictions which marked the first years of Adrien Rabiot’s career. In 2014, dissatisfied with his playing time, he refused to extend his contract with PSG. This decision caused him to be sidelined for several months by Laurent Blanc, before being reinstated after a painfully negotiated extension.
Rabiot stood up to Ibrahimovic.
In May 2015, the day before the Coupe de France final against Auxerre, Rabiot stood out by arriving late for the meeting set by the club. According to legend, it was Zlatan himself who ordered the bus driver to start without waiting for the latecomer, pushing Rabiot to return home on his own.
Rabiot, a complex but fascinating image
This rebellious attitude, sometimes misinterpreted, has often been associated with a complicated relationship with his coaches and teammates. Whether under Laurent Blanc, Unai Emery or Thomas Tuchel, Rabiot has regularly been at the center of controversies, particularly for his public positions.
But behind these episodes, he is also a player with character who has never hesitated to assert himself, even against the biggest names in football. Today at Olympique de Marseille, Adrien Rabiot seems to have found a balance, although he remains faithful to this unique personality which is as much talked about as his performances on the pitch.
