No one would have imagined this: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the very embodiment of domination and insurance, marginalized within “his” AC Milan. The one who gave so much to the club, on the lawn then behind the scenes, sees today his cropped power, discreetly but surely. The recent arrival of a new decision maker in the Lombard organization chart has rebuilt the cards, and the former attacker has obviously saw nothing coming.
Igli Tare, the start of the end for Ibra?
Since the enthronement of Igli Tare as a sports director, the prerogatives of Ibrahimovic have melted as snow in the sun. The return of Massimiliano Allegri on the bench, wanted by Tare, took place without Ibra, however official consultant. During the presentation conference, his absence struck the spirits, and the words of Allegri (“I still expect it…”) sounded as a distance. Certainly, Zlatan was abroad. But for a leader supposed to embody the club's sports policy, this does not send a message of stability.
Since his appointment as a strategic advisor after his sports retirement, the imprint of Ibrahimovic has remained unclear. The missed recruitments, the absence of CAP clear and the results at half mast – in particular the failure in the Italian Cup and the lack of European qualification – have tarnished its aura. Already pointed out for his absences last year, justified by health problems, he had promised to regain control. But Milan version 2024-2025 seems to have made another choice.
AC Milan: The end of the Zlatan era behind the scenes?
A sidelines that does not say its name
What strikes in this transition is its silent character. No press release, no confrontation. But the signals are there: Tare takes orders, Ibrahimovic is receding. In a club where the balances are fragile and the Egos powerful, this evolution could announce an upcoming clash. Or, more simply, an outing by the small door for a man who has never borrowed any.
If this sidelining is confirmed, it would be a real earthquake for Milan. Because despite his mistakes, Zlatan remained a symbol. Its fall, if it continues, will illustrate the harsh law of modern football: even the giants must be accountable. And sometimes they fall without even understanding how.
