LeBron James and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, both icons of their respective sports, recently found themselves in a light-hearted exchange that didn’t sit well with the enigmatic soccer star.
Recently revealed by Andrew Schulz on his ‘Flagrant’ podcast, he shared a moment between him and Zlatan during the UFC 294 event in Abu Dhabi.
Schulz recalled the incident when LeBron James once decided to extend his gratitude towards Zlatan Ibrahimovic by sending him a jersey in the mail. The intention was a sign of respect from one sporting great to another. However, the response from Ibrahimovic showcased his trademark flair for the unexpected.
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Rather than reciprocating in a conventional manner, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, known for his exuberant nature, took a different approach. He not only signed LeBron James’ jersey but shipped it back to the NBA star.
Schulz shared Zlatan’s perspective, quoting him as saying, “If he comes to me with the jersey, obviously I give him a jersey, we train, but to mail me a jersey not in person – who does he think he is?”
However, as a sign of deep respect towards the Swedish soccer star, LeBron didn’t respond back to the gesture. It is fair enough to say that the NBA superstar might have been waiting for a jersey in return.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and LeBron James’ public spat over social justice activism
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and LeBron James have found themselves in between a different controversy a long time back. The relationship between the two was previously been marred by a public disagreement over the role of athletes in social justice activism.
LeBron James who is known to be an avid stan of social justice campaigns over the years was criticized by Zlatan for frequently voicing his opinion on political issues and social justice issues.
Zlatan once explained in a press conference for the San Remo Music Festival, “Athletes unite the world, politics divide it. Our role is to unite the world by doing what we do best. Athletes should be athletes and politicians should do politics.”
🎙 Zlatan Ibrahimovic to #UEFA: “My father made me watch a lot of Muhammad Ali, and I like that kind of character. You talk, but you perform; you talk, but you prove [yourself]. You don’t talk because you think you’re somebody; you talk because you’re confident.” pic.twitter.com/APT3NTrLck
— Milan Posts (@MilanPosts) March 26, 2022
However, it didn’t go well with the basketball icon. He quickly defended his activism by stating, “I will never shut up about things that are wrong. I preach about my people and I preach about equality, social justice, racism, voter suppression – things that go on in our community.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who once cited Muhammad Ali as his preferred athlete for Ali’s impact both inside and outside the boxing ring, holds a contrasting view when it comes to athletes participating in political matters.