“Nobody does that to me”

Legendary forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has recalled the ‘dark side’ of working with Carlo Ancelotti after the latter’s Brazil side drew 1-1 with Morocco in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener.

Ibrahimovic is widely considered as one of the best strikers of all time. Having played for top European sides like AC Milan, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Manchester United, he racked up an eye-watering 496 goals and 205 assists in 827 games.

The Swede was under Ancelotti’s tutelage at PSG in the 2012-13 season. He bagged a whopping 35 goals and 17 assists in just 46 appearances under the Italian tactician, en route to winning the Ligue 1 title.

In a recent appearance on FOX Sports, Ibrahimovic claimed that Ancelotti, who is usually calm and composed, sometimes showed his ‘dark side’ to keep things under control. The 44-year-old said (via @FOXSports on X):

“I remember after a game, he was not happy with the team… I was sitting and he kicked a box that hit my forehead. I was surprised because nobody does that to me, but Carlo did it. So yes, he has (a) dark side also, which I like because that is my trigger.”

Now managing Brazil, the first international side in his coaching career, Ancelotti is looking to add more trophies to his already overflowing cabinet. With a squad full of stars like Vini Jr, Raphinha, Marquinhos, Gabriel and Alisson among others, the Selecao are considered one of the favourites at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After a shaky star against Morocco, the five-time World Cup champions will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming group stage game against Haiti (June 19).

Star forward Vinicius Jr scores incredible goal to secure 1-1 draw for Brazil vs Morocco at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Star attacker Vinicius Jr produced a moment of magic to help Brazil secure a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Atlas Lions dominated in the early running, peppering the Selecao’s goal with numerous shots. They got their reward in the 21st minute, when Ismael Saibari latched onto Brahim Diaz’ through ball and calmly chipped the ball over Alisson and into the net.

Just minutes later (32′), Vinicius received the ball on the left flank. He drove to the byline, before cutting back and across and unleashing a venomous right-footed strike into the far corner.

Multiple reports have claimed that Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer Neymar (79 goals in 128 games) will miss his nation’s FIFA World Cup group stage entirely. In his absence, Vinicius, alongside the likes of Raphinha, Matheus Cunha and Igor Thiago will have to step up in attack to help their nation qualify for the knockouts.