The Buzz, US System
Galaxy sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic
A little more than a decade ago, the Galaxy lured David Beckham to Southern California from one of Europe’s top soccer clubs, a move that changed the direction of the sport in the U.S. forever.
On Thursday the Galaxy finalized a deal to bring an even bigger name to Major League Soccer — Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whose jaw-dropping athletic talent and oversized persona should make him an immediate star in Los Angeles.
Beckham was an iconic player, but a passer, not a scorer, who owed much of his celebrity to a pop-star wife and a modeling career that paid him more than soccer did.
Ibrahimovic, 36, ranks alongside Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi as one of the best three players of his generation, drawing more than 60 million followers on his social media accounts.
In his native Sweden, his first name has been trademarked.
“This guy,” said former U.S. World Cup defender Alexi Lalas, “transcends the sport.”
On the field, the Swedish superstar has won 13 league titles in Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and France and averaged more than a goal every two games over an 18-year professional career. Off the field he’s a cult icon, a unique combination of old-school ego and millennial cool.
The spotlight loves Ibrahimovic — and he loves it right back.
When he came to England to play for Manchester United two years ago, he was asked if he hoped to become king of the city.
“I’ll be the God of Manchester,” he promised.
Asked Thursday if Los Angeles was big enough to handle his personality, he said “if it’s not, I’ll make it bigger.”
Read More: LATIMES
