‘They wait outside your house, without a taco’ – Ibrahimovic verdict on European fans vs American fans | OneFootball

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has delivered a typically unfiltered verdict on the difference between American and European football culture, speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live ahead of his debut as a Fox Sports pundit for the 2026 World Cup.

The Milan senior advisor, currently in the United States as the tournament gets underway, was in characteristically irreverent form throughout the interview, touching on his time at LA Galaxy, his opinions on Messi and Ronaldo, and his new role in front of the camera.

On the difference in fan culture between the two continents, Ibrahimovic was jovial, with quotes via MilanNews24.

“When I played here with the Galaxy, when we lost I came out of the stadium and saw fans laughing, eating tacos, waiting by the car,” he said. “Soft. In Europe if you lose a match the fans don’t wait by the car, they wait at your house. And definitely not with a taco in hand. It is a totally different thing.”

KITZBUEHEL, AUSTRIA – JANUARY 25: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, former AC Milan player, looks on as he attends the Men’s Downhill of the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup on January 25, 2025 in Kitzbuehel, Austria. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)

Ibrahimovic recalls knife thrown on pitch at Marseille and vows to ‘wake up’ American audiences

He went further, reaching back to a memorable incident from his PSG days. “When we went away to Marseille, they threw knives onto the pitch,” he said.

“We scored, and usually you celebrate towards the corner flag, near the fans. I saw they had thrown a knife. I told my teammates that for the next goal we would celebrate in the centre of the pitch. I wanted to get out alive.”

On his punditry role, Ibrahimovic was equally self-assured.

“I am the only one without a script,” he said.

“They want Zlatan, I will give them Zlatan. When the others do their analysis I think the American viewers will fall asleep, I am here to wake them up.”

Asked who is better between Messi and Ronaldo, his answer was predictably his own. “Who is better between Messi and Ronaldo? I say Zlatan.”