Want to learn how to play like Zlatan Ibrahimovic? Start by understanding his playing style. Zlatan was a tall, powerful striker with the touch of a playmaker. He could hold off defenders with his body, control almost any pass, dribble in tight spaces and score spectacular goals with volleys, overhead kicks and long-range shots. For a big man, his skill on the ball was extraordinary, and he made it look easy.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s playstyle mixed three things most strikers only have one or two of: physical strength, technical skill and total self-belief. He always demanded the ball, and he always wanted to do something special with it. The good news for young players is that many of his skills can be practiced at any size.
Who Is Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
Zlatan grew up in Rosengård, a neighborhood of Malmö, Sweden, and started his professional career at Malmö FF. He moved to Ajax in 2001, where he struggled at first before becoming a star. His solo goal against NAC Breda in 2004, weaving past defender after defender, is still one of the most famous Eredivisie goals ever.
From there he played for some of the biggest clubs in the world: Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, where he reunited with his former coach Jose Mourinho. He then joined the LA Galaxy in 2018, scoring a stunning long-range volley on his debut against LAFC, before returning to AC Milan. He retired in 2023 as one of Sweden’s all-time greats.
His time at Barcelona was short and difficult. Under Pep Guardiola he was often asked to play a different role than he wanted, though he still scored 16 league goals that season. He later described the experience with a famous line: “When you buy me, you are buying a Ferrari. If you drive a Ferrari you put premium petrol in the tank, you hit the motorway and you step on the gas. Pep Guardiola filled up with diesel and took a spin in the countryside. He should have bought a Fiat.”
That quote tells you a lot about Zlatan’s mentality. He believed in himself completely, and he wanted to be the focal point of his team.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Playing Style: 5 Signature Skills and How to Practice Them
- Demanding the ball. Former LA Galaxy teammate Sebastian Lletget noted how intensely Zlatan wanted the ball, gesturing for it constantly and emphatically. Great strikers make themselves available. How to practice: In small-sided games, challenge yourself to call for the ball every time you are open, using your voice and a clear arm signal, and move to create a passing lane.
- Controlling difficult passes. Zlatan could kill a high ball with his chest, thigh or the top of his foot and keep it under control. How to practice: Have a partner throw or chip balls at different heights. Control with the chest, thigh, then foot, keeping the first touch within a yard. Twenty reps, alternating surfaces.
- Holding up play. He used his body to shield the ball with his back to goal, letting teammates join the attack. How to practice: In a 10×10 yard area, receive a pass with a defender behind you. Keep a wide stance, arm out for balance, and hold the ball for five seconds before laying it off. Switch every three reps.
- Close control in tight spaces. For a tall player, Zlatan had surprisingly quick feet, using sole rolls, drag-backs and changes of direction to slip past defenders. How to practice: Dribble through a tight cone grid using only the sole and inside of the foot. One minute on, 30 seconds off, five sets.
- Acrobatic finishing. Zlatan trained in taekwondo as a youngster, and his flexibility showed in his volleys and overhead kicks, including a famous long-range bicycle kick for Sweden against England in 2012. How to practice: Start with side volleys from a partner’s gentle toss, focusing on keeping the shot low and balanced. Only practice bicycle kicks on soft grass or mats with a coach supervising.
Big Players Can Be Skillful Too
Many tall young players are told to just win headers and battle with defenders. Zlatan proves there is much more to the game. Taller players benefit enormously from ball mastery training because it lets them combine their size with real skill on the ball.
Common Mistakes When Trying to Play Like Zlatan
- Copying the attitude without the work. Zlatan’s confidence was backed by years of training. Confidence comes from preparation.
- Trying acrobatic finishes before mastering the basics. Most of his goals came from clean, simple finishes. Learn to strike a ball properly first.
- Standing still with your back to goal. Holding up play still requires movement to get free of the defender before the ball arrives.
- Using strength instead of skill. Zlatan used his body to protect the ball, not to replace his technique.
- Hiding when things go wrong. Even after a miss, Zlatan kept asking for the ball. Stay involved.
Practice Session: Play Like Zlatan (About 45 Minutes)
- Ball mastery warm-up (8 minutes). Sole rolls, inside-outside touches and drag-backs on the spot, 30 seconds each, both feet.
- Receiving out of the air (8 minutes). In pairs, one player tosses, the other controls with chest, thigh and foot. Ten reps per surface, then switch.
- Back-to-goal hold-up (10 minutes). Striker receives from a server with a defender behind. Hold the ball, then turn and shoot or lay it off to a supporting player. Rotate every four reps.
- Volley finishing (10 minutes). A server tosses balls from the side. Striker hits side volleys and half-volleys on goal. Eight to ten reps from each side.
- 2v2 to goal (9 minutes). Small field, two goals. Encourage strikers to demand the ball, hold it up and attempt bold finishes.
The Coerver Angle
Zlatan is a perfect example of why Coerver Coaching puts ball mastery at the base of player development. His size made him strong, but his touch made him special. Our approach helps players of every shape and size build close control, confident 1v1 moves and the ability to finish under pressure. When a big striker can also dribble and control the ball like a playmaker, defenders run out of answers.
For more on Zlatan and players like him, watch Zlatan shoving Sebastian Lletget out of the wall, read about power, positioning and predatory instinct in a modern goal scorer, and learn Coerver soccer moves to beat any opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s playing style?
He was a tall, powerful striker with exceptional technique. He combined hold-up play and strength with close control, creative passing and spectacular finishing.
How can I play like Zlatan if I am not tall?
Focus on the skills that do not depend on height: first touch, close control, shielding with good body position, confident finishing and always making yourself available for the ball.
Did Zlatan do martial arts?
Yes. He trained in taekwondo when he was young, and many people credit that background for his flexibility and acrobatic finishes.
Is Zlatan still playing?
No. Zlatan retired in 2023 after his second spell at AC Milan.
