Zlatan Ibrahimovic Picks Four Managers Who Revolutionised Football and Tips Ancelotti’s Brazil for World Cup Glory

Key Takeaways:

• Zlatan Ibrahimovic named Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Fabio Capello as the managers who changed football at the European Club Association General Assembly in Rome.
• The AC Milan advisor expressed his belief that Carlo Ancelotti can guide Brazil to World Cup triumph in 2026, highlighting his transformative impact at previous clubs
• Ibrahimovic has expanded his behind-the-scenes influence at AC Milan since becoming a consultant in December 2023, actively representing the club at executive football gatherings

Celebrating the Managers Who Defined an Iconic Career

During an address at the European Club Association General Assembly in Rome, Zlatan Ibrahimovic reflected upon his distinguished playing years and the coaching figures who were pivotal to his success. The 44-year-old, who represented clubs such as Barcelona, Inter, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United, recounted working with prominent managers including Massimiliano Allegri, Roberto Mancini, Ronald Koeman, and Laurent Blanc. Yet, he singled out four names who, in his view, have truly transformed the sport.

🗣️ Zlatan Ibrahimović: "I hope Brazil wins, for my friend Ancelotti. I’m cheering for them. Everything he touches turns to gold let’s see if he can do it with Brazil too." pic.twitter.com/WVdGsiAXGv

— Milan Posts (@MilanPosts) October 8, 2025

Revolutionary Managers: Capello, Mourinho, Guardiola, and Ancelotti

Despite experiencing a strained relationship with Pep Guardiola during his Barcelona stint – a chapter that saw Ibrahimovic net 22 goals in 46 matches before departing – he still placed Guardiola among the coaching elite who redefined football. Ibrahimovic also credited Fabio Capello, Jose Mourinho, and Carlo Ancelotti, stating: “I had Capello, Mourinho, Guardiola, Ancelotti: these four are football and they changed it.”

He further revealed his long-standing desire to have been managed by Jurgen Klopp and Sir Alex Ferguson, noting that both were among the world-class tacticians he admired throughout his journey.

Ancelotti Backed to Lead Brazil to 2026 World Cup Triumph

Ibrahimovic reserved especially high praise for Carlo Ancelotti, whom he worked with at Paris Saint-Germain. Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, he advocated for Ancelotti’s prospects with the Brazil national team, stating: “I hope Brazil win for my friend Ancelotti. I’m rooting for them. Everything he touches turns to gold, let’s see if he can do the same with Brazil.”

According to Ibrahimovic, Ancelotti’s measured leadership and tactical adaptability may finally bring an end to Brazil’s 24-year pursuit of another World Cup title, which would make Ancelotti the inaugural European manager to claim football’s most prestigious award with the Seleção.

Zlatan’s Growing Influence in Milan’s Executive Ranks

Since assuming his role as a consultant to Milan’s ownership group in December 2023, Ibrahimovic has been increasingly active in shaping the Rossoneri’s direction behind the scenes. While he often makes light of his broad job description, reports indicate he played a critical part in Milan’s recent recruitment drives, notably targeting Christopher Nkunku and Ardon Jashari. His presence at the ECA conference, alongside senior figures from RedBird Capital, further solidifies his transition into the upper echelons of football administration.