10) Passing sexist comments about Swedish women’s national football team
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Ibrahimovic had found himself in hot water when he said that he believes men’s football and women’s football cannot be compared and that a reward should be given in terms of the finance they generate.
He said this after Anders Svensson was rewarded with a new Volvo for breaking the record for the most international caps, although when Therese Sjogran earned 187 caps for her country, the same wasn’t given to her.
He said: "With all respect for what the ladies have done, and they've done it fantastically well, you can't compare men's and women's football. Give it up, it's not even funny." He went on to say: "When I come out in Europe they compare me to Messi and Ronaldo. When I come home they compare me to a female player. With all respect for the ladies, they should be rewarded in relation to what they generate.
He further added: "I was asked in the summer who was the better player, me or [Sweden women’s striker] Lotta Schelin. You're joking with me, right? When I've broken all these records, this goal record, the goals in the national team, who shall I compare it to? Shall I compare it to whoever has the record, or the ladies?”
The striker also said: "Pay tribute to him instead for this record as he is one of the few players who has reached this level. It is better to stay on that line instead of devaluing him by comparing him with the ladies' individual achievements. They can get a bike with my autograph and then we are good."
His comments were received negatively as the ladies’ coach Pia Sundhage said that his comments were boring and sad. Sjorgan also joined her and said: "On one occasion he said we were fantastic and then he thinks that we should have a bike. I don't know what he is angry about really, if it is the association or the media,"
