Ranking Zlatan Ibrahimovic's top 5 stints in club football

It was during his time at AC Milan that he firmly established himself as one of the greatest strikers of his generation. Alas, amid the club's financial troubles, Ibrahimovic was sold to PSG in 2012.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic made a sensational return to AC Milan in 2019

Currently, in his second stint as a Rosseneri, Ibrahimovic shows no indication of abating. The acrobatic striker came to the rescue of a club that had lost its charm since his previous spell. He proved to be a spark plug for a young and inexperienced side and changed the fortunes of the players and the club itself.

Returning from MLS side LA Galaxy and in the twilight of his career, many doubted his form and fitness. Clearly, everyone was made to bite their tongues. With 20 direct goal contributions in 27 matches last season, the attacker is sharp as ever, even as he nears his 40th birthday.

The enigmatic striker has been scoring goals for fun and has already signed a contract extension that keeps him at AC Milan until 2022. We can't wait to see what Zlatan Ibrahimovic has in store for us this season!

Rating: 8/10

LA Galaxy (2018-Dec 2019)

A tall and confident Zlatan was even made captain in his short stay at Los Angeles Galaxy

Now, I know a lot of you might be thinking about United and how Ibrahimovic at least won some silverware there. However, in terms of his individual impact and return in front of goal, the City of Angels are forever indebted to him. They shall never forget the eccentric way a humble Ibrahimovic announced his arrival at LA Galaxy. If you have rusty pre-pandemic memory, here, take a look for yourself:

The Swede's first appearance for the LA Galaxy came on March 31 as a substitute against cross-city rivals Los Angeles FC, his first El Tráfico derby. It's fair to say he became an instant fan-favourite, scoring not one but two incredible goals. A breath-taking 45-yard half volley and a sublime header in stoppage time helped the team come from three goals down to win the match 4–3.

For a while, MLS seemed to be Ibrahimovic's backyard, where the striker scored 53 goals in just 58 appearances. He scored his 500th pro-career goal in style against Toronto FC, with a magical acrobatic effort that earned a Puskas nomination.

The ever so modest Ibrahimovic penned down a tear wrenching good-bye letter (in his own way, might I add), towards the end of 2019. It would be an understatement to say that he announced his departure from the MLS with the same flair and poise as he had on his arrival.

Rating: 8/10

Manchester United (2016-2018)

'Can he do it on a cold, rainy night in Stoke?'

Manchester United v Southampton - EFL Cup Final

Of course, he can!

At 34 years of age, when other players would rather go to Asia or America to extend their careers, Ibrahimovic chose to take up a new challenge in the Premier League. The Reds have been a team in crisis ever since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. They were in desperate need of a man to lead by example. And look who they turn to!

A move to United implied a reunion with former coach Jose Mourinho, under whom he tasted abundant success at the San Siro. He proved his worth by scoring a brace in the League Cup final and an exquisite match-winning header in the FA Community Shield. Nonetheless, he also won the Europa League at Manchester United. A 28-goal debut season by a 35-year old player in a PL club is nothing short of other-worldly, to say the least.

Ibrahimovic with a stunning acrobatic effort vs Hull City

Zlatan Ibrahimovic went on to score 29 goals in 53 games, averaging more than a goal every two games. He became the oldest player to score 15 goals in the PL while at the Red Devils. The charismatic forward also became the first ever player to represent seven different clubs in the Champions League.

53 games. 29 goals.One Zlatan Ibrahimovic. pic.twitter.com/Fz4LmnMn1H

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 22, 2018

Rating: 7/10