Comedian Andrew Schulz once shared a hilarious story of Zlatan Ibrahimovic snubbing LeBron James. The moment dates back to when Ibrahimovic signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy after his tenure with Manchester United.
After the move, James welcomed him to Los Angeles by sending a Lakers jersey, which was not well received. Ibrahimovic signed the jersey and sent it back.
Schulz called it a clash of egos. The story sparked a debate about which athlete carries more global fame.
While the NBA commands a massive audience, soccer reaches nearly every corner of the world. Several countries have top-tier professional leagues and there is strong competition in international tournaments.
Ibrahimovic built his brand and reputations at elite European clubs such as Manchester United, PSG, AC Milan, and Barcelona. His savage snub of James made for quite an entertaining start to his tenure with Los Angeles.
GettyLA Galaxy footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic (2L) holds up his new team jersey with coach Sigi Schmid (L), club president Chris Klein (2R) and AEG President Dan Beckerman (R) during a first press conference in Los Angeles, California, on March 30, 2018.
The 36-year-old Swedish striker’s move to MLS from Manchester United was confirmed last week, with Ibrahimovic swiftly vowing to reignite the Galaxy’s fortunes after they finished bottom of the league last season.
/ AFP PHOTO / Mark RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images)
Andrew Schulz Reflects on Zlatan Ibrahimovic Snubbing LeBron James
Andrew Schulz reflected on Zlatan Ibrahimovic snubbing LeBron James by signing the Lakers jersey he had sent him.
Typically, the athlete sending the jersey is trying to send a message that they are welcomed to the city. However, Ibrahimovic did not take it as signaling warm welcome.
On a past episode of FLAGRANT, Schulz claimed it was interpreted as a sign of disrespect. Schulz praised Ibrahimovic for his brash personality and how he chose to respond.
“Ibrahimovic, all-time confidence human being. Comes to LA and he takes an article out in the LA Times. And goes, ‘LA, you’re welcome. Zlatan is here.’ He gets sent a jersey from LeBron James, signs it and sends it back to LeBron James,” Schulz said.
He added:
“Is that not the most boss move? LeBron sends you a jersey. You’re like, ‘He must need an autograph,'” Schulz said. “Globally, probably [Ibrahimovic is a bigger star].”
Schulz Shares Ibrahimovic’s Reaction to His Podcast Clip
Schulz also once shared a story of Ibrahimovic’s reaction to his podcast clip recounting the story going viral on social media.
On an episode of FLAGRANT over a year later, Schulz said he met the former Manchester United star at UFC 294. The two shared a friendly exchange, and Ibrahimovic brought up the viral clip himself.
“I go up to meet Zlatan, I was like, ‘Hey, man, I just want to say hello. Big fan. Really appreciate you.’ And he looks up to me, he goes, ‘You like that jersey thing, don’t you?'” Schulz said. “I’m like, ‘You saw it?’ He goes, ‘Of course I saw it.’ I go, ‘Dude, I love it.'”
Schulz said Ibrahimovic stood by his actions. However, the soccer legend explained that he would have handled things differently if James had presented the jersey in person. In that case, he would have exchanged a Galaxy jersey and signed it face-to-face.
“[Ibrahimovic said], ‘Yeah, if he comes to me with the jersey, obviously I don’t do this. I give him a [Galaxy] jersey, we trade. But to mail me a jersey and not to do it in person, who does he think he is?’ Bro, it was amazing.”
Throwback: Andrew Schulz Recalls Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Savage LeBron James Snub