Over the course of the 2026 World Cup, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made a fair few headlines with his punditry. His comments after the final between Spain and Argentina are perhaps the most explosive yet.

While the game was somewhat short of quality, it wasn’t lacking for drama. First, Enzo Fernandez got himself a red card just before the game went to extra time; Lionel Messi then tried to get Marc Cucurella sent off; before Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game to win the tournament.

In defeat, Argentina were less than gracious losers, with Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala among the angriest. Their poor behaviour has sparked a firm response from Ibrahimovic, who slammed one man in particular.

Ibrahimovic Tears Into Argentina Midfielder

Daniele Mascolo via Reuters

TV broadcasters showed replays of Paredes targeting Eric Garcia, grabbing the former Manchester City man by the throat, before clashing with Gavi. The Argentine appeared to throw a punch at the Barcelona midfielder and toss him to the floor before Lionel Scaloni and others rushed over to break up the fight.

Ibrahimovic, however, was actually critical of the rest of the Spain squad who didn’t rush in to respond more violently to Paredes’ actions. He claimed he would have ‘headbutted’ the 32-year-old if he was on the pitch, explaining:

It’s trademark fiery analysis from Ibrahimovic, but fans shouldn’t get used to it as the Swede announced his retirement from punditry duties soon after. Having worked for Fox Sports across the World Cup, he explained:

“I have talked a lot during the past month and a half, but these will be my last words. Alexi [Lalas], Thierry [Henry], Rebecca [Lowe], thank you. It has been my pleasure to share this studio with you. I also thank Fox, the United States and everyone who watched. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. This is my last visit to the studio. For me, this was the first and last time.”

Paredes Faces FIFA Punishment Despite Avoiding Red Card

Mike Segar via Action Images/Reuters

The incredible thing is that although Paredes appeared to rightfully be sent off for his behaviour, FIFA have since claimed that no red card was actually given. Reports claim that, contrary to reports, no disciplinary action was taken against the player at the time.

As such, despite his obvious head loss, the Argentine did not become the seventh player to be shown a red card in a World Cup final. That does not mean he will avoid retrospective disciplinary action, though, as FIFA have now begun their investigation.

Speaking for the first time on social media after the event, Paredes avoided talking about the scrap and instead thanked Argentina fans for their support. He added: “Today, I write with a heavy heart, having been unable to bring our country the joy it so richly deserves – but with a chest full of pride for having given everything we had and for flying our flag at the very top once again!

“Thank you to everyone who was part of this national team—to this group of players who gave their all to represent this jersey, fighting for it until the very last second of every match! It was an honour to be part of the best Argentine national team in history.”

Celtic have agreed a £10m deal with Ipswich Town to sell forward Daizen Maeda, according to the Daily Record.

The Glasgow giants secured a fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title last season, beating Hearts 1-0 on the final day of the season to overtake them in the table, and are now planning a major squad rebuild to be able to go again.

That means a number of first-team stars are expected to leave despite being key to their recent success, and the first exit has now been agreed to kickstart that chain of events.

Celtic Agree £10m Maeda Deal

Maeda, who has been described as ‘sensational’ by Martin O’Neill, enjoyed a fine campaign in 2025/26 with 17 goals in all competitions, but he has been keen to make a move away from Celtic Park this summer for a new challenge, having spent four-and-a-half years with the club.

Now it has emerged that Premier League new boys Ipswich Town have agreed a deal worth £10m to sign the Japan international and take him to England.

The deal is worth an initial £8m plus a further £2m in add-ons for the 28-year-old, with the player now not expected to return to Celtic for pre-season after being given extra time off following his World Cup exploits.

Ipswich are currently in Spain on a warm-weather training camp for pre-season, and any deal is not expected to be completed until they return. However, Maeda is now scheduled to undergo a medical later this week.

The Japanese forward was close to a move away to the Bundesliga last summer before a deal collapsed, and he has made it clear that he wishes to play in England’s top-flight, describing it as ‘the best league in the world’.

Celtic Starting a New Era

O’Neill has been given a one-year contract in order to oversee the rebuild in Glasgow this summer, and he will take the team into a new era following his league title win.

Without Maeda, and strong interest in players like Benjamin Nygren and Arne Engels, the club will need to be busy in the transfer market to see off a resurgent Rangers side and a hungry Hearts team, to ensure the squad isn’t weakened, and that any exits are of an adequate level.

After 79 goals in 212 games, plus five Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups, Maeda’s time at the club is now over, and Celtic must use those funds to bring in some top talent.

Leandro Paredes has broken his silence after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat against Spain. The midfielder was involved in several heated altercations following the full-time whistle.

Ferran Torres netted a 106th-minute winner as La Roja added a second star to their badge, as 10-man Argentina struggled to ever threaten the opposition.

Enzo Fernandez’s red card in the 93rd minute appeared to be the spark that led to tensions boiling over. Immediately after the full-time whistle, Dani Olmo was punched by an Argentine member of staff, Nicolas Otamendi confronted Rodri and Paredes grabbed and threw Gavi to the ground.

The Boca Juniors midfielder appeared to be at the centre of the post-match meltdown. He’s now posted his first words after the defeat.

Leandro Paredes Breaks Silence After World Cup Final

Jeenah Moon/Reuters

It was initially believed and reported that Paredes had been shown a red card among the chaotic scenes after the game had ended. However, FIFA has since confirmed to BBC Sport that the 32-year-old was never actually sent off.

The governing body has since ‘deleted’ the red card from his record, after it was incorrectly noted. While he hasn’t received any punishment at the time of writing, Paredes could still be in hot water as FIFA have opened an investigation into Argentina’s behaviour after the final.

Paredes has since taken to social media to post a lengthy statement, although he opted not to address the controversy. He stated: “THANK YOU, ARGENTINA!!! I LOVE YOU, TODAY AND ALWAYS.

“Today, I write with a heavy heart, having been unable to bring our country the joy it so richly deserves – but with a chest full of pride for having given everything we had and for flying our flag at the very top once again!

FIFA Told to Ban Paredes From the Next World Cup

REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

Paredes will be 36 years old when the 2030 World Cup rolls around. Therefore, his chances of being selected are quite slim. Nonetheless, former England striker Gabby Agbonlahor has called on FIFA to take drastic action and ban him from the event anyway.

Labelling the ex-PSG midfielder ‘a coward’, Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT: “No matter what happens in football, you can be angry you lost, but be classy in defeat. If you want to fight Paredes, there are places to fight – not on the pitch against Garcia.