Is there anything that Zlatan Ibrahimović can’t do? We’re sure if you were to ask him he’d probably say no. And with the recent introduction of his first clothing line along with his acting skills being put to the sword in the latest Volvo V90 film, “Epilogue”, we aren’t so sure he’s got a weakness either.
It’s safe to say that Zlatan has never shied from dramatics, having spent the majority of his career in the public eye as a result of numerous stints at high-profile clubs like Barcelona, AC Milan, and PSG to name but a few. And the launch of Zlatan’s own Athleisure wear brand, A-Z, appears to be no different.
Paired with a high intensity promo video filled with brilliantly Zlatan-esque quotes (“Rip out their tongues and let their words be your meat” is a personal favourite), A-Z appears to be offering a rather refreshing option for athletes in its non-pretentious training wear.
With a colour scheme consisting primarily of muted blues, blacks, and greys, the slogan “It’s not about the gear” truly seems to embody the design, as Zlatan makes no claims that his clothing will turn you into an elite athlete like himself. Hard work is what breeds success and no matter what you wear there is no working around this problem. This is the message that A-Z’s training-based, rather than fashion-based, focus appears to be. It seems that the self-proclaimed human Ferrari may have undergone a slightly modest change of heart in his maturity.
Although perhaps we should take Zlatan’s words with a pinch of salt considering that this is the very same man who, once, when asked by Arsene Wenger to undergo a trial at Arsenal, responded by saying that “Zlatan doesn’t do auditions”.
Although he may detest auditions, Zlatan has still managed to bag himself a starring role in Volvo’s latest ad campaign, perhaps taking inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent performance in Nike’s ‘The Switch’ in order to truly prove that anything the Portuguese captain can do; he can do it better.
Surprisingly for a man known for his hubris, “Epilogue” is an endearing and emotional goodbye to the Swedish national team which Zlatan has spent the last 15 years of his life playing for, amassing an impressive 116 caps and scoring a record 62 goals in his time.
The short film, made to coincide with the release of the brand-new Volvo V90 and Zlatan’s timely retirement from international football, tracks the Swedish captain’s journey back to his hometown in Malmö after his team’s unfortunate failure to reach the knock-out stages of Euro 2016.
Starring Zlatan’s real-life family, the film, marvellously scored by Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer, retraces the highs and lows of Zlatan’s career all the way back to where it began in his tough childhood neighbourhood of Rosengård. Intended to represent how when one journey ends, another simply begins, the advert manages to say a great deal without much dialogue at all, an oddly fitting tribute to the man who has often been hounded by the media for being too outspoken.
The simple sight of Ibrahimović’s jersey hanging from the cage of his childhood football pitch is enough to silence any critics and bring a consolatory tear to the eye of any Swede. This is far from the end of Zlatan’s journey however, and we’re certain it’s not the last we’ll hear from the man, as if transfer rumours are believed to be true you’d best keep your eyes peeled for a Volvo V90 and a man dressed in impeccably stylish training gear around the Manchester area.