Ibrahimovic has joined RedBird Capital Partners as an operating partner, with specific focus on AC Milan
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has got his first job since quitting from sports, working as an advisor for Liverpool investors RedBird Capital Partners.
Ibrahimovic, 42, called it quits at the end of last season after a dazzling career that included stops at AC Milan, Ajax, Barcelona, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain, where he established himself as one of the best players in European football history.
He retired earlier this year after concluding his career with AC Milan, and he is currently working behind the scenes for the Rossoneri, a club controlled by RedBird, the Gerry Cardinale-led group that purchased 11% of Reds owners Fenway Sports Group for $750 million in March 2021.
Ibrahimovic is set to take on the role of an operating partner at RedBird, collaborating with the firm’s global investment team to bolster its existing portfolio across sports, media, and entertainment. His responsibilities will involve identifying and assessing fresh investment prospects for the company. Additionally, he will offer guidance to RedBird’s portfolio entities on various commercial ventures, digital content strategies, and strategic initiatives aimed at broadening their global presence.
Simultaneously, within AC Milan, Ibrahimovic will assume the position of a senior advisor to the ownership group led by RedBird, which also includes the New York Yankees, a long-term partner of RedBird in sports. AC Milan and the Yankees have a commercial relationship, evidenced by the sale of merchandise at each other’s venues. In this role, the Swedish icon will work closely with the club’s ownership and senior management, actively engaging in both the sporting and business aspects of the organization.
His duties will encompass fostering player development and enhancing high-performance training, advancing AC Milan’s global brand and commercial endeavors, and providing support for crucial strategic projects, notably including the planned construction of the club’s new stadium in the San Donato area of the city.
“We have all been fortunate to witness Zlatan’s greatness as a player and his contributions in leading AC Milan to the top of Serie A,” said Cardinale, founder and managing partner of RedBird.
“What makes a winner of Zlatan’s calibre is not just physical talent, but also high intellect and an entrepreneurial spirit. At RedBird, we have developed partnerships with a very select group of high-performing world class athletes and artists who are able to thrive in the RedBird ecosystem across our sports, media and entertainment portfolio. I have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with Zlatan in thinking through his post-playing career options.
“To have him play an active role in the future of the club is indicative of our continued commitment to excellence both on and off the pitch, and I’m looking forward to working with him as a partner and colleague at both RedBird and AC Milan.
“The respect Zlatan commanded as a player, his global presence among fans of the sport, and his diverse skillset as an entrepreneur is a powerful combination for both AC Milan and RedBird.
“I’m thrilled for our fans, our players and coaching staff, and the rest of the Rossoneri community that we can formally welcome him back to the team once again.”
As a player, Ibrahimovic won 34 trophies across a 24-year career, scoring more than 500 club goals. He was nominated for the Ballon d’Or 11 times.
“I am extremely grateful to be joining both RedBird and AC Milan in these important and influential roles,” said Ibrahimovic.
“RedBird has partnered with some of the greatest athletes, teams and business figures in the world to create businesses with meaning and impact. I look forward to contributing to their investing activities across their sports, media and entertainment properties.
“My love for the Rossoneri will never die, and the opportunity to be a part of its future in a meaningful way is something I could only have dreamed of. I am grateful to Gerry for making this opportunity available to me. I have greatly admired the commitment, passion and hard work RedBird and Senior Management have demonstrated since acquiring the club.
“This is not a decision that I take lightly – it is one which is very important and personal to me and my family. I’ve thought long and hard about the first steps in my post-playing career, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to start that journey as a member of RedBird and AC Milan. For me and my family, this is truly a homecoming with the cherished club where I ended my playing career and am now starting my next chapter.”
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