Zlatan Ibrahimovic is working as a World Cup commentator for Fox Sports in the United States, a role that has drawn considerable attention. A columnist for *Dagens Nyheter*, Kristofer Ahlström, describes watching Ibrahimovic as “painful” due to his showmanship and self-centered behavior. However, Ahlström also suggests a genuine psychological dynamic underlies Ibrahimovic’s on-air persona. The commentary is characterized by both extravagance and a perceived ego, yet simultaneously feels authentic to the former player. The situation presents a complex portrayal of Ibrahimovic to American audiences. Ahlström implies the commentary is compelling despite, or perhaps because of, its controversial elements.