In parallel with Zlatan Ibrahimovic makes success on the football field, he has begun to build a business empire around himself. Already in 2003 he got his first name trademark registered with the Swedish Patent and Registration Office and since 2010 he works closely with brand agent Mika Lepistö, who has an eye on everything that Zlatan Ibrahimovic get involved in outside of football.
in recent years, the Swedish superstar appeared in a host of new commercial context: Volvo advertising, its own perfume brand, ambassador of a vitamin drink company, not yet launched sportklädesmärke.
the commercial assignments have been much debated among football experts. They take too much focus away from football? Is it a sign that Sweden’s greatest footballer of all time are preparing to put the shoes on the shelf? Zlatan has become greedy in your old age?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic answers to the kinds of questions he gives – the typical Zlatan mannerisms – in the new commercial that he played in Vitamin well:
“So you Think That I’m done? That my career will soon be over? You do not know me. I’m just warming up. “
” There you have the whole story. It’s the truth, “said Zlatan Ibrahimovic when we meet in Stockholm during the Easter weekend, when the Swedish superstar has a morning off the national team collection.
At the same time the ongoing business collaborations in which direction Zlatan Ibrahimovic imagines his life, the day he finally choose to end pro career.
“I think it is fun and interesting shops. There are new challenges. “
Best season – despite the high age
football field have Zlatan Ibrahimovic led his Paris Saint-Germain to the fourth French league title in a row in the Champions league, the team is now ahead in the quarter-finals (first match against Manchester City played in the week, the return next Tuesday) and he almost single-handedly Sweden summer’s European Championship finals in France.
“Luckily, I love to train. I have to train, I have to sweat, I must suffer. Sometimes I train so hard I throw up. ‘
On the sports pages speculated wildly about what will be his next club address after the contract with PSG expires this summer. There is a huge difference from how it sounded in the summer, when most pundits argued that the Swede had made her the absolute top level.
34 years old are you maybe your best season in his career. How is it possible?
“I have proved that these 34 years is just a number. Everything is in your head. The work I’ve put in this year, especially mentally, it’s huge. You look beyond just the results, you can see me play well and score goals, and you think ‘wow, it’s so easy?’. But all the hours when I study and toil to reach perfection. It is not visible and therefore nobody is thinking about it. But it’s the key to everything. “
” Luckily, I love to train. I have to train, I have to sweat, I must suffer. Sometimes I train so hard that I vomit. Playing the game is the easy part, it’s just to go out there and do what you are good at, it usually resolve themselves. “
What you win anything – the Champions League or the European Cup?
‘EM, absolutely. Can you win something with your country, therefore, there is nothing greater than that. “
Is there anything to indicate that you would not play professional football next season ?
“Anything can happen. I will put all the cards on the table in the summer and then take my decision. There will be many opportunities. Meanwhile: I have always said that I will end up on top. In addition to Zidane, it is no great footballer who has done it. We’ll see. “
” I do not do this for money, “
It is a relaxed and open Zlatan Ibrahimovic as we meet at a secluded hotel in Östermalm. Right from the start, he wants to make clear that he is happy to talk about their business projects – but it’s not about money for him.
“I do none of this money. I do not do anything, either now or after my career, I will live well anyway. What I choose to do, I do for entirely different reasons. “
” I choose with the heart. What I believe in myself. Gladly Swedish companies that want out of the world. And it must be quality. ‘
And is Zlatan Ibrahimovic financial independence.
After 15 years in the wage top football world money circus, his fortune is estimated at well over 1 billion. According to unanimous media reports, he raised his annual salary at PSG from 130 million to 143 million to this year’s season. In comparison seems his record fee for Volvo advertising – 10-12 million, according to sources of today’s industry – almost like crumbs in this context.
Cars, perfume, vitamin drink clothes. Is there a common thread in how to choose which company you will work with?
“I choose with the heart. What I believe in myself. Gladly Swedish companies that want out of the world. And it must be quality. I work only with a few, but then it’s real and I give it 200 percent. “
It is often the pancake when sports stars will advertise all sorts products. Do you agree?
“Absolutely. There are many famous athletes who work with the company, especially now facing major championships, and that just makes it appear or to get a nice check. So I’m not working, I work with commitment and quality. The companies you partner must match yourself, it does not work they try to paint you into something you are not. Everything I do comes from myself. “
Are there any other sports star you think made it good?
” David Beckham , of course. All he has done, all his choices, he has been the forerunner. I believe that it is he who has opened up for us all, how it works and how to do. “
You played together in the PSG before he laid off. Did you talk to him about it?
“No, no, footballer at this level, man is not dialogue that way. We are buddies and just think it’s great that it goes well for each other. It’s not that you call Beckham and ask, ‘How does it work?’ No. You are yourself and you have to find your own way. “
What other take the help of the business issues?
” Nah , it’s just me and Mika (Lepistö, Zlatan Ibrahimovic brand agent, who also sits during the interview). “
Your second agent Mino Raiola then?
“Mino is cruel, but he takes care of the football, nothing else.”
And your wife Helena Seger, who was marketing manager for the airline FlyMe when you hit, the balls you questions like this with her?
“of course I talk to Helena and asks what she thinks. However, the final decision I take and Mika. Mika control everything. Do not think he is on an idea, it will not be me. And he knows me so well that he just tells me what he thinks I might be interested. So there are two of us. Larger teams so I do not need. Mika is the perfect fire, hehe (Mika Lepistö agent company called The Perfect Brands). “
You’ve also some famous businessmen in the circle of acquaintances, among other Sigma Founder Dan Olofsson as you start the app Zlatan Unplugged with. You ask him if ever business advice?
“No, for the seat that I’m in no other has been. I run my own race and write my own story, then they can use me as an example in their business case. “
How much entrepreneur, you feel that you are ?
“I feel I can take the things I believe in and make them magical. But, again, I do not do it to make money. Business Projects I go in, I go in to make history. I want to do things that have not been done before. It is the same drive that I have in football, taking it to a new level, doing things that no one else did. But it is more difficult for business, then you have to get everyone to think like me. On the football field, it is enough that I think of myself. “
Which Swedish companies do you think have done a good footprint abroad?
“The large, Ikea and H & amp; M, of course, but also such as Skype and Spotify. I usually brag to my club mates about Sweden. I say: ‘We are not so many, but we do, we do really well.’ “
In the interview with Jan Gradvall in Di Weekend last year told you that Volvo advertising came about by you called the Chippendale Wilhelm’s father, who is Volvo dealers in Skåne, and suggested that you would do anything for Volvo. How did you come in contact with Vitamin Well?
“Many years ago I saw this bottle Vitamin Well. I thought it looked interesting. I tasted the contents and liked it. Much later it came up through a mutual acquaintance that they wanted to be seen. So we met. The rest is history. “
I talked with Jonas Pettersson, Vitamin Wells CEO and founder, last week, and he told me that you are already at the first meeting in autumn 2014 said you had a specific desire to develop your own sports drink .
“Everything that I said in the first meeting with Jonas has now happened, and more . I said that I would change the entire company and take it to new levels. I said: ‘It is good for you, but you have played in the small pond, now you come into Zlatan’s world, on the throne. That is where you should be. ‘I will not sit here and brag, I do not need to do, but you can ask Jonas yourself how it goes. “
” I want to live I want to die in Zverige « I did. He told me that Vitamin’s turnover increased by 70 percent last year after going on as the company’s ambassador.
“You see! You could say that Zlatan is Vitamin Well now. Before, Vitamin Well Vitamin Well, but now I’m Vitamin Well, so now we’ll take over the world. But all is not because of Ibrahimovic. It’s the way we’re working on as well, the paths we choose. “
Vitamin Wells drinks currently sold in 22 countries. Last year, sales amounted to SEK 343 million and profit before tax was written to 32 million. It is an impressive development since Jonas Pettersson jumped by lawyer career and founded the company in 2006 along with two companions.
But the journey has not been without troubles. Vitamin Well marketed as a healthy alternative, while most drinks contain sugar, which has led to criticism from nutrition experts. Negative writings also contributed to a dip in sales in 2011, according to Jonas Pettersson.
The first vitamin drink that Zlatan Ibrahimovic was to develop, Upgrade, quickly became the company’s best-selling. Expectations for the new Zlatan drink, Vitamin Well +, is at least as high.
“It’s the next generation of sports drink. A drink need daily for an athlete on my level. I have not had it before, I missed it. We have developed this drink with all the specialists in Vitamin Well, “said Ibrahimovic.
Jonas Pettersson was amazed with what commitment you have given yourself into it this collaboration. He told me that you have questions about, how it works in the office, distribution, radiator. Why do you think it’s so interesting?
“I had a fantasy of many years ago, long before this was the date that I want to create your own beverage. I wondered for years whether I would do it by yourself or with someone else. So I’ve thought a lot about these issues. “
You do not want to disclose the financial terms of cooperation, but Vitamin Well has 99 shareholders and you are not a of them, I understand?
“I could have bought the whole Vitamin Well if I wanted to, but, as I said, it’s not about money.”
Custom perfume came last fall
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s own perfume launched last autumn. The idea for Zlatan Ibrahimovic Perfumes came from Jessica Dersén and Marie Klockare Carlzon, who runs the company Amazing Brands, whose specialty is launching new brands in the beauty industry.
“The perfume I was not a hundred at the beginning, but Mika said: ‘You must meet these two girls’. I was very hesitant, but finally I said: ‘OK, I meet them. “It is foolish to close doors to anyone before listening to what they have to say. First meeting: it was clear as a bell. I see many others who produced a perfume, it has become … “
” It comes when it comes. But no one will miss it, believe me, it will hit the bottom yet a bomb. ‘
“Ah, I will not comment on others, but it has been mostly their name on a perfume bottle. That said, when I do the things it should be quality. My perfume is quality throughout, from the scent to the packaging. We have already won a lot of prizes. Everything has been fantastic. “
The perfume is the first product where you put your own name on the product. What were you thinking about it?
“Yes, it’s the only thing, besides app Zlatan Unplugged, but it is a bit different approach there. It’s a risk, of course, whether you can ‘wow’ or it goes the other way. And it goes the other way is the brand Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not as cut as it is if you never used it. So it’s a risk, but you have to take risks as well. “
Will launch sportklädesmärke
in the end of 2014, the same time as Zlatan Ibrahimovic became the ambassador of Vitamin Well, it was announced that he would start a sportklädesmärke together with the Norwegian Varner Group, which also owns Dressman and a range of other retail chains and controlled by brothers Varner. Since then, it has been silent about the cooperation, but in November last year the company registered Varner Ibrahimovic AB Bolagsverket (there is a corresponding AS in Norway). In the renowned board are among Jonas Carlström, CEO of Gant Sweden and former Adidas, Mika Lepistö and brothers Stein Petter Varner. Now it seems a launch to be imminent.
“It comes when it comes. But no one will miss it, believe me, it will hit the bottom yet a bomb, “said Ibrahimovic.
How is the thinking of its own sportklädesmärke ?
“It will be my own sports collection. I have worked with the biggest sports brands in the world. I know what it’s about. I know what the people need the right clothes. Varner Brothers have the experience and resources to reach out, so I chose to do this with Varner. People think it’s Dressman, but it is not (Varner Brothers owns Dressman and Petter Varner, CEO of Dressman). This is an adventure where we are starting from scratch and build something together. “
What do you have for other business projects in grams?
“Ooooh, wow (Zlatan rubs his hands) sparks fly here now, the world will see. We have several projects in the pipeline, but we’ll have time for that, too. As long as I play football is focused first and foremost on that. But there’s more, I promise. It will be an exciting summer. “
I understand you have plans of their own film projects, is that correct?
“There are discussions, it does, but nothing is clear. Several others make movies about me, there are many seagulls out there who make money on my name, my life. But when I do my own things, I repeat again, I do not do it to make money. When I made my documentary ( Ibrahimovic – from Rosengård with more than one goal , which was broadcast in two parts on Channel 5 in 2014) there was a lot of writings that I owned the rights to the film and that I had control over it. But that’s clear, it’s all about me, of course I’ll check it. When I order things out is the right image, not someone else who fishes up a story that is not even true. Just because I am involved in everything that happens around me. “
Is the movie going to be based on your autobiography David Lagercrantz wrote?
“All types of discussions are ongoing. It can be done many movies about me. It’s like Rambo 1-5, we can do Ibra-ca-da-good 1-10! “
You control also the picture of yourself with your app, Zlatan Unplugged, where you post pictures and giving interviews before and after matches.
“Yes, it should work as my contact with the people, the fans, or if you like, through social media. I’m not the one who voluntarily standing and talking with journalists. It is part of the job, I am a professional and do it when I have to do it, but often I think: ‘Why?’. I’m talking but it has no effect, and what is written is not true. By Zlatan Unplugged, those who want to follow me in a completely different way. “
Who is it that asks the questions in the app?
“There is one who works with the app, he is well half a journalist can say. He emailed me questions and I answer them. “
But you think it works well?
“There were some problems in the beginning, the app crashed because it was too much traffic. I was prepared for it, I always say, ‘Whatever I do, to have thoroughly with backup. Same thing with the book (autobiography I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic , which came out in 2011). I told Bonnier, publisher: ‘Make enough copies so that everyone who wants to buy his book. They said: ‘Yes, but this is good, we have experience from the past’. What happened? When the book was released took it out of the bookstore right away, it was not enough books produced (the book sold 415,000 copies in the first month). “
” I do not need the media, it is the media who need me. It feels as if they depend on me to be able to sell their newspapers. I should get 20 percent of their sales. ‘
Zlatan Unplugged is below the overall app Mikz, which brings together several other profilers personal channels. So far it has been an economic disaster for the owner, Dan Olofsson, who invested a quarter of a billion in the project. In the pursuit of a profitable business model was proposed Mikz in the fall together with the Norwegian blog network United Blogger.
“My channel has worked well, the second not so good. They have changed the concept now, so we hope that it will go better. But I drive on with my app, “said Ibrahimovic.
In addition Zlatan Unplugged, you have 12.6 million followers on Instagram and 3.4 million followers on Twitter you can communicate with directly. What do you need to reach out to traditional media?
“I’ve said it a long time now: I do not need the media, it is the media who need me. It feels as if they depend on me to be able to sell their newspapers. I should get 20 percent of their sales. “
Your current home city of Paris has been hit by several horrible acts of terrorism during your time there. What do you think about that?
“It’s a tragedy. It may not happen, but it happens anyway. It’s scary, but you can not think about such things in everyday life. Anything can happen: I can walk out of here and fall from the stairs and then it is over. I think positive and spread the love and energy that I believe in. “
You have said that you and the family want to move back to Sweden when pro career is over. What is it you like about Sweden?
“There’s no place like home. I love Sweden, there is nothing better. Thanks to football I have seen many countries, I have lived in Paris, Amsterdam, Milan, Barcelona, Torino. Believe me when I say that there’s nothing that beats Sweden. “
” I am proud to be Swedish. My parents come from other countries, mother is Croatian and Bosnian father is, but I have always felt that 100 percent Swedish. ‘
Even now with the refugee crisis and closed borders?
“it’s not that I have anything to do, it’s the system. But I think that Sweden wants well. I think that most Swedes want well. You want everyone to have a good time. Everyone does what they can. I do it through football. The other is nothing I can control. “
While you’re one of the greatest symbols of Sweden abroad.
“Yes, there are many out there in the world who know only Sweden through me. I represent Sweden. And not just in the national team. Even when I do collaborations with Volvo or Vitamin Well, I represent Sweden. I am proud to be Swedish. My parents come from other countries, mother is Croatian and Bosnian father is, but I have always felt that 100 percent Swedish. “
Do sexvåningsbostad Östermalm
2012 bought Zlatan Ibrahimovic, through companies, the old Elimkyrkan on Östermalm, which has since been completely renovated into a private residence for six planes. Last fall he took, according to the magazine Property World, over ownership as a private person and the house should now be ready for occupancy. If it is there that Zlatan Ibrahimovic supposed to settle down with the family for professional career he would not comment.
In ten years – what do you do?
“I do not know. Every time I tried to plan my life it has been the opposite. I take it as it comes. But I know it will be amazing. “
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