Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsFriday, June 19, 2026

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s absurd MLS debut deserves a deep rewind

Who’s ready to deep dive the first ever El Tráfico?

Zlatan is a special character in sports. He speaks in the third person, he’s more arrogant than Gaston, and he seems to really hate wearing shirts. However, he somehow backs it all up and then some with his otherworldly performance. Zlatan seemed like a natural fit with the city of Los Angeles.

Ibrahimovic joined a storied list of international names who had sought out the city of angels to finish out their careers. First and most famously there was David Beckham, but so had Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard, Nigel de Jong - all incredible talents, but all men who leaned on both first and last name for notoriety. They were not like Zlatan.

Interestingly enough, Zlatan came to LA just after a brand new franchise also came to LA. When he joined the Galaxy, his debut came against their brand new, intra-city rival, LAFC. This is the story of worlds colliding. Zlatan and the MLS. Galaxy and FC. Jaw and floor. Let’s rewind.

See More:

More in Rewinder

Tennis
Frances Tiafoe’s historic upset vs. Rafael Nadal needs a deep rewindFrances Tiafoe’s historic upset vs. Rafael Nadal needs a deep rewind
Play
Videos
Hideo Nomo’s unprecedented no-hitter at Coors Field needs a deep rewindHideo Nomo’s unprecedented no-hitter at Coors Field needs a deep rewind
Play
Videos

Fate spun countless strands for this pitch to become historic.

By Seth Rosenthal
Rewinder
Home runs that just hit differentHome runs that just hit different
Play
Rewinder

We’ve covered a lot of dingers at Secret Base, but these ones are extra special

By Will Buikema
Advertiser Content
Andy Murray’s historic shot at Wimbledon glory needs a deep rewindAndy Murray’s historic shot at Wimbledon glory needs a deep rewind
Play
Advertiser Content

This showdown with Novak Djokovic was legendary for reasons way bigger than just Murray.

By Seth Rosenthal
Advertiser Content
Gonzaga’s halfcourt miracle heave in the 2021 Final Four needs a deep rewindGonzaga’s halfcourt miracle heave in the 2021 Final Four needs a deep rewind
Play
Advertiser Content

Jalen Suggs’s deep attempt to stave off double overtime had so much behind it.

By Seth Rosenthal
Rewinder
The longest opening day in MLB history needs a deep rewindThe longest opening day in MLB history needs a deep rewind
Play
Rewinder

Cleveland and the Toronto Blue Jays were at it for 16 innings.

By Clara Morris

Comments
Loading comments
Getting the conversation ready...