Watch: OTD 12 years ago, Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored 35-yard Puskas-winning bicycle kick

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a prominent figure in the world of football, renowned not only for his impressive skills on the pitch but also for his larger-than-life personality. His self-confidence is evident, and often expresses his achievements enthusiastically. What sets him apart is that he consistently backs up his words with performances.

Over the years, Ibrahimovic has built an impressive portfolio, playing for prestigious clubs such as Inter Milan, AC Milan, Barcelona, and Manchester United. His remarkable track record solidifies his reputation as one of the outstanding strikers of his generation.

The enigmatic Swedish player has delivered a remarkable array of spectacular strikes, with one international goal standing out as especially unforgettable. 

The Tale of Zlatan's stunning Bicycle Kick 

Ibrahimovic is not a stranger to absolute bangers and one such goal came against England, which earned him the prestigious Puskas Award. It’s a flash of genius that deserves to be celebrated and remembered.

It was 14 November 2012, when Ibrahimovic scored a stunning bicycle kick during an international friendly match against England that eventually wom him a Puskas Trophy. He truly excelled that day, contributing all four of Sweden's goals in a historic 4-2 victory over Englishmen.

As spectators struggled to process the astonishing feat they just witnessed, Ibrahimovic defied expectations by contorting his body and soaring effortlessly through the air, effortlessly sending the ball over his head and into an unprotected net.

It was confirmed that the brilliant striker struck from a remarkable 32.45 yards, or 29.53 metres, launching a looped effort that sailed over a stranded Joe Hart and evaded a desperate clearance attempt from debutant Shawcross. It's no surprise that Ibrahimovic received widespread acclaim for his incredible performance against England. 

WATCH the video here:

Throw back to when Zlatan Ibrahimovich scored the craziest bicycle kick in football history. pic.twitter.com/aLLsV97sRJ

— Mikael (@MikaelMadridsta) June 4, 2023

Erik Hamren boldly declared that you won't witness a goal like that ever again; it was akin to watching a video game unfold in real life.

Ibrahimovic made a strong statement about silencing his critics in the English press, who have long questioned his big-game performances. He remarked that in England, scoring against them elevates a player in their eyes, while failing to do so diminishes one's status. That's just the reality of it.

“I remember Lionel Messi before the 2009 Champions League final for Barcelona. Then he scored against Manchester United and suddenly he was the best player in the world. Maybe now they'll say something like that about me." Zlatan said.