Here’s a link-up we thought we’d never see. Football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined Shedeur Sanders and his brother Deion Sanders Jr. on the “2Legendary” podcast and shared some parting advice.
After going back and forth on what it takes to be great, Deion the disciplinarian, and the NFL draft, the always confident Zlatan advised on what it means for his own son to go pro.
The Swede said his 18-year-old son Maximilian, who just signed for AC Milan, will undoubtedly be looked at in the same light as Ibra himself.
Ibrahimovic is one of five players, including Messi, Ronaldo, and Lewandowski, to contribute more than 400 goals in the top five leagues in the 21st century. He amassed 34 trophies over 24 years, returning to AC Milan and winning the Serie A before retiring.
His sublime overhead kick against England in 2012 also won him the Puskas.
Zlatan’s Wisdom: Legacy, Pressure, and the Drive to Succeed
Rather than deter his prodigy son, Zlatan’s professional achievements should drive him, says Ibra. And while Zlatan is there as a protective father, the kid must do it his own way.
“It is not your fault your father is a legend. You love the same sport as him and you’re the same thing he did,” Ibrahimović told Colorado standout Sanders. Shedeur Sanders is one of the best college football quarterbacks in the nation. He’s projected to be among the first picks in the 2025 NFL draft. His father and head coach, two-time Super Bowl champion Deion Sanders, was one of the best NFL cornerbacks ever.
“In your case, you should not compare yourself with your father. You have your own way, and you do the maximum out of what you can do. That is what I try to say to my kids: you don’t do it for me, you do it for yourself. If you choose to come into my world, do it for yourself, not for me, because if you do it for me, you should stop now.”
Shedeur said his father, Deion, shared the same sentiment. Be your our own ‘Prime Time.’ The pressure of comparison should invite new and exciting challenges, ultimately driving their sons to do better.
Get inspired by watching the entire show below.
Zlatan Ibrahimović’s advice to Shedeur Sanders: Chart your own path to greatness
