During the World Cup, a remarkable spectacle unfolded off the field, capturing the attention of fans worldwide. Legendary footballers Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry showcased their enduring flair for the game during a break between matches. While the world watched the action on the pitch, these two icons demonstrated that their connection to football remains as strong as ever, even after retiring from professional play.
The pair were part of the analytical team for American Fox Sports, which had assembled an impressive group of commentators for the tournament. However, it was Ibrahimović and Henry who drew the most attention, not just for their insightful commentary but also for their spontaneous display of skill. During one of the breaks between matches, they grabbed a ball and began juggling and performing tricks in the studio. Their ease of execution and control over the ball left everyone present in awe, and the footage quickly went viral on social media platforms. This moment highlighted how both players still possess top-tier technique and an innate sense for the ball that has remained unmatched over the years.
Beyond their technical skills, Ibrahimović's love for folk music shone through during his time in the Fox Sports studio. Known for his fondness for traditional tunes, he recently danced to the song "Jutro je" by Nada Topčagić on social media. Now, in the Fox studio, he played and sang "Luda za tobom" by Lepa Brena, attempting to explain its meaning to an interested host. When asked about the group behind the song, Ibrahimović responded that it was his favorite music, noting that it speaks about love. Meanwhile, Henry simply smiled, perhaps having heard the song before, given his long-term relationship with Sarajevo-born Andrea Rajčić, with whom he has three children.
However, not all moments were lighthearted. During another segment, Alexi Lalas, a legendary figure in American football and currently a commentator for Fox Sports, made a controversial remark. As the program was concluding at the stadium in Inglewood following the United States' victory against Paraguay (4:1), host Rebecca Lowe announced that the next segment would feature a talk show hosted by James Corden. Lalas then interrupted and referred to Corden as a "wanker," a vulgar term in English. The comment shocked everyone at the table, particularly Henry, whose facial expression captured the surprise and discomfort of the situation. This incident underscored the potential for unexpected moments in live broadcasting, even among seasoned professionals.
In addition to their musical performances, Ibrahimović and Henry also engaged in a heartfelt tribute to Bosnia and Herzegovina ahead of the match between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina. They performed the song "I Am from Bosnia - Take Me to America" by the group Dubioza Kolektiv, which has become a rallying anthem for the Bosnian team at this World Cup. Ibrahimović, who hails from Bosnia and Herzegovina, expressed his deep connection to the country, stating that Bosnian blood flows through his veins and that he fully supports the team. He believed the squad would have a successful tournament. Henry, married to Andrea Rajčić, who was born in Sarajevo, shared similar sentiments, noting that his children are of Bosnian, Herzegovinian, and French heritage.
These moments highlight the multifaceted roles that retired football stars can play in modern sports broadcasting. Beyond their on-field achievements, Ibrahimović and Henry continue to captivate audiences with their charisma, expertise, and occasional displays of talent. Their presence in the studio brings a unique blend of experience, humor, and passion, enriching the viewing experience for fans around the world. As the World Cup progresses, their contributions will undoubtedly remain a significant part of the narrative surrounding the tournament.
7 reports
Novi listIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 7526 days ago Video Ibrahimovic and Henry singing together the Dubioze Collective's hit song:Zlatan Ibrahimović, hrvatski nogometni igrač sa bosanskim korijenima, izrazio je podršku Bosni i Hercegovini i njenoj reprezentaciji prije utakmice protiv Kanade na Svjetskom prvenstvu. Uz njega je bio i Thierry Henry, francuski nogometni legend, koji je naveo da će navijati za BiH zbog svoje supruge, koja je rođena u Sarajevu, i jer su njegova djeca 'polu-Bošnjaka'. Oba su igrača zajedno pjevala himnu reprezentacije BiH, 'I Am from Bosnia – Take Me to America', grupa Dubioza Kolektiv.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on cultural events involving public figures expressing support for Bosnia and Herzegovina during the World Cup. The content focuses on personal connections and cultural expressions without taking a political stance or showing bias toward any political group or ideology.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): High factual accuracy in reporting the joint performance of 'I Am from Bosnia - Take Me to America' and their connections to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Objectivity is moderate due to some emphasis on their heritage.
tportalIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7019 days ago Look at the show that Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry put on in the break between the matches.During the break between matches at the World Cup, former football stars Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry impressed spectators with their display of ball-handling skills and technical abilities. The two legends, now commentators for Fox Sports, showcased their enduring talent by juggling and performing tricks with the ball in the studio. Their performance was well-received by those present and quickly went viral on social media. Both players, despite being retired, demonstrated exceptional control and finesse with the ball, highlighting their status as some of the greatest footballers of all time. Henry has gained fan appreciation for his insightful analyses and calm commentary, while Ibrahimović continues to draw attention with his distinctive style and provocative remarks.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports and does not involve any political issues, figures, or policies. It objectively describes the actions of two retired athletes during a sports event without taking a stance or showing bias.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): Factuality is high as the article accurately describes the event where Ibrahimović and Henry demonstrated their skills during a break between matches. Objectivity is lower due to the emotional tone and focus on their performance rather than neutrality.
Večernji listIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7026 days ago The legendary music video: Listen to Ibrahimovic and Henry singing the hit Dubioze CollectiveThe article discusses how football legends Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry performed a song by Dubioza kolektiv titled 'I am from Bosnia take me to America' in honor of the national team they supported during the match.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a cultural event involving sports celebrities performing music, with no political commentary, framing, or bias evident.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): Factual content is accurate regarding the performance and their ties to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Objectivity is lower due to the celebratory tone and focus on their personal connections.
Index.hrIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7026 days ago Video Ibrahimovic and Henry singing together the hit Dubioze CollectiveFootball legends Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry, who are now TV commentators, sang the song 'Hit Dubioza Kolektiv'.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a cultural event involving two internationally recognized footballers singing a song. The content is apolitical and does not involve any political figures, parties, or issues.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): Accurate description of the event and their connection to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Objectivity is somewhat lower due to the emotional tone around their performance.
Jutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 6524 days ago Video of Ibra in the element, Henry singing the hit of Lepe Brené: "You will not understand, she sings about love"Zlatan Ibrahimović, bivši švedski nogometaš, je u FOX studiji pustio i zapjevao pjesmu 'Luda za tobom' grupe Lepa Brena. Uz Ibrahimovića bio je Thierry Henry, koji se tijekom događaja smješkao. Ibrahimović je objasnio voditelju da pjesma govori o ljubavi.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses a cultural event involving a sports figure and music, with no political commentary or framing. The content is neutral and descriptive.
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 65): Factual accuracy is good regarding the singing of 'Lepa Brene' by Ibrahimović. Objectivity is slightly lower due to the emphasis on his personal connection to the song and the cultural context.
Jutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 6026 days ago Video: Watch Ibrahimovic and Henry sing the big hit of the Dubioze CollectiveZlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry performed a song by the group Dubioza Kolektiv during a Fox Sports broadcast ahead of a World Cup match between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a cultural event involving public figures performing music. There is no political framing, bias, or controversy present in the content.
Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 60): Factual accuracy is lower as it introduces new information about Alexi Lalas' vulgar comment, not covered in other sources. Objectivity is lower due to the focus on this incident and potential bias.
Index.hrIndependentCenter26 days ago Henry and Zlatan Shocked by the Vulgar Fall of American LegendAlexi Lalas, a former American soccer player and current Fox Sports commentator, made a vulgar remark during a live broadcast at the end of a World Cup match between the United States and Paraguay. He called James Corden, an English comedian and TV host, a 'wanker,' which is a British slang term for someone considered foolish or contemptible. The incident occurred while Lalas was part of Fox Sports' commentary team alongside Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović. Both Henry and Ibrahimović were visibly shocked by Lalas' outburst.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a specific event involving a sports commentator making a vulgar remark during a live broadcast. It provides factual details without apparent bias, focusing on the incident itself rather than taking a stance on the individuals involved or the broader implications.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
Become a Supporter