Zlatan Ibrahimovic Still Involved at Milan Despite Stepping Back from Spotlight

FolioPitch.com – 14 October 2026 | Recent reports suggesting that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has completely stepped away from his role at AC Milan have been dismissed, with sources indicating that Ibrahimovic still involved despite moving into the background at Milan. The Swedish icon, who has served as an advisor to the club’s owners, RedBird Capital, and its CEO Gerry Cardinale, remains a key figure behind the scenes, even though his public appearances have become less frequent.

Speculation about Ibrahimovic’s diminished influence arose following a major reshuffle of Milan’s senior management over the summer. After a disappointing 2025-26 campaign that saw the club miss out on Champions League qualification, the Rossoneri parted ways with head coach Massimiliano Allegri, sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada, and CEO Giorgio Furlani. The sweeping changes left many questioning whether Ibrahimovic, who had been a visible presence at Milanello and had even introduced new signings, would continue in his advisory capacity.

Sky Sport Italia initially reported that Ibrahimovic’s role was decreasing and that he was no longer considered a de facto managerial figure. However, subsequent updates from transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio and journalist Peppe di Stefano have painted a different picture. According to their information, Ibrahimovic continues to work closely with Cardinale and remains an integral part of the club’s project. His absence from the training ground—his last visit was on September 14, six months after his previous trip—does not signal a departure but rather a shift in how he operates.

The confusion surrounding Ibrahimovic’s position is understandable. He has never been directly employed by Milan since his playing days, instead serving as an advisor to RedBird. At times, his involvement seemed to blur the lines between ownership and management, as he gave interviews, held press conferences, and presented new players. Yet, the restructuring has clearly redefined his day-to-day responsibilities, leading to the misconception that he had fully stepped back.

In reality, Ibrahimovic still involved despite moving into the background at Milan, and his influence remains significant. The club’s new leadership team, including CEO Massimo Calvelli, director of player trading Hendrick Almstadt, and director of football intelligence Bobby Gardiner, has taken over many of the operational duties. This has allowed Ibrahimovic to focus on broader strategic matters alongside Cardinale, rather than being a constant presence at Milanello.

For Milan, maintaining a connection with a figure of Ibrahimovic’s stature is invaluable. His experience, winning mentality, and deep understanding of the game provide a unique perspective that few can offer. While he may no longer be in the public eye as often, his counsel is still sought after by the ownership and the new management team. The fact that Ibrahimovic still involved despite moving into the background at Milan should reassure fans that the club values his contributions.

Looking ahead, Ibrahimovic’s role may continue to evolve as Milan seeks to rebuild and return to contention for major honors. The club’s hierarchy is focused on creating a stable and successful structure, and Ibrahimovic’s input will likely be part of that process. Whether he will take on a more formal position in the future remains to be seen, but for now, his advisory role behind the scenes is secure.

In conclusion, the narrative that Ibrahimovic has severed ties with Milan is premature. While he may have stepped out of the spotlight, Ibrahimovic still involved despite moving into the background at Milan, working diligently with the ownership to help steer the club forward. Fans can expect his influence to persist, even if his face is seen less frequently at Milanello.