Zlatan Ibrahimovic extended his support to young defender Smilla Holmberg following Sweden’s exit from the Euro 2025 tournament in the quarterfinals. Her missed penalty during the shootout marked a shocking defeat against England.
Sweden lost 3-2 on penalties after an intense shootout that involved 14 players taking shots.
Holmberg was visibly upset after the match, but her teammate, Swedish football icon Ibrahimovic, stepped in to console her.
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“She was a sad girl who held her arm around another player an hour after the game,” Holmberg’s father, Ola Parson, shared with Swedish radio on Friday.
“She is resilient and has received immense support from her teammates, fans, friends, and family. This morning, Zlatan even sent her a text message,” he added.
The legendary Swedish striker, currently with Hammerby, reached out to Holmberg, who had the next penalty kick, encouraging her to continue believing in herself.
“It’s vital that no one allows a single mistake to define their career. In fact, it’s about learning and growing from these experiences,” Parson emphasized.
Fan Take: This incident highlights the immense pressure young players face at high-stakes tournaments. Support from established icons like Ibrahimovic not only uplifts individual athletes but also fosters a stronger community within soccer, making the sport more relatable and inspiring for fans everywhere.
