Soccer superstar Zlatan Ibrahimović may have retired from professional football, but the Swedish icon continues to demonstrate elite athleticism through demanding strength and functional fitness training.
In a recent video, Ibrahimović performs a set of Toes to Bar, powering through with speed and control. The caption accompanying the post reads: “No excuses, just discipline,” a message that reflects the mindset that defined his long career at the top level of football.
The movement is commonly associated with CrossFit-style training and requires a combination of upper-body pulling strength, explosive hip drive, and coordination.
A Training Routine Built on Variety
Ibrahimović has regularly shared glimpses of his workouts over the past two years, revealing a training style that mixes conditioning, mobility, and strength work.
In January 2024, he posted a clip performing battle rope conditioning, an exercise designed to build upper-body endurance and core stability. Months later, in July 2024, he uploaded another training video showing inverted hangs, a movement that challenges grip strength and body control while also helping decompress the spine.
These sessions suggest that even after retiring in 2023 following a remarkable career with clubs such as AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, Ibrahimović continues to prioritise physical performance.
Strength Progression in the Gym
Heavy lifting has also remained a consistent part of his training routine. In December 2025, Ibrahimović posted a video captioned “Level Up”, showing a progressive sequence of barbell lifts.
The weights increased gradually throughout the session, moving through 100 kg, 105 kg, 110 kg, and 115 kg before finishing at 120 kg, highlighting the type of structured progression often used in strength training programmes.
The Mindset Behind the Work
The continued focus on demanding workouts reflects the mentality that made Ibrahimović one of football’s most confident and competitive figures.
Reflecting on his mindset in an interview with Tatler Asia, Ibrahimović said: “Why be good when you can be the best?”
Even away from professional competition, that philosophy appears to remain central to how he approaches training.
From gymnastics movements like inverted hangs to heavy barbell lifts and conditioning work, Zlatan continues to push himself physically, showing that the drive that took him to the very top of his sport still remains.
About the Author
Jeremiah Oliva
Jeremiah Oliva is a writer passionate about fitness, sports, and active living. He has experience in songwriting and managing content and social media for online radio and magazine platforms.
He covers HYROX, CrossFit®, and competitive fitness, with a focus on performance, mindset, and athlete development.
Outside of writing, Jeremiah trains in boxing, cycles, explores the outdoors with his kids, and plays the guitar.
