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The story behind Zlatan Ibrahimović’s disappearing tattoos

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The story behind Zlatan Ibrahimović’s disappearing tattoos
Photo: AP
Zlatan Ibrahimović has never been shy of the spotlight, but one of the most powerful moments of his career came not from his goals, but from a set of tattoos that disappeared almost as quickly as they appeared.

In February 2015, playing for Paris Saint-Germain against Caen, Ibrahimović struck inside two minutes.

Instead of a standard celebration, he pulled off his shirt, raised his arms, and proudly displayed his torso covered in striking tattoos.

He knew the yellow card would follow, and that he would miss PSG's clash with AS Monaco as a result, but the Swede had bigger goals in mind.

Not Real Ink - But a Real Message

Fans and pundits were shocked when, weeks later, the tattoos were gone.

In truth, they had never been permanent. Ibrahimović had temporarily inked 15 names of people suffering from hunger, as part of a campaign with the United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP).
When I took my shirt off against Caen, everybody asked what these new tattoos were.

I had 15 removable tattoos on my body. They are the names of real people who are suffering from hunger in the world.

The tattoos have gone now, but these people are still here. I hope you can see them through me.
At the time, the WFP highlighted that 805 million people worldwide were suffering from hunger, a crisis Ibrahimović wanted to shine a light on.

A Different Side of Zlatan

Ibrahimović often carried the reputation of being arrogant, outspoken and larger-than-life.

Yet this gesture showed a more selfless side of the legendary striker.
Wherever I go people recognise me, call my name, cheer me. But there are names no one cheers for. If I could, I would write every single name on my body.

So whenever you hear my name, you will think of their names. Whenever you see me, you will see them.
The WFP hailed his intervention as "his most important game to date," praising his willingness to use his fame to support those who are rarely seen or heard.

Zlatan's Permanent Mark

Of course, not all of Ibrahimović's tattoos were temporary.

The Swede's most famous piece of body art - the roaring lion across his back - has become symbolic of his fearless personality and career.

This Zlatan Ibrahimović's back tattoo is absolutely amazing
Photo: Instagram/iamzlatanibrahimovic
It remains one of football's most recognisable tattoos.

But for many, it's the names that faded that left the biggest impact.

In a sport where egos often dominate the headlines, Ibrahimović's 2015 gesture stands as a reminder of football's power to raise awareness far beyond the pitch.

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