Zlatan Ibrahimović Scores Big with Taekwondo Skills

Zlatan Ibrahimović, the Swedish football sensation, earned a black belt in taekwondo at just 17 years old.

What drove Zlatan to taekwondo?

He was training for the sport while coming through the academy at his hometown club Malmö FF.

How did Zlatan's taekwondo skills translate to football?

Ibrahimović's taekwondo background was evident in his stunning overhead kick goal against England in 2012, which won him the 2013 Puskás Award.

Zlatan Ibrahimović was not the only star at Ajax at the time, with Rafael van der Vaart being the team's exciting young captain.

What happened between Zlatan and van der Vaart?

The pair frequently clashed, and their rivalry culminated in 2004, when Ibrahimović put in a rough tackle on van der Vaart, tearing the ligaments in the Dutchman's ankle.

Ibrahimović was involved in a number of violent outbursts during his career, including punching Bari defender Marco Rossi in the stomach in 2011.

Why did Zlatan's behavior lead to controversy?

He was sent off again for slapping Napoli's Salvatore Aronica in the face in 2012, and received two more red cards within a year for kicking Stéphane Ruffier in the chest and a poor challenge on Andrés Guardado.

Zlatan Ibrahimović trademarked his own name in 2003, protecting his rights to use it on certain products.

Ibrahimović has been a mainstay of FOX's World Cup coverage, alongside Rebecca Lowe, Thierry Henry, and Alexi Lalas.

The Swedish star has added to his list of fans and critics, with Lalas most likely falling into the latter category.

Ibrahimović's backstory is filled with interesting facts, including his honorary black belt from the Italian national taekwondo team in 2010.