Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s role at Milan is under the spotlight as owner Gerry Cardinale plans sweeping changes following a disappointing 2024–25 campaign.
What is Ibrahimovic’s Role at Milan?
RedBird appointed Ibrahimovic as an operating partner and senior advisor in December 2023, where the board outlined a broad and ambitious mandate.
Ibrahimovic’s duties include:
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Advising on player development and high-performance training
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Supporting global brand-building initiatives
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Advancing Milan’s commercial strategy and digital content
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Collaborating on strategic projects, including the new stadium development
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Assisting in sourcing and evaluating RedBird’s broader investment opportunities in sports and entertainment
Why Is Ibrahimovic’s Role at AC Milan in Question?
Milan owner Gerry Cardinale is reportedly unhappy with the club’s poor results this season and is planning a major reshuffle of the sporting area for the 2025–26 campaign.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, that includes evaluating the performance and relevance of the club’s senior advisor, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Cardinale’s frustration comes in the wake of Milan’s early elimination from European competition, underperformance in Serie A, and failure to secure major silverware—a reality even CEO Giorgio Furlani has described as “a failed season”.
Will Milan Appoint a New Sporting Director?
Yes, that appears to be Cardinale’s first move. Reports suggest a new sporting director will be brought in to restructure the club from top to bottom, with a mandate to restore Milan’s competitiveness both in Italy and in Europe.
This new figure will be chosen by CEO Giorgio Furlani and will be empowered to determine the future roles of current decision-makers—including Ibrahimovic and head scout Geoffrey Moncada.
Could Ibrahimovic Leave Milan This Summer?
It’s too early to say definitively, but Ibrahimovic is no longer seen as untouchable. His future will largely depend on the judgment of the new sporting director, who will have authority to restructure Milan’s technical and strategic framework.
While Ibrahimovic remains a club legend and a charismatic presence, his influence behind the scenes is under review amid growing internal pressure to deliver tangible results.
Managerial Uncertainty Adds to Milan’s Chaos
The review of Ibrahimovic’s role comes amid uncertainty over who will coach Milan next season. With Sergio Conceicao set to depart and no silverware secured, the club is eyeing a reset on the touchline as well.
RedBird’s reshuffle of Milan’s hierarchy could have a direct impact on the choice of manager, with the new sporting director expected to have the final say on appointments.
We’ve analyzed AC Milan’s rumored managerial candidates—including Allegri, Sarri, Fabregas, and Vincenzo Italiano.
What Changes Are Expected at Milan in 2025–26?
In addition to hiring a new manager and sporting director, Milan are expected to:
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Revamp their scouting and recruitment process
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Make key changes in the first-team squad
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Clarify internal roles and responsibilities among senior leadership
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Push forward with the new stadium project, which has been earmarked as a priority for RedBird
