What happens when a football superstar known for his larger-than-life persona collides with someone who refuses to back down? In a heated Los Angeles derby in USA's Major League Soccer, Los Angeles Galaxy star Zlatan Ibrahimović found himself face-to-face with Los Angeles FC's fiery goalkeeping coach at the time Zaki Abdel Fattah, also known in the USA as Zak Abdel.
An accomplished goalkeeper, the now 63-year-old Abdel Fattah began his professional playing career with Ghazl El Mahalla SC in the Egyptian First Division with whom he spent 16 years and secured two titles. His successful coaching career brought him to the national teams of the USA, his native Egypt and Canada as well as MLS clubs LA Galaxy, Chivas USA and Los Angeles FC.
Speaking exclusively to Hossam Ahmed of Pan-Africa Football, Zaki shares his side of the story and sheds light on the incident that was caught on live television following a 3-2 victory in favor of LA Galaxy in the 2019 MLS regular season match.
Zaki Abdel Fattah (second from left) with Egyptian supporters during his time with LAFC
Photo Credit: Reddit/OmarReda777
The incident: A shocking injury
Three minutes before the final whistle, Zlatan collided with Mohamed El-Munir, LAFC’s left-back and a Libyan international. The impact of Zlatan’s elbow was devastating: a broken jaw, facial swelling, and dizziness. The Libyan player required immediate medical attention, and as the treatment concluded, the referee blew the final whistle.
After the game, Zaki recounts taking El-Munir to the referee to show him the extent of the injury, but Zlatan intervened: "Ibrahimović pushed me and the injured player to stop the referee from seeing the injury. Everyone feared him, but I wasn’t afraid."
A continued confrontation in the tunnel
The tension didn’t end there. In the stadium tunnel, Zlatan continued the verbal exchange. "He kept talking as we entered the tunnel. I told him, ‘Who do you think you are?’ and used some harsh words. He walked toward me again, and I told him, 'come on, let’s see what you will do. Security stepped in once more to break it up.'"
Zaki also shared how the LAFC President later asked if he wasn’t afraid to confront Zlatan.
"He asked, ‘Weren’t you scared?’ I told him, ‘What’s he going to do? Hit me?’"
Fallout with LA Galaxy
Zaki has long-standing ties with LA Galaxy, where he had coached for a decade. Following the incident, the Galaxy’s manager approached Zaki in the locker room.
"Their manager, whom I had worked with when he was a player, told me Zlatan was upset because I cursed at him in front of everyone. I told him, ‘Are you defending him after what he did? If you don’t leave this room, I’ll hit you.’"
While this moment strained his relationship with the manager, Zaki emphasizes that his ties with the rest of the Galaxy’s staff, many of whom he coached, remained strong.
Video: Excerpts from a press conference featuring Zlatan during his time with LA Galaxy
Impression of Zlatan’s personality
Zaki didn’t hold back when describing Zlatan’s behavior:
"Zlatan lives for attention and the spotlight. No one disputes his talent as a footballer, but as a person, he lacks conscience to break someone’s face and not even apologizing."
During their next match against Galaxy, Zaki learned that the Swedish star requested security personnel.
"He was scared of me. When I heard about it, I laughed. After we beat them scoring 5 goals in that game, I looked at him with disdain and walked away. I didn’t do anything else."
"In American football culture, sportsmanship is sacred. After every match, players greet each other regardless of the result. But when someone deviates from the system and believes everyone fears them, they need to be put in their place. I was the only one who stood up to Zlatan, and he’ll never forget it."
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