Sports and politics have long collided, creating a landscape that draws in different viewpoints.
In February 2021, two of the biggest names in their disciplines — soccer's Zlatan Ibrahimovic and basketball's LeBron James — clashed over exactly that issue, sparking an interesting back-and-forth in the media.
When James comes to mind, most people first think of the outstanding basketball player entering a record 23rd NBA season. Yet his influence off the hardwood — particularly on social and political issues — is just as significant.
The Chosen One has repeatedly pushed back against the "shut up and dribble" narrative. This was most notable when he spoke about issues of racial injustice and police brutality — particularly following the shootings of both Breonna Taylor and Jacob Blake.
However, the Los Angeles Lakers star doesn't just talk. In 2018, Bron opened the I PROMISE School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, providing more students with free tuition, meals, transportation, and even bicycles.
For LBJ, this engagement is not optional — it's a duty. He has said he fights inequality, social injustice and voter suppression based on having experienced them himself. The four-time NBA champion also sees that these challenges persist for the next generation, making action the only choice he feels is right.
"I use my platform to continue and shed light on everything that might be going on not only in my community but around this country and the world," remarked James, per CBS Sports.
Off the pitch, outspoken is probably the word that sums up Ibrahimovic best. Few athletes — in any sport, really — have made as many bold, unforgettable statements as the iconic 6'5" striker. Yet when it comes to politics — a realm he said he simply "doesn't do" — that very trait disappears.
The reason, according to the former player who finished fourth in the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or voting, is simple.
"Do what you're good at. Do the category you do," he explained. "I play football because I'm the best at playing football… If I would be a political politician, I would do politics."
"Ibracadabra" added that those who gain fame and reach a "certain status" often fall into this trap, thinking they can step into politics. Instead, as the 43-year-old advised, they should "stay out of it" and "do what you do best" because the opposite just "doesn't look good."
Zlatan, who played for major clubs like Barcelona, Manchester United and Juventus, certainly has a point. Many athletes, despite lacking the proper knowledge, have weighed in on political issues — sometimes producing statements that are not just out of place but potentially harmful, essentially doing more harm than good.
Still, his choice of example, four-time MVP LeBron, was risky, to say the least. LBJ himself pointed that out, noting he always does his "homework" on social and political issues and speaks from a "very educated mind," making him the "wrong guy to go at."
Arguably, LeBron had the last word, cheekily noting that Zlatan himself has addressed social issues in the past.
Growing up in a working-class Malmö neighborhood, the five-time Serie A winner has indeed spoken about the "undercover racism" he faced because his surname wasn't "Andersson or Svensson," highlighting the prejudice he experienced as the son of a Bosniak father and Catholic Croat mother.
Still, opinions can evolve. Ibra eventually doubled down on avoiding politics, while Bron has said, "I would never shut up about things that are wrong."
Both approaches have their place.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 31, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
