Accompanied by fellow analysts Thierry Henry and Alexi Lalas, as well as host Rebecca Lowe, Ibrahimovic was forced to confront a personal fear of heights during a helicopter transfer from Manhattan to New Jersey. As reported by the New York Post, Ibrahimovic was seen gripping the side of the aircraft, admitting to the crew that the experience left him terrified. “The adrenaline is pumping on the way. S—ting in my pants but OK,” Ibrahimovic said with a laugh, despite his visible discomfort. “I don’t like helicopters. But it’s OK. I have Rebecca close to me. I have Thierry. I have Alexi. If we go down, we go down together.”
The journey began under the Brooklyn Bridge, where the crew launched their marathon pregame coverage. To ensure they reached the stadium on time amidst reports of significant fan congestion and long security lines, the team utilized a ferry across the East River before boarding the helicopter. The final leg of the trip involved a high-speed car transfer with a police escort through New Jersey.
Ibrahimovic, regaining his characteristic bravado once back on solid ground, compared the experience to a high-octane video game. “Chaos but we like chaos,” he remarked during the car ride. “We are on the way. The driver is pushing. We got police escort. This is like the GTA but for real. Not the game.”
This logistical push comes during a tournament where media continuity has faced significant hurdles. Earlier in the knockout stages, weather-related disruptions prevented broadcasting teams from being present on-site for the third-place play-off. Additionally, the emotional weight of the tournament has been heightened for the media corps following the loss of a colleague earlier in the event. The successful arrival of the Fox crew underscores the immense pressure on broadcasters to maintain professional standards and presence for the world’s most-watched sporting event, regardless of personal discomfort or logistical barriers.