Jean-Pascal Zadi, known for his comedic flair and passionate support for Olympique de Marseille (OM), found himself at the crux of humor and irony when naming his son after legendary footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic. This light-hearted anecdote came to light during his appearance on the popular show, C à vous, where Zadi vividly recalled the unexpected turn of events following his decision.
On July 22, 2025, Zadi welcomed his son Hamilcar, affectionately nicknamed Zlatan. At the time, the Swedish striker was playing for AC Milan, and Zadi felt confident no one could foresee the forward’s imminent transfer to PSG. "Mon fils s’appelle Hamilcar Zlatan, mais quand je l’ai appelé Zlatan, le joueur était au Milan AC, personne ne se doutait qu’un jour Zlatan Ibrahimovic allait signer au PSG," Zadi shared on the show, emphasizing the sheer shock at the coincidence.
To complicate matters even more, just days after his son’s arrival, Zlatan Ibrahimovic made headlines by officially signing with Paris Saint-Germain. This rapid shift left Zadi feeling "dégoûté," or disgusted, as he humorously lamented, “J’étais dégoûté, je voulais le renier.” The juxtaposition of his son’s name against the backdrop of the fierce rivalry between OM and PSG became a source of both embarrassment and laughter for Zadi and his family.
While recounting this story, Zadi, now 44 years old, infused humor with introspection, demonstrating his duality as both a proud father and devout football fan. He described how his family likes to tease him about the naming dilemma, reflecting on the ironic fate of choosing such a bold name for his son. It's not lost on fans of football and comedy alike how closely the sport intertwines with personal identity, and Zadi's situation embodies this connection perfectly.
The comedic actor and filmmaker humorously remarked on the topic, stating, “C’est une histoire folle,” illustrating the whimsical nature of life’s unpredictability, especially concerning one’s choices. Yet, as Zadi continues to navigate the challenges of fatherhood, he finds contentment with his son’s name, noting, “Mais bon, c’est un beau prénom, et mon fils le porte bien.”
Football has long been more than just a game for many; it enables individuals to connect, forge identities, and share stories, and for Zadi, it magnifies the experiences he endures as both fan and father. The anecdote he shared on C à vous not only serves as a comedic relief, but it also evokes nostalgia for the rivalries and passions ignited by the sport.
Zadi is also set to showcase his talents on the big screen, starring in the upcoming movie Prosper, which will hit theaters on March 19, 2025. The film's release allows him to meld his artistic endeavors with the stories of everyday life, providing commentary not just about football but about family and love.
For Zadi, the combination of admiration for Ibrahimovic and the humorous aftermath of his naming decision ensures he’ll have plenty of stories to tell his son, who’s destined to bear the weight of such impactful decisions for years to come. The blend of laughter and love transcends football, showcasing how even the simplest actions can lead to unexpected results.
From the streets of the Paris suburbs to the local stadium, Zadi's story reminds us all of the human experience filled with triumphs, tribulations, and unexpected namesakes. The tale of Jean-Pascal Zadi stands as a light-hearted reminder to think twice about choosing names and embrace the laughter life continually brings, especially when it morphs from delightful coincidence to entertaining anecdotes shared over time.