Who Is Zava Really? The Real-Life Football Legends Behind ‘Ted Lasso’s’ Star

Fans of ‘Ted Lasso’ were captivated throughout season three by the enigmatic new figure in the AFC Richmond locker room. Zava made a grand entrance, complete with a self-dedicated shrine, a wife who binge-watches ‘The Office’, and enough confidence to make even Jamie Tartt appear modest.

However, Zava’s chaotic charisma isn’t merely fictional. The character’s flamboyant persona is inspired by real football history, and the actor behind him undertook significant research to embody that energy authentically.

The main inspiration for Zava is Zlatan Ibrahimović, the Swedish striker known for his immense talent and equally large ego. Actor Maximilian Osinski’s portrayal of Zava draws from the legacy of this legendary yet eccentric soccer player. Ibrahimović has played for some of the world’s top clubs and is famous for his bold, often outrageous statements about his own prowess.

By 2020, Ibrahimović had returned to AC Milan after a stint with LA Galaxy, continuing to perform well into his forties. He even became the oldest goalscorer in Serie A history in March 2023, coinciding with Zava’s debut in ‘Ted Lasso’. This late-career dominance aligns perfectly with the untouchable image the show gives its fictional striker.

Interestingly, the show alters that timeline slightly, as Zava announces his retirement from soccer shortly after joining Richmond, unlike Ibrahimović, who continued playing beyond that point. This twist allows the writers to borrow from the legend’s mystique while crafting Zava’s unique storyline.

Zlatan isn’t the only player influencing this larger-than-life character. Osinski revealed that Zava also incorporates traits from football superstars like French icon Eric Cantona and Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.

Osinski shared with reporters that Zava combines Cantona’s flair, Lewandowski’s scoring precision, and primarily Ibrahimović’s grand presence. This blend makes Zava feel less like a mere imitation of one player and more like a compilation of soccer’s most theatrical personalities.

Cantona brought a philosophical unpredictability to the sport during his career, while Lewandowski exemplifies the ruthless efficiency of a modern goal machine. Combining these traits with Ibrahimović’s bravado gives Zava a personality that feels exaggerated yet believable within the world of ‘Ted Lasso’.

Viewers quickly recognized the similarities as Zava began making his signature third-person declarations and treating every match as a personal coronation. This character development rewards fans who closely follow the sport.

In the series, Zava’s arrival is marked by his announcement of leaving Juventus to join the Premier League, prompting clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, and West Ham to scramble for his signature before Richmond wins the bidding war. Higgins even jokes that Zava is moving to England because his wife is obsessed with ‘The Office’.

This transfer frenzy mirrors real Premier League headlines, where marquee signings ignite bidding wars among top clubs. Such details lend authenticity to the storyline for anyone familiar with actual football transfer windows.

By the time Ted returns to Kansas after a significant match, he sees a magazine revealing Zava has come out of retirement to join the Los Angeles Football Club as their new striker. This dramatic exit suits a character whose entire arc is built on grand gestures.

Although the show’s creators have never explicitly confirmed Ibrahimović as the inspiration, the parallels are undeniable, from Zava’s confident public persona to the way his arrival instantly boosts his team’s fortunes, much like Ibrahimović’s real-world impact at clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Manchester United.

Bringing Zava to life required more than just charisma. Osinski revealed he read Ibrahimović’s autobiography and watched documentaries about the footballer to prepare for the role. This dedication is evident in the physicality and confidence Osinski displays in every scene.

What makes his performance even more remarkable is that Osinski, a College of Visual and Performing Arts graduate, had never played soccer before landing the role. Transforming a non-athlete into a convincing world-class striker on screen is no small feat, highlighting his commitment to the character.

The show even included a fun easter egg for fans, naming Zava’s character Max in the ‘FIFA 23’ video game as a nod to Osinski himself. This detail is something only die-hard fans might catch on their first viewing.

The attention to real-world detail extends beyond individual characters, as AFC Richmond itself is modeled after actual Premier League clubs, particularly Crystal Palace, whose South London roots and red and blue colors closely resemble the fictional team. This level of craftsmanship contributes to the show’s authentic football atmosphere.

With the swagger of Ibrahimović, the unpredictability of Cantona, and the precision of Lewandowski, Zava has become one of the most memorable new additions in ‘Ted Lasso’ history. Which real footballer do you think has left the most significant mark on his character?