Swedish football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has offered warm words of encouragement to Lucas Harrington, the Australian teenager who missed a penalty kick during the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Australia faced Egypt in the Round of 32 match held at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, today (July 4). The two teams remained tied 1-1 after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout, which Australia lost 2-4.
In the shootout, Australia's first kicker, Harry Souttar, sent his shot over the crossbar.
Harrington stepped up as the fourth kicker for Australia, but his shot hit the crossbar.
With Egypt's fourth kicker, Hossam Abdelmaguid, successfully converting his attempt, Australia's elimination was confirmed.
Ibrahimovic is currently working as a commentator for Fox Sports in the United States for this tournament.
During the broadcast, he addressed Harrington, saying, "A penalty is like a lottery. If you score, you are a hero, and if you miss, unfortunately, you become a zero."
He continued, "I want to tell Harrington, you are 18 and still young. This is just the beginning of your career."
"Harrington, if you want to get in touch, I am here," he added.
Regarding Ibrahimovic's warm message, Harrington said, "I was blaming myself, but hearing those words from a football legend means a lot to me."
He added, "Many people might wonder why I (at only 18 years old) stepped up as a penalty kicker. The coaching staff trusted me, and I had successfully converted penalties during practice and felt confident, but unfortunately, it didn't go my way."
Australia's starting lineup for the match included six players aged 23 or under, including Harrington.
(Photo: Getty Images)