Kids' amazing reaction to Zlatan Ibrahimovic goes viral

Amid all of the scandals, hatred and general negativity that surrounds football so much of the time, it is rather easy to forget the principal factor of why millions of people across the world love the sport – because of the joy that it brings.

And whilst the FIFA corruption scandal rattles on, bringing the beautiful game into disrepute, this weekend we were treated to the heart-warming side of football as Sweden took on Montenegro in the Euro 2016 qualifying match at the Friends Arena in Solna.

As the two sets of players lined up in the tunnel prior to kick-off, Sweden captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic prepared to lead out his side. And as is customary in every major football match nowadays, each player is accompanied by a mascot.

For the mascots, who are usually children, walking out into a major football arena alongside an international star is a memorable experience. And that certainly was the case for the boy who was paired up with Zlatan.

Even before taking hold of the PSG striker’s hand, Swedish youngster Melwin was visibly overwhelmed at seeing his hero, smiling from ear to ear like the Cheshire cat. And Melwin’s fellow mascot, 10-year-old Frank, was also taken aback by the sight of Sweden’s national hero.

"It was exciting, funny, but it's also a little scary,” Melwin told Aftonbladet after the game.

“This is the biggest thing that has ever happened to me in my life."