Zlatan Ibrahimovic LA Galaxy 2018Getty Images

VIDEO: Ibrahimovic surprises Thai cave boys on 'Ellen' show

On Monday, LA Galaxy star Zlatan Ibrahimovic surprised the 12 Thai boys and their coach who were rescued from a waterlogged cave this summer. 

The 12 boys and their coach were appearing on the "Ellen" show, discussing their harrowing rescue in their first in-studio interview since the incident. 

The team captivated the world in July, as they were trapped for more than two weeks in a cave after a sudden downpour flooded the area. 

The boys, who range in age from 11 to 16 and their coach were eventually rescued through an operation conducted by international diving experts.

Appearing on U.S. television, the boys expressed their admiration for Ibrahimovic, who then surprised the team by emerging from backstage. 

"I thought I was brave, but these kids, this team, is more braver than me... This is probably the best team in the world," Ibrahimovic said.

The team was presented with a variety of Galaxy merchandise, and will be the team's guest at its next home match. 

Advertisement