Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lewis Hamilton and Mystic Guide: 25 of the best sports images of the week

We pick out the most spectacular pictures from the last seven days

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One of the biggest horse races on the calendar took place in the UAE this week, with the Dubai World Cup finally able to enjoy its 25th anniversary.

Cancelled last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the silver jubilee event this time round was tinged with sadness due to the passing of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai – a leading owner and breeder of race horses.

Godolphin continued its domination of the main race at Meydan Racecourse with Mystic Guide taking the honours in impressive fashion. From Godolphin's American operation, the Michael Stidham-trained runner could now target the Breeders' Cup in November.

In football, it has been an emotional week for Sweden's veteran attacker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who returned to the international scene for the first time in nearly five years.

The AC Milan forward, 39, broke down in tears during a press conference earlier in the week, then set up the winning goal as Sweden defeated Georgia in Thursday's World Cup qualifier.

This weekend saw the return of Formula One as the new season kicked-off with the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen secured the opening pole position, but usual service resumed in the main race with Lewis Hamilton winning for Mercedes in a thrilling contest.