Last Updated on November 9, 2026 by Janet Asprin
Mika Zibanejad is a Swedish professional ice hockey center who plays for the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on April 18, 1993, in Stockholm, Sweden, Zibanejad comes from a multicultural family with Iranian and Finnish roots.
His parents are Mehrdad Zibanejad and Ritva Zibanejad. He also has an older maternal half-brother, Monir Kalgoum, a former professional ice hockey player who later became involved in sports management.
Zibanejad is married to Irma Helin Zibanejad, a former Swedish professional footballer and television sports analyst. The couple married in August 2021 and welcomed their first child, a daughter named Ella, in August 2023. In June 2026, they announced that they were expecting their second child, a boy.
Family has played an important role in Zibanejad’s hockey development, from his father’s experiences as an Iranian immigrant to his mother’s Finnish sporting traditions and his older brother’s influence on his early interest in ice hockey.
Mika Zibanejad’s Wife: Who Is Irma Helin?
Mika Zibanejad’s wife is Irma Helin Zibanejad, a Swedish former professional footballer who became a television football analyst after retiring from competitive sports.
Irma was born on June 18, 1994, in Stockholm, Sweden. Before beginning her broadcasting career, she played as a midfielder for several Swedish football clubs, including Djurgårdens IF, Piteå IF, and Linköpings FC.
She also represented Sweden’s senior women’s national football team.
In 2017, Irma helped Linköpings FC win the Swedish women’s football championship, establishing herself among the country’s accomplished professional footballers.
Following her retirement from playing, she transitioned into sports broadcasting and became a football analyst for Discovery and later TV4.
Her career in television has included coverage of Sweden’s top domestic football league, Allsvenskan, and major international competitions.
How Did Mika Zibanejad Meet His Wife?
Mika Zibanejad and Irma Helin first met while attending high school in Sweden.
According to Swedish publications Aftonbladet and Göteborgs-Posten, the two attended French classes together during their school years.
They knew each other for several years before publicly confirming their romantic relationship in 2019.
The relationship attracted attention because both had established careers in professional sports.
While Mika was playing NHL hockey in North America, Irma was pursuing her football career and later working in Sweden’s sports broadcasting industry.
Despite the geographical distance and demanding professional schedules, the couple maintained their relationship.
When Did Mika Zibanejad Get Married?
Mika Zibanejad and Irma Helin married on August 28, 2021, during a wedding ceremony on Lidingö, an island municipality near Stockholm, Sweden.
The wedding was attended by relatives and close friends.
Both Mika and Irma shared photographs from the celebration on their social media accounts.
Swedish newspaper Göteborgs-Posten reported the marriage on August 29, 2021, describing the event as an important milestone in their long relationship.
Following their wedding, Irma adopted the surname Zibanejad and became publicly known as Irma Helin Zibanejad.
Since then, she has regularly appeared at New York Rangers events and important career celebrations involving her husband.
Mika Zibanejad’s Children
Mika Zibanejad and his wife, Irma, have one publicly confirmed daughter, Ella Zibanejad, who was born in August 2023.
In June 2026, the couple also announced that they were expecting a second child, a son. Reliable reporting confirms the pregnancy announcement, although a subsequent birth announcement and the boy’s name have not been independently verified.
Daughter: Ella Zibanejad
Ella Zibanejad is Mika and Irma Zibanejad’s first child.
She was born in late August 2023, and her parents publicly announced her arrival through social media.
Swedish publications Aftonbladet and Göteborgs-Posten reported the birth in September 2023, confirming the baby’s name.
The NHL also acknowledged the birth in an October 2023 feature about Mika and Irma celebrating their first Halloween as parents.
The couple humorously dressed as exhausted new parents, wearing costumes that reflected the sleepless nights and daily responsibilities associated with caring for a newborn.
Since Ella’s arrival, Mika has spoken about how fatherhood has changed his perspective on hockey.
In an interview with Aftonbladet, he explained that returning home to his daughter helped him recover emotionally from disappointing performances and losses.
Although losing games remained frustrating, spending time with Ella gave him an opportunity to focus on something more important than professional results.
Ella has also attended New York Rangers games with her mother and appeared during family celebrations at Madison Square Garden.
Ella Celebrates Her Father’s 1,000th NHL Game
One particularly memorable family occasion occurred on March 23, 2026, when the New York Rangers honored Mika Zibanejad for reaching 1,000 career NHL games.
His wife, Irma, and daughter, Ella, joined his parents, Mehrdad and Ritva, during the on-ice ceremony at Madison Square Garden.
Ella wore a special shirt celebrating her father’s milestone, with his jersey number 93 and the Swedish word for dad displayed on the back.
During the ceremony, Mika received a commemorative silver hockey stick, while Ella was presented with a miniature hockey stick.
The Rangers also gave the family a trip to Greece as part of the celebration.
The occasion highlighted the importance of family in Zibanejad’s career and allowed him to share a significant professional achievement with his daughter.
Second Child: Mika and Irma Announce They Are Expecting a Son
On June 8, 2026, Mika Zibanejad and Irma Helin Zibanejad announced that they were expecting their second child.
The couple shared the news on Instagram, revealing that Ella would become a big sister to a baby boy.
Swedish newspapers, including Aftonbladet and Expressen, covered the announcement.
The news represented another important milestone for the family, which had welcomed Ella approximately three years earlier.
However, available reliable reporting has not independently confirmed the son’s birth date or name. Therefore, those details should not be stated as established facts.
Mika Zibanejad’s Parents
Mika Zibanejad was born to Mehrdad Zibanejad and Ritva Zibanejad in Sweden.
His father is originally from Iran, while his mother comes from Finland. Their different cultural backgrounds influenced Mika’s upbringing, language skills, and appreciation for international sports.
Their identities and professional backgrounds are documented in the New York Rangers’ official player biography.
Father: Mehrdad Zibanejad
Mika Zibanejad’s father is Mehrdad Zibanejad, an Iranian-born information technology specialist and former athlete.
Mehrdad grew up in Iran, where he developed an interest in sports, particularly football, volleyball, and tennis.
According to the New York Rangers’ official biography, he played football and volleyball at national-team level in Iran before moving to Sweden.
His decision to leave Iran came during a difficult period in the country’s history.
In an interview published by The Hockey News in January 2021, Mehrdad’s story was discussed in connection with political and religious difficulties he experienced before leaving his homeland.
He departed Iran in 1983, after serving during the Iran-Iraq War, and eventually settled in Sweden.
There, he established a career in information technology and started a family with Ritva.
His experiences shaped his approach to raising Mika, particularly through emphasizing perseverance, dedication, and appreciation for opportunities.
Mehrdad Zibanejad’s Influence on Mika’s Sporting Career
Mehrdad played an important role in encouraging his son to participate in sports.
However, his original preference was not necessarily ice hockey.
Having played several sports himself, Mehrdad initially encouraged Mika to explore tennis and football.
Mika participated in both sports during childhood and developed a strong interest in football, becoming a supporter of Manchester United and David Beckham.
His older brother’s involvement in ice hockey eventually influenced him to pursue that sport more seriously.
Although Mika followed a different sporting path from his father, Mehrdad continued supporting his development.
Mehrdad’s Iranian background also contributed to Mika’s interest in encouraging young people from immigrant families to participate in hockey.
In interviews with Swedish media, Mika has discussed the importance of making the sport more accessible to children whose families may not have traditional connections to ice hockey.
His father has remained an important supporter throughout his NHL career and attended his 1,000th-game celebration in March 2026.
Mother: Ritva Zibanejad
Mika Zibanejad’s mother is Ritva Zibanejad, a Finnish-born nurse originally from Paltamo, Finland.
Her Finnish background is a significant part of Mika’s identity.
Although he was born and raised in Sweden, Mika grew up speaking Finnish with his mother and maintaining connections to relatives in Finland.
In an April 2018 interview with Finnish publication Seiska, Mika discussed how his mother regularly communicated with him in Finnish.
He explained that speaking the language came naturally, although writing in Finnish could be more challenging.
Ritva has also supported her sons’ interests in professional hockey.
Her older son, Monir Kalgoum, played professionally in Europe before Mika established himself in the NHL.
The brothers’ hockey careers required considerable family commitment, including traveling to practices and games.
Ritva Zibanejad’s Support for Her Sons
Ritva’s dedication to her children’s sporting ambitions has been publicly recognized.
In 2019, Mika and Monir became involved in an initiative supporting youth hockey and recognizing parents and volunteers who contribute to the development of young athletes.
According to HockeyNews Sweden, Monir specifically praised their mother as an example of a dedicated hockey parent.
He acknowledged the time and effort required from parents who regularly transport their children to practices, competitions, and other activities.
Ritva also developed a friendly relationship with Finnish NHL forward Kaapo Kakko during his time playing alongside Mika for the New York Rangers.
In an Aftonbladet interview published in 2026, Kakko recalled enjoying conversations in Finnish with Ritva when she visited the team.
Her relationship with her sons and their teammates illustrates the family’s continued connections to Finland.
Mika Zibanejad’s Siblings
Mika Zibanejad has one publicly documented sibling, his older maternal half-brother Monir Kalgoum.
Monir was born approximately nine years before Mika and shares the same mother, Ritva.
He played an especially important role in introducing Mika to ice hockey and later became involved in managing aspects of his younger brother’s professional career.
Brother: Monir Kalgoum
Monir Kalgoum is Mika Zibanejad’s older half-brother and a former professional ice hockey player.
He pursued his hockey career primarily in European leagues, including competitions in Sweden and the United Kingdom.
His former teams included Huddinge IK, AIK, and Milton Keynes Lightning.
According to the New York Rangers’ official biography, Monir continued playing professional hockey in Europe through the 2011-12 season.
He subsequently became involved in sports representation and has worked as Mika’s agent.
Beyond their professional relationship, the brothers share a close personal bond rooted in their childhood experiences.
How Monir Kalgoum Introduced Mika to Hockey
Monir played a central role in developing Mika’s childhood passion for ice hockey.
In a Swedish interview published by Aftonbladet in 2012, Monir recalled making a small hockey goal during a woodworking class.
He brought the goal home, where he and Mika began playing hockey together indoors.
Initially, the younger Mika sometimes played goaltender while Monir practiced shooting.
Eventually, Mika began shooting the puck himself and developed a growing interest in playing hockey.
The brothers spent considerable time practicing and competing together.
Mika later credited Monir with introducing him to the sport and described his older brother as one of his most important childhood role models.
Although Mika went on to achieve greater success in the NHL, he has consistently recognized Monir’s influence on his early development.
Monir Kalgoum’s Influence on Mika’s Music Career
Monir also helped introduce Mika to electronic music and DJing.
After spending time playing professional hockey in Europe, Monir began experimenting with DJ equipment and music production.
During his teenage years, Mika became interested in the equipment his older brother was using.
According to a 2019 Sports Illustrated feature, Mika began experimenting with Monir’s turntables and music mixer.
He quickly developed an interest in DJing that continued alongside his professional hockey career.
Zibanejad later released electronic music and performed at music festivals, including Lollapalooza Stockholm in 2023.
Therefore, Monir influenced two important parts of his younger brother’s life: hockey and music.
Mika Zibanejad’s Iranian and Finnish Family Heritage
Mika Zibanejad’s family background reflects a combination of Swedish, Iranian, and Finnish influences.
His father, Mehrdad, was born in Iran and later established his life in Sweden, while his mother, Ritva, grew up in Finland.
Mika was born and raised in Sweden, where he developed his professional hockey career and eventually represented the Swedish national team.
He grew up speaking Swedish and Finnish while also learning English and developing familiarity with Persian through his father.
His multicultural upbringing occasionally created friendly divisions within the household during international sporting events.
In a January 2026 NHL.com interview, Mika recalled watching the men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Sweden and Finland at the 2006 Winter Olympics.
The family had two televisions displaying different national broadcasts, reflecting their connections to both countries.
Sweden eventually defeated Finland 3-2, with Mika celebrating the victory as a young Swedish hockey fan.
The experience helped inspire his ambition to represent Sweden at the Olympic Games.
How Fatherhood Has Changed Mika Zibanejad
Becoming a father in August 2023 changed Mika Zibanejad’s outlook on professional hockey.
Before Ella’s birth, he often spent significant time reflecting on disappointing performances and trying to identify ways to improve.
However, the arrival of his daughter helped him create a clearer separation between his hockey responsibilities and family life.
He explained in an Aftonbladet interview that seeing Ella after games helped him move past losses more quickly.
Even when the Rangers experienced difficult results, returning home to his wife and daughter provided happiness and perspective.
His family also became more visible during important career celebrations, including his 1,000th NHL game.
These experiences demonstrate how his responsibilities as a husband and father have become increasingly important alongside his professional achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mika Zibanejad’s Family
Who is Mika Zibanejad’s wife?
Mika Zibanejad’s wife is Irma Helin Zibanejad, a former Swedish professional footballer and television sports analyst.
When did Mika Zibanejad get married?
Mika Zibanejad married Irma Helin on August 28, 2021, during a wedding ceremony on Lidingö, Sweden.
How did Mika Zibanejad meet his wife?
Mika and Irma met during high school in Sweden, where they attended French classes together. Their romantic relationship became public in 2019.
Does Mika Zibanejad have children?
Yes. Mika Zibanejad has a daughter named Ella, born in August 2023. In June 2026, he and his wife announced they were expecting a second child, a boy, although a birth announcement has not been independently verified.
Who is Mika Zibanejad’s daughter?
His daughter is Ella Zibanejad, whom he welcomed with his wife, Irma, in late August 2023.
Who are Mika Zibanejad’s parents?
His parents are Mehrdad Zibanejad, an Iranian-born IT specialist, and Ritva Zibanejad, a Finnish-born nurse.
Who is Mika Zibanejad’s father?
His father is Mehrdad Zibanejad, a former athlete who moved from Iran to Sweden in 1983 and later worked in information technology.
Who is Mika Zibanejad’s mother?
His mother is Ritva Zibanejad, who comes from Paltamo, Finland, and has worked as a nurse.
Does Mika Zibanejad have siblings?
Yes. Mika Zibanejad has one publicly documented older maternal half-brother, Monir Kalgoum.
Who is Mika Zibanejad’s brother?
His older half-brother is Monir Kalgoum, a former professional hockey player who later worked as a sports agent.
Is Mika Zibanejad Iranian or Finnish?
Mika Zibanejad is Swedish, with Iranian ancestry through his father and Finnish ancestry through his mother.
Does Mika Zibanejad speak Finnish?
Yes. Mika grew up speaking Finnish with his mother and has publicly discussed his connections to Finland.
Where is Mika Zibanejad’s family from?
Mika was born and raised in Sweden. His father originally came from Iran, while his mother is from Paltamo, Finland.
A dedicated ice hockey journalist, Janet Asprin delivers sharp, detailed coverage of the NHL season. From evaluating trade deadline moves and line combinations to analyzing power plays and postseason standings, Janet brings a fresh, structured perspective to every game. She focuses on translating high-speed rink strategy into compelling stories and actionable insights for hockey fans.
