Best Women Soccer Players From Sweden: Sweden is really good at women’s soccer. They got silver medals in the Olympics in 2016 and 2020, and their national women’s team has been one of the best in the world for the last 20 years.
Some amazing women’s soccer players have come from Sweden, like Pia Sundhage, Hanna Ljungberg, and Marta Vieira da Silva. They’ve inspired lots of Swedish girls to play soccer, and now Sweden is known for producing talented female soccer players.
In recent years, Sweden has become really good at scoring goals in women’s soccer. Their national women’s team has scored over 100 goals for the past five years, and they’ve at least one player in the top five goal-scorers in the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the last four tournaments.
Best Women Soccer Players From Sweden
Now, let’s talk about the best women’s soccer players from Sweden, especially the top goal-scorers.
10. Stina Blackstenius
- Career Span: 2015–
- Matches: 99
- Goals: 29
- Average: 0.29
Stina Blackstenius is a really good soccer player from Sweden. She made her debut for the Swedish national team in 2015 against Denmark and scored her first international goal in 2016 against Slovakia, just like Emilia Appelqvist.
She played in important matches, like the Olympic qualifiers against the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Norway. Sweden qualified for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, and Stina scored a crucial goal against the USA in the quarter-finals. In the final against Germany, she scored again, making her the top scorer for Sweden in that tournament.
In the 2020 Olympics, she became Sweden’s top scorer at the Olympics by scoring seven goals, including in the final against Canada. Even though Sweden won the silver medal due to a penalty shootout, Stina’s performance was outstanding.
9. Caroline Seger
- Career Span: 2005–
- Matches: 238
- Goals: 32
- Average: 0.13
Caroline Seger is an excellent soccer player from Sweden. She started playing for the national team in 2005. She played in big tournaments like the European Championships and the World Cup. In the 2011 World Cup, she was a key player, helping Sweden reach the semi-finals and securing a spot in the London Olympics.
Seger was the captain of the Swedish team until 2012. She played in many important matches, including the 2012 Olympic Games and the 2015 World Cup. In 2016, she played a crucial role in Sweden’s success at the Olympics, where they won against strong teams like the USA and Brazil, although they eventually lost to Germany in the final.
In 2019, she led Sweden to the World Cup quarter-finals and also helped them secure a place in the 2020 Olympics. She made history by becoming the European player with the most international appearances.
Despite her team’s efforts, they narrowly missed the gold medal in the 2020 Olympics, settling for silver after a penalty shootout against Canada. Seger’s dedication and skills have made her a standout player for Sweden.
8. Anneli Andelén
- Career Span: 1985–1996
- Matches: 88
- Goals: 37
- Average: 0.42
Anneli Andelén is one of the best women’s soccer players from Sweden and ranks as the 8th top scorer in the Swedish women’s team. She made her senior debut for Sweden on 22 August 1985 in a 5–0 win over Norway. In 1991, her three goals helped Sweden secure a third-place finish at the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup. She was also awarded the Diamantbollen award in 1992, recognizing her as the best female footballer in Sweden.
In the UEFA Women’s Euro 1995 qualifying campaign, her two goals against Denmark in the quarter-finals helped Sweden overcome a 0–2 deficit, qualifying them for UEFA Women’s Euro 1995. Despite Andelén’s late goal in the final, Sweden lost 3–2 to Germany. She left the national team after the 1995 FIFA Women’s World Cup, hosted by Sweden, due to a disagreement over team tactics.
In 1992, Andelén received the Diamond Ball award, honoring her as Sweden’s Football Player of the Year.
7. Malin Andersson
- Career Span: 1994–2005
- Matches: 151
- Goals: 39
- Average: 0.26
Malin Andersson is a standout women’s soccer player from Sweden, ranking as the 7th top scorer in the Swedish women’s team. She began her football journey at Arkelstorps IF and later played for Älvsjö AIK and Malmö FF in the Damallsvenskan league. In 1995, Andersson was recognized for her exceptional skills when she was awarded the Diamantbollen as Sweden’s Footballer of the Year.
During her career spanning from 1994 to 2005, Andersson played 151 international matches for the Swedish women’s national team. She participated in significant tournaments such as the World Championships in 1995, 1999, and 2003, as well as the Olympic Games in 2000 and 2004.
After retiring from active play in 2005, Andersson transitioned into coaching and took charge of the Swedish women’s U21 team, showcasing her expertise and contributing to the development of young talents in women’s soccer.
6. Kosovare Asllani
- Career Span: 2008–
- Matches: 178
- Goals: 45
- Average: 0.25
Kosovare Asllani is an outstanding women’s soccer player from Sweden, ranking as the 6th top scorer in the Swedish women’s team. She started her football journey at Vimmerby IF and quickly gained attention, earning a spot in the youth team of the Svenska Fotbollförbundet.
She made her debut in the national team in 2008, scoring goals against Romania. Asllani played in significant tournaments such as the European Championships and the World Cup, contributing goals and efforts to the Swedish team.
In the 2020 Olympics, Asllani played a crucial role, scoring goals and helping Sweden reach the final. Although they won the silver medal after a penalty shootout, Asllani’s talent and determination were evident throughout the tournament.
5. Victoria Sandell Svensson
- Career Span: 1996–2009
- Matches: 166
- Goals: 68
- Average: 0.41
Victoria Sandell Svensson is one of the best women’s soccer players from Sweden, ranking as the 5th top scorer in the Swedish women’s team. She achieved notable awards, winning the “Diamond Bollen” equivalent to the Footballer of the Year award in Germany in 1998 and 2003. Sandell Svensson made history in international matches, reaching 158 games in the Algarve Cup final against the USA in 2009, making her Sweden’s sole record national player at the time.
She retired from the national team after the 2009 European Championship, having scored 68 goals in 166 international matches.
Sandell Svensson is married to Camilla Sandell, the twin sister of former national soccer player Cecilia Sandell, since 2008. Her legacy in women’s soccer remains significant, marking her as one of Sweden’s finest players.
4. Pia Sundhage
- Career Span: 1975–1996
- Matches: 146
- Goals: 71
- Average: 0.49
Pia Sundhage is a renowned figure in women’s soccer, recognized as one of the best players and coaches from Sweden. She was a prolific striker, playing 146 times for the Swedish national team and scoring 71 goals. Sundhage participated in World Cup tournaments in 1991 and 1995, as well as the inaugural women’s Olympic football tournament in 1996.
Sundhage achieved notable success, winning the European Championship in 1984 and securing Swedish championship and Swedish Cup titles.
After retiring, Sundhage ventured into coaching. She led the United States women’s national team to two Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012. Under her coaching, the team also reached the World Cup final in 2011, although they were runners-up after a penalty shootout against Japan. Sundhage later became the head coach of the Swedish women’s national team in 2012, guiding them to the semi-finals of the 2013 European Women’s Football Championship and the 2016 Olympic Games final.
In 2019, she accepted an offer to manage the Brazilian women’s national football team, and her contract was extended until 2024 in 2021. Sundhage’s influence and expertise have left a significant mark on the global women’s soccer stage.
3. Lena Videkull
- Career Span: 1984–1996
- Matches: 111
- Goals: 71
- Average: 0.64
Lena Videkull is one of the best women’s soccer players from Sweden, ranking as the 3rd top scorer in the Swedish women’s team. Videkull played 111 matches for the Swedish women’s national team, scoring 71 goals.
She contributed significantly to their victories, including winning the European Championships in 1984 and participating in the World Championships in 1991 and 1995.
After retiring as a player, Videkull transitioned into coaching. She led the Malmö FF women’s team from 1999 to 2002 and later coached Husie FF. Additionally, she worked with the Swedish association, coaching the U21 and U23 teams, further contributing to the development of women’s soccer.
2. Hanna Ljungberg
- Career Span: 1996–2008
- Matches: 130
- Goals: 72
- Average: 0.55
Hanna Ljungberg is one of the best women’s soccer players from Sweden and ranks as the 2nd top scorer in the Swedish women’s team. She played a significant role for Umeå IK, a team that won multiple Swedish championships and European Cup titles. During her time with Umeå IK, she made 227 league appearances and scored an impressive 196 goals.
In 2002, Ljungberg’s talent was recognized when she won the “Diamond Ball” and was named Footballer of the Year. The following year, she represented Sweden in the USA and helped the team secure a runner-up position. In 2003, despite offers from Italian club AC Perugia, she chose not to join them.
Unfortunately, her career was hampered by a serious knee injury, leading her to announce her retirement from active football in 2009. Despite her retirement, Ljungberg’s impact on women’s soccer in Sweden remains significant.
1. Lotta Schelin
- Career Span: 2004–2017
- Matches: 185
- Goals: 88
- Average: 0.48
Lotta Schelin is the best women’s soccer players from Sweden and holds the title of the top scorer in the Swedish women’s national team. She made her debut for the national team on March 16, 2004, during the Algarve Cup match against France. Schelin’s international career was marked by significant achievements and notable performances.
She participated in various tournaments, including the European Championship finals in 2005 and 2009, the Olympic Games in Athens and Beijing, and the 2007 World Cup in China, as well as the 2011 World Cup in Germany. Schelin played a crucial role in Sweden’s journey in these competitions.
During the 2011 World Cup in Germany, she displayed her skills and was named Player of the Match by FIFA in games against the USA and Australia. She contributed significantly to Sweden’s success, helping them reach the semi-finals and secure qualification for the London Olympics. Schelin also played a pivotal role in the game for third place, scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 victory over France.
In 2012, Schelin reached a milestone by playing her 100th international match during the Algarve Cup match against China. She continued to be a key player for Sweden, participating in the 2012 Olympics and the 2013 European Championship finals.
Schelin’s remarkable goal-scoring ability was highlighted when she became Sweden’s all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing Hanna Ljungberg’s record with her 73rd international goal in a match against Germany on October 29, 2014. She played a vital role in Sweden’s Olympic campaign in Brazil in 2016, where they won an Olympic medal for the first time, reaching the final but losing to Germany.
Despite facing injuries, Schelin continued to contribute to the national team, playing in the 2017 European Championship finals. Her dedication and talent made her a valuable asset to the Swedish women’s soccer team throughout her career.
