Welcome to Soccer Mavericks where we’ll be looking at the 10 best Swedish soccer players of all time.
Sweden’s soccer history is rich, dating back to the late 19th century. From the early days to modern achievements, the nation has been a major contributor to the growth of soccer.
The nation has also produced some iconic players over the years. These icons, from Gunnar Nordahl to Zlatan Ibrahimović, have not only left lasting legacies on the global stage but have also inspired generations of players and fans.
By honoring these soccer legends, we celebrate the passion, skill, and dedication that have shaped Sweden’s soccer narrative.
In this article, we’ll explore their journeys, accolades, and the impact these soccer maestros have left on the global stage. So let’s get started with 10 of the best soccer players from Sweden.
10. Thomas Ravelli
Position: Goalkeeper
International Caps/Clean Sheets: 143 / 58
Club Level Apps: 461
Clubs: IFK Göteborg, Östers IF, Tampa Bay Mutiny
We kick off the list of the best Swedish players with the legendary Swedish goalkeeper, Thomas Ravelli. He dedicated an impressive 21 years of his professional career to Öster and Göteborg. Ravelli made a remarkable 416 appearances in Allsvenskan games for both clubs.
On the international scene, Ravelli proudly held the title of the most-capped player for the Sweden national team for several years. He represented Sweden in several international tournaments, including the 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cups, as well as UEFA Euro 1992.
9. Emil Forsberg
Position: Attacking Midfield
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 153 / 10 / 6
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 518 / 122 / 92
Clubs: RB Leipzig, GIF Sundsvall, Malmö FF, New York Red Bulls
At number 9 on our list is the Swedish playmaker, Emil Forsberg. With his lightning-quick and precise passing style, Forsberg has carved a niche as a creative playmaker. This dynamic skill set has not only earned him accolades but has also solidified his reputation as one of Sweden’s standout soccer players of this generation.
In 2021, Forsberg’s outstanding contributions were recognized as he was honored with the prestigious Guldbollen award. The midfielder’s excellence is further underscored by his four-time recognition as the Swedish Midfielder of the Year in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2021.
Forsberg’s international journey includes being a key member of the Sweden squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, his impactful presence was felt in UEFA Euro 2016 and 2020, where he scored four goals in four games.
8. Ronnie Hellström
Position: Goalkeeper
International Caps/Clean Sheets: 77 / 28
Club Level Apps/Clean Sheets: 313 / 81
Clubs: Hammarby IF, 1. FC Kaiserslautern, GIF Sundsvall
Next up on the list is, arguably, the greatest Swedish goalkeeper, Ronnie Hellström. In the 1970s, he was considered among the world’s best goalkeepers, while playing between the posts for Hammarby IF and 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
Hellström’s influence wasn’t limited to club soccer; he was a key player for the Sweden national team, earning 77 caps during his international career. He represented Sweden in three FIFA World Cups (1970, 1974, and 1978).
Notably, in 1988, during an injury crisis, Hellström came out of retirement to play one Allsvenskan game for GIF Sundsvall. His excellence was also acknowledged with the prestigious Guldbollen award in 1971 and 1978, given to Sweden’s best soccer player of the year.
Ronnie Hellström’s impact on Swedish soccer, both domestically and internationally, solidified his status as a goalkeeping icon and a celebrated figure in the beautiful game.
7. Gunnar Gren
Position: Second Striker, Attacking midfielder
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 57 / 33 / 1
Club Level Apps/Goals: 466 / 142
Clubs: IFK Göteborg, AC Milan, Fiorentina, Gårda BK, Genoa CFC, GAIS, Örgryte IS
We feel Gunnar Gren could’ve easily been further up on the list, but such is the nature of top 10 lists. The soccer maestro, Gunnar Gren, etched his name in history with stellar performances for IFK Göteborg and A.C. Milan.
As a creative forward, Gren’s technical finesse, visionary playmaking, and tactical intelligence defined an era. He was a part of the renowned “Gre-No-Li” trio (contraction of the surnames of three Swedish soccer players: Gunnar Gren, Gunnar Nordahl and Nils Liedholm) at both Milan and the Sweden national team.
He was also a very versatile player who could play as an attacking midfielder, an offensive-minded central midfielder, or even as a striker.
Gren’s international impact was profound, earning 57 caps and scoring 32 goals for the Sweden national team from 1940 to 1958. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Sweden’s historic triumph at the 1948 Summer Olympics and their impressive run to the final of the 1958 FIFA World Cup.
He was awarded the Guldbollen in 1946, and today, a statue proudly stands in his honor outside the Gamla Ullevi stadium.
6. Kurt Hamrin
Position: Right Winger
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 32 / 16 / 2
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 503 / 251 / 12
Clubs: Fiorentina, AC Milan, Padova, Napoli, Juventus
At number 6 on our list of the best Swedish soccer players is Kurt Hamrin, a player who is considered among the greatest wingers in soccer history.
Starting his journey with AIK in Sweden, Hamrin’s legacy was solidified during his remarkable stint with Italian clubs, notably Fiorentina. Over nine years, he made a significant impact with Fiorentina, winning two Coppa Italia titles, a Cup Winners’ Cup, and a Mitropa Cup. He also left his own mark with over 350 appearances and 200 goals for Fiorentina.
Hamrin’s goal-scoring prowess extended to AC Milan, where he secured a Serie A title and the European Cup. Currently, he stands as the eighth-highest goal-scorer in Serie A history.
Beyond the club scene, Hamrin played a vital role in the success of the Sweden national team, reaching the 1958 FIFA World Cup Final on home soil.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest Swedish soccer players and a legendary figure at Fiorentina, Hamrin’s contributions continue to inspire the next generation of players.
5. Nils Liedholm
Position: Attacking midfielder
International Caps/Goals: 24 / 12
Club Level Apps/Goals: 467 / 127
Clubs: AC Milan, IK Sleipner, IFK Norrköping
Nils Liedholm was one-third of the famous Swedish and AC Milan trio, “Gre-No-Li”, alongside Gren and Nordahl. He gained the nickname “Il Barone” (The Baron) while playing in Italy.
His intelligence and technical brilliance as an offensive playmaker set him apart, which led him to be considered one of Milan’s and Sweden’s greatest soccer players. In a fitting tribute, he was voted the best Swedish player of the millennium by Aftonbladet readers at the close of the 20th century.
But Liedholm’s impact transcended his playing days. As a coach, Liedholm continued his successful journey, managing Italian clubs for nearly four decades. His innovative use of a zonal marking system has made him a legendary figure in Italian soccer.
4. Fredrik “Freddie” Ljungberg
Position: Right Midfield
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 74 / 14 / 7
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 447 / 79 / 55
Clubs: Arsenal, Seattle Sounders FC, West Ham United, Chicago Fire, Halmstad, Shimizu S-Pulse, Celtic, Mumbai City
Freddie Ljungberg was a rare talent both on the soccer field and the fashion runway. Ljungberg started his career at Halmstad, but it was at Arsenal where he truly became a superstar.
At Arsenal, he clinched two Premier League titles and three FA Cups, including a memorable goal in the 2002 final. After his Arsenal stint, Ljungberg embarked on a journey across various clubs in England, Scotland, the United States, Japan, and India.
His international career spanned a decade, earning 75 caps for Sweden and representing his country in UEFA Euro 2000, 2004, and 2008, as well as the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups. He was named the captain of the Swedish national team from 2006 until his retirement after UEFA Euro 2008.
Beyond the pitch, Ljungberg made waves in the fashion industry, notably as a Calvin Klein underwear model until 2007. He also modeled for Nike, Procter & Gamble, L’Oréal, Puma, Beats, ESPN, and Pepsi.
3. Henrik Larsson
Position: Centre-Forward
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 106 / 37 / 9
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 539 / 289 / 103
Clubs: Celtic, Feyenoord, Helsingborgs IF, Barcelona, Manchester United
Our first pick of the top 3 best Swedish soccer players of all time is the iconic forward, Henrik Larsson. Larsson’s soccer journey is a tale of triumph and adoration.
Starting with Högaborgs BK, the Swedish-born striker honed his skills in Holland before becoming a legend in Scotland with Celtic.
Larsson signed with Celtic in 1997 and became a pivotal figure in their return to glory. Despite a setback with a broken leg in 1999, he bounced back with a spectacular 2000/01 season, clinching the European Golden Shoe with 53 goals. His seven years at Celtic brought four league titles, and his iconic 242 goals earned him the nickname “The King of Kings” among Celtic fans.
Larsson’s journey then continued with Barcelona, where he contributed to two league titles and the 2005–06 UEFA Champions League triumph.
A true Swedish soccer icon, Larsson graced the international stage in three FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships, winning a bronze medal at the 1994 World Cup. He also won the Guldbollen twice and was named the Greatest Swedish Soccer Player of the Last 50 Years in 2003.
2. Gunnar Nordahl
Position: Centre-Forward
International Caps/Goals: 33 / 43
Club Level Apps/Goals: 528 / 453
Clubs: AC Milan, IFK Norrköping, Degerfors IF, Hörnefors IF, AS Roma, Karlstad BIK
Gunnar Nordahl, a towering figure in Swedish and AC Milan soccer history, remains an icon of prolific goal-scoring prowess. Forming the legendary Gre-No-Li line with Gren and Liedholm, Nordahl’s time at AC Milan from 1949 to 1956 was one for the history books.
A highly powerful and physically strong striker, he clinched the Scudetto twice and made history with an unprecedented five top scorer awards. This feat also earned him the title of pluricapocannoniere (multiple top scorer).
To date, Nordahl remains Milan’s record goalscorer. He also held the record for most goals for a single club in Italian league history until Francesco Totti surpassed it in 2012.
His goal-scoring efficiency earned him nicknames like “Il Cannoniere” (The prime gunner), “Il Pompiere” (The fireman), and “Il Bisonte” (The Bison).
On the international stage, Nordahl was the joint top scorer at the 1948 Summer Olympics as he helped Sweden win gold at the 1948 Summer Olympics.
Regarded as one of the greatest Swedish soccer players and among the finest strikers globally, Nordahl’s contributions earned him a spot on FourFourTwo magazine’s list of the 100 greatest players of all time in 2017.
1. Zlatan Ibrahimović
Position: Centre-Forward
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 122 / 62 / 25
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 827 / 496 / 205
Clubs: Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Ajax, Juventus, LA Galaxy, Manchester United, Barcelona, Malmö FF
Zlatan Ibrahimović was an easy pick for the best Swedish soccer player of all time. Known for his acrobatic strikes, impeccable technique, and physical dominance, he’s hailed as one of the greatest strikers of all time.
With over 570 career goals, including almost 500 at the club level, Ibrahimović’s scoring prowess spans four decades. From his early days at Malmö FF to stints with European giants like Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and AC Milan, he’s spread his genius all across the globe.
Internationally, Ibrahimović’s 62 goals have made him Sweden’s all-time leading goalscorer over his 20-year international career. He graced multiple FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships with the Swedish national team. He also won the Guldbollen (Sweden’s Player of the Year) a record 12 times.
Ibrahimovic always entertains on the soccer pitch. As was clear when his iconic 35-yard bicycle kick against England won the 2013 FIFA Puskás Award.
Beyond his on-pitch success, his unapologetic persona and third-person references have made him an iconic figure off the pitch as well.
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