The Best Swedish Players of All Time: Sweden's Greatest Footballers
The 5 Greatest Footballers from Sweden
For a country of only ~10 million people, Sweden have more pedigree in football than they are given credit for.
With 1 Olympic Gold medal in football as well as 2 bronze medals, in addition to 1 WC Silver, 2 WC Bronze and 1 European Championship Bronze medal, the Swedes have regularly proven themselves to be no pushovers when facing the world’s best.
Swedish players usually possess the grit to complement their immense talent, and their patriotism is always unquestionable.
But who are the greatest ever players from Sweden?
Here are 5 of their best ever, of which 2 are on the list of the top goalscorers in football history:
1. Henrik Larsson
Position: Striker
Caps: 106
Goals: 37
A striker for the biggest moments, Henrik Larsson never hid when needed for club or country, and his career serves as evidence of this. Larsson’s senior international debut came in October 1993 at the age of 22-years old; he was then in his sixth season as a pro, and his first at Dutch giants Feyenoord.
Larsson went on to score on his debut vs Finland, leaving a great first impression immediately.
Larsson’s debut goal led to the marksman becoming a regular member of the national setup immediately. By the 1994 FIFA World Cup, he had scored 4 goals in just 7 caps, leading to his call-up to Sweden’s WC squad.
At the tournament, Larsson played 5 of Sweden’s 7 games, scoring once as the Swedes earned their second-ever WC bronze medal. He came off the bench usually but when he started, it was in a 4-4-2 as one of the strikers or on the flanks.
After his ’94 WC performance, the marksman became a nailed-on starter for The Yellow ad Blues. Sweden failed to qualify for the next two major international tournaments after ’94 though, and this coincided with Larsson’s poor form for country, with only 4 goals in 30 caps between 1995 and 1999.
He also suffered a career-threatening leg break in October ’99 but managed to recover in time to represent Sweden at Euro 2000.
At the Euros, Larsson played all 3 of his nation’s games as Sweden crashed out of the group stages in a disappointing fashion.
Playing as a striker alongside either Kennet Andersson or Yksel Osmanovski in a 4-4-2, Larsson put in a man-of-the-match performance vs Italy in the group, scoring Sweden’s only goal in a 2-1 defeat.
This Italy performance brought Larsson great confidence, and this led to 9 goals scored from only 10 caps in 2001. These dazzling performances for Sweden guaranteed his place at the 2002 WC.
At the WC, Sweden were drawn into the hardest group of the tournament which consisted of England, Argentina and Nigeria. Not expected to qualify for the knockout rounds, the Swedes qualified top of the group thanks to a resolute team performance and Larsson’s good form.
The marksman started all 4 of his side’s games, scoring 3 goals as Sweden reached the RO16 in an impressive showing overall.
Playing alongside Marcus Allback in a strike partnership of a 4-4-2, Larsson scored a game-winning brace vs Nigeria in the group as well as scoring another vs Senegal in Sweden’s RO16 loss.
After the ’02 WC, Larsson retired from international duty; only to be convinced to return for Euro 2004 after a 40-goal season for Scottish giants Celtic. At the tournament, Larsson started all 4 of his country’s games, scoring 3 goals as The Blue and Yellow reached QFs of a Euros for the first time since 1992.
Playing as a strike partnership of a 4-4-2 alongside a young Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Larsson’s virtuoso performance at the tournament led to inclusion in the team of the tournament. He also won goal of the tournament for a diving header vs Bulgaria in the group stage
By 2006, Larsson had 34 goals in 87 caps for his homeland. By then already a Swedish legend at 35-years old, the striker’s ability had lessened a bit but his football intelligence was still elite, hence why he was called up for Sweden’s 2006 WC squad.
At the WC, Larsson started all 4 of his side’s games, scoring once as The Blue and Yellow reached the RO16 only to lose to eventual champions, Germany. He then retired from national team duty a second time.
Once again, despite his Sweden retirement, the marksman was convinced to return to the national team once more for Euro 2008. At the Euros, Larsson started all 3 of Sweden’s games in a disappointing campaign that saw the Swedes exit the group stage. Playing alongside Zlatan once again in a 4-4-2, Larsson failed to score but registered an assist.
He became Sweden’s captain in August 2008.
Euro 2008 proved to be Larsson’s final major international tournament. After Sweden failed to qualify for the 2010 WC, Larsson retired definitively with his last cap coming in October 2009 at the age of 38. This made Larsson Sweden’s oldest outfield player in history.
Blessed with fantastic anticipation and lightning-quick reactions, Henrik Larsson was an intelligent presence on the football pitch who also possessed excellent technique with regard to heading, shooting, passing and set pieces. Not particularly tall for a striker, Larsson was instead strong as an ox and almost impossible to get off the ball when holding it up.
A great professional, Larsson ranks 3rd all-time in Celtic’s top scorers of all-time. He also won the European golden boot in 2001 for being the top scorer in all of Europe’s top divisions.
2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Position: Striker
Caps: 118
Goals: 62
Sweden’s top goalscorer of all-time. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is widely considered to be one of the greatest strikers of the 21st century. After scoring 6 goals in 7 games for Sweden’s U21 side, Zlatan was given his senior international debut in January 2001 at the age of 19 and during his second season at Swedish side Malmö.
The marksman took a while to get going for the national team, with only 1 goal in his first 10 caps. Nevertheless, he was called up to Sweden’s 2002 FIFA World Cup squad.
At the tournament, Zlatan played a bit-part role as a young prospect, making only two sub appearances at the tournament with no goals as Sweden exited in the RO16. After the ’02 WC, Zlatan began to grow into the team.
He scored 3 goals in 4 caps in 2003, and good club form for Dutch giant Ajax saw the marksman score double figures in the league. This led to Zlatan being called to represent his country at Euro 2004.
At the Euros, Zlatan started all 4 of Sweden’s games, scoring twice along with 1 assist as The Blue and Yellow reached a Euros quarterfinal for only the second time in their history.
Playing in a 4-4-2 as a strike partnership alongside legend Henrik Larsson, Zlatan scored the equalizing goal in the group stages vs Italy, but missed a penalty in the QFs shootout defeat to The Netherlands.
Despite the penalty miss, Zlatan’s man-of-the-match performance vs Italy brought global attention, with his backheeled lob equalizing goal winning the goal of the tournament award.
By 2006, the enigma had scored 18 goals in 36 caps. Now an integral member of the national setup, Zlatan was called up to Sweden’s 2006 WC squad. At the WC, the striker played 3 of Sweden’s 4 games, not scoring as Sweden exited at the RO16 stage once again.
After this, Zlatan went scoreless for Sweden in 2007 also. This undoubtedly worried the Swedish people, but 22 goals from only 34 games for Italian giants Inter in 2007/08 illustrated the striker wasn’t lacking in confidence. As a result, he was called to represent Sweden at Euro 2008.
At the tournament, Zlatan started all 3 of Sweden’s games, scoring two goals as The Yellow and Blues crashed in the group stages disappointingly.
Playing in a 4-4-2 formation with Larsson as his strike partner for the third tournament in a row, Zlatan netted against the likes of Spain and Greece in the group stages.
Despite Sweden failing to qualify for the 2010 WC, the marksman continued to be a vital part of the squad, scoring 8 goals in 18 caps between 2009 and 2011.
Ahead of Euro 2012, Ibrahimovic was made captain of the national side. At the tournament, he started all 3 of Sweden’s games, scoring twice as the Swedes once again failed to progress past the group stages. Ibrahimovic, however, put in a man-of-the-match performance vs France during the group stages, scoring the opening goal in a historic 2-0 win.
The striker’s Euro 2012 performance led to his inclusion in the team of the tournament, despite Sweden’s poor overall performance.
Zlatan’s last major international tournament was Euro 2016. By this Euros, he was already Sweden’s top goalscorer of all-time. Prior to the tournament, Ibrahimovic had scored 3 of Sweden’s 4 goals in the 4-3 aggregate playoff win vs Scandinavian rivals Denmark which led to The Blue and Yellow’s qualification for the tournament.
At Euro 2016, Zlatan started all 3 of Sweden’s games, going goalless as Sweden crashed out of the Euros group stages for the third time in a row. Ibrahimovic hasn’t yet retired from the national side, and was almost included in the squad for Euro 2021. His last cap came in March 2021.
A technician with the frame of a target man at 6 feet and 5 inches, the enigma is capable with both feet inside and outside the penalty box; whilst also a set-piece specialist.
A mesmeric dribbler in his younger years due to his affinity for Ronaldo Nazario of Brazil, the striker later honed his vision and passing as his career progressed. One of the most complete attackers ever, Zlatan has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or 11 times during his career.
3. Gunnar Gren
Position: Forward / Attacking midfielder
Caps: 57
Goals: 32
A mesmeric playmaker who possessed great longevity in the international game, Gunnar Gren is an icon in Sweden due to his playing his part in some of Sweden’s greatest footballing triumphs.
Gren’s senior international debut came in August 1940 at the age of 19-years old.
His first call-up came after his fourth season as a pro at Swedish side Garda. It only took until the forward’s second cap for his first goal, scoring once in a 5-0 thrashing of Finland.
Due to his inherent creativity and passing ability, Gren became an integral member of the team immediately. Prior to the 1948 Olympics, the maestro had already netted 20 goals in only 30 caps with a hat-trick each scored against Finland and Switzerland.
At the tournament, Gren started all 4 of Sweden’s games, scoring 3 goals as the Swedes ran out victorious with their first trophy on the international stage. His 2 goals in the 3-1 final win vs Yugoslavia certified the victory, making Gren a national icon as a result.
After moving to AC Milan in 1949, Gren became ineligible to represent his homeland due to an archaic Swedish FA rule stating professionals couldn’t represent Sweden. Professionals in Sweden were somehow not considered as such until overseas.
However, in 1957, with the ‘58 World Cup being held in Sweden and the national team lacking quality, this rule was scrapped. As a result, Gren was called up to Sweden’s 1958 WC squad despite being 37 years old at the time and playing in Sweden's second division.
At the WC, Gren started 5 of Sweden’s 6 games at the tournament, scoring once as The Blue and Yellow earned a silver medal, improving on the bronze and fourth-place finishes of the last 2 WCs.
Playing as a creative shadow-striker in an avant-garde 4-1-5 formation, Gren’s solitary goal came in the 3-1 SF win vs Germany. Despite the lack of goals, the playmaker’s fantastic overall performance at the age of 37 earned him a place in the team of the tournament.
Gren retired from national team duty soon after the ’58 WC, with his last cap coming in October 1958. A technician of the highest order, Gren possessed tactical intelligence as well as spatial awareness.
This meant the playmaker was always efficient with the ball at his feet, whilst his vision ensured chances were created. A statue of Gren is erected outside the Gamla Ullevi stadium; home to his former teams in Goteborg and Orgryte.
4. Gunnar Nordahl
Position: Striker
Caps: 33
Goals: 43
One of the greatest strikers to ever play the sport and part of the iconic Gre-No-Li Swedish trio of Nordahl, Gren and Liedholm that achieved so much for club and country, Gunnar Nordahl was born to score goals.
His senior international debut came in June 1942 at 20-years old; the call-up came after Nordahl’s fifth season as a pro, and his second at Swedish side Degerfors.
The striker ended up scoring on his debut, which was a 3-0 win vs Denmark in Copenhagen.
After 2 goals in his first 4 caps, Nordahl became a regular member of the national team squad.
By the 1948 Olympic Games football tournament, Nordahl was one of the team’s best players. The striker had 31 goals in 26 caps, with 3 hat-tricks scored for Sweden before ’48 Olympics.
At the competition, Nordahl started all 4 of his side’s games, scoring 7 goals as Sweden romped to Olympic Gold in a remarkable showing from player and team.
The marksman’s goals saw him finish as the joint-top scorer at the tournament alongside John Hansen of Denmark.
The 1948 Olympic games tournament remains Sweden’s only triumph at a major international football competition. Midway through the 1948/49 season, Nordahl transferred to Italian giants AC Milan. Swedish players playing in Sweden then weren’t considered professionals, and a Swedish FA rule stated professionals couldn’t play for the national team.
As a result, Nordahl was forced to retire from the national team in November 1948, 3 months after the Olympic games victory.
Nordahl was great in the air, with sharp reflexes which allowed him to adjust body shape based on the football’s trajectory.
A composed finisher with immense power in both feet, the striker loved himself a volleyed goal. Standing at 6 feet and 1 inch, he also possessed the frame necessary to keep the ball from defenders.
Nordahl is AC Milan’s highest goalscorer of all-time (221) and holds the record for most goals for a single club in Serie A history.
5. Erik Nilsson
Position: Left-back
Caps: 57
Goals: 0
Sweden’s greatest left-back of all time, Erik Nilsson enjoyed a long and distinguished career in his nation’s colours.
Nilsson’s senior international debut came during the 1938 FIFA World Cup. At the time, the defender was 21-years old and had just completed his fourth season as a pro at Swedish side Malmö.
At the tournament, Nilsson only played 1 out of Sweden’s 3 games at the tournament as his side exceeded expectations, finishing fourth in only the country’s second-ever World Cup.
His next major competition with his homeland were the 1948 Olympics football tournament. By then, Nilsson was 31 years old and a veteran in the national setup.
He played every minute of the tournament, starting all 4 of his side’s games as Sweden triumphed in the final vs Yugoslavia and lifted their first major international honour. Nilsson was integral, marshalling a defence that kept 2 clean sheets and conceded only 3 goals in the competition.
By the 1950 World Cup, Nilsson was the permanent captain of the national team.
He played all 5 of Sweden’s games at the competition as his nation earned bronze in their third-ever World Cup, beating giants such as Spain and Italy along the way. Nilsson’s resolute performances in defence earned him a selection in the WC team of the tournament
Nilsson’s last major tournament for Sweden was the 1952 Olympic Games in Finland.
He was 35 years old at the start of the competition. Nilsson went on to play all 4 of The Blue and Yellow’s games as the Swedes fell short of retaining gold, earning a bronze medal for their efforts.
A defender as classy as he was gritty, Nilsson was assured on the ball while also possessing defensive instincts which often snuffed out opposition chances.
He was also offensively astute, with fantastic crossing ability. From his 57 caps, the defender captained the team in 37 of them. Nilsson is the only Swede with two Olympic medals for football.
Honorable Mentions for Sweden’s Greatest Footballers:
Tomas Brolin, Freddie Ljungberg, Anders Svensson, Sven Rydell, Olof Mellberg, Thomas Ravelli, Nils Liedholm, Kurt Hamrin, Bo Larsson, Agne Simonsson, Martin Dahlin, Kennet Andersson and Ingvar Rydell.
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