Top 10 best Swedish soccer players in history
With outstanding excellence and indisputable contributions on the pitch, many football superstar players from Sweden have left a deep mark in the history of global football. Sweden, despite its small size and population, produces many outstanding talents, from outstanding players in the first generation of contemporary football to celebrated retired legends. Among Sweden’s famous football legends, who is the greatest? This is a question that has a lot of mixed opinions, because each person can have different standards and ways of looking at greatness in football. However, for an overview and a deeper understanding of these myths, you can refer to the list of top 10 best Swedish soccer players on the Premiumsoccertips page!
Top 10 best Swedish soccer players
1. Bo Larsson
Bo Larsson is one of the Swedish football legends, whose illustrious career began in 1976 with Helsingborgs IF. In 1983, Larsson moved to Ajax in the Netherlands, where he became one of the most famous players and achieved numerous impressive titles.
At Ajax, Bo Larsson contributed to the team’s success with 4 Eredivisie championships and 3 KNVB Cups. He also won the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and was named European Footballer of the Year in 1985. Larsson’s time at Ajax showcased his talent and influence in European football.
In addition to his club success, Bo Larsson played a significant role in the success of the Swedish national team. He represented Sweden 104 times, scoring 40 goals, demonstrating his substantial contribution to his national team. Larsson is regarded as one of Sweden’s top players of the 20th century, bringing pride and reputation to Swedish football on the international stage.
2. Lennart Skoglund
Lennart Skoglund, a Swedish football legend, started his career at AIK Stockholm in 1947. Skoglund’s talent and career were quickly realised, and in 1954 he moved to Italian club Inter Milan, where he left a deep mark on football history.
At Internazionale, Skoglund was instrumental in the team’s dominance in Serie A. He won three Serie A titles and two European Cup titles (now the UEFA Champions League) during his years there. Not only that, but in 1959, Skoglund was honoured with the title of European Player of the Year, demonstrating his excellence in both club and national team.
Skoglund is known as a talented striker, possessing incredible scoring and assisting abilities. He is also a player with superior personal technique and outstanding ball ability, captivating many football fans. With the Swedish national team, Skoglund also earned 37 caps and scored 27 goals, showing an important role in the team’s history.
3. Tomas Brolin
Tomas Brolin is regarded as one of the top forwards in Swedish football history. He was versatile in ball handling and adept at navigating tight spaces. Brolin’s vision for creating opportunities often led to his teammates scoring goals. His striking and free-kick abilities were also noteworthy.
In his national team career, Tomas Brolin earned 64 caps and scored 21 goals, ranking second in Sweden’s all-time goal-scoring history. Brolin participated in two World Cups (1990 and 1994) and two European Championships (1992 and 1996), making significant contributions and leaving a lasting mark on his international career.
4. Henrik Larsson
One more Swedish football legend is Henrik Larsson, a professional footballer who played as a striker. Larsson has excellent ball control, makes accurate passes and has good shooting technique both left and right foot. His header is impressive and he is also very clever at reading situations on the pitch.
Larsson earned 106 caps for the Swedish national team and scored 62 goals. He is the highest scorer in the history of the Swedish national team. Larsson has participated in 3 World Cups (1994, 2002 and 2006) and 2 Euros (1992 and 2000).
5. Sven Rydell
Sven Rydell, considered one of the greatest forwards of all time, was renowned for his versatile attacking skills and exceptional goal-scoring ability. Rydell was known for smooth ball control, creative passing, and effective shooting techniques. Rydell began his football career at IFK Göteborg.
Rydell earned 79 caps for the Swedish national team, scoring 62 goals, becoming Sweden’s all-time leading goal scorer. Rydell participated in two World Cups (1934 and 1938).
6. Gunnar Gren
Ranked fifth is Gunnar Gren, a Swedish footballer who played as a forward. He was part of the famous “Gre-No-Li” trio for the Swedish national team and clubs AC Milan and AS Roma in the 1950s, known for his exquisite technique and creativity on the field. Gren began his football career at Örgryte IS.
Gren earned 116 caps for the Swedish national team, scoring 42 goals, ranking as Sweden’s second all-time leading goal scorer. Gren participated in three World Cups (1950, 1954, and 1958).
7. Kurt Hamrin
Kurt Hamrin, a forward known for his excellent ball control and unique playmaking skills, created numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates. His finesse in passing and attacking defined his distinctive style, leaving a lasting impact on Swedish and international football. Hamrin began his football career at Helsingborgs IF.
Hamrin earned 116 caps for the Swedish national team, scoring 43 goals, ranking as Sweden’s third all-time leading goal scorer. Hamrin participated in four World Cups (1958, 1962, 1966, and 1970).
8. Nils Liedholm
Nils Liedholm, one of Sweden’s football legends, is famous for his creative midfield role and talented passing ability. Born in Valdemarsvik, Sweden, Liedholm began his career at Norrköpings SK, where he rose to fame before moving on to other big clubs.
Liedholm’s achievements are impressive. He was capped for the Swedish national team in 116 matches, scoring 42 goals. This is the great number that puts him in second place in the list of top scorers in the history of the Swedish national team. Not only that, Liedholm also contributed significantly to the Swedish team’s achievements by winning many prestigious titles.
Not only internationally, Liedholm also had an incredible career at clubs. He has played for many big teams and left a significant mark on every place he stopped. His career was evidenced by participation in three major World Cups in 1950, 1954 and 1958. Liedholm is an icon in Swedish football history, bringing honor and pride to his nation.
9. Gunnar Nordahl
Nordahl is a very talented player and has a very nice play. He is a very powerful striker, capable of scoring goals very well and is considered one of the greatest strikers of all time.
Nordahl was born in Hörvik, Sweden, and began his football career at Hörviks IF. His achievements span the following clubs: Malmö FF: 4 Allsvenskan titles and 3 Svenska Cupen titles, A.C. Milan of Italy: 2 Serie A titles and 2 Coppa Italia titles, Roma of Italy: 1 Serie A title.
Nordahl earned 34 caps for the Swedish national team and scored 49 goals. He is the highest scorer in the history of the Swedish national team. Nordahl participated in 2 World Cups (1950 and 1954).
10. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is considered the greatest Swedish football legend, known for his creativity, goal-scoring ability, and strong personality. Ibrahimovic’s exceptional skills earned him a place among the greatest stars in football history.
Starting his football career at Malmö FF, Ibrahimovic moved to various clubs and won numerous prominent titles. At Ajax in the Netherlands, he won 4 Eredivisie titles and 2 KNVB Cups. Continuing in Italy with Juventus, Ibrahimovic secured 2 Serie A Scudettos and 2 Coppa Italia titles. At Barcelona in Spain, he won 3 La Liga titles, 2 Copa del Rey titles, and 1 UEFA Champions League title. Later, Ibrahimovic moved to Paris Saint-Germain in France, winning 4 Ligue 1 titles, 3 Coupe de France, and 3 Coupe de la Ligue titles. Finally, he contributed to Manchester United’s Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup titles in England.
In addition to his successful club career, Ibrahimovic left a profound mark on the history of the Swedish national team. He earned 115 caps, scoring 62 goals, becoming Sweden’s all-time leading goal scorer. Ibrahimovic participated in three World Cups (2002, 2006, and 2014) and two European Championships (2004 and 2012), bringing pride to his country and fans worldwide.
Conclude
Thus, above are the top 10 best Swedish soccer players that we share with readers. The appearance of these heroes is not only the pride of Swedes but also an endless source of inspiration for fans around the world. See more relevant information here.
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