Top 10 Best Swedish Footballers - 2025 (Ranked)

The Swedish national team has been travelling through a rough patch for the last few years, with the team failing to qualify for recent major tournaments. Despite these hardships, the Blågult are on a mission to rebuild their iconic identity, placing their faith in a new generation of world-class attacking talents. The arrival of Jon Dahl Tomasson, the first foreign manager in the team's history, gave fans hope for a bright future, and it's safe to say that he has met expectations, playing a dynamic, offensive style of football.

As Sweden enters a competitive era, where every qualifier is a do-or-die situation, every player is stepping up to play a pivotal role for the nation. From goal-scoring machines like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, to sensational attacking talents like Dejan Kulusevski, Sweden is surely a team that cannot be disregarded as an underdog.

With all being said, an important question arises - who are the best Swedish players at Tomasson's disposal? We have taken the liberty of highlighting some of the key players in the Swedish squad. Let's explore who the consistent performers are and who were the best Swedish players.

List of Best Swedish Football Players

Under new manager Jon Dahl Tomasson, Sweden has caught many by surprise with their dynamic, high-energy attacking football. The Blågult have re-established themselves as a formidable force with impressive results in their recent matches. While every member has played an important role in this exciting transition, here is the list of the best Swedish players as of now:

How we Ranked the Best Swedish Footballers in 2025?

Before we take a look at the best Swedish footballers 2025, let's take a look at the factors that were considered while making the rankings. From individual brilliance to big game performances to versatility, here are the factors that contributed to ranking the Swedish best players:

Performance Stats: The most important factor considered while ranking the best Swedish players was the individual stats of each player. Since there are different positions, we have considered key stats like goals, assists, tackles, interceptions, clean sheets, and others

Consistency: This factor evaluates the player's performance over the entire year, with the best Swedish players who have been consistent being given a higher rating.

Playing Position: Versatility was another major factor that was considered. Players who were able to adapt to different roles and tactical changes were given higher ratings.
Impact in Key Matches: Another factor considered while ranking Barcelona players was their performances in big games, which include the UEFA Champions League, Cup Finals, and other major matchups.
Trophies/Achievements: This factor considers both team trophies, like league titles and domestic cups, as well as significant individual achievements that a player has won over the last season.

Who is the Best Football Player of Sweden in 2025?

Considering all the factors mentioned above, we have made a fair and accurate list of the best Swedish players, who have been instrumental for their club and national team. Let's take a look at the list of players who scraped into the top 10 and the ones who top the list:

10. Robin Olsen (Goalkeeper)

Veteran goalkeeper Robin Olsen provided reliable experience for Aston Villa and remains the undisputed number one for his country. For his club, Olsen made 11 appearances, securing 5 clean sheets, while his leadership and crucial saves were vital for Sweden in their recent World Cup qualifying matches.

Olsen’s biggest strength is his commanding presence. Standing at 6 ft 6 in, he uses his large frame to dominate his penalty area, a quality that has made him a fixture for the national team for nearly a decade.

9. Gabriel Gudmundsson (Defender)

Gabriel Gudmundsson had an excellent debut season in the Premier League with Leeds United, a form which he carried over to the national team. He became an unreplaceable starter for Sweden under Jon Dahl Tomasson, providing crucial width in attack.

His explosive pace and tireless stamina allow him to cover the entire left flank. Gudmundsson's overlapping runs provide a constant attacking outlet, while his defensive prowess ensures he is a reliable part of Sweden's backline.

8. Jens Cajuste (Midfielder)

After securing a move to Ipswich Town, Jens Cajuste became an indispensable part of their midfield and a key component of Sweden's new system. He matched his performances for the national team, where he has been tasked with controlling the midfield and breaking up opposition play.

Cajuste is a classical box-to-box midfielder, known for his incredible stamina and ability to win the ball. His intelligent positioning and powerful running are vital for both his club and for the high-pressing style that the Swedish national team has adopted.

7. Isak Hien (Defender)

Isak Hien has been an instrumental piece in Atalanta’s defense, while also establishing himself as the natural partner to Victor Lindelöf for the Swedish national team. He was a constant starter for his club and brought that same defensive solidity to international duty.

Hien is a physically dominant defender, renowned for his strength in the air and his aggressive tackling. His exceptional reading of the game and ability on the ball make him a valuable asset to both Atalanta and Sweden.

6. Emil Forsberg (Midfielder)

Moving to the MLS, Emil Forsberg has had an exceptional season with the New York Red Bulls and continues to be the creative engine of the Swedish national team. The veteran playmaker registered 14 goals and 16 assists for his club, with his experience being invaluable in guiding Sweden's young attackers.

Forsberg is a creative midfielder, known for his superb vision, technical dribbling, and ability to unlock any defense. His role as a leader for the national team is also important, where he remains a vital force for club and country.

5. Victor Lindelöf (Defender)

As the captain of the Swedish national team, his composure and leadership were instrumental for both his new club and for guiding his country through a period of transition.

Known as the "Iceman," Lindelöf's biggest strength is his intelligence and reading of the game. His elegant on-the-ball style and outstanding passing range are crucial for building attacks from the back for both Aston Villa and Sweden.

4. Anthony Elanga (Forward)

He had an incredible season for Nottingham Forest, Anthony Elanga had a fantastic year, scoring 11 goals and providing 9 assists. His explosive form has made him a key weapon for the Swedish national team, where his direct running provides an attacking threat.

Elanga's biggest strength is his raw pace, making him a devastating threat on the counter-attack for both club and country. He combines this speed with intelligent movement off the ball, making him a reliable source of goals and assists in club and international football.

3. Dejan Kulusevski (Forward)

Dejan Kulusevski is a vital creative force for Tottenham Hotspur and is one of the main pillars of Sweden's attack. He registered an impressive 12 goals and 15 assists for his club, and his ability to create chances being central to the national team's new, dynamic attacking style.

His exceptional technical ability, physicality, and vision make him a threat for both club and country. Kulusevski excels at cutting in from the right flank to either shoot or create opportunities, making him one of the most important players for Sweden's future success.

2. Viktor Gyökeres (Forward)

Viktor Gyökeres had a sensational season for Sporting CP and formed a lethal partnership with Alexander Isak for the national team. The powerful striker Gyökeres managed 64 goals and 13 assists for his club, and his incredible form translated into crucial goals for Sweden in their qualifying campaign.

Gyökeres is a complete modern forward, combining raw physical power and pace with clinical finishing. His ability to dominate defenders has made him a nightmare for opponents in club and at the international level, establishing him as a world-class striker.

1. Alexander Isak (Forward)

Alexander Isak was one of the best players in the Premier League last season and the undisputed star of the Swedish national team. He scored an astonishing 38 goals and registered 10 assists for Newcastle United, and was the talisman for Sweden, leading their line and scoring the goals that have defined their new era under Tomasson.

His phenomenal blend of movement, exceptional dribbling, and lethal finishing makes him unplayable. Isak is not only known as a goalscorer but a superb link-up player for both club and country, making him the best Swedish player currently and one of the top strikers in world football.