Fredrik Hammar: Nothing matters if you don’t seize the opportunity

At the age of 23, Fredrik Hammar had already experienced more than some football players do in their entire careers. From being the best and brightest talent to being unwanted and going through personal problems before representing his boyhood club and securing a move abroad. This is his story.

The time said 85:23 on the clock and Bjørn Paulsen had just patted Fredrik’s head and back. It was happening; Fredrik Hammar was getting his debut for his boyhood club. Hammarby was leading 3-0 against IFK Göteborg, the stadium was full and the home crowd was cheering. It was the undisputed peak of his entire career, and a moment of such importance and value that he could hardly remember details from it.

- It was surreal. When I was young I always dreamed about it, but for a while it felt like it wouldn’t happen. When I thought it was all over, one year later, I stood there. It goes to show that things can happen if you put your energy into it. And you get your reward for all your hard work.

- It was so hectic and so much to take in that I can hardly recall my debut. It was too much for my mind to comprehend how big it was. Small details didn’t register. It’s weird, but it’s one of my biggest and proudest moments, but I simply can’t remember it that well.

- For me, Hammarby is outstanding in Sweden. There is no club that can compete with them when it comes to support from the fans. Wherever you go you always get warm greetings and supportive words. Wherever you are, somebody comes up and shows you that they support you and the club. This means so much to me. To play in that club is fantastic and I honestly feel that it will be difficult to ever get that feeling again as this is my boyhood club.

- Every game was life or death because I wanted to give so much back and I felt that I could somehow be the connection between the team and the stands. I wanted to make the supporters happy, so for me every day and every match was 100% effort. You play for other people’s happiness and that’s very important.

Playing for Hammarby was like living a dream

After the debut Hammar got a lot of playing time, was awarded a new contract and helped his favourite club secure the best league finish since 2006 in front of local rivals. Hammar describes this period where Hammarby finished second in 2024 as the happiest period of his life.

- It was like living a dream. When I look back at it, it was the happiest years of my life. I feel proud of myself for coming through a difficult time and then get to live this. I didn’t see that coming to be honest. To make myself a player in the club that I had always supported and been in the stands to support. And then attract attention from foreign clubs. From nobody wanting me and then a few years later playing for my favourite team in the world and being wanted. That was a huge pat on the back.

- I was proud to be able to accomplish the second place finish in 2024. And I don’t think that many people expected it. After wins in derbies and big games you felt that it was special. And that I was able to help the team was something that I take great pride in.

- Martí Cifuentes was the one that I started to play regularly under and I think he gave me the debut as a reward for always giving 100% when I practiced with the first team. It shows again that when you give 100% you will get rewarded. I am still in touch with him today and when I signed for Mechelen he wrote to me and congratulated me. I also follow him as I am so grateful for him, so when QPR, where he is the coach today, has a good result, I also text him.

The toughest time in my life

The success with Hammarby came shortly after a very tough and intense period for Fredrik and it goes to show the line between failure and success in professional football is a very thin one to tread. 

After moving to Brentford at an early age he chose to turn down a contract extension as he believed that he needed first team football. Not long after, after being one of the biggest talents in Sweden, he suddenly found himself unwanted by clubs at the best level. This took its toll on Hammar’s psyche and he describes it as a very tough period.

- Brentford offered me a three-year contract extension in 2021. From a financial perspective, it would have been a good decision, but I tend to trust my gut feeling. I felt that if I stayed at Brentford, I would be sent on loan, and I was afraid of becoming a loan player. It’s a mental aspect. When I look back at it, it was probably a mistake. I really liked my time at Brentford and the club means a lot to me, but that’s how I felt at that time.

“So when I joined Hammarby TFF I had to fix myself as a person first and then a footballer.”

- I went back to Akropolis in Sweden, but we were relegated, so my contract became void and I was released. The club also went bankrupt. So now I was a bit out of luck and I was lacking offers. I couldn’t believe that I had said no to Brentford where I would earn more in a few days than I did in a whole month in Akropolis and since in Hammarby TFF. This really took its toll on me. As a football player I think it’s normal to always have strong faith in yourself. I mean, you kind of have to. It’s the nature of the game. But to suddenly be in this position where no bigger club believed in me was hard.

- This was the toughest time in my life and it affected my football a lot. So when I joined Hammarby TFF I had to fix myself as a person first and then a footballer. If I wasn’t able to build myself as a person then I could never get back to the football player Fredrik. But I talked a lot with my agent and he helped me a lot mentally so I could have a sustainable life and not be in pieces and not feel at home anywhere.

- It was a different challenge. I believed that I would be too good for this level football wise and in my head I knew I was not destined to play at this level. This stressed me out, and when you are stressed, it’s a recipe for disaster. So I needed to figure that out, become secure in myself and find inner peace. And since I proved myself as the footballer I knew I was able to be. I don’t let a lot of people see when I am hurt and it took quite a lot for me to open up about these issues. I have been with my girlfriend since I was 16, but even with her it was hard to allow her to see me like that.

- It sounds easy, but my best advice to other players dealing with these feelings or situations is to allow someone that you trust to enter your personal space and share your feelings despite it being hard. In football you have to put on a shield when you enter the pitch and sometimes it can be hard not just to keep that shield up at all times.

- When you are out for a run, you can always stop the run. It’s up to yourself to push yourself. In football you have a contract and team mates, but it’s essentially the same; you can always just stop. It can even seem desirable to give up, stop and not push on to play football at a top level. It’s not always easy to take help to reach those goals, so to find someone to talk to and help you is important. The long term goal should not be affected by short term achievements and let downs, and that’s important for young players to know.

I did it my way

Hammarby TFF is a feeder club connected with Hammarby and it translates to Hammarby Talent Football Association. They are playing in a lower league in Sweden and this was the only club that was willing to bet on Hammar, but he embraced the positive elements of being back in his native Stockholm and worked on himself. Through it all, when there was doubt. He ate it up and spit it out. He faced it all, and in the end he stood tall.

- I did it my way. If you put another person in my shoes I doubt that they would both take this route or also manage to get to where I am today.

- It felt like a bit of a step back to now be at this level that I had been at 2-3 years earlier. So I felt that I stood still and as a football player that is a frightening feeling. When I look back at it now it was a turning point of better things to come ahead. I got my wellbeing as a person back and I found football relaxing and not stressful. I enjoyed my surroundings and really liked my time in Hammarby TFF. I was back in Stockholm, had my friends close and lived with my girlfriend. So I embraced the positive stuff and made an active choice not being disappointed about the level I was at. And then Hammarby came with an extension with the first team and since then I had the best years of my career there. 

A mission to help others

With the journey Fredrik has been through he has made it his mission to help other players. Despite still being a fairly young player himself, he seeks to pass his knowledge forward.

- I think that if you feel good as a person, then you have a bigger chance to succeed. It sounds simple, but it’s harder to do than you might believe. If you feel well, you can perform well.

- I know that the 14-year-old Fredrik Hammar would always give 100%. And if you always give 100% and work to feel good about yourself and in your life off the pitch then there is a higher chance to succeed on the pitch. I guess I am a pretty basic person when it comes to giving advice, haha. But sometimes the simple things are the hardest to achieve.

- Today it’s knowledge for myself and a mission for me to try to help other people that are stressed in life or struggling. I can relate to the feeling that you are going backwards. I talk to other football players that have these feelings and have difficulty finding someone to talk to about it. 

Star student on the pitch, dyslexia and ADHD issues in school

Problems with finding a club and playing at a high level came as an abrupt surprise for Fredrik, quite possibly making it that much harder to deal with. Because football up until that period had always been quite easy. School however was the exact opposite and Fredrik had to fight to complete the nine years of being in a classroom and he has no further education.

- Growing up I always felt that I was the best at football. Honestly. Even today I feel that when there is a special game or there is a big challenge; I always show up. I was the captain for 10 years as a young player and always starting in the national team. So I always felt that I was one of the top 3 players in my year. In Brommapojkarna there is great competition from when you are six years old and the best get to play. I am not afraid of competition; it pushes me forward.

- My journey and path to football was easy until I transferred from Brentford and back to Sweden. During my youth I was always the first to move to the age group above and was in and around the first team, so everything related with football in my childhood stands as a string of good memories. 

- I never experienced being on the bench at Brommapojkarna, no injuries and I was always the captain. It sounds crazy, but the whole experience was a great experience. To be afraid is not my kind of thing. To have second thoughts. It’s not me. I was easy to handle as a young player because I always pushed myself and wanted to be better. Many guys have been more talented than me. Had good gifts with the football. But with my work ethic I would overtake them sooner or later as I always sacrificed myself to maximise my football. At the same time I was pushing myself to the limit because I hate losing so much.

- I have worked a lot with my mindset, so today I can deal with losing a football match. It’s undeniable to not lose a football game. It will happen. In Brommapojkarna you very rarely lose. At one point I went two to three years without losing, so I never learned to cope with it. And combined with my ambition and ability to push myself to win it was something that I had to learn to cope with.

“Where I struggled was school. Football was never the issue. I was terrible at school because I have so much energy. I always got involved in problems.”

- It has to do with the mindset that I am not stressed and that I am at a good place in my life. Things that you can’t affect should not affect you. So today it’s very rare that I get angry, but instead they can see that I put everything into my game in order to try to create a difference when I have the chance. Today it’s my superpower. 

- Where I struggled was school. Football was never the issue. I was terrible at school because I have so much energy. I always got involved in problems and my parents always said that if the teacher didn’t stop calling me about bad stuff then I had to quit football. But I understood that football was my way in life, so school had to step aside and was something that just had to be done with.

- I have ADHD and dyslexia. I have to use it as my superpower in terms of football. And if you speak to anyone, they'll tell you that I always have energy and that I'm happy. Reading is still a problem to this day. I also didn’t go to high school, so I only finished elementary school. I don’t have any education to fall back on, so I had to push through with football. It’s my destiny and I have never been anything else than the footballer Fredrik.

- I owe my parents a lot. In Brommapojkarna you have many different coaches, but to get from the academy and into professional football it’s up to you and who you surround yourself with. You need to create an amazing setup to have a frame where you can excel from. My parents were always there and they have helped me so much with leaving work early, driving me and preparing food for me. Not all children have that support and I really appreciate that. 

- I know that I won’t go to a university, so I am looking at picking up side projects outside of football where I can apply my energy. Something that motivates me. And I also see myself in the football business. Even if I had unlimited money I would still get up in the morning, interact with people and create positive change around me. 

Joining Brentford

Fredrik Hammar has 25 games for the Swedish U/17 national team and was part of the squad for the 2018 European Championship where Sweden lost out to Italy in the first knock-out game. And it was during the U/17 European Championship that Brentford spotted Fredrik and quite quickly the young Swede moved to England.

- It was directly after the Euros and they told me that they were interested in me. I went on a trial and it went well. Then they came back later and I was on my way to Heathrow and signed.

- I was in Sri Lanka on vacation and all of a sudden I quit school and played professional football in England. I didn’t know what to expect. From living with your two brothers and mom and dad, you now had to live with a host family in England. And to adapt to the English cuisine which was interesting. Sometimes your girlfriend comes over to visit, but most of the time you sleep, train and eat. It was a very different environment from Sweden and there was less of a social life. Especially combined with covid.

- I made my debut for Brentford in the FA Cup against Stoke. At the time, I thought I would get more opportunities, but that’s how football works sometimes. It was a very good squad, so the chance of playing was very slim because of the quality of the group. I had been on the bench and in and around the first team. Back then, there were only three substitutes, but now we have five. I think we’ve quickly forgotten how much of a difference that has made. But my point is that there were less chances for young players back then and it’s completely fair.

Pontus Jansson acted as extended family during covid lockdown

During his time in Brentford a young Fredrik found an extra big brother in Pontus Jansson during a somewhat lonely time during covid.

- Pontus Jansson was very important to me. I hung out with him almost every week and I spent Christmas with his family. You were not allowed to go home for Christmas, so I saw him and his family and he was very important to me. Brentford can feel like a Scandinavian club because of the environment and how caring they are. Christian Nørgaard is one that I look up to. I try to learn from him. Maybe he thought I was a bit annoying at the time because I was always following him around, but I was trying to learn. And you can always learn from guys ahead of you. 

- I also really enjoyed hanging out with Ollie Watkins. He was also hanging out with Pontus and always interacted with the younger players. A very determined guy. Very humble. Always speaking to the younger guys. He was not the most gifted guy from the beginning in terms of technique where a player like Benrahma had an unbelievable gift in terms of touch of the ball. But Ollie has such a great career today due to his ability to focus and work hard and the determination has really paid off. It could not have happened to a nicer guy, so I am very pleased with his progress and I love to follow his journey. 

Fredrik Hammar also has good things to say about Thomas Frank.

- Thomas Frank is a top guy. Very friendly and caring, both about football and life. As long as you gave your max you would always get credit. He always demands that you give 100% and if you did that, then he was satisfied. I think that was why I was around the first team squad because I always gave that. I only have good things to say about Thomas.

Impressive how good Brentford have become 

Brentford lost the Championship Final to Fulham that year which was a tough experience for the club and for Fredrik who is impressed with just how good Brentford have become.

- I was gutted when we lost the playoff-final to Fulham after extra time. During covid I was the only one that came from U/23 and joined the first team. I was there for four months to try and help the guys. I was only allowed to train and go home and even though I didn’t play I did my best to add to the group. It was very tough to see the senior players miss out on the Premier League. I was only a young kid, so for me there was time.

- In general professional football is not for everyone. For a young Swede to go to Brentford and try to be yourself is tough; you have your personality in your natural environment and it can be difficult to just continue to be that person in a new setting and in a new language. I was not afraid to put myself out there and that has benefited me a lot and as a Scandinavian you maybe have it more easy with the English than fx Germany, France or other countries.

- I think it has surprised me just how good Brentford have become. They are so smart with their transfers. They don’t make sexy transfers, but lift players to a new level. They are closer to European football than relegation today and it’s amazing to have been a small part of that journey. I am thrilled to see that the project keeps developing and I am proud of Brentford. It shows that you can really achieve major things.

A new chapter with Mechelen

Many learnings and experiences packed into just 23 years of living, and now Fredrik is beginning a new chapter. After being counted out he came back and enjoyed success with his childhood club, but he had to move on to see how far he can take his football. However it was important to keep a good relationship with Hammarby.

- When it was decided that I was to leave Hammarby for Mechelen the main goal was to close this chapter in a good way, so that we can meet up again later in life. I know football is business, but I am connected with Hammarby. So it’s not an ending, it’s a pause. And both parties feel that this was a good solution, so that I can pick up the talk with Hammarby later in my career.

- There were offers from clubs where Hammarby said no. But I said okay and didn’t ask why because I was so focused on performing and I was loving my time here. So I put club first and I think a recipe for greatness is that when the team plays well then the players play well. It’s easier to show your qualities in a team that works for each other. I had no rush as I signed a long contract with my boyhood club, but in the end it was a good solution for Hammarby to get a good offer for me. To be able to pay your club back on their investment in me is something that I am proud of and then it was a good challenge. 

Fredrik chose to be informed all throughout the process. And Mechelen followed him for quite a while which meant he chose the Belgian club in front of better financial offers.

- I think it’s very different from player to player. Some people don't want to know anything before it’s a real offer on the table and you have to negotiate the personal terms. But others want to know anything even if it’s just scouts watching you.

- I see myself as a leader and I like to be involved and take responsibility. So I prefer to be involved in the process and Mechelen had followed me for a year and I was happy to sign as it was a good deal for both me, Hammarby and Mechelen.

- There was interest from the Championship where I could make more money, but I was never in doubt. I trusted my gut feeling with regards to what kind of club and environment that I wanted to place myself in despite not getting the highest personal wage available. Mechelen was the right step for me and it is a great fit. Gut feeling, the next step, the surroundings and the feeling of the club was important and Mechelen ticked a lot of boxes. The club and I all wanted to make it easy for each other, so it was a quite nice and easy transfer where there were no games and tricks.

Only good things to say about Mechelen

The results on the pitch have not been smooth sailing for Fredrik and his new team, but everything else has been very easy.

- The talks with Mechelen were really good from the beginning and I got a good and warm feeling. They would take care of me I felt. I got somewhat of a family feeling and I felt valuable as a player and person from the beginning. I come from one of the best supported clubs in Sweden and Mechelen has a very strong support both home and away. And I learned that they support the club both in good times and bad. So I look forward to getting to know them even better and establish myself. The people are very open and I can only say good things about Mechelen and my life here.

- When you come to a new club you want to make a difference right away. It was tough with the results, but I am working on turning things around. So I try to push hard, give 100% and then I believe the results will come.

- Mechelen wants me to do the things I am good at. Win the ball for the team and try to be a leader. To step up and take responsibility as a midfielder. I will do everything I can for the fans to be able to see a loyal guy that works for the team. I will do my best to bring you and the club success. I will always give my best and work 100% to achieve something good.

- A funny story is that I have always listened to the same song before a game. I always put it on in the car on the way to a game. When I  came to Belgium I didn’t listen to it and we lost the first games. Then I played it and we got a point. And since a few wins. So I will listen to this song for many years going forward. The song is Hammarby by Einár.

The future and focusing on the present

Fredrik has already experienced a lot, so how does he go on from here? 

- I really feel I have already had a full career. But I am ready to push on and to achieve great things. I think the thing that makes my dreams come true is that wherever I am at the moment, that’s the only thing I care about. Young players today struggle to appreciate where they are because they’re always thinking about the next step. You get lost and stressed with this mindset and then you can’t perform. The moment you feel the best, you play the best. 60% of football is the mental aspect. What you do everyday, how your mindset is, how you think about the game. Do you embrace it and take it in or do you hide because you are afraid?

- I have played with so many players that are better than me. Crazy technique and unbelievably pace. But I see today that they lacked the determination and instead looked for nice and comfort. The benched players that were determined are today professional football players and the comfortable starters are no longer in the game.

- There's a thin line between being very good when you are 16 and making it as a pro. It’s not many players that have pushed on further from my time with the youth national team. The ones that have the same mentality as me have made it far. Youth players should focus on the mindset. Nothing matters if you don’t seize the opportunity and use it as a boost. It’s destined to be seen how far I can take this, but I believe that I have the mindset to reach my full potential.

- Young kids; don’t stress too much. Enjoy football and give 100% and try to be the best version of yourself. That’s the most important thing.

Thank you for reading my story.

Best,

Fredrik Hammar

Jesper Karlström: I want to be remembered as a player who always gave his everything

Meet Jesper Karlström. A 29-year-old Stockholmer now applying his trade in Udinese having enjoyed a stint in Poland with Lech Poznań after his rise with Djurgården. From doubting his own potential, learning to control his temper after a talk with Kim Källström to winning Championships, representing Sweden, playing with Zlatan and earning his big move. This is his story.

Jesper Karlström was born in the capital of Sweden and growing up he had access to great possibilities when it came to developing as a football player. At age six he joined local outfit Hammarby before moving to Brommapojkarna when he was 9. This also meant that it was tough for him to figure out if he had any real talent as he was always in a setting where the level of talent and quality was very high.

- When I was 7 or 8 some parents from other teams came to me and told me that I was a good player. As a kid you perhaps don’t pay too much attention to those kinds of things, but it made an impression.

- I always felt that the other players were better than me. Back then I did not fully realise that I had always been training and playing with so many talents, which is probably why I never really felt that I was any good. It was only when I was selected for the youth national team that I realised I could compete with the best. I made my debut with the U/17 team against the Czech Republic where I felt I was living a dream. To represent Sweden and even score a goal in a 2-0 victory was very special.

It’s better to try and fail than to not even try

Many young players can have moments where they doubt themselves, but Jesper’s advice is to avoid feeling scared and that it’s better to try and fail than failing to dare trying.

- My advice to young players is to have fun and don’t feel scared. The best players when I was young didn’t make it as professionals, so why worry your whole youth? Just have fun and do your best at training. That is my advice. I played a lot of football in my free time as well which I really enjoyed. And I think I also learned a lot from that.

- I also think that young players or anyone playing sport at a high level should not be afraid of making mistakes. Everyone does it and you care more about what other people think than they actually do. Ask yourself; what is the worst thing that can happen? You will see that it probably won’t be that bad. It’s not the worst thing in the world if you make a bad pass. It’s better to try and fail than to not even try. 

Best advice to a young Jesper Karlström

A young Jesper Karlström could have benefitted from being mellow which is something he only learned later in his career.

- I think I would talk to a 20-year-old Jesper Karlström teaching him how to avoid losing himself when he doesn't get to play. How to handle being on the bench or not playing. I thought it was a good idea to kick balls away during training to show that I was mad, so they would recognise this and play me. But it’s the opposite; you only push yourself further away from the team. As a 20-year-old I should have surrounded myself with people that could help me develop. Also on a mental level. It’s difficult when you are young to know who to trust.

- For a 14-year-old version of myself, the advice would be to not stress and enjoy football. Believe in yourself. It’s a long career, so you don’t have to be the best in the world when you are 14. 

- A final piece of advice for young players: Sleep is very important. And good routines. It’s important to have a normal life; you can go to a party and leave early. If you wish, of course. Don’t be a soldier and cut out everything fun out of your life. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, just try to learn from them. And then focus on the boring stuff. Sleep, food etc. Find good routines and then make some exceptions in special moments, so you also enjoy life.

My parents were always there

Whilst leading to him doubting his talent at times having always been in an elite setting helped Jesper as a young player.

- The discipline and understanding of technical aspects of the game was something that really benefited me in my career. To always be on time, always do your best, sleep well and eat well. All the important things around football that are needed to have a good career and to learn how to be in a team. Even my friends that didn’t go far with football, they have made it really far in their careers, so we all learned a lot from this.

Someone that also helped Jesper a lot was his parents. A support he will always be thankful for. Even though it meant that he had to pay rent for living at home when he signed his first contract.

- My parents have always been an amazing support with driving me to training and to early morning games and always being positive. Finding a good balance between motivating me, but not interrupting too much. Always pushing and supporting me which I really appreciate. They were always there and I am thankful for that.

- I signed my first professional contract with Brommapojkarna where I had a youth contract, but after training with the first team and being on the bench for games I signed a contract in the summer of 2013. The head coach came to me and wanted to give me a contract. I already had an agent at this time, so he negotiated the contract, but it was fairly standard and I was still going to school. It was not a big process. To be honest I can’t even remember the amount, but it was something like 2,000 euro per month which was nice for a 18-year-old in Sweden still living at home. I was very happy, but it meant that my parents started charging me rent, haha. Again something I appreciate as it was not only fair, but also a good learning experience.

Winning a place in the starting 11 at a young age

He was still in school when he made his debut in the best Swedish league. But once Jesper got his chance he caught it.

- I was with Brommapojkarna and had been on the bench a few times without playing and I was training with the first team almost all the time. I was just hoping to get a few minutes one time, but before a game against Kalmar away we had an injury during training and the coach put me in the team that is supposed to play. And then he told me that I would start the game. 

- I was really nervous and excited and it was really big for me. Trying to sleep that night was tough! I have always followed the Swedish league and to play in it myself was incredible. I was still in school and now I had to play a game. Regarding the game I did pretty well if I have to say it myself even though there of course was a difference between youth football and Allsvenskan. I got substituted with 15 minutes again and it was an amazing feeling. 

“After just two minutes I did a really bad pass and soon after I tackled a guy and got a yellow card.”

— Jespers debut in Allsvenskan

- It was Gabriel Petrović that I had replaced and as he returned I was benched. But just before a match against Djurgården away he got injured again and the coach called me up to let me know I would be starting. It was wild to start away against Djurgården which is a team I grew up with and was always watching.

- After just two minutes I made a really bad pass and soon after I tackled a guy and got a yellow card, so I had a horrible start. But we won the game 3-0 and I played pretty well, so it was almost too good to be true as we were fighting to survive in this season. Petrovic was injured for the rest of the season, I played a lot and we managed to stay in the league. Normally you get a slow start, but I got to play a lot early on - and played until I left the club. It went really fast.

Then came Djurgårdens IF

After Brommapojkarna survived in Jesper’s full season they faced relegation the season after. And in came Djurgårdens IF.

- I was with my friends in Thailand on vacation after the season and I got a call; Djurgården was interested. My friends and I celebrated the interest that night even though it was just the first call. We had a blast. In this season Brommapojkarna went to the second best division, so it was either to stay there or move to Djurgården and maybe play a little bit less.

- I had calls with my agent that was talking to Djurgården and then the clubs had to make an agreement. There was a period where I didn’t know if it was going through and I couldn’t do anything besides hoping, but I got updates from my agent. Then the clubs agreed and then there was negotiations regarding my contract where the agent and the club discussed. And then finally the agent and the club was satisfied, andI was just so happy to join Djurgården.

- I had a phone call with Pelle Olsson who was the coach, but it was quite quick. I of course knew that I wasn’t a dream signing, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to go there and show what I could do.

- I went to the office with the sporting director at Stockholm Stadion and read the contract, signed it and took some pictures with the shirt. Back then they didn’t do so much regarding transfers, so it was quite simple. But I was so happy; it was like a dream. It felt too good to be true. I had never expected to play for such a big club. I always dreamed about it, but it felt a little bit too good to be true. I was living one of my dreams.

The best day of my life

Jesper had already achieved his debut in the best Swedish league and now he had signed for Djurgården. But things were about to get even better. After a thrilling season Jesper could become Champion on the last day and after a rollercoaster of a game away to Norrköping  it happened.

- The game was quite a rollercoaster as we were down 0-2 just 14 minutes into the game. At that moment I felt that everything had slipped away and I didn’t know how to get over this. We just needed a draw to become champions, but now we are here in this situation. In the second half I scored and at 1-2 the stadium went on fire. At that point I knew we would do it and we got 2-2, held the game and won the championship.

- To lift the cup was the best day of my life. I’d followed the Swedish league since I was a kid and it was always in my dreams to win it, but it seemed unrealistic. Djurgården had been in a slump the years before and now I was standing there.

- In the moment I felt that I had achieved everything that I worked for. I could quit football at that moment and be happy. That feeling was worth every single sacrifice I had made during my whole career.

- It was euphoric to lift that trophy. Pure happiness. There is no way I can explain in words what that meant and how it felt. An incredible feeling.

If a guy like Kim Källström talks to you, you listen

During his time with Djurgården a young Jesper Karlström got to play with Swedish profiles such as Andreas Isaksson, Jonas Olsson, Kim Källström. Players that Jesper learned a lot from and especially Kim Källström had an impact.

- I think these guys have amazing football skills. You try to watch and learn, but Kim Källström can never teach me how to pass like him, haha. An amazing level of football. 

- What I learned most was about their leadership. How they acted in the changing room, how they performed on and off the pitch and how they were always fighting for the best of the team. So the leadership of these guys was amazing for a young player to absorb from. 

- Kim Källström helped me with my temper as I got angry really easily and he helped me by coaching me and telling me not to get too angry. If a guy like that wants to talk to you and help you, you just listen and do it, you know? Today he is the boss of the Swedish football federation, so it’s really nice that we meet each other when I am with the Swedish team and our paths cross again.

Debut for Sweden was a dream come true

Representing your country is something of the greatest for any football player. For Jesper his dream was achieved in early 2018 as he faced Denmark in Abu Dhabi for a friendly with players from the regional leagues.

- It was a winter tournament where they brought players from the Scandinavian Leagues and I was called up as a reserve because someone got injured. An amazing moment for me; even though it’s maybe not the biggest tournament, it still counts as the national team. And it was really special. It’s something that I’ve always dreamed about and still to this day it fills me with pride every time I get to put on the jersey of the national team. It’s something that I would never believe if you would have told me as a child.

- I started the match against Denmark and I got the full experience of lining up with the team and to hear the national anthem as I was wearing the shirt. It gave me so much confidence and I grew a few years by just playing 60 minutes. And then I felt that I needed to become a lot better if I had to play with the real national team which was a dream that again did not seem realistic at the time.

I don’t allow for my inner self to talk in a negative manner

Growing up Jesper had a hard time realising that he was in fact a very good player. And in the start of his career he battled a lot with handling his temper. Today he doesn’t allow for his inner self to talk in a negative manner.

- I believed in myself, but I never thought so much about the future; only the presence. The next step was always something that I have been a bit doubtful about and it always took some time to believe in myself that I could take the next step. This is something that I worked on and now I don’t have that issue. With experience and age I have gained the confidence and I walk into a room with new people holding my chest high.

- When I play I work a lot with myself. I don’t have hard targets or goals of doing a specific amount of passes or tackles or something like that. Instead I focus on being in a good mindset, keeping myself active, and being available for the team. When you do something good, then you get in the zone and you don’t have to think too much. But if I make a mistake or make a bad pass, then I talk to myself and order myself to not go down into a hole or to be afraid.

- I don’t allow for my inner self to talk in a negative manner and I encourage myself and delete the bad sections. I also want to show people watching like my coach and fans that I do not care about mistakes. I want to have the same approach in all situations as it will make me play better instead of keeping my head down or hiding.

Moving to Poland and Lech Poznan

After 178 games, 14 goals, being the captain and winning the cup and the league it was time for Jesper to move abroad. Having lived his entire life in Stockholm he now had to adjust to living in Poland’s fifth biggest city as he signed for Lech Poznań.

- I lived alone in Stockholm moving away from my family when I was 20, so I had experience with living alone. If you move abroad as a young player it’s important to speak to teammates and go out to experience the city. My club was good at helping me, but don’t be afraid to ask for help.

- I was young, but not so young anymore, so I felt ready to move. I had been in Stockholm my whole life, but Mikael Ishak and Thomas Rogne were there so that helped. And there were a bunch of new guys, so it was quite easy to come into the new team. I also played from the start and performed okay which of course made it very easy.

- When you enter a new changing room it’s important to be yourself and try to speak to other people. And on the pitch; don’t apologise for yourself and be too nice. You need to be a bit tough on the pitch. It’s good to be a nice guy in the changing room, make friends and speak to people, but when you enter the pitch you need to switch into a different persona and perform. Many teammates will describe me like two different people with regards to the changing room and on the pitch. My message is not to tell young players to fight, but just show yourself in training, give yourself 100%, give everything and try things with the ball.

The unforgettable passion of the Lech Poznań fans

After a quiet start due to covid Jesper’s adventure in Poznań turned into something he will never forget.

- In the beginning of my spell with Lech Poznań there was still covid, so I didn’t get to experience the fans right away. But when they came back to the stadiums; wow. They are wild! So much passion. Absolutely amazing atmosphere, but it also adds pressure, so you need to be strong. I love this atmosphere and to play in front of the Lech Poznań fans was an honour with the fireworks and the atmosphere. Without this football wouldn’t be the same thing. The emotions when winning together with the fans is amazing and there is a real connection between the fans and the team.

- Lech Poznań has a proud tradition of producing young players from their academy and one player that stood out was Jakub Kaminski. He was so mature at a very young age. Amazing technique, first touch and shooting and always making the right decision at the right moment. It’s not normal to be so mature at such a young age. That really stood out. I think he can go really far! It’s not a matter of skill, so I think he can take another step for sure. And he is always welcome to reach out to me if he wishes to talk about the mental aspect, I don’t think I can help him with his dribbling, haha.

“To the Lech Poznań fans; thank you for all the amazing support during all the games. I will tell people about the celebration of the championship forever.”

- Winning the Championship was amazing. It was a tough fight with the other teams and then we managed to secure the Championship and I have so many fantastic memories. It was like a movie with how dramatic it was in each game. In the end it was a huge relief that we were able to do it. It was ours to lose and people expected for us to win, so it was a huge satisfaction.

- After winning the league the whole team got pretty drunk in the end and we just continued to celebrate. Actually for a few days! In the end my body couldn’t take more celebration, but it was worth it. Everyone was so happy and everyone you met was smiling. To see the happiness in the eye of the fans was amazing and without this and the passion of the fans football would be nothing.

- To the Lech Poznań fans; thank you for all the amazing support during all the games. I will tell people about the celebration of the championship forever. I show videos to my friends to this day and I am grateful to have experienced that. Thank you!

I would never get a chance to play in Serie A again

It came as a bit of a surprise. But in a rather late stage of his career Jesper had the opportunity to move to Serie A with Udinese. And it seems that he has also adapted to this step up in his career with a lot of playing time and wearing the captain’s armband.

- My target was to continue in Lech Poznań, but the new coach of Udinese really wanted me. When I was presented with this opportunity I was ready right away. It was a big chance for a player like me to get a transfer to Serie A fairly late in your career. Lech Poznań really wanted me to stay and I was really appreciated, so I felt thankful for that, but in the end we all agreed that I would never get a chance to play in Serie A again and it was also important for me that Lech Poznań secured an acceptable deal.

- Udine is an amazing city and I am really loving life here. To play in Italy and Serie A was a great opportunity, the club is really professional and it’s a huge step in my career. The coffee is amazing and the pasta and food is even better. The culture and language is something I really like to explore and I am taking lessons and really trying to immerse myself in the life here and to be part of it. I am okay now in Italian and will be better soon. The fans are really good and supportive and I enjoy my relationship with them. I really enjoy everything about my new life here in Italy.

Proud to have represented Udinese as the captain

With a lot of playing time it has been a good start for Jesper in Udinese. Something that he is thankful for and wearing the captain’s armband was special.

- I am really thankful for my great start at Udinese. The level is so high here and you really need to perform to stay in the team. I am humble, but I have learned to believe in myself and to adapt as soon as possible to a new league. We got a good start with a few wins which gave a lot of confidence. I feel that I have shown myself and my game and I am ready to improve. 

- There have been a lot of big experiences and one of them was playing against Inter. Watching Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez get ready for kick-off and seeing Hakan Çalhanoğlu in the middle. To play in San Siro was a childhood dream as it’s something you have dreamed of. I will tell my grandkids about playing in that stadium, but next time I want to win!

- Wearing the armband was a positive surprise and really nice feeling. The trust from the coach gives you confidence and I am very proud to have represented Udinese as the captain. I will respect it and if I ever get the armband again I will do my best. I am ready for anything. I always want to take new steps as a player and a person.

- I want to be as good as I can be and take my career as far as I can. I believe that Udinese can have the best season in many years and that is what I focus on and I feel that we can perform well despite being in a very strong league.

Playing in the World Cup and a possible return to Djurgården

Going forward Jesper has one clear goal; to represent Sweden in the 2026 World Cup. He is also open to returning to Djurgården.

- I want to continue to be in the national team and to go to the World Cup 2026. That is my goal. And a huge dream and ambition for me.

- I would like to return to Sweden at a later point. And if I could play in Djurgården again it would be amazing to finish my career there. I played there for six years and I still follow the team. But I also know that in football you can’t predict anything.

I want to be remembered as a player who always gave his everything

Jesper turns 30 on the 21st of June, 2024. He is about to enter the peak of his career and he is very clear about how he wants to be remembered.

- I want to be remembered as a player who always gave his everything. A player you want to have in your team. Maybe not the most goals or assists, but a player that is very valuable for his team.

-  I feel like I have a lot to give to other football players and I feel that with my experience and journey I think I can make people listen. It’s easier to get people to listen when you have done it yourself. I had a lot of difficulties in my career, but I managed to get through them. I have to work with football in some way I feel. Respectfully, it would be a waste of knowledge otherwise. 

- Personally I had some very important coaches when I was young, so I was lucky in that sense. I really appreciate Andreas Engelmark who today is a coach for Sirius and Magni Fannberg who are now the Sporting Director in IFK Norrköping. They were very important to me and there are a lot of people that I respect and appreciate.

Zlatan is the best I’ve ever played with

When talking about the best players Jesper has faced or played with there can only be one.

- Zlatan Ibrahimović. I can’t say anyone else. I met him with the national team and he sat on a couch in the reception when I walked in. I said hello and I was just taken back by how big he is. This moment of realising that I am in the same team as him was one of the biggest for me in my career as he is the greatest player in Swedish history. It was incredible to play with him and he was a really nice person. On the pitch he was the Zlatan that we know, but outside he was very friendly and relaxed. 

- After one training session a few of us were staying behind to have some shots and Zlatan was just firing rockets. It was unreal to see live how hard he could hit the ball. Five or six shots after each other like rockets straight in the corner, it was unbelievable to see. Even the best keeper in the world would have had no chance!

- I have also played against Haaland in a national team game in 2022 and he was very good. He was in the box, so I didn’t get involved too much with him and unfortunately he scored two in that game. In Serie A I have also faced really good opponents and I admire Hakan Çalhanoğlu.

- So far I have only swapped shirts with players I know, so I don’t have any shirts from big players. I cannot do it when we lose a game as I would feel humiliated. SoonI want to get a really good win with Udinese against a big team and then maybe I can swap a shirt as it would be a nice memory.

Thank you for reading my story.

Best,
Jesper Karlström