Rusul Rosa Kafaji is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a forward for Women's Super League club Brighton, on the loan from Arsenal, and the Sweden national team.
Her parents are originally from Iraq but she was born already in Sweden.
She is an ambassador for the Future Baller Academy.
Her former coach from AIK Stockholm Diyar Dawod described her like this: “For me, Rosa is someone I as a 40-year-old-plus man looks up to. It’s difficult for me explain what she means for the future of Swedish girls.”
During her childhood, when she played football outside with her brother, she looked up to Ronaldhino for his style.
Rosa Kafaji joined Arsenal last season from Swedish club Häcken with high expectations. However, she did not get the playing time she had hoped for during the season—she did not make the starting lineup once and also struggled with injuries. She will therefore spend the following season in Brighton, where she should gain the valuable experience she needs.
Our Gunner women defeated the Washington Spirit 2-1, kicking off their USA tour on a positive note. Alessia Russo, who scored twice, dominated the headlines, but newcomer Rosa Kafaji also performed admirably.
At halftime, Arsenal introduced the former BK Hacken star, who immediately looked great, combining with Russo in an insufferable PL offensive tandem. Playing as a 10, she became an important outlet for Arsenal, influencing the game with her passing range.
| Nike |
| Elitettan | 1× |
| UEFA Women's Champions League | 1× |
| Year | Club | AP | GL |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2025
-
present
|
Brighton (loan) | ||
|
2024
-
present
|
Arsenal | 10 | 1 |
|
2022
-
2024
|
BK Häcken | 39 | 17 |
|
2019
-
2021
|
AIK | 46 | 19 |
| International Stats | |||
|
2023
-
present
|
Sweden | 12 | 2 |
|
2021
-
present
|
Sweden U23 | 2 | 0 |
|
2021
-
|
Sweden U19 | 5 | 4 |
|
2018
-
2020
|
Sweden U17 | 20 | 5 |
