Smilla Holmberg
Smilla Hilma Holmberg is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a defender for Arsenal and the Sweden women's national team.
Did You Know?
She went to EURO 2025 at the age of 18 as the youngest player on the Swedish team. She had graduated from high school just a few weeks earlier.
Her dad is AIK supporter - the main rival of Hammarby.
As a kid, she didn’t just play football — also tried racket sports (tennis, squash). She eventually focused fully on football.
During a penalty shoot-out in the Euro 2025 quarterfinal vs England, she missed her penalty. She was visibly upset. Later she received widespread support, including from Zlatan Ibrahimović (club co-owner and Smilla's childhood hero) who sent her a message encouraging her not to be defined by that mistake.
She scored her first goal for the national team on Euro 2025 against Germany.
She likes to play Fortnite in her spare time.
Articles
It's happening! Swedish young star heads to Arsenal
Back in the fall, there was speculation that Smilla Holmberg, a 19-year-old Swedish star, would leave Hammarby, where she grew up as a player, to join Arsenal. On January 5, she became the club's first winter signing.
Shortly after graduating she went to the Euros, and now Arsenal wants her. Who is this young Swedish superstar?
She keeps shining at the club level, is a regular part of the starting eleven, and already at such a young age, one of the biggest top clubs wants her. But let’s start from the beginning. What is Smilla Holmberg’s story?
Arsenal is keeping an eye on extraordinary swedish talent
Smilla Holmberg, age 19 and currently a right-back for Hammarby IF in Sweden, is reportedly very close to a move to Arsenal Women, expected to be finalised during the January transfer window.
Zlatan Ibrahimović sends uplifting message to Smilla Holmberg
You're 18 years old. A few days ago you scored your first goal for the national team and now you are about to take a penalty that could send your country to the semi-finals. And you miss. Sad? Sure. After the missed penalty, Smilla Holmberg was supported by her big idol Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Lots of love and support for Smilla Homberg after a missed penalty
She is only 18 years old and made her debut for the senior team in May. In the match against Germany she scored her first goal for the national team. And in the penalty shootout, she had the weight of Sweden on her shoulders.
Best Actions
Two goals for Hammarby
Club Achievements
| Damallsvenskan | 1× |
| Svenska Cupen | 2× |
Stats
| Year | Club | AP | GL |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2026
-
present
|
Arsenal | ||
|
2022
-
2026
|
Hammarby | 96 | 10 |
| International Stats | |||
|
2025
-
present
|
Sweden | 4 | 1 |
|
2014
-
|
Sweden U23 | 3 | 0 |
|
2023
-
2025
|
Sweden U19 | 22 | 1 |
|
2022
-
2023
|
Sweden U17 | 16 | 1 |
Team: Arsenal WFC
