Explained: Why Schröder's move to Real Madrid Femenino seems to be a good move?

Swedish rising star Felicia Schröder has put an end to the speculation and is leaving Häcken, the Women’s UEFA Europa Cup champion, to join Real Madrid in the Spanish women’s league. Chelsea and Manchester City were both interested in signing her, but she’s ultimately heading to Liga F. Why is this a good move? 

On June 23, 2026, Real Madrid put an end to the speculation that had been swirling around the talented Swedish footballer for some time. And it’s no wonder that the top women’s teams were interested in Schröder. She is only 19 years old, but with four goals, she led Häcken’s women’s team to its first European trophy and also topped the scoring charts in last season’s Damallsvenskan.

As is customary for players from the Swedish women’s league, she didn’t stay in Gothenburg for very long. It’s worth noting, however, that most transfers from the Swedish league have been successful think of Stina Blackstenius from Häcken, Smilla Holmberg from Hammarby, Jennifer Falk from Häcken (though that was just a loan), Pernille Harder from Linköping, or Cathinka Tandberg from Hammarby. And we can only hope that Felicia Schröder’s move will also be a success. Unfortunately, there have also been some that didn’t work out at all. Such as Rosa Kafaji’s move to Arsenal or Stina Blackstenius’s move to Montpellier.

Quick way to the starting XI

As mentioned earlier, both Chelsea and Manchester City were interested in Schröder. But why does Real Madrid seem like the best choice? The Spanish women’s football league (Liga F)  isn’t yet as competitive or as exciting in terms of results as the Women’s Super League. For Schröder, however, this could be a good thing.

Especially following Caroline Weir’s departure, the White Ballet will need a star striker, which opens the door for Schröder to quickly secure a spot in the starting lineup. Something we believe won’t be a problem. At Manchester City, she would have to compete with Bunny Shaw and Vivianne Miedema for that spot, which would be far more challenging for a 19-year-old player who is playing abroad for the first time. 

As mentioned earlier, Chelsea and Manchester City were both interested in Schröder. But why does Real Madrid seem like the best choice? The Spanish women’s league isn’t yet as competitive or as exciting in terms of results as the Women’s Super League. For Schröder, however, this could be a good thing.

Less stress, more experiences

Especially following Caroline Weir’s departure, the White Ballet will need a star striker, which opens the door for Schröder to quickly secure a spot in the starting lineup—something we believe won’t be a problem. At Manchester City, she would have to compete with Bunny Shaw and Vivianne Miedema for a spot, which would be far more challenging for a 19-year-old player who is playing abroad for the first time.

Madrid, moreover, up against Chelsea and Manchester City, the last two WSL champions, is not the clear favorite to win the title, so there will be less pressure on Schröder. Still, it’s a very strong team that competes in the Champions League and has a good chance of winning domestic trophies as well, which will provide Schröder with the necessary experience and exposure she needs.

And although Barcelona Femeni dominated the Liga F, the Catalan giant is undergoing a major overhaul. Without its main stars such as Alexia Putellas and Mapi León, and with speculation also swirling about Patri Guijarrro’s departure, the team, which is still full of stars, will face a tougher challenge. With these high-quality signings, for which Schröder didn’t hesitate to dig deep into his pockets to secure her. Real Madrid is showing that it’s ready to strip Barcelona of its crown and take its place on the throne. 

Familiar faces

Last but not least, there are also familiar faces, which is especially important for such young players. Smilla Holmberg, who is also just 19, mentioned that her compatriot Stina Blackstenius, whom she already knew from the national team, helped her a lot with adjusting to life in England. At Real Madrid, Schröder will have her close friend Bella Andersson, who is the same age, as well as Filippa Angeldahl, whom she meets on the national team. Andersson mentioned that Angeldahl helped her a lot during their first days in Spain, and we can expect something similar to happen with Schröder.

After all, she is a very young player, and Spain is quite different from Sweden culturally. Factors such as a good atmosphere in the locker room and a player’s sense of comfort greatly influence her performance on the field. Schröder is one of the greatest talents of the new generation, a fact that didn’t go unnoticed by Tony Gustavsson, coach of the Swedish women’s national soccer team, who began starting her in key matches. Let’s hope, then, that her transition goes well and that Schröder fully realizes her potential.