Sofia Jakobsson: The Swedish Star’s Journey to San Diego After Nearly Losing Her Brother
Sofia Jakobsson might be a new face in the NWSL but the Swedish international has played all around the world and experienced all types of adversity. When San Diego signed Jakobsson they made a statement, bringing an experienced forward on both the international and club level to the club.
You can follow Jakobsson and the San Diego Wave using the Forza Football app. Forza lets you follow your favorite soccer team and league through live scoring, game information, highlights, and more.
Personal Life
The 31-year-old forward has been playing professionally since 2007. The United States marks the seventh country that the forward has played professionally. Jakobsson spent most of her career away from her home country, but being away from home for long periods proved extremely difficult for the star.
One day in 2018, Jakobsson received news that her younger brother was in the hospital in intensive care after an accident. Doctors were unsure if he would survive. Jakobsson visited every day for nearly two weeks, and when he awoke from his coma, she promised him she’d play for him in the upcoming World Cup, despite tearing her ACL the year prior.
The adversity she faced playing professional football while her family was going through such a tough time shows the dedication and motivation it took for her to continue playing.
International Career
Sofia Jakobsson made her debut for Sweden in 2011. She’s since made 143 appearances for the Swedes, notching 23 goals.
The forward has been part of the Sweden squad during three World Cups, helping Sweden finish in third place in 2011 and 2019. She also led her team at three Olympic Games, winning silver in 2016 and 2020.
During the 2019 World Cup, Jakobsson’s goal helped lift Sweden over Germany to reach the semi-finals, part of that promise she’d made to her brother. While Sweden fell to the Netherlands in the semis, Jakobsson netted the game-winner in the third-place match.
She was recently called up to represent Sweden in the 2022 European Championship, which begins on July 6.
Club Career
Sofia Jakobsson made her professional debut in Sweden with Östers IF in 2007, where she spent one season before moving to Umeå IK. During four seasons with Umeå IK, she helped the club win two championships. Since then, the forward has bounced around teams, with her longest stint being in France.
From 2011-14 the forward spent time in Russia (WFC Rossiyanka), England (Chelsea), and Germany (BV Cloppenburg). The forward spent 2014-19 with Montpellier HSC of the top league in France. During her time in the French Division 1 Féminine, she scored 51 goals in 93 appearances.
She then went on to play in Spain with Real Madrid for two seasons, appearing in 33 matches before finding her way back to Germany, this time with FC Bayern Munich for a short stint.
On Jan 15, 2022, the San Diego Wave announced the signing of the Swedish international. So far, she’s made ten appearances for the Wave, who currently sit atop the league table. She’s in good form for this Wave team that has gotten off to a terrific start in their first season.
Featured image via Getty Images
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