Swedish · Sandviken, Sweden · Born 24 August 1982Kim Källström is a Swedish former footballer and the fourth most-capped player in the national team's history, renowned for his playmaking and powerful free kicks during a decade at Olympique Lyonnais.
Kim Källström earned 131 caps for Sweden across four European Championships and the 2006 World Cup — the fourth most in the national team's history — and during six seasons at Lyon won three consecutive Ligue 1 titles while becoming renowned as one of the most technically precise deep-lying midfielders in French football. He began his professional career with BK Häcken before winning two Allsvenskan titles with Djurgårdens IF, and moved to France in 2004, joining Rennes before a breakthrough transfer to Olympique Lyonnais in 2006. Källström spent six seasons at Lyon, becoming renowned for his playmaking ability and precise, swerving free kicks, and won three consecutive Ligue 1 titles along with two Coupe de France trophies, forming a strong midfield partnership alongside players including Tiago and Juninho. He later played for Spartak Moscow, had a brief loan at Arsenal in 2014, and finished his career with spells at Grasshoppers in Switzerland and a homecoming return to Djurgårdens IF. Källström earned 131 caps for Sweden between 2001 and 2016, making him the fourth most-capped player in the national team's history, and represented the country at four European Championships (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016) and the 2006 World Cup. He scored Sweden's opening goal in a decisive 2011 qualifier win over the Netherlands en route to Euro 2012, and produced a memorable second-half comeback contribution, providing three assists as Sweden fought back from 3-0 down to draw 4-4 with Germany in 2012 World Cup qualifying. He retired from international football after Euro 2016 and from club football in December 2017, following a return to Djurgårdens IF that crashed the club's website with fan interest.
Playmaking ability and free-kick taking during a decorated career at Olympique Lyonnais
How They Played
Deep-lying playmaker known for precise passing and powerful, swerving left-footed free kicks
Lasting Impact
One of the most technically gifted Swedish midfielders of his generation and the fourth most-capped player in national team history
Career Honours
- 3x Ligue 1 champion (Lyon)
- 2x Coupe de France winner (Lyon)
- 2x Allsvenskan champion (Djurgårdens IF)
- Sweden's 4th most-capped player (131 caps)
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| BK Häcken | 1999–2001 | 69 |
| Djurgårdens IF | 2002–2003 | 48 |
| Rennes | 2004–2006 | 83 |
| Lyon | 2006–2012 | 199 |
| Spartak Moscow | 2012–2015 | 58 |
| Arsenal | 2014–2014 | 3 |
| Grasshoppers | 2015–2017 | 49 |
| Djurgårdens IF | 2017–2017 | 28 |
Swedish Athletes