SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Victory in the Farewell: "It feels completely crazy"

A final victory for Rosengård. A final victory for Caroline Seger. The 39-year-old put a stop to a dazzling football career with a seventh national championship gold. It feels completely crazy, she says.

» Published: November 09 2024

Victory in the Farewell: "It feels completely crazy"
Photo: Claudio Bresciani/TT

Last weekend's farewell to the home crowd in Malmö was perhaps more emotional. Saturday's was even more definitive.

When the referee blew the final whistle at Stockholm Stadium, it marked the end of Rosengård's season – and the end of Caroline Seger's life as a football player.

I checked the clock when it was 88 minutes and thought "Good God, do I have so little left of my career?", says Seger, who ends with 236 Damallsvenskan matches, after the 3–0 win against Djurgården.

I've played football for almost 34 years. I can't really understand that I won't be playing football anymore.

Emotional Meeting

The autumn chill bit into cheeks and fingertips, but the standing ovation before the match warmed the midfielder veteran's heart.

In the stands, fans, parents, and friends gathered to bid farewell to the 39-year-old. After the match, they saw Rosengård players put on gold hats and Seger lift the Championship trophy in the air.

Then, Rosengård's captain quickly made her way through the crowd to hug her parents, and then Marika Domanski Lyfors.

The long-time national team coach has followed Seger throughout her entire career – where no Swede is close to Seger's 240 A-international matches. Earlier this year, it was announced that Domanski Lyfors had been diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor.

Marika has been with me since I started in the national team in 2005. I'm so glad she's here. She means so much to me. And my parents have followed me through thick and thin, they mean everything.

Future in Football?

The debut in Damallsvenskan took place in Stattena in 2003. But when she tries to describe what has happened to Swedish women's football since her debut, it's difficult. In an interview with Dagens Nyheter the other day, Seger said she doesn't remember, and that there is hardly any image or video material from that time.

— You would have wanted to sit and watch when you look back to see the development of football. So it's a bit sad. But there will be much more for the next woman who quits after holding on for so long.

She ends with a seventh Championship gold after a year where a reborn Seger dominated on the midfield and Rosengård was completely superior. The team won 25 matches – 23 in a row – and lost only one.

Caroline Seger has done her part as a player.

But to leave football entirely? Doubtful.

It's still where I have my absolute greatest knowledge.. So I hope someone takes advantage of that.

Born: March 19, 1985, in Gantofta (39 years old).

Position: Central midfielder.

Club: Rosengård.

Home club: Gantofta IF.

Senior clubs: Stattena 2001–2004, Linköping 2005–2009, Philadelphia 2010, Western New York Flash 2011, Ldb FC Malmö 2011, Tyresö 2012–2014, Paris Saint-Germain 2014–2016, Lyon 2016–2017, Rosengård 2017–2024.

International matches/goals: 240/32.

Select merits: Olympic silver 2021 and 2016, World Championship bronze 2023, 2019, and 2011, European Championship bronze 2005, 2013, and 2022, Diamantbollen 2009 and 2019, Championship gold with Tyresö 2012, with Ldb Malmö 2011, with Linköping 2009, and with Rosengård 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024. League winner in the USA with Western New York Flash 2011, French champion, cup winner, and Champions League winner with Lyon 2017.

Tags

TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Växjö Shut Out Örebro – Larsson Sank Old Team

Växjö Shut Out Örebro – Larsson Sank Old Team

Rosengård best in town – on to the semifinals

Rosengård best in town – on to the semifinals

Elanga on Tomasson: "A fantastic person"

Elanga on Tomasson: "A fantastic person"

Premier League Striker: "Close to Death"

Premier League Striker: "Close to Death"

Malmgren to miss European Championship - talent replaces

Malmgren to miss European Championship - talent replaces

Criticism of new rule: "Will cause trouble"

Criticism of new rule: "Will cause trouble"

The Best Striker in the Premier League

The Best Striker in the Premier League

After the scandals – boxing gets a new Olympic chance

After the scandals – boxing gets a new Olympic chance

17-year-old's super time – challenges Bolt

17-year-old's super time – challenges Bolt

Injured Gyökeres misses the gathering: "Had problems"

Injured Gyökeres misses the gathering: "Had problems"

"Became "Chinese" last week – plays World Championship qualifying"

"Became "Chinese" last week – plays World Championship qualifying"

Star back in Colorado – had to pay the bill

Star back in Colorado – had to pay the bill

Got Criticism – but Three Seasons Were Enough for Gold

Got Criticism – but Three Seasons Were Enough for Gold

Disaster for Rune in the final: "That's life"

Disaster for Rune in the final: "That's life"

Talent injured in United's rout

Talent injured in United's rout

New Sensation: 17-year-old wins Indian Wells

New Sensation: 17-year-old wins Indian Wells

Modo won again – after a thriller against HV71

Modo won again – after a thriller against HV71

Kamga's success - victory and world's best performance of the year

Kamga's success - victory and world's best performance of the year

Malmö to Cup Final after Extra Time Drama

Malmö to Cup Final after Extra Time Drama

Isak the hero when Newcastle won the league cup final

Isak the hero when Newcastle won the league cup final

Malmö to Cup Final after Extra Time Drama

Malmö to Cup Final after Extra Time Drama

Won 45 million kronor – after three played holes

Won 45 million kronor – after three played holes

After the drama – the giant talent decided for DIF

After the drama – the giant talent decided for DIF

Great Disappointment in Luleå: "It Sucks"

Great Disappointment in Luleå: "It Sucks"

Historic Goal Scorer: "It's Incredibly Fun"

Historic Goal Scorer: "It's Incredibly Fun"

Unexpected Match Hero in the London Derby

Unexpected Match Hero in the London Derby

Frölunda takes historic gold: "It's magical"

Frölunda takes historic gold: "It's magical"

Swedish success: Victory in the mixed relay

Swedish success: Victory in the mixed relay

Häcken reaches cup final: "Maximum luck"

Häcken reaches cup final: "Maximum luck"

Biathlete beat Poromaa: "Doesn't meet the standard"

Biathlete beat Poromaa: "Doesn't meet the standard"

Sweden second in single mixed relay: "A revenge"

Sweden second in single mixed relay: "A revenge"

Footballer Doris Fitschen has died

Footballer Doris Fitschen has died

Appeals the disqualification again: "I'm damn angry"

Appeals the disqualification again: "I'm damn angry"

The Surprise Winner: "I've been fumbling a bit in the dark"

The Surprise Winner: "I've been fumbling a bit in the dark"

Hamilton frustrated: "Worse than I thought"

Hamilton frustrated: "Worse than I thought"

Got a club around the neck – leaves reassuring message

Got a club around the neck – leaves reassuring message

Sweden Lost World Championship Thriller Against Canada

Sweden Lost World Championship Thriller Against Canada

Ancelotti after the win: "Never again"

Ancelotti after the win: "Never again"

Norris wins chaotic and wet F1 premiere

Norris wins chaotic and wet F1 premiere

Nylander's cheeky solo goal – Ullmark helpless

Nylander's cheeky solo goal – Ullmark helpless