One of Europe’s brightest young talents signs long-term deal with Arsenal
Arsenal FC Women have confirmed the signing of highly rated Swedish right-back, SmillaHolmberg from Hammarby IF, with the 19-year-old putting pen to paper on a long-term contract.
Holmberg will wear the number 31 shirt and makes her first move abroad after progressing through Hammarby’s academy.
Success with both club and country
Holmberg arrives in North London after establishing herself as one of Sweden’s brightest young defensive talents. She made her senior debut for Hammarby in 2022 at just 15 years old and went on to make 96 appearances for the club. During her time in Stockholm, she helped Hammarby secure the Damallsvenskan title in 2023, as well as Swedish Cup victories in 2023 and 2025.
At international level, Holmberg has earned nine caps for Sweden since making her senior debut in May 2025. She was the youngest player in Sweden’s squad at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, where she featured throughout the tournament as the team reached the quarter-finals. This was a huge milestone in her career, especially with youth on her side.
Signing for Arsenal
In her first interview as a Gunner, after completing her move at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, Holmberg described the transfer as a dream come true:
“Incredible and very special. To be honest, it’s unbelievable how big and high-calibre Arsenal is. I believe everyone has grown up watching Arsenal play, myself included. It’s really unique, and I’m thrilled to be here.”
She added that this is a significant moment in her career, as she has always dreamed of playing for Arsenal:
“Playing for Arsenal has always been my dream. Joining a club with the highest standards and a strong winning culture is important, but it’s also a very special moment for me and my family. I’m eager to begin this new chapter, to continue honing my skills in a challenging setting, and to compete at the top level.”
Reflecting on her decision to leave Sweden, Holmberg explained that she felt the time was right to push herself outside her comfort zone:
“I felt like I made significant progress in my career this year. I thought it was time to venture outside of my comfort zone and try something else. When I spoke with Arsenal for the first time, I felt we shared the same beliefs and aspirations. I believe Arsenal is the ideal place to see how far I can go.”
Arsenal head coach, Renée Slegers expressed her delight at securing the young defender:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Smilla to the club. She is an extremely gifted young defender with a lot of room for improvement. She is athletic, versatile, and as we strive to win more trophies together, I’m excited to collaborate with her.”
Holmberg’s playing style and ambitions
Known for her intensity and bravery on the pitch, Holmberg prides herself on contributing at both ends of the field:
“I like to play with a lot of intensity and courage. I enjoy playing higher up the pitch and creating opportunities, but I also love one-on-one situations defensively. Finding the right balance between attacking and defending is crucial for a modern full-back.”
Holmberg believes the Barclays Women’s Super League will provide a demanding but exciting challenge, one which is ready to face head on:
“The WSL is very fast and physical, with quality players in every team. You get punished quickly if you don’t make fast decisions, and that pushes me to stay focused and perform at my highest level.”
She will be supported in her transition by several familiar faces at Arsenal, including fellow Swedes Stina Blacksteniusand Rosa Kafaji, as well as former Hammarby teammate Kyra Cooney-Cross:
“Watching Stina play for both Sweden and Arsenal when I was younger, she was always a role model. Playing with Rosa, Stina, and Kyra again is really special.”
Nominated for the Golden Girl Award in 2025, Holmberg views growing expectations as motivation rather than pressure:
“Pressure inspires me. It shows that my hard work is paying off, and that’s something I enjoy about football. Playing against the best players in Europe is where I want to be.”
Looking ahead to playing in front of Arsenal supporters at Emirates Stadium, Holmberg is eager to get started:
“I can’t wait. Playing in front of tens of thousands of fans is unreal, and I think you can only experience that at Arsenal. The atmosphere here is an incredible place to grow, both personally and as a footballer.”
Holmberg joins Arsenal with clear ambitions for the future:
“I want to develop in every way and win trophies here. Winning titles is every footballer’s dream, and especially for me at Arsenal.”