Introduction: A Name That Should Be Remembered
In the history of Swedish football, a few names shine brightly. But some, like Lena Videkull, deserve more attention than they receive. She wasn’t flashy. She didn’t seek the spotlight. Instead, she let her goals speak. And they spoke often.
Lena Videkull played during a time when women’s football didn’t get the respect it deserved. Yet, she stood tall, scoring goals for both club and country with unmatched consistency. Her story is about quiet determination and lasting impact.
Early Life: Roots in Swedish Soil
Born on December 6, 1962, in Sweden, Lena Videkull found football early. Like many kids, she started by kicking around with friends. But her touch, movement, and eye for goal were different. Local coaches saw her talent and encouraged her to pursue the sport seriously.
She quickly rose through youth teams and joined top-tier Swedish clubs before turning 20. Despite the lack of media coverage, Videkull’s performances began to earn national attention. She was consistent, strong, and always near the top of the scoring charts.
Club Career: Dominating Swedish Football
Lena Videkull spent most of her club career in Sweden. She played for Malmö FF, one of the most successful clubs in the Damallsvenskan (Swedish women’s top division). Her goal-scoring numbers were outstanding.
From 1984 to 1996, Videkull’s name was constantly on score sheets. She led Malmö to multiple titles and won the league's top scorer award several times. In fact, she finished as Damallsvenskan’s top scorer five times—a remarkable feat.
What set her apart? Her finishing. Videkull didn’t rely on speed or tricks. She relied on reading the game and getting into the right place at the right time. She made it look simple.
National Team: Wearing the Yellow with Pride
Lena Videkull made her debut for the Swedish women’s national team in the early 1980s. At the time, international opportunities for women were limited. But whenever Sweden played, Videkull delivered.
She played in 111 international matches and scored 71 goals. That made her Sweden’s all-time top scorer when she retired.
One of her most iconic moments came in the 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the first official World Cup for women. Videkull scored the tournament's first-ever goal, etching her name in football history. Sweden went on to finish third—a huge achievement.
She also represented her country in the 1996 Olympic Games, further proving her longevity and quality.
A Tactical Forward: The Silent Killer
Lena Videkull wasn’t loud on the pitch. But she was deadly. She preferred letting her movement and timing do the talking. As a central striker, she was rarely offside and always one step ahead of defenders.
Her positioning made her a dream for midfielders. She understood space better than most, often sneaking behind backlines or drifting into unnoticed zones. Her goals often came from first touches, volleys, or calm finishes under pressure.
She didn’t need ten touches. One was usually enough.
Accolades and Recognition
During her career, Videkull collected many individual honors:
-
Damallsvenskan Top Scorer: 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991
-
Diamantbollen (Diamond Ball): 1993 – awarded to the best female player in Sweden
-
UEFA Euro Winner: 1984 – part of the Swedish team that won the first UEFA Women’s Championship
Though humble off the pitch, her accomplishments spoke volumes. She helped Sweden become a powerhouse in women’s football before it was trendy or well-funded.
Transition to Coaching
After retiring from playing, Lena Videkull didn’t step away from the sport. Instead, she moved into coaching. Her goal? To help younger players thrive.
She served as the assistant coach for the Swedish national team and also coached clubs in the Damallsvenskan. Her leadership style mirrored her playing style—focused, calm, and effective.
Many young Swedish forwards credit Videkull for their development. She emphasized movement, finishing, and football intelligence.
A Legacy Beyond Goals
Lena Videkull’s impact goes beyond stats. She played at a time when women’s football had limited exposure. There were no million-dollar salaries or global spotlights. Yet, she showed up, trained hard, and scored relentlessly.
In many ways, she helped build the foundation for today’s stars. Her generation fought for equal treatment, fought for visibility, and fought to be respected as athletes.
Without players like Videkull, there might not be a Nilla Fischer, Kosovare Asllani, or Stina Blackstenius.
Today’s Recognition: Still Too Quiet?
Despite her accomplishments, Lena Videkull rarely makes headlines today. That’s unfortunate. In a football world that now celebrates history, she deserves more love.
Her 71 international goals remain one of the highest tallies in Swedish history. Her pioneering role in early World Cups and Euros laid the path for future growth.
In a fair world, she’d be listed among global legends like Mia Hamm or Birgit Prinz. But Videkull never chased fame. She just chased goals.
Final Thoughts: Never Forgotten, Always Respected
Lena Videkull represents what football is truly about—skill, humility, and purpose. She didn’t need cameras or contracts. Her love for the game and her unmatched consistency made her a legend.
Her story reminds us that pioneers often do their best work in silence. But their legacy echoes louder with each new generation.
Let’s not forget Lena Videkull. Let’s celebrate her as one of Sweden’s greatest footballers. Not just in women’s football, but in football, period.
Trap Games in Soccer: What They Are and Why They Matter
Keep the conversation going! Follow Soccer Wizdom on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Youtube for more soccer insights and updates.