Hjalmar Ekdal

1.1. Childhood and Youth Career

Hjalmar Ekdal was born in Stockholm, Sweden, on 21 October 1998. He started his football development as a youngster with IF Brommapojkarna, a prominent Swedish youth club.

1.2. College Soccer in the United States

In 2017, Ekdal left IF Brommapojkarna to pursue studies in the United States and play college soccer for the UNC Wilmington Seahawks. During his time with the Seahawks, he participated in 20 games and scored two goals. His contributions helped the Seahawks reach the final of the 2017 CAA Men's Soccer Tournament, where they were defeated 4-2 by William & Mary Tribe. For his performance, Ekdal received several individual accolades in 2017, including the Colonial Athletic Association's Men's Soccer Rookie of the Year and selection to the All-Rookie Team. He was also named to the All-Colonial Athletic Association First Team and the NCCSIA University Division All-State Men's Soccer First Team. Additionally, he was recognized as the Colonial Athletic Association Men's Soccer Player of the Week for the period of 28 August to 3 September 2017.

2.1. IK Frej

In May 2018, Hjalmar Ekdal returned to Sweden and signed a two-year contract with IK Frej in Superettan, the country's second-tier league. In his first year, he made 15 league appearances and scored one goal, contributing to the club's ninth-place finish. During this period, he also had a loan spell with Assyriska FF in Division 1, the third tier, where he made one appearance. The 2019 season marked a significant breakthrough for Ekdal at IK Frej, as he established himself as a starter, playing in all 30 league games in the Superettan and scoring two goals. He also made 2 appearances in the Superettan promotion play-offs. Despite his strong performances, the club was ultimately relegated.

2.2. Hammarby IF and Loans

On 19 July 2019, Ekdal transferred to Hammarby IF, a club in Allsvenskan, the top Swedish league, signing a two-year contract. Despite this transfer, it was announced that he would remain eligible to play for his former affiliated club, IK Frej, for the remainder of the 2019 season. Although contracted to Hammarby, Ekdal did not make a debut for the club. On 3 March 2020, he was loaned to another Allsvenskan club, IK Sirius, for the remainder of the 2020 season. At IK Sirius, he made 26 league appearances.

2.3. Djurgårdens IF

On 4 January 2021, Ekdal joined Djurgårdens IF on a four-year contract. His tenure at Djurgårdens IF was highly successful, as he was named the Allsvenskan Player of the Month for September 2021. He also made 11 appearances in the UEFA Europa Conference League, scoring one goal during his time with the club. Furthermore, he was recognized as the Allsvenskan Defender of the Year for the 2021 season, highlighting his significant impact on the team.

2.4. Burnley

On 21 January 2023, Hjalmar Ekdal made a move to English football, joining Championship leaders Burnley on a four-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee. His debut for Burnley, known as the Clarets, came on 4 February in an EFL Championship away match against Norwich City, which Burnley won 3-0. Notably, Ekdal scored his first goal for Burnley in the 60th minute of this debut match.

2.5. FC Groningen (loan)

On 23 January 2025, Ekdal joined Eredivisie club FC Groningen on loan until the end of the 2024-25 season.

3.1. Youth National Teams

Ekdal received his first call-up to the Sweden U-19 national team in October 2018. He subsequently featured in two friendly matches that same month: a 3-1 victory against the Denmark U-19 team and a 1-1 draw against the Russia U-19 team. His progression continued as he was first called up to the Sweden U-21 national team on 26 August 2020.

3.2. Senior National Team

Hjalmar Ekdal's first call-up to the Sweden senior national team occurred on 1 December 2021, for two friendly matches against Finland scheduled for January 2022. However, these friendlies were later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was recalled to the national team on 18 May 2022, to participate in Sweden's 2022-23 UEFA Nations League matches against Slovenia, Norway, and Serbia in June 2022. Ekdal made his full international debut for Sweden on 9 June 2022, in the UEFA Nations League game against Serbia. He played the entire 90 minutes as a centre-back in the match, which resulted in a 1-0 loss for Sweden.

5.1. Club

5.2. International