Smilla Holmberg in action against Chelsea(Image credit: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterFour Four TwoGet the FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member features.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.You are now subscribedYour newsletter sign-up was successfulWant to add more newsletters?Five times a weekFourFourTwo DailyFantastic football content straight to your inbox! From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterAt just 18, Smilla Holmberg found herself at the European Championships, scoring against Germany and then standing over a decisive penalty with Swedens tournament on the line. She missed, and Sweden were out.For many young players, that would linger. Instead, the Hammarby academy graduate continued shining at club level - something that ultimately earned her a move to Arsenal in January 2026.So who exactly is Smilla Holmberg, and why do the Gunners believe theyve signed a future star? Here's your two-minute scout reportYou may likeWho exactly is Ife Ibrahim? FourFourTwo's two-minute scout reportArsenal report: 'Generational talent' dubbed 'the next Lamine Yamal' completes move, ending speculationWho exactly is Victor Valdepenas? FourFourTwo's two-minute scout reportSo who exactly is Smilla Holmberg?PROFILEName: Smilla Hilma HolmbergPosition(s): Right-backAge: 19 (Born: October 11, 2006)Nationality: SwedenHeight: 1.70mPreferred foot: RightCurrent club: ArsenalBorn in Sodermalm, Stockholm, Holmberg joined Hammarbys academy at seven years old and progressed straight through the ranks before making her senior debut at just 15 and quickly becoming a regular in a side who went on to win domestic honours. Despite interest from abroad, including a training stint with Lyon, Holmberg committed to Hammarby, extending her contract through 2026 before Arsenal eventually moved decisively. By then, she had become one of the leagues most exciting full-backs, registering six goals and four assists in 26 matches last season.As a result, Holmberg was called up directly to Swedens Euro 2025 squad aged 18, bypassing the U23s entirely, as the youngest player in Swedens tournament squad. She started against Germany and scored in their group stage victory over the European heavyweights. Despite heartbreak against England when she missed the final penalty in the shootout, her mentality prevailed and she even drew public support from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, partial owner of Hammarby.Holmberg's strengthsMental resilience: Few teenagers recover so quickly from high-profile disappointment. Holmbergs response to Euro heartbreak in maintaining elite performance levels at club level marks her out as mentally robust.Attacking output: A modern full-back in every sense, Holmberg times her forward runs superbly and arrives in dangerous areas. Her lack of fear when attacking the box is sure to give Emily Fox competition in her position.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Intensity: Holmbergs youth and stamina allows her to operate at high tempo. She presses aggressively and overlaps relentlessly.Defensive discipline: Despite her attacking instincts, Holmberg remains defensively sound. She holds her line well and recovers quickly in transition.Who is Smilla Holmberg? - Analysing Arsenals NEW Signing! - YouTubeWatch On Holmberg's areas for developmentCrossing consistency: Her delivery is promising but not the finished article. She will need to improve variety and accuracy in the final third to make her a more creative threat.Decision making: As a young player, she is still learning how to choose the best option as she is atatcking the final third.TOPICSArsenal WomenArsenalAyisha GulatiWomen's Football WriterAyisha Gulati is the women's football writer at FourFourTwo. Fresh from a summer covering the Lionesses triumphant Euro 2025 campaign in Switzerland, she brings a passion for all things WSL, UWCL, and international womens football. She has interviewed names including Alessia Russo and Aitana Bonmati and enjoys telling stories that capture the excitement on and off the pitch.
