When I first began watching women’s football in Sweden I had no expectations about just how good players could be. I had seen quite a lot of games in the UK, yet I would be honest the skill level was fairly average.
Fast forward three years and I have witnessed some amazing players. Swedish players such as Schlein, Larsson, Oqvist, Fischer, Sameulsson and overseas players Press, Marta, Harder and De Vanna to name a few. Yet one stands out for me above them all.
Louise Fors.
When I first saw her she was at Linköping. Not the biggest of players but played with the heart of a lion.
I’ve not seen any player that could hit a dead ball with such accuracy and force. Never before have I witnessed a shot so powerful. From 2011 I was calling for her to be called up to the Swedish national team. Sweden had a good midfield, a good attack but the one thing that they lacked was a creative midfielder. Someone who could deliver a free-kick like Beckham, or a pass that could split open the back line.
Of all the players to ever leave Linköping (including the likes of Fischer, Aslani and Larsson) Fors was simply irreplaceable. Last season she won an epic English FA League with Liverpool and deep down I was always hoping she would come back to Linköping.
Yet, as in the women’s game there are issues that simply do not exist within men’s football. The money side of things mean that players often have to make personal choices and put life before their career.
Sad to read that Louise retired today at 24.
All I can say is that I will never forget what she gave to Linköping, what she gave to football and I was lucky to capture some of her finest goals on camera.
I wish Louise all the best for the future and anybody interested in football could do themselves a favour and visit her academy.
Louise ended as a champion and will forever be one. Thanks for all the memories.
Can’t understand why she was never selected in the Swedish team. Forever one of the mysteries of football.
