With 133 caps for the Sweden national team, Andreas Isaksson ranks joint-third on the country's all-time list of most-capped players. His two-decade professional career spanned leagues in Sweden, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands, and Turkey, marked by consistent service as a first-choice goalkeeper for both club and country during a period of significant international tournament participation.
Early Development and Italian Tenure
Born in 1981 in Trelleborg, Isaksson began his senior career with Trelleborgs FF between 1998 and 1999. His potential earned him a transfer to Italian powerhouse Juventus in July 1999. Although he spent two years in Turin, he did not feature in a competitive first-team match, as the squad featured established international goalkeepers like Edwin van der Sar.
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In January 2001, Isaksson moved to Djurgårdens IF to secure consistent playing time. This stint proved successful, as the club secured consecutive Allsvenskan titles in 2002 and 2003, alongside the 2002 Svenska Cupen. His performance earned him the Swedish Goalkeeper of the Year award annually from 2002 to 2005. By July 2004, he moved to France to join Rennes, where he served as the primary replacement for Petr Čech.
Premier League and European Tenure
In August 2006, Manchester City signed Isaksson for £2 million. His tenure in the Premier League was hampered by recurring knee and ankle injuries. Despite a notable clean sheet in a 1-0 League Cup win over Bolton Wanderers in 2007, he eventually lost his starting position to Joe Hart. In 2008, he transferred to PSV, where he made 124 league appearances over four seasons before joining the Turkish club Kasımpaşa in 2012 on a free transfer.
International Milestones and Retirement
Isaksson made his international debut in 2002 and served as Sweden's primary goalkeeper through multiple UEFA European Championships and World Cups. He reached his 100th cap in 2012 against the Faroe Islands. Following the conclusion of Euro 2016, he retired from international duty. He returned to Djurgården in 2016, ending his playing career after helping the club win the 2017–18 Svenska Cupen.
Fast facts
- Born: 3 October 1981, Trelleborg, Sweden
- International Caps: 133
- Professional debut: 1998, Trelleborgs FF
- Premier League club: Manchester City (2006–2008)
- Major titles: 2002, 2003 Allsvenskan; 2002, 2017–18 Svenska Cupen
- Final professional club: Djurgårdens IF
- Retirement: 2018
- Post-career role: Goalkeeping coach
Questions readers ask
How many Swedish Goalkeeper of the Year awards did Isaksson win?
He won the award for four consecutive years, from 2002 to 2005.
Which tournaments did Isaksson participate in with Sweden?
He was included in the squads for the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups and the 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 UEFA European Championships.
