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Isac Lidberg
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Isac Alexi Sivert Lidberg (born 8 September 1998) is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a forward for 2. Bundesliga club Darmstadt 98 and the Sweden national team.[1]
Key Information
Club career
[edit]Hammarby IF
[edit]Lidberg started out his football career with local side Hägerstens SK, but moved to Hammarby Sjöstad and began to play for Hammarby IF as an eleven-year-old.[2][3] Advancing through the youth teams, Lidberg played his first game for Hammarby's under 21-team against GIF Sundsvall 2014 as a substitute, and scored a 2–1 goal within a minute. In March 2015, Hammarby offered him a 3-year senior contract, which he signed.[3]
The senior debut came the same year in Allsvenskan, when Lidberg got substituted with Linus Hallenius in a game against Falkenbergs FF on 13 July.[4] The 16-year-old Lidberg became the youngest player ever to represent Hammarby in Allsvenskan.[5] He played his second game in Allsvenskan on the last game day of the 2015 season in Hammarby's 2–1 loss away against Halmstads BK.[6]
Lidberg made another five appearances in Allsvenskan for the club during the 2016 season.
Loan to Enskede IK
[edit]On 8 April 2016 it was announced that Lidberg was going to be on loan to newly promoted Division 1 club Enskede IK for the whole season. With Enskede being Hammarby's partner club, an agreement was made that the player was allowed to represent both clubs during the loan period.[7]
In his first start for the club, he scored two goals in Enskede's 3–1 win against Piteå IF on 1 May.[8] Lidberg would later move on to make another 14 appearances for the side during the season, scoring 6 goals in the league play.
Åtvidabergs FF
[edit]On 30 March 2017, he signed a permanent deal with Åtvidabergs FF in Superettan, the Swedish second tier.[9] He signed a three-year contract with his new club.[10] Hammarby reportedly sold Lidberg after the two parties could not agree on a new contract.[11]
Isac Lidberg made his debut for Åtvidaberg on match day one of the 2017 Superettan against IFK Värnamo on away turf. His new team lost 4–0 with Lidberg getting sent off in the last few minutes of the game, after coming on as a substitute.[12]
Start
[edit]On 11 January 2018, Lidberg signed a three-year contract with Norwegian Eliteserien club Start.[13] On 4 March, he moved to Jerv on loan, on a deal until 1 August.[14] On 8 April, he made his debut for Jerv, coming on as a substitute for Aram Khalili in the 1–1 home draw against Ull/Kisa.[15] On 17 June, he scored his first goal, in a 3–2 defeat to Florø.[16]
Initially returning to Start, on 15 August 2018 he moved – again on loan – to HamKam.[17] On 19 August, he made his debut for the club in a 1–0 defeat to Nest-Sotra.[18]
In February 2019, Lidberg was loaned out to IF Brommapojkarna on a loan agreement for the 2019 season.[19]
Gefle IF
[edit]In February 2020, Lidberg signed a two-year contract with Gefle IF competing in the Swedish third tier, Ettan.[20] In the third division, he had a successful spell, making 25 appearances in which he scored 19 goals in his first season at the club.[21]
Go Ahead Eagles
[edit]On 1 May 2021, Lidberg signed a two-year contract with an option of an additional year with newly promoted Dutch Eredivisie club Go Ahead Eagles.[22][23] He made his debut in the Eredivisie on 13 August 2021 in a 1–0 loss to Heerenveen.[24]
Utrecht
[edit]On 18 July 2023, Lidberg signed a four-year contract with Utrecht.[25] He made his debut for the club on 20 August, replacing Victor Jensen in the 79th minute of a 2–0 league loss to Heerenveen.[26] He scored his debut goal for Utrecht from a penalty kick on 31 October, contributing to a 3–0 lead in their 3–2 triumph against RKC Waalwijk in the KNVB Cup.[27] On 26 November, he netted his first league goal for Utrecht, securing the winning goal as the Domstedelingen triumphed 2–1 against Sparta Rotterdam at Het Kasteel.[28] Following a mild achilles injury, he was substituted early during a draw against AZ on 3 December due to a knock.[29] This sidelined him for the remainder of the year.[21]
Darmstadt
[edit]On 16 August 2024, Lidberg signed with Darmstadt 98 in German 2. Bundesliga.[30]
International career
[edit]Isac Lidberg played 14 games for Sweden U17, in which he scored nine goals, between 2014 and 2015.[31]
As of the end of 2016, he has won 11 caps for Sweden U19 and scored 10 goals in total.[32]
Lidberg made his debut for Sweden national team on 19 November 2024 in a Nations League game against Azerbaijan at the Strawberry Arena. He substituted Viktor Gyökeres (who scored 4 goals) in the 89th minute, as Sweden won 6–0.[33]
Style of play
[edit]Lidberg has described himself as a "powerful forward that can score on anything", which is something then manager Nanne Bergstrand agreed upon, stating that he's strong for his age due to training from an early age.[5][34] Hammarby's former sporting director Mats Jingblad added that Lidberg is a modern forward that often make runs behind the defenders.[3]
Personal life
[edit]Lidberg grew up mainly in Stockholm and is the second born child to Swedish reality television star and wrestling world champion Martin Lidberg.[2][35] His uncle is Jimmy Lidberg, a fellow Olympic medalist wrestler.[36] He practiced wrestling as well for several years and was a big talent, but quit to focus on his football instead.[2] Lidberg dreams of playing for Bayern Munich one day and his idol footballer is the German striker Mario Gomez.[5]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of match played 8 November 2025[21]
| Club | Season | League | Cup | Europe | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Hammarby IF | 2015 | Allsvenskan | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 2 | 0 | ||
| 2016 | Allsvenskan | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 5 | 0 | |||
| Total | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | ||
| Enskede IK (on loan) | 2016 | Ettan | 14 | 6 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 14 | 6 | ||
| Åtvidabergs FF | 2017 | Superettan | 22 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 22 | 5 | ||
| Start | 2018 | Eliteserien | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | ||
| Jerv (loan) | 2018 | OBOS-ligaen | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 12 | 0 | ||
| HamKam (loan) | 2018 | OBOS-ligaen | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 5 | 0 | ||
| Brommapojkarna (loan) | 2019 | Superettan | 18 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 18 | 3 | ||
| Gefle | 2020 | Ettan | 25 | 19 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 25 | 19 | ||
| 2021 | Ettan | 12 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 12 | 3 | |||
| Total | 37 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 22 | ||
| Go Ahead Eagles | 2021–22 | Eredivisie | 32 | 4 | 4 | 2 | — | — | 36 | 6 | ||
| 2022–23 | Eredivisie | 33 | 7 | 3 | 1 | — | — | 36 | 8 | |||
| Total | 65 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 72 | 14 | ||
| Utrecht | 2023–24 | Eredivisie | 20 | 4 | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | 0 | 22 | 5 | |
| Darmstadt 98 | 2024–25 | 2. Bundesliga | 28 | 14 | 3 | 1 | — | — | 31 | 15 | ||
| 2025–26 | 2. Bundesliga | 11 | 9 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 13 | 9 | |||
| Total | 39 | 23 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 44 | 24 | ||
| Career total | 238 | 74 | 14 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 253 | 79 | ||
International
[edit]| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweden | 2024 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | 0 | |
| Total | 3 | 0 | |
References
[edit]- ^ "Isac Lidberg" (in Swedish). SvFF. Retrieved 26 December 2015.
- ^ a b c "Går inte i pappas fotspår". mitti.se. 24 May 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ^ a b c "Anfallstalangen Isac Lidberg skriver A-lagskontrakt" (in Swedish). Hammarby IF. 31 March 2015. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ^ "Hammarby vs. Falkenberg 3 - 0" (in Swedish). Soccerway. 13 July 2015. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ^ a b c "Brottarsonen går sin egen väg". Svenska Dagbladet (in Swedish). 27 July 2015. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ^ "Halmstad vs. Hammarby 2 - 1". Soccerway. 31 October 2015. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ^ "Officiellt: Enskede IK lånar Isac Lidberg" (in Swedish). fotbollstransfers.com. 8 April 2016. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
- ^ "Matchinformation: Enskede IK mot Piteå IF". Stockholms Fotbollsförbund. 1 May 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
- ^ "Isac klar för Åtvidaberg". Hammarby Fotboll. 30 March 2017. Archived from the original on 21 August 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
- ^ "AVSLÖJAR: Lidberg lämnar Bajen – landslagstalangen nära superettanklubb". Åtvidabergs FF. 30 March 2017. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
- ^ "Isac Lidberg förstärker Åtvidaberg". Fotbolldirekt. 29 March 2017. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
- ^ "En premiär att glömma för ÅFF". Corren. 2 April 2017. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
- ^ "Her er Starts nye spiss". Start (in Norwegian). 11 January 2018.
- ^ "Ny spiller på plass før Marbella". Jerv (in Norwegian). 4 March 2018.
- ^ "altomfotball.no: Jerv - Ull/Kisa - OBOS-ligaen - 2. runde, 08.04.2018". TV 2 (in Norwegian). 8 April 2018. Archived from the original on 9 April 2018.
- ^ "altomfotball.no: Florø - Jerv - OBOS-ligaen - 13. runde, 17.06.2018". TV 2 (in Norwegian). 17 June 2018. Archived from the original on 13 September 2021.
- ^ "Isac Lidberg til HamKam". HamKam (in Norwegian). 15 August 2018.
- ^ "altomfotball.no: Øygarden - HamKam - OBOS-ligaen - 20. runde, 19.08.2018". TV 2 (in Norwegian). 19 August 2018. Archived from the original on 28 April 2019.
- ^ "Officiellt: Isac Lidberg på lån till IF Brommapojkarna". Fotbolltransfers.com (in Swedish). 25 February 2019.
- ^ "Officiellt: Isac Lidberg klar för Gefle IF". Fotbolltransfers.com (in Swedish). 28 February 2020.
- ^ a b c Isac Lidberg at Soccerway
- ^ "Officiellt: Isac Lidberg flyttar till Go Ahead Eagles i sommar". Fotbolltransfers.com (in Swedish). 1 May 2021.
- ^ "Go Ahead Eagles trekt Zweedse spits Isac Lidberg aan". RTV Oost (in Dutch). 30 April 2021.
- ^ "Go Ahead Eagles vs. Heerenveen – 13 August 2021". Soccerway. Retrieved 3 January 2022.
- ^ "Zweedse versterking: Isac Lidberg naar FC Utrecht" [Swedish reinforcement: Isac Lidberg to FC Utrecht] (in Dutch). FC Utrecht. 18 July 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
- ^ "Foutloos Heerenveen zorgt voor chagrijn bij tandeloos FC Utrecht". Voetbal International (in Dutch). 20 August 2023. Archived from the original on 26 September 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
- ^ "FC Utrecht stoot RKC tussen bliksemflitsen en donderslagen uit bekertoernooi". NOS (in Dutch). 31 October 2023. Archived from the original on 31 October 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
- ^ Manen, Rick van (26 November 2023). "Seuntjens en Lidberg helpen FC Utrecht aan zege op Sparta: 'Beter lelijk winnen dan mooi verliezen'". RTV Utrecht (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 3 December 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
- ^ Manen, Rick van (3 December 2023). "Kijk terug: FC Utrecht grijpt naast zege tegen AZ: 'Ik had hem op mijn slof'". RTV Utrecht (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 13 December 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
- ^ "Lidberg signs for the Lilies". Darmstadt. 16 August 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ "P18-trupp mot Ungern och Irland" (in Swedish). SvFF. 18 May 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
- ^ "Landslagsdatabasen: Isac Lidberg" (in Swedish). SvFF. 22 January 2017. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
- ^ "Sweden v Azerbaijan game report". ESPN. 19 November 2024.
- ^ "Isac Lidberg - "Jag är en kraftfull forward"" (in Swedish). Hammarby IF. 31 March 2016. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
- ^ "Martin Lidbergs lycka: "Vi fick en liten flicka"" (in Swedish). mitti.se. 12 September 2013. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ^ "OS-hjälten Jimmy Lidberg till Hammarby" (in Swedish). mitti.se. 2 March 2017. Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
External links
[edit]- Isac Lidberg at the Swedish Football Association (in Swedish)
Isac Lidberg
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family background
Isac Alexi Sivert Lidberg was born on September 8, 1998, in Stockholm, Sweden.[1] He is the second-born child of Martin Lidberg, a prominent Swedish wrestler who won the world championship in Greco-Roman wrestling in the 96 kg category at the 2003 FILA Wrestling World Championships and secured two European titles along with 19 Swedish national championships.[6][7] Martin Lidberg also gained fame beyond sports as a television personality, winning the first season of the Swedish dance competition Let's Dance in 2007 and appearing in various programs such as Mästarnas mästare.[8][9] Lidberg's family boasts a strong athletic legacy in wrestling; he is the nephew of Jimmy Lidberg, Martin's younger brother, who earned a bronze medal in the 96 kg Greco-Roman event at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and claimed multiple European and world medals.[10] Growing up primarily in Stockholm, the hometown where his father competed and trained, Isac was exposed to wrestling from an early age, often accompanying Martin to events across Europe, which immersed him in the sport's competitive environment before he later transitioned his focus to football.[7]Youth development
Influenced by his father, Martin Lidberg, a Swedish wrestling world champion, Isac Lidberg began participating in wrestling at around age seven, training for approximately three years.[11][12] However, by age ten, he decided to prioritize football, preferring to play the sport with friends over the intense wrestling sessions, which he found pressured due to his family's athletic legacy.[12][13] Lidberg initially played for local club Hägerstens SK before joining Hammarby IF's youth academy in 2011 at age 13, where he progressed through the ranks as a forward.[1] During his teenage years in the academy, he honed his skills in the under-17 and under-19 teams, emerging as a promising goal scorer and earning call-ups to Sweden's youth national teams.[12] As he advanced, Lidberg began receiving first senior opportunities from the youth setup, including training sessions with Hammarby's first team; in March 2015, at age 16, he signed a three-year senior contract, marking his transition toward professional play.[1] Throughout this period, his physical development was notable, growing to a height of 1.85 meters, which enhanced his effectiveness as a striker in aerial duels and hold-up play.[2]Club career
Hammarby IF
Lidberg signed his first professional contract with his boyhood club Hammarby IF in early 2015, at the age of 16, marking the start of his senior career with the Allsvenskan side.[1] He made his Allsvenskan debut on 13 July 2015, substituting into a 3–0 home victory over Falkenbergs FF and becoming the youngest player to ever represent Hammarby in the competition at that time.[14][15] Across the 2015 and 2016 seasons, Lidberg appeared in a total of seven league matches for Hammarby, primarily as a substitute, but did not score any goals. In April 2016, to build first-team experience, Lidberg was loaned to Enskede IK, Hammarby's affiliated club in Division 1 Norra. During the loan, which lasted through the end of the year, he made 14 appearances and scored six goals, helping the team in the lower-tier league.[16] Lidberg returned to Hammarby following the loan but received no further opportunities in the senior squad, ultimately leading to his departure from the club in March 2017.[17]Åtvidabergs FF
In March 2017, Isac Lidberg transferred from Hammarby IF to Åtvidabergs FF for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year contract with the club competing in Sweden's Superettan.[18][19] This move marked his first full senior season following a limited debut appearance with Hammarby the previous year. During the 2017 Superettan season, Lidberg made 22 appearances for Åtvidabergs FF, scoring 5 goals and providing 1 assist in 1,395 minutes played.[20] He initially featured as a substitute but gradually earned a starting role as a centre-forward, contributing key moments in the team's efforts to avoid relegation. Notable strikes included goals against mid-table sides Örgryte IS and Degerfors IF, as well as late-season efforts against IFK Värnamo and GAIS Göteborg amid a tight survival battle.[21] Åtvidabergs FF finished 16th in the 16-team Superettan table, resulting in direct relegation to Division 1. Lidberg departed the club at the end of the 2017 season, with his contract terminated ahead of a move elsewhere in January 2018.[19]IK Start
In January 2018, Isac Lidberg signed a three-year contract with Norwegian club IK Start ahead of their campaign in the OBOS-ligaen, arriving on a free transfer from Åtvidabergs FF.[22][23] Lidberg failed to make any appearances for Start during the 2018 season, hampered by injuries and a lack of match fitness upon arrival in Norwegian football.[16] To aid his development, he was loaned out multiple times: first to FK Jerv from March to July 2018, where he featured in 11 league matches without scoring; then to HamKam from August to December 2018, appearing in 5 league games also without goals; and finally to IF Brommapojkarna for the 2019 season, during which he played 18 league matches and netted 3 goals. Upon returning to Start in early 2020, Lidberg again saw no first-team action amid ongoing adaptation challenges to the physical demands of Norwegian leagues. His contract was mutually terminated in February 2020, allowing him to depart as a free agent.[23] These loans highlighted a transitional period marked by limited opportunities and efforts to regain form, rather than establishing him in Start's senior squad.[24]Gefle IF
Isac Lidberg signed with Gefle IF on a free transfer from IK Start on 28 February 2020, marking his return to Swedish football after a challenging loan spell abroad. In the 2020 season in Ettan Norra, Lidberg quickly revitalized his career, making 25 appearances across all competitions and scoring 19 goals despite the significant disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed the start of the league and altered the schedule. His prolific form helped Gefle IF secure the league title and promotion to Superettan. The following year, in 2021, Lidberg continued his strong performances with 12 appearances and 3 goals in Superettan, contributing to the team's competitive push for the promotion playoffs while finishing third in the standings. Over his two seasons at the club, Lidberg totaled 37 appearances and 22 goals before leaving on a free transfer in July 2021 to join Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivisie.[25]Go Ahead Eagles
Isac Lidberg signed with Go Ahead Eagles on a free transfer from Gefle IF on July 15, 2021, marking his entry into Dutch football following the club's promotion to the Eredivisie at the end of the previous season.[26] This move allowed the Swedish forward to adapt to a higher competitive level in one of Europe's more tactical leagues, where he quickly became a regular contributor in the attack. In his debut 2021–22 Eredivisie campaign, Lidberg made 32 appearances, starting 25 matches and logging 1,976 minutes, while scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists.[2] His contributions were instrumental in Go Ahead Eagles' mid-table finish of 13th place, securing their survival in the top flight just one year after promotion and helping the team build momentum as a newly ascended side. Lidberg often operated as a central striker, using his physical presence to hold up play and create opportunities for teammates in a squad adjusting to the demands of Eredivisie defenses. The following 2022–23 season saw Lidberg solidify his role, featuring in all 33 league matches with 33 starts and 2,759 minutes played, where he netted 7 goals and recorded 5 assists.[2] This output supported Go Ahead Eagles' improved 11th-place standing, further establishing the club's stability in the division. Over his two-year tenure, Lidberg totaled 65 Eredivisie appearances and 11 goals, emerging as a reliable squad player whose consistent performances aided the team's development and consolidation in European football.[2]FC Utrecht
In July 2023, Isac Lidberg transferred to FC Utrecht from Go Ahead Eagles, signing a four-year contract for a reported fee of €600,000, marking his move to a more prominent Dutch club following two seasons in Deventer.[27] This acquisition aimed to bolster Utrecht's forward options after the departure of Anastasios Douvikas, with Lidberg bringing his proven goal-scoring record from the Eredivisie.[28] During the 2023–24 season, Lidberg featured in 20 Eredivisie matches, scoring 4 goals and recording 3 assists while accumulating 943 minutes, primarily as a substitute due to intense competition from forwards like Taylor Booth and Rúben van Bommel.[29] He also made his European debut in the UEFA Europa Conference League play-offs, appearing for 31 minutes across one match as Utrecht advanced before elimination. Lidberg's role was further limited by minor injuries, including an undisclosed issue that sidelined him for several weeks early in the campaign, though he contributed a goal in the KNVB Cup. After one season, Lidberg departed FC Utrecht in August 2024, joining SV Darmstadt 98 in the 2. Bundesliga for a €1 million transfer fee, ending his brief stint at the Stadion Galgenwaard where he had provided depth but struggled for consistent starts.[30]SV Darmstadt 98
Isac Lidberg joined SV Darmstadt 98 on August 16, 2024, transferring from FC Utrecht in the Netherlands on a three-year contract until June 30, 2027, for a reported fee of €1 million.[31][32] The move marked his return to competitive action following limited opportunities in Dutch football, where he had struggled for consistent starts. Lidberg quickly adapted to the 2. Bundesliga, becoming a key figure in Darmstadt's attack during his debut season. In the 2024-2025 2. Bundesliga campaign, Lidberg made 28 appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing 5 assists, which played a pivotal role in the team's promotion push.[2] His clinical finishing and aerial presence helped Darmstadt secure several crucial victories, including a notable contribution in a 2-0 win over Dynamo Dresden, as the club aimed for a return to the Bundesliga after relegation the previous year. Despite the team's strong mid-season form, they ultimately fell short of promotion, finishing outside the top two spots. As of November 13, 2025, in the ongoing 2025-2026 season, Lidberg has continued his impressive form, netting 9 goals and 1 assist in 11 league appearances for a total of 39 matches, 23 goals, and 6 assists across his Darmstadt tenure to date.[2] His goal-scoring prowess has propelled Darmstadt to the top of the 2. Bundesliga table early in the campaign, with Lidberg emerging as the league's leading marksman. This hot streak has fueled transfer speculation, with reports in September 2025 linking him to English clubs Burnley, Rangers, Blackburn Rovers, and Preston North End, who are monitoring the Swedish striker amid interest in a potential January move.[33][34]International career
Youth international career
Lidberg began his youth international career with the Sweden U17 national team in 2014, accumulating 14 caps and scoring 7 goals through 2015. His involvement included participation in UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification matches, where he demonstrated his scoring prowess; for instance, as a substitute, he netted the decisive goal eight minutes from time in a 2-1 group-stage victory over Latvia, securing Sweden's progression alongside Greece while eliminating Ukraine.[35] Transitioning to the Sweden U19 team in 2015, Lidberg earned 17 caps and tallied 10 goals by 2017, establishing himself as a key forward in the squad. He featured in UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifiers, including a standout performance where he scored the opening goal after just one minute in a dominant 4-0 win against Malta during the 2016 qualifying round.[36] In total, Lidberg recorded 31 youth international appearances and 17 goals, with his call-ups frequently tied to impressive form at Hammarby IF and Åtvidabergs FF during his formative club years. These experiences underscored his emerging reputation as a prolific goal scorer in competitive youth tournaments.Senior international career
Lidberg received his first call-up to the senior Sweden national team in November 2024 for UEFA Nations League matches under coach Jon Dahl Tomasson.[3] He made his debut on November 19, 2024, coming on as a substitute in the 89th minute during a 6–0 home victory over Azerbaijan at Strawberry Arena in Solna, replacing Viktor Gyökeres.[37] In October 2025, Lidberg earned a second call-up as an injury replacement for Jordan Larsson ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland (0–2 loss on October 10) and Kosovo (0–1 loss on October 13). Despite joining the squad and participating in training, he remained an unused substitute in both matches due to intense competition for attacking positions.[38] On November 5, 2025, new head coach Graham Potter named Lidberg to the squad for World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland on November 15 and Slovenia on November 18. He appeared as a substitute in the 78th minute during the 1–4 away loss to Switzerland at Stade de Genève, replacing Alexander Bernhardsson. Three days later, Lidberg featured in the 1–1 home draw against Slovenia at Friends Arena, where he was caught offside during play. These appearances marked his second and third senior caps, with no goals scored.[39][40][41][42][43] As of November 19, 2025, Lidberg has accumulated 3 senior caps and 0 goals for Sweden. The team finished bottom of their qualifying group and advanced to the play-offs for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.[5][44]Playing style
Physical attributes
Isac Lidberg measures 1.87 meters in height and weighs 82 kilograms, attributes that lend him a commanding physical presence in the forward position and facilitate dominance in aerial challenges.[1] His build supports effective hold-up play by allowing him to shield the ball from defenders and maintain possession under pressure. Variations in reported weight, such as 83 kilograms from gaming simulations and 84 kilograms from sports databases, underscore his robust frame in the 82-84 kilogram range, enhancing his role as a target man.[45][46] Lidberg's strength draws from an early exposure to wrestling through his family background, where he frequently accompanied his father, former world champion Martin Lidberg, to training sessions and drew inspiration from his determination and power.[7] This influence has contributed to his development as a physically imposing forward capable of withstanding physical duels on the pitch. In terms of speed, he has recorded top sprint velocities reaching 34.93 km/h during matches, demonstrating explosive acceleration for a player of his size.[47] Regarding endurance, Lidberg covers substantial distances in games, totaling 103.9 kilometers across 11 appearances in the 2025/26 season, averaging around 9.4 kilometers per match while performing intensive runs exceeding 700 in the same period.[47] This stamina aligns with the demands of modern forward roles, enabling sustained involvement in pressing and transitional play over full matches. His injury resilience is evident following an early career setback in the 2016/17 season, when a 40-day absence led to seven missed games; subsequent recoveries have allowed consistent availability, with later injuries limited to manageable durations without derailing his progress.[48]Technical abilities
Isac Lidberg excels as a striker with strong proficiency in finishing from various angles, including headers where he asserts himself effectively in aerial challenges, volleys, and long-range shots that showcase his technical precision.[49][32] His finishing ability is rated as a key strength, enabling him to convert opportunities with clinical efficiency across different scenarios on the pitch.[49] Lidberg demonstrates sharp goal-scoring instincts through intelligent runs behind defenses, often exploiting spaces to position himself for one-on-one situations with goalkeepers.[32] He also links play adeptly with midfielders, serving as an all-rounder who handles the ball well to facilitate transitions and maintain attacking momentum.[32] This positional awareness allows him to drop deeper when needed, contributing to build-up phases while retaining his threat as a forward. Predominantly right-footed, Lidberg has amassed 52 career club goals, underscoring his efficiency in front of goal despite varying roles and leagues.[50] His versatility extends to playing as an attacking midfielder on the left, where he leverages his technical skills to support wider attacks.[49] Comparisons to his idol Mario Gomez highlight Lidberg's clinical finishing, particularly in high-impact performances like hat-tricks that echo Gomez's prolific scoring style.[51] His physical power further enhances these technical abilities, aiding in powerful strikes and duels during runs.[32]Personal life
Family influences
Isac Lidberg shares a close bond with his father, Martin Lidberg, a former Greco-Roman wrestling world champion and reality television personality who offers ongoing advice on mental toughness derived from his competitive experiences. Martin, who secured multiple international titles including the 2003 World Championship and won the Swedish dance competition Let's Dance in 2007,[9] emphasizes resilience and focus under pressure, qualities that have informed Lidberg's handling of professional setbacks and high-stakes matches. Lidberg has openly acknowledged learning from his father the discipline required to set clear objectives and pursue them relentlessly, crediting this guidance for bolstering his determination in football.[52] Lidberg's uncle, Jimmy Lidberg, an Olympic bronze medalist in wrestling from the 2012 London Games and Martin's younger brother, is a two-time European champion whose career exemplifies rigorous discipline and unyielding effort in elite sport. The family's athletic heritage in wrestling has contributed to Lidberg's competitive environment.[53] Throughout his career relocations to the Netherlands—first with Go Ahead Eagles in 2021 and then FC Utrecht in 2023—and subsequently to Germany with SV Darmstadt 98 in 2024, Lidberg has relied on robust family support to navigate these transitions. This encouragement, rooted in the family's athletic heritage, has provided emotional stability and motivation during adaptations to new cultures, leagues, and team dynamics. Public information on siblings or other immediate family remains limited, focusing primarily on these wrestling-related ties.Interests and aspirations
Lidberg has long idolized German striker Mario Gomez, citing him as a key influence during his youth for embodying the archetype of a prolific Bundesliga forward. Growing up as a Bayern Munich fan, Lidberg admired Gomez's goal-scoring prowess and physical presence in the box, aspiring to emulate that level of success in Germany's top flight.[54][13] In interviews, Lidberg has expressed a dream of one day playing for Bayern Munich, the club he supported as a child and views as the pinnacle of his career ambitions. This goal aligns with his desire to establish himself as a leading striker in the Bundesliga, building on Gomez's legacy of consistent scoring and team contributions.[54] Information on Lidberg's off-field interests remains limited, reflecting his preference for a private life focused on professional development. He maintains rigorous fitness routines, drawing brief inspiration from his family's wrestling background, and occasionally references appreciation for Swedish cultural traditions amid his international career. Lidberg cultivates a public image as a dedicated, controversy-free professional, prioritizing discipline and performance over personal publicity.[13]Career statistics
Club
Isac Lidberg has accumulated approximately 255 appearances and 81 goals across his club career as of November 19, 2025, encompassing the early matches of the 2025–2026 season.[2][55] Prior to the current season, his totals stood at 242 appearances and 72 goals as of the end of the 2024–25 season.[2][55] Lidberg has not won any major honours at club level during his professional tenure.[25] The following table summarizes his career statistics by club, including loan spells, with appearances and goals across all competitions (leagues, domestic cups, playoffs, and European qualifiers where applicable). Detailed season-by-season breakdowns are provided below the club totals for context.Club Breakdown
| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hammarby IF | 2015–2016 | 7 | 0 |
| Enskede IK (loan) | 2016 | 14 | 6 |
| Åtvidabergs FF | 2017–2018 | 23 | 6 |
| Norwegian clubs (loans) | 2018 | 17 | 1 |
| IF Brommapojkarna | 2019 | 19 | 3 |
| Gefle IF | 2020–2021 | 37 | 22 |
| Go Ahead Eagles | 2021–2023 | 72 | 14 |
| FC Utrecht | 2023–2024 | 22 | 5 |
| SV Darmstadt 98 | 2024– | 44 | 24 |
| Total | 2015–2025 | 255 | 81 |
Season-by-Season Summary
| Season | Club | Competition(s) | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Hammarby IF | Allsvenskan | 2 | 0 |
| 2016 | Hammarby IF | Allsvenskan | 5 | 0 |
| 2016 | Enskede IK (loan) | Division 2, Svenska Cupen | 14 | 6 |
| 2017–18 | Åtvidabergs FF | Superettan, Svenska Cupen | 23 | 6 |
| 2018 | Norwegian clubs (loans) | OBOS-ligaen, NM Cup | 17 | 1 |
| 2019 | IF Brommapojkarna | Superettan, Svenska Cupen | 19 | 3 |
| 2020 | Gefle IF | Ettan Norra | 25 | 19 |
| 2021 | Gefle IF | Ettan Norra | 12 | 3 |
| 2021–22 | Go Ahead Eagles | Eredivisie, Playoffs, KNVB Beker | 36 | 6 |
| 2022–23 | Go Ahead Eagles | Eredivisie, Playoffs, KNVB Beker | 36 | 8 |
| 2023–24 | FC Utrecht | Eredivisie, KNVB Beker, Playoffs | 22 | 5 |
| 2024–25 | SV Darmstadt 98 | 2. Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal | 31 | 15 |
| 2025–26 | SV Darmstadt 98 | 2. Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal | 13 | 9 |
International
Isac Lidberg has represented Sweden at youth and senior international levels, accumulating a total of 15 caps and 5 goals across all categories as of November 19, 2025. His youth career featured contributions for the U17 and U19 teams in qualifiers and friendlies. At the senior level, Lidberg has made 2 appearances without goals.[57][56] The following table summarizes Lidberg's international statistics by age group and competition type:| Age Group | Competition Type | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| U17 | Qualifiers, Friendlies | 4 | 2 |
| U19 | Qualifiers, Friendlies | 9 | 3 |
| Youth Total | 13 | 5 | |
| Senior | UEFA Nations League, WCQ | 2 | 0 |
| Senior Total | 2 | 0 | |
| Overall Total | 15 | 5 |