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Jennifer Falk
Jennifer Falk
from Wikipedia

Jennifer Miley Falk (born 26 April 1993) is a Swedish footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for the BK Häcken, which she captains,[3] and the Sweden national team.[4][5]

Key Information

Clubs

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Falk played six league games for Torslanda IK in the fourth Swedish women's league (Division 2 Norra Götaland) in 2010.[6] After eleven appearances in the third division (Division 1 Norra Götaland) in the 2013 season, she moved to the first division team Jitex BK.[6] As third to last, relegation was avoided, but this followed in the next season. Falk then moved to promoted team Mallbackens IF, for whom in the 2015 season she played all 22 games and helped narrowly escape relegation as third from bottom.[6]

From 2016 she played for Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC, which was renamed to BK Häcken FF in 2021.[6] In her first season she finished fifth with the club and had 15 appearances, more than the other keepers. For the 2017 season, three new goalkeepers were added and Falk only had six appearances. In 2018 Falk had six appearances again. In 2019 Falk was in goal in the cup final and secured first place. In 2020 Falk played all 22 league games, kept 14 clean sheets and thus played a part in the club's first championship.[7] In November 2020 she was awarded player of the month.[8]

In the 2021–22 Champions League she reached the qualifying final against Vålerenga after two wins. Here they were only able to win the away game against Benfica Lisbon. The other games were lost, so they were eliminated as bottom of the group. Falk was in goal in all eight games. In qualifying for the group phase of the 2022–23 Champions League, she competed in the second round, but her team lost twice to Paris Saint-Germain.[9][10]

National team

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In October 2014 she received an invitation to the U-23, but was not used. She played her first international match in May 2015 in a 3-1 win against the England U-23 team.

In October 2016, she became the third goalkeeper for the senior national team's international match against Iran, the first of a European team against the Iranians. For the 2019 World Cup she was nominated as the only Swedish player without international caps. She was second goalkeeper but was not used yet.

Falk played her first game for the senior national team at the 2020 Algarve Cup, in which the three nominated goalkeepers each played one game, in the game against Denmark, which was lost 1-2. During qualifications for the Euro 2022 when regular goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl was injured, Falk was used in the last four qualifying games and kept four clean sheets. With a 2-0 win against Iceland in the penultimate game, the Swedes qualified early for the European Championship finals.

Falk was selected for the 2020 Olympics.[11] She played in the third group game against New Zealand when some regular players were rested after the two opening victories. In the end, like in 2016, the Swedes won the silver medal.

She was nominated for the Euro 2022, but was not used. In the qualifications for the 2023 World Cup she played in goal three times and qualified with her team for the finals in Australia and New Zealand.

On 13 June 2023, she was included in the 23-player squad for the 2023 World Cup.[12] She played in the third group game against Argentina when some regular players were rested. Her team was defeated 1-2 defeat in the semi-final against Spain.[13] With a 2-0 win in the game for third place over Australia she won the bronze medal.[14]

Personal life

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Falk lives together with Swedish footballer Pernilla Johansson.[15]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jennifer Miley Falk (born 26 April 1993) is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for in the , where she serves as captain, and represents the women's national team. Falk began her senior career with Torslanda IK in 2012 before moving to Jitex Mölndal BK and Mallbackens IF, establishing herself as a reliable shot-stopper in Sweden's lower divisions. She joined Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC in 2016, where she contributed to domestic success, including the 2020 title and the 2018/19 . In 2021, following the club's integration into , she became the team's primary goalkeeper and leader, helping secure the 2020/21 and reaching the quarter-finals of the in 2023–24. Internationally, Falk earned her first cap for Sweden in 2016 and has since accumulated 38 appearances as of November 2025. She was part of the squad that won silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, appearing in one group stage match, and bronze at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, appearing in one group stage match. Falk also contributed to Sweden's 2022 Algarve Cup victory and has been a backup or starter in UEFA Women's EURO qualifiers and tournaments, notably stepping up to take a crucial penalty in the 2025 EURO quarter-final shootout against England. Her career highlights her progression from domestic leagues to international podium finishes, earning her multiple Goalkeeper of the Year awards in Sweden.

Early life and youth career

Early life

Jennifer Falk was born on 26 April 1993 in Torslanda, a of in , . Growing up in this coastal area known for its community-oriented environment, she was raised in a supportive Swedish family that encouraged her athletic pursuits, though specific details about her parents or siblings remain private. Standing at 1.71 meters tall, Falk's physical build from a young age suited her eventual role as a , providing the reach and presence necessary for the position. Prior to football, she was involved in during her early teens but had to discontinue due to injuries, which shifted her focus toward other sports. At the age of 15, she discovered her passion for football, initially playing as a before physical challenges in her late teens prompted a transition to goalkeeping. This foundational period in Torslanda laid the groundwork for her athletic development, influenced by the region's strong local sports culture.

Youth career

Jennifer Falk began playing football at the age of 15, joining Torslanda IK as an outfield player, initially in the central midfield position, where she developed her understanding of the game through regional youth matches and training. To further her development, Falk enrolled at Äspö Idrottsgymnasium in Göteborg, a sports-focused high offering a football program that combined athletic training with , allowing her to balance skill-building sessions with academic studies. During this period, she continued competing in youth categories, focusing on tactical awareness and physical conditioning in non-professional environments typical of Swedish regional leagues. At age 18, persistent groin and hip injuries that limited her running ability prompted a positional switch to at Torslanda IK, marking a pivotal shift in her youth progression as she adapted her prior outfield experience to the demands of shot-stopping and distribution. This transition, supported by dedicated training in the club's , honed her reflexes and positioning, setting the foundation for more competitive play.

Club career

Early professional career (2012–2015)

Jennifer Falk began her professional career with Torslanda IK in the lower divisions of Swedish women's football, making her senior debut in 2010 at the age of 17. In 2010, she appeared in six league matches for the club in Division 2 Norra Götaland, gaining initial experience as a in the fourth tier. This period allowed Falk, a product of local development, to transition from amateur play to structured senior competition, honing her skills in a competitive but less pressured environment. In 2013, Falk transferred to Jitex BK, stepping up to the , Sweden's top women's league. Over the 2013–2014 seasons, she made 27 appearances as the primary , contributing to the team's defensive stability without conceding any goals as a scorer herself. Her performances in this higher level demonstrated growing reliability, as Jitex competed against established professional sides, marking a significant advancement in her professional maturation. Falk moved to Mallbackens IF ahead of the 2015 Damallsvenskan season, where she solidified her role with 22 appearances. As a young navigating the demands of full-time professional play, she focused on establishing consistency in a team aiming to maintain top-flight status, facing challenges such as adapting to increased match intensity and tactical expectations. This stint represented a crucial step in her development before joining a major club.

BK Häcken (2016–present)

Jennifer Falk joined in January 2016, initially serving as a backup for the then-named Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC, which was fully integrated into in 2021. In her debut season, she contributed to the team's fifth-place finish in the while making 15 appearances. By 2020, Falk had accumulated over 109 appearances across all competitions, solidifying her role as the primary and extending her tenure with the club through the present day. Falk's leadership evolved significantly during her time at Häcken, culminating in her appointment as team captain, a position she holds as of 2025. Her on-field presence has been instrumental in the team's defensive stability, where she has consistently anchored the backline with strong shot-stopping and distribution skills. Key highlights include the 2018/19 victory, where Falk's performances helped secure the domestic cup title. The 2020 season marked a pinnacle, as Häcken clinched their first-ever league championship; Falk started all 22 matches, recording 14 clean sheets and conceding just eight goals, earning her the November Player of the Month award. In European competition, she featured in all four matches during the 2021–22 qualifiers, starting with a 6–3 aggregate win over Vålerenga in round 2 before a 1–4 aggregate loss to Slavia Praha in round 3. The following season's qualifiers ended in a 0–2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, despite Falk's efforts in goal. She also contributed to the 2020/21 win. Falk's contributions continued into 2025, highlighted by Häcken's Swedish Championship victory on November 8, 2025, following a 2–0 win over Djurgården that clinched the title—her second league honor with the club and a personal career milestone after years of contention. Throughout her Häcken career, she has earned multiple of the Year accolades, including in 2024, recognizing her reliability and growth. Statistically, Falk has amassed over 200 appearances for the club by 2025, with more than 50 clean sheets in league play alone, underscoring her pivotal role in the team's defensive record.

International career

Senior debut and early appearances

Jennifer Falk earned her first senior call-up to the Sweden national team for the , where she served as a backup behind but did not feature in any matches. Falk made her senior international debut on March 7, 2020, starting in a 1–2 loss to at the in , at the age of 26. This appearance marked a breakthrough for the experienced club , who had previously featured for Sweden's U23 side but had yet to break into the senior setup despite her domestic reliability. In the ensuing months, Falk integrated into the national team through participation in training camps and matches, often serving in substitute or backup roles during the COVID-19-disrupted schedule. She accumulated seven caps by the end of 2021, including starts in a 1–0 win over (October 2020), a 6–0 victory against (November 2020), and a 1–1 draw with the (April 2021), helping establish her as a dependable option amid competition for the position. As of November 2025, Falk has earned 38 senior caps, reflecting her growing role in the pre-major tournament phase leading into events like .

Major tournaments and achievements

Falk's international career gained prominence with her inclusion in Sweden's squad for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where the team secured a after reaching the final. Although primarily serving as a backup to , Falk made her Olympic debut in the group stage match against on July 27, 2021, starting in goal and securing a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory, contributing to Sweden's unbeaten group stage run. Her presence in the squad underscored her growing reliability, though she did not feature in the knockout stages, where Sweden advanced to the final before losing to on penalties. In the held in and , Falk played a key role in 's finish, their best result since 2019. She started in the group stage opener against on August 2, 2023, delivering a strong performance with multiple saves to maintain a clean sheet in a 2-0 win, helping top Group G and advance to the knockout rounds. Falk's contributions extended to the tournament's medal matches, where her squad depth and preparedness supported Zecira Musović's starts, culminating in a 2-0 third-place victory over . Falk was part of Sweden's squads for and the 2025 edition, marking her consistent involvement in major European competitions. Following the gradual transition from veteran goalkeepers like Lindahl after the 2021 Olympics, she evolved into a primary option, earning a regular starting role in qualifiers and friendlies, including clean sheets in key Euro qualifying matches. In Euro 2025, she featured prominently, including in the quarter-final against on July 17, 2025, where she made four saves but missed her own spot-kick in a dramatic elimination.

Honours

Club honours

During her tenure with BK Häcken (formerly known as Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC from 2016 to 2020), Jennifer Falk has been part of several successful campaigns that resulted in major domestic titles. In the 2018–19 season, she played a key role in the victory, starting in the final where her team defeated Linköpings FC 2–1 to claim the cup. The 2020 Damallsvenskan season marked Falk's first league title with the club, as they finished atop the table with an undefeated record; she appeared in all 22 matches, recording 14 clean sheets and conceding just eight goals, which was pivotal to the championship win. In November 2020, her standout performances earned her the Player of the Month award. Falk captained to their second title in 2025, securing the Swedish Championship with a 2–0 victory over on the final matchday, ending with 61 points from 25 games. On an individual level, Falk has been recognized as Sweden's of the Year multiple times, including in 2020 for her league-leading clean sheets and in 2024 for her consistent reliability across domestic and international fixtures.

International honours

Jennifer Falk has represented Sweden in several major international tournaments, earning notable accolades as a goalkeeper. She was part of the national team squad that secured a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where Sweden reached the final but lost to . In the , Falk contributed to Sweden's bronze medal finish, defeating in the third-place match after a semifinal exit. Falk made her senior international debut during the 2020 , starting in the match against as finished seventh in the tournament. She contributed to 's victory in the , defeating Italy 6–5 on penalties in the final. She was included in 's squad for , where the team achieved runners-up status after losing the final to . Falk was selected for the Sweden squad at , serving as a key option in goal during the tournament. By November 2025, Falk had earned 37 caps for the national team.

Personal life

Relationships

Jennifer Falk has been in a long-term relationship with Pernilla Johansson, a fellow Swedish athlete specializing in , since at least the early . Johansson, born in 1988, competes for and brings her own elite background in sports to their partnership. The couple shares a home in a renovated villa in Mölndal, , where they have built a supportive life together while balancing their demanding athletic careers. Falk has described their dynamic as harmonious, noting that mutual understanding ensures it "works great" without conflicts arising from their professional commitments. In May 2022, they publicly announced on that they were expecting their first child, due in the fall, marking a significant milestone in their relationship. Their daughter was born at the end of 2022, and Falk later shared images of her on , including one of the infant in a football jersey bearing Falk's number 13. Falk and Johansson have openly acknowledged their partnership through social media posts and interviews, highlighting the strength they draw from each other's encouragement amid the challenges of elite sports. This public visibility underscores their role as a supportive duo, with Johansson attending Falk's matches and vice versa.

Advocacy and public life

Jennifer Falk has been openly identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community, with her relationship with player Pernilla Johansson publicly highlighted in coverage of Sweden's squad for the 2025 Women's Euro. This visibility has positioned her as a prominent figure in promoting inclusivity within women's football. Falk actively advocates for women's football and greater inclusivity, including through participation in initiatives focused on fair play and expanding opportunities for female athletes. In interviews, she has discussed using her platform to support gender equity in sports, contributing to broader conversations about diversity on and off the pitch. Her public image extends to media appearances and a strong social media presence, particularly on under the handle @jfalk_, where she shares insights into her professional life and personal experiences, amassing over 29,000 followers. As a seasoned and , Falk serves as a role model for aspiring young players in , inspiring involvement in football through her emphasis on resilience and leadership. Off-field, she engages in efforts to promote football, including team-based programs that encourage participation among girls.

References

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