Hubbry Logo
Kalmar FFKalmar FFMain
Open search
Kalmar FF
Community hub
Kalmar FF
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Kalmar FF
Kalmar FF
from Wikipedia

Kalmar Fotbollförening, more commonly known as Kalmar FF, is a Swedish professional football club based in Kalmar, Sweden. The club is affiliated to Smålands Fotbollförbund and play their home games at Guldfågeln Arena.[1] Formed on 15 June 1910, the club have won one national championship title (2008) and three national cup titles (1981, 1987, and 2007).

Key Information

In total, KFF has made 35 seasons in Allsvenskan since the debut in the 1949. The club can be found at the 13th position in the all-time Allsvenskan standings, is one of 14 Swedish football clubs that have become both national champions and national cup champions, and one of 14 clubs that have always played in one of the three highest Swedish national football leagues.[2]

Kalmar FF's main local rivals are Östers IF and during the 1980s and 90s Kalmar AIK.

History

[edit]

Early years

[edit]
A chart showing the progress of Kalmar FF through the Swedish football league system. The different shades of gray represent league divisions.

On 15 June 1910, the club IF Göta was created, however they were not allowed to enter the Riksidrottsförbundet due to a conflict regarding the name. The name was already taken by Stockholm's-Göta and Karlstads-Göta. Later in 1912 the club changed its name to IF Gothia and was then accepted by Riksidrottsförbundet.

In 1918 Fredriksskans was opened and at the same time there was a major conference in Kalmar about the high number of clubs in the town, this led to the merging of IF Gothia and Kamraterna to Kalmar Idrotts Sällskap and Kalmar IK merged with Falken to form Kalmar AIK. In 1927 Kalmar Idrotts Sällskap changed its name to Kalmar FF.

In 1927–1928 they qualified for the local league in the Swedish league system, IFK Oskarshamn won the league and was moved up to the Southswedish league, covering both Småland and Skåne, however IFK Oskarshamn renounced its position and it was given to Kalmar FF, this gave rise to complaint from the clubs in Skåne since there were no good train connections to Kalmar at that time, however SJ solved it. In their first game they defeated Malmö FF with 6–0.

The middle years

[edit]

In 1949 the club reached Allsvenskan for the first time after defeating Halmstads BK in the decisive game of the season; during this time Swedish leagues were played autumn–spring, on 31 July they played their first game in Allsvenskan against Degerfors IF and lost 2–0, afterward, the later world-famous Gunnar Nordahl claimed that he had seen much worse newcomers, also this year, on 4 September Kalmar faced Malmö FF in front of 15 093 people in the audience; this is still the audience record on Fredriksskans.

Between 1950 and 1955 the club went up and down between Allsvenskan and Division 2. In 1955 they fell down to Division 2 and stayed there for 20 years; during this time players like Hungarian Ference Marko represented the club at the same time as he lived at the refugee camp in Borgholm in 1957, in 1959 Sune "Mona-Lisa" Andersson, who won an Olympic medal in the 1948 Summer Olympics as a player, as manager, during this time Sten-Åke Johansson played for the club and became the top goalscorer for all time for the club, on 19 October 1975 Kalmar FF defeated Västra Frölunda and returned to Allsvenskan.

In 1976 the club played its 100th game in Allsvenskan against GIF Sundsvall, however this ended with 9–2 defeat and led to manager Kay Wiestål being fired. The 1977 season became the club's most successful season so far; a group of companies sponsored the club's buying of Benno Magnusson; the club was able to end in 3rd place at the end of the season, earning the club its first medal.

In 1981 the club won its first title ever, by defeating IF Elfsborg with 4–0, the club won the Svenska Cupen for the first time ever, however they failed to stay in Allsvenskan and was relegated to Division 1; however the spell was only one year long and Kalmar returned in 1983.

1985 became the club's most successful season, as the club ended up in second place behind Örgryte IS and Billy Lansdowne and Peter Karlsson both became the league's top goalscorer along with Sören Börjesson, Örgryte IS, all scoring 10 goals each. The following year did not go as good; the club was relegated from the top league and the only happiness in 1987 was when the club yet again won the Cup title, this time against GAIS, however the club fell out of Division 1 this year.

In 1988 Kalmar FF won Division 2 without a single defeat which is a record in Division 2 and higher leagues. Between 1989 and 1997 the club spent most of its time in second highest league; this caused serious economic problems for the club.

The Brazilian era

[edit]

After returning to Allsvenskan in 1998, but in 1999 the club fell out again, the only good thing was that the economy had been restored and was in good shape again. During the 2000 season club had to fight to avoid relegation from the second highest league and was only able to do it in the end of the season.

The goal of the 2001 season was to return to Allsvenskan again, after buying several new players such as Lasse Johansson, Fredrik Gärdeman and Lucas Nilsson, the club was able to return to Allsvenskan again, unfortunately the club was relegated directly. During the 2002 the first Brazilian, Alysson, arrived at the club.

The spell in Superettan 2003 became only one year as Kalmar won the league well ahead of Trelleborgs FF, purchase of Daniel Mendes and Dudu helped the club a lot.

In 2004 the club bought three new Brazilian players, Dedé Anderson, Fábio Augusto and César Santin, they all helped the club to a 5th place in Allsvenskan, just missing out on Royal League, the club also made a change board as chairman Ronny Nilsson left after 12 years at the helm, he was replaced by Tommy Strandman.

Champions

[edit]
The lineup who won the league title, Allsvenskan, with a 2–2 away draw against Halmstads BK, 9 Nov 2008.[3]

The two following seasons, 2005 and 2006, Kalmar ended up in 3rd and 5th respectively. Then in 2007 they made a great run from start to finish and finally ended up in second place after champions IFK Göteborg. They won Svenska Cupen the same year by beating IFK Göteborg with 3–0 at Fredriksskans in Kalmar.

Before the start, several Swedish experts believed that Kalmar FF would be one of the teams fighting for the championship title 2008,[4] the club started the season stable and as the season went on the club performance became stronger and saw the club win many big victories, only other team able to keep up was IF Elfsborg. The club had to wait until the last match of the season against Halmstads BK in Halmstad before they could become champions. Before the final match Elfsborg was behind with 3 points and 9 goals. The match against Halmstads BK ended 2–2 placing the club 1 point ahead of Elfsborg.[5] Patrik Ingelsten also became the league's top goalscorer of the season with 19 goals scored. The team reached the final in Svenska Cupen yet again and also this year against IFK Göteborg, however this year IFK won 5–4 on penalties after full-time and extra time had ended 0–0. The club also had the chance to reach the group stage of the UEFA Cup. After strong play against Racing FC from Luxembourg and Gent from Belgium, the club faced Dutch team Feyenoord, after winning 1–0 away in Rotterdam the club lost home with 1–2, in Borås at Borås Arena since Fredriksskans failed to reach UEFA demands,[6] sending the club out of the competition on away goals.[7] [8]

Colours, crest and kit

[edit]

The colours and kits have changed several times over the course of history. From its founding in 1910, Kalmar FF were striped green and red. In 1915 it was changed to red shirts and black shorts. After 1927 red-white striped shirt and red shorts. 1934-35 they returned to the red shirt and black shorts. In 1940, the red-and-white striped shirt and red shorts again. Full red shirt and white shorts, like today, Kalmar FF had for the first time in 1944. In 1952–56, as countless other Swedish clubs, they had the then popular Arsenal costume, with white sleeves.[9][10]

Kit manufacturers and sponsors

[edit]

The club's first kit manufacturer was Adidas, until a three-year deal was agreed with Umbro in 1995. Puma received the contract in 1998 and their sponsorship lasted for seventeen years.[11] In 2016, Hummel was presented as the new kit manufacturer of the club.[12]

Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor (chest)
1977–80 Adidas
1980–88 Kalmar Verkstad
1989–92 Sparbanken
1993–94 RIFA, Sparbanken
1995 Umbro
1996–1997 Sparbanken
1998–2005 Puma Flextronics, Föreningssparbanken
2006 antilop.se, Föreningssparbanken
2007–2009 Audio Video, SAS
2010–2011 Audio Video
2012–2015 Hjältevadshus
2016– Hummel

European record

[edit]
  • Q = Qualifying round
UEFA Champions League
UEFA Cup / UEFA Europa League
UEFA Cup Winners' Cup
UEFA Europa Conference League

UEFA Club Coefficient Ranking

[edit]

The following list ranks the current position of Kalmar FF in the UEFA ranking[13] (as of 25 March 2024):

Rank Team Points
293 Hungary Puskás Akadémia 4.375
294 Hungary Újpest 4.375
295 Hungary Honvéd 4.375
296 Sweden Kalmar 4.300
297 Sweden Elfsborg 4.300
298 Sweden Göteborg 4.300
299 Sweden Norrköping 4.300

Players

[edit]

Current squad

[edit]
As of 1 August 2025[14]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  SWE Samuel Brolin
3 DF  NOR Sivert Øverby
4 DF  FIN Rony Jansson
5 MF  SWE Melker Hallberg (captain)
6 DF  SWE Rasmus Sjöstedt
7 FW  GHA Isaac Atanga
8 FW  LTU Tomas Kalinauskas (on loan from Burton Albion)
9 FW  SWE Malcolm Stolt
10 FW  SWE Camil Jebara (on loan from Elfsborg)
11 FW  FIN Anthony Olusanya
12 DF  SWE Zakarias Råvik
14 MF  CIV Awaka Djoro (on loan from ASEC Mimosas)
16 MF  SWE William Andersson
No. Pos. Nation Player
17 MF  SWE Carl Gustafsson
18 MF  SWE Antonio Kujundžić
19 FW  FIN Saku Ylätupa
20 MF  GAM Gibril Sosseh
21 MF  NGA Abdussalam Magashy
23 MF  SWE Robert Gojani
24 MF  SWE Wilmer Andersson
26 DF  SWE Arash Motaraghebjafarpour
28 FW  SWE Abdi Sabriye
30 GK  SWE Jakob Kindberg
39 DF  NOR Lars Sætra
47 DF  USA Aboubacar Keita

Out on loan

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
22 FW  SWE Ville Nilsson (at Oskarshamns AIK until 30 November 2025)
27 DF  SWE Arvin Davoudi-Kia (at Oskarshamns AIK until 30 November 2025)
No. Pos. Nation Player
32 GK  SWE Casper Andersson (at FK Karlskrona until 30 November 2025)

Retired numbers

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
8 MF  SWE Henrik Rydström (1993–2013)
15 MF  SWE Johny Erlandsson (1973–88)

Management

[edit]

Board

[edit]
Name Role
Sweden Anders Henriksson Acting Chairman
Sweden Joachim Lantz Board Member
Sweden Karin Ekebjär   Board Member
Sweden Thomas Johansson Board Member
Sweden Per Stephani Board Member
Sweden Martin Bergvall Nilsson Board Member
Sweden Lotta Petersson Board Member
Sweden Andreas Öhlin Board Member

[15]

Technical Staff

[edit]
Name Role
Finland Toni Koskela Manager
Spain Guillem Santesmases Assistant coach
Sweden Stefan Larsson Assistant coach
Sweden Rasmus Elm Individual coach
Sweden Donald Arvidsson Goalkeeping coach
Sweden Lucas Nilsson Academy director
Sweden Ola Ragnarsson Team coordinator
Sweden Jörgen Pettersson Sports director
Sweden Johan Öhlin U16 Trainer
Sweden Mathias Svensson Groundkeeper

[16]

Managers

[edit]

Honours

[edit]

League

[edit]

Cups

[edit]

Footnotes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Kalmar FF, officially known as Kalmar Fotbollförening, is a professional association football club based in , . Founded on 15 June 1910 as IF Göta, the club has a rich history marked by mergers and name changes, ultimately adopting its current name in 1927 after combining with local teams. Following relegation from the at the end of the 2024 season, it competed in the , Sweden's second-tier league, finishing second in the 2025 standings with a record of 18 wins, 10 draws, and 2 losses to secure promotion back to the for 2026. The team plays its home matches at the Guldfågeln Arena, a modern 12,000-capacity stadium that replaced the historic Fredriksskans in 2011. The club's early years were shaped by regional competitions and structural changes in Swedish football, including a 1918 merger between IF Göta (renamed IF Gothia in 1912) and Kamraterna to form Kalmar Idrotts Sällskap (KIS), amid efforts to consolidate local clubs. Kalmar FF entered the for the first time in 1949, marking a in its ascent, though it experienced frequent promotions and relegations in subsequent decades. It returned to the top flight in 1975 after a notable promotion campaign, with a third-place finish in the in 1977 highlighting its growing competitiveness. The club is affiliated with Smålands Fotbollförbund, emphasizing its roots in the Småland region, and has maintained a reputation for disciplined, team-oriented play. Kalmar FF's major achievements include one Allsvenskan title in 2008, a breakthrough that ended decades of near-misses, including runner-up finishes in 1985 and 2007. It has also secured three Svenska Cupen victories—in 1981, 1987, and 2007—along with the Supercupen in 2009. These successes qualified the club for European competitions, such as the UEFA Europa League, where it reached the second round in the 2008/09 season after facing Feyenoord in the first round—winning the away leg 1–0 but eliminated on away goals following a 1–2 home defeat—with standout performances from players like Viktor Elm. Kalmar FF remains a storied institution in Swedish football, known for its community ties and development of talents like the Elm brothers.

History

Foundation and early years (1904–1950)

Kalmar FF's origins lie in the early efforts to organize football and athletics in the city of Kalmar, with the third successful attempt to establish an Idrottsföreningen Kamraterna (IFK) branch occurring on 1 April 1904, forming IFK Kalmar as a multi-sport club emphasizing football and track and field activities by local enthusiasts. This club, known initially for its amateur pursuits, laid the groundwork for organized sports in the region, including early regional matches and athletic competitions that fostered community involvement. On 15 June 1910, a new entity, IF Göta, was founded by a group of local football enthusiasts, initially barred from Riksförbundet för Idrott (RF) membership due to name conflicts but renamed IF Gothia in early 1912 to secure acceptance and expand into broader idrott activities. The club quickly integrated football with athletics, producing notable athletes such as William Petersson-Björneman, who won Olympic gold in the at the 1920 Games representing . Early football efforts focused on local and regional leagues in Småland, where amateur status prevailed, and rivalries developed intensely with nearby clubs like Kalmar AIK, intensifying community interest in the sport. In , following the of Fredriksskans idrottsplats as a shared venue, IFK Kalmar merged with IF Gothia on 1 to create Kalmar Idrotts Sällskap (KIS), a multi-sport association that continued emphasizing football alongside in regional competitions. By 1927, amid player transfers from Kalmar AIK, KIS was renamed Kalmar Fotbollsförening (Kalmar FF), marking a shift toward a stronger football identity while retaining amateur operations. That same season, Kalmar FF entered the Sydsvenska serien, qualifying for Sweden's playoffs in the late , though they exited early after a 6-0 debut win over was overshadowed by regional qualification disputes. The brought financial struggles typical of small-town amateur clubs, with limited resources constraining development and reliance on local support for operations in 's lower divisions. During , allowed uninterrupted league play, but Kalmar FF faced indirect challenges such as material shortages and reduced travel, maintaining regional matches without major halts. A pivotal came in 1949 when the club secured promotion to Division 2 by defeating 1-0 on 26 May, ending decades of lower-tier play and signaling the transition from purely local roots. The club's early crest and red-and-white colors evolved from IFK Kalmar's influences, symbolizing regional pride in .

Post-war development and Allsvenskan entry (1951–1990)

Following , Kalmar FF focused on stabilizing its operations within Sweden's evolving football league system, which transitioned toward a more structured national framework. The club achieved promotion to the top tier, then known as Division 1 and a predecessor to the modern , in 1949 after a decisive 1-0 victory over on May 26 at Fredriksskans, securing their first top-flight appearance. Their debut season in 1950 saw them compete in , finishing 12th and facing immediate relegation after a challenging campaign marked by defensive struggles. The 1950s were characterized by frequent fluctuations between the top division and Division 2, as Kalmar FF earned promotions in 1953 and maintained a presence in for two seasons, placing 9th in 1953/54 and 11th in 1954/55 before a final relegation in 1955 that initiated a two-decade stint in the second tier. During this period, the club emphasized youth development and local talent, with Hungarian-born forward Ference Marko debuting in 1957 and becoming a key scorer, while Swedish international Roland Sandberg emerged in 1966, earning his first national team cap in 1969 after consistent performances in Division 2. Managerial changes, including the appointment of Olympic gold medalist Sune "Mona-Lisa" Andersson in 1959, brought tactical discipline and helped build resilience, though promotions eluded them until the mid-1970s. Infrastructure at Fredriksskans saw incremental improvements, such as enhanced seating to accommodate growing crowds, exemplified by the 15,243 attendance for a 1949 match against , underscoring community support amid post-war recovery. By the 1970s, Kalmar FF established consistency in Division 2 Södra, culminating in a promotion-winning 1975 season with a 3-2 victory over Västra Frölunda on October 19, returning them to after 20 years. Under manager Lars "Laban" Arnesson from 1970, who introduced modern training methods, the club achieved mid-table stability upon re-entry, including a 4th-place finish in 1978 and a strong 3rd place in 1977—earning the informal "lilla silvret" for the best non-championship performance and narrowly missing European qualification. Notable contributors included Benno Magnusson, signed in 1977, whose versatility bolstered the attack alongside forwards like Johny Erlandsson, highlighted in a memorable 6-0 win over rivals Öster in 1979. However, inconsistencies persisted, leading to a 12th-place finish and relegation in 1981 despite a triumphant victory that year, where they defeated 4-0 in the final for their first major trophy. The 1980s featured further promotions and competitive showings in , with Kalmar FF reclaiming a Division 2 Södra title in 1983 behind English striker Billy Lansdowne's 16 goals, securing promotion and a runner-up position in the 1985 regular season—their best top-flight result to date, again falling short of European spots. Relegation followed in 1986 after an 11th-place finish, dropping them to Söderettan, but the era solidified their reputation as a resilient mid-tier club reliant on domestic talent like Sten-Åke Johansson, a prolific scorer from the onward. These years at Fredriksskans fostered a dedicated fanbase, with consistent attendances reflecting the club's growing integration into national football.

Brazilian era and breakthrough (1991–2007)

In 1996, Kalmar FF underwent a significant internal restructuring when the football section was separated from the club's athletics department, allowing it to operate as an independent entity focused solely on football operations. This change enabled more targeted development of the football program, laying the groundwork for future professionalization amid Sweden's evolving club structures. The period from the early marked the onset of Kalmar FF's "Brazilian era," characterized by strategic recruitment of South American talent under manager Nanne Bergstrand, who took over in 2003. Bergstrand's approach emphasized partnerships with Brazilian agencies to identify affordable, high-potential players, addressing the club's limited while injecting technical and flair into the squad. The first notable import was forward Alysson in 2002, followed by attackers Daniel Mendes and Dudu in 2003, who played pivotal roles in the team's promotion campaign. This influx of Brazilian players facilitated a tactical shift toward an attacking, fluid style of play, blending Scandinavian work ethic with South American creativity and pace. Under Bergstrand, Kalmar FF adopted a high-pressing system with emphasis on quick transitions and wide play, which contrasted with the more defensive setups common in Swedish football at the time. The 2004 signings of César Santin, Dedé Anderson, and Fábio Augusto exemplified this evolution, as their technical abilities contributed to a fifth-place finish in , securing the club's first consistent top-half position in years. From 2004 onward, Kalmar FF maintained top-half finishes, with the squad's growing cohesion reflecting the success of these financial and scouting strategies that prioritized long-term player integration over short-term spending. Key milestones underscored this breakthrough phase. In 2003, bolstered by the Brazilian arrivals, Kalmar FF won convincingly, earning promotion back to after relegation. The team reached its domestic peak in 2007, clinching the title with a 3-2 victory over in the final, while finishing as runners-up behind , just one point shy of the championship. These achievements highlighted the era's impact, transforming Kalmar FF from a mid-tier club into a competitive force through innovative recruitment and tactical innovation.

Championships and modern era (2008–present)

Kalmar FF achieved its historic first title in 2008 under manager Nanne Bergstrand, clinching the championship on November 9, 2008, with a 2–2 draw against at Örjans Vall, ending a 98-year wait for the Swedish league crown. The victory was marked by key contributions from captain , who lifted the trophy amid celebrations involving around 5,000 traveling fans, and top scorer Patrik Ingelsten with 19 goals. Bergstrand's tactical approach, building on prior Brazilian recruitment strategies, emphasized disciplined defense and counter-attacks, propelling the club to 52 points and a four-point lead over runners-up . As champions, Kalmar FF qualified for the second qualifying round, facing Hungarian side VSC; they secured a 3–1 home win but fell 2–0 away, resulting in a 3–3 aggregate elimination on away goals. Following elimination from the Champions League, the club did not advance further in European competitions that season. Following the title triumph, Kalmar FF encountered performance volatility in the ensuing years, finishing fourth in 2009 before slipping to ninth in 2010 and tenth in 2012. The brought repeated relegation threats, with narrow escapes including 13th place in 2015 and 11th in 2014 after a solid fourth in 2013, often relying on late-season surges to maintain top-flight status. The most precarious period came in 2019 and 2020, when finishes of 14th in both seasons placed them in relegation ; in 2020, they survived a 4–1 aggregate victory over Jönköpings Södra in the decisive ties. The significantly disrupted operations during the season, with matches played behind closed doors amid restrictions, contributing to fan absence and heightened financial pressures on the club. Post-2020, under managers like from to , Kalmar FF integrated youth talents from its academy into the first team, fostering mid-table stability with sixth place in , fourth in , and sixth again in 2023. This period emphasized , blending experienced players with emerging prospects to secure European qualification spots via league position in 2022. However, fortunes declined in 2024, culminating in a 15th-place finish and direct relegation to Superettan. Kalmar FF finished the 2025 Superettan season in 2nd place with 64 points from 30 matches (18 wins, 10 draws, 2 losses), securing automatic promotion back to Allsvenskan.

Club identity

Name, colours, and crest

Kalmar Fotbollförening, commonly known as Kalmar FF or KFF, is the official name of the Swedish professional football club based in Kalmar. The club was originally founded on 15 June 1910 as IF Göta, a multi-sport association. In early 1912, it was renamed IF Gothia to resolve a naming conflict with another club. In 1918, IF Gothia merged with the local club Kamraterna to form Kalmar Idrotts Sällskap (KIS), which encompassed various sports including football, athletics, and wrestling. By 1927, following the collapse of rival club Kalmar AIK and a shift to focus solely on football, KIS rebranded as Kalmar FF to establish a distinct identity in the local sports landscape. The club's primary colours are red and white, adopted in 1927 alongside the to reflect a unified branding. These colours, representing passion and unity, are prominently featured in the home kit as a red-and-white striped paired with red . The choice draws inspiration from regional flags and Swedish national symbolism, emphasizing the club's roots in . Earlier iterations included green-and-red stripes from the founding until 1915, followed by plain red shirts with black shorts until the permanent shift to red and white. The crest of Kalmar FF has evolved significantly since the club's inception, transitioning from simple textual designs to more structured emblems that incorporate historical elements. The original 1904 design for precursor clubs was basic, but by the mid-20th century, it featured stylized initials. The current shield-shaped crest, adopted in 2005, includes a rampant holding anchors, set against a background with white accents. This design was refined in 2023 by design agency Wilson Creative to ensure consistency across branding while preserving core motifs. The lion symbolizes strength and nobility, directly tied to Kalmar's medieval heritage as a key center during the (1397–1523), where lion imagery represented royal power and regional pride; the anchors evoke the city's as a vital port.

Stadium and training facilities

Kalmar FF's original home ground was Fredriksskans IP, a located in central near the , which served as the club's primary venue from its opening in 1918 until 2011. The facility had a capacity of approximately 9,000 spectators, including about 3,700 seated, and underwent several upgrades over the decades to accommodate growing attendances and meet league standards. The stadium's record attendance was 15,243, set during a 1949 match against . In 2011, the club relocated to the newly constructed Kalmar Arena in the Hansa City district on the northwestern outskirts of , replacing the aging Fredriksskans IP to provide a modern environment better suited for professional football. Renamed Guldfågeln Arena under sponsorship , the venue has a total capacity of 12,182, with 10,600 seats and for 1,500 standing spectators on terraces during domestic matches. Key modern features include a playing surface measuring 105 by 68 meters, for year-round usability, and floodlights providing 3,000 illumination. The arena's design incorporates the club's traditional red and white colors in its seating and facade elements. For training, Kalmar FF utilizes dedicated facilities including Fjölebro IP, primarily for youth academy and sessions, supporting the club's development programs established in the . These grounds enable structured training for emerging talent alongside the first team's preparations at Guldfågeln Arena. Attendances at Fredriksskans reached notable peaks during Kalmar FF's successful 2008 season, when the club clinched its first title, with the final against drawing 7,158 fans. This period marked a high point in supporter engagement before the transition to the larger Guldfågeln Arena.

Kit and sponsorship

Kit evolution and manufacturers

Kalmar FF's kits have historically centered on the club's traditional red and white colors, with the home jersey featuring prominent red and white vertical stripes that reflect the team's identity. Early designs prior to the were simple and functional, typically consisting of basic jerseys and shorts suited to the era's football standards, though detailed records from this period are limited. The club entered formal partnerships with kit manufacturers in the late 1970s, marking the beginning of branded apparel evolution. served as the first official supplier from to , introducing more standardized and durable synthetic materials that improved performance on the pitch. This period saw gradual refinements in stripe patterns and fit, aligning with global trends in football attire. In 1995, took over for a three-year contract through 1997, bringing subtle design updates such as enhanced collar styles and lighter fabrics to the red-white home kits. Puma assumed the role in 1998 and remained the manufacturer until 2015, a tenure that coincided with significant club successes. Notably, the 2008 championship-winning home kit was a plain red jersey with white accents, emblematic of the era's minimalist aesthetic under Puma's production. During this time, third kits—often in alternative colors like black or blue—began appearing more regularly in the to accommodate fixture needs and expand merchandising options. Hummel became the supplier from 2016 to 2019, emphasizing ergonomic designs and moisture-wicking technology in the striped home kits, which helped boost fan engagement through modern styling. Since , Select has been the current manufacturer, continuing the red-white tradition with contemporary elements like sustainable materials and customizable options, contributing to steady kit sales growth amid the club's competitive presence in Swedish football. These manufacturer shifts have not only influenced design innovation but also supported commercial partnerships that enhance the club's visibility and revenue streams.

Sponsors and partnerships

Kalmar FF's commercial sponsorships have historically relied on regional businesses, transitioning from small-scale local agreements in the 1980s to more structured partnerships that bolster club finances. In the 2000s, Föreningssparbanken served as a prominent sponsor from 1998 to 2005, enhancing visibility through logo placement on match kits. During the 2010s, Hjältevadshus became a key main sponsor starting in , marking a shift toward national firms with broader market reach. A partnership is with Guldfågeln AB, which secured for the club's stadium—Guldfågeln Arena—upon its opening in 2011, providing ongoing financial stability through extended agreements. In October 2024, the club renewed this deal for additional years, underscoring Guldfågeln's role as "Smålands stolthet" in regional branding. Other notable collaborations include ICA Supermarket Borgholm, led by owner Richard Teern, who has sponsored the club since the early with contributions reaching up to 3 million SEK annually in peak years, emphasizing community-oriented support. Sponsorship revenues play a critical role in Kalmar FF's finances, forming a significant portion of market income that reached its highest level in five years in 2024 at approximately 92 million SEK in total net turnover. These funds have enabled post-2008 investments, including player acquisitions and facility upgrades following the club's title win. In 2025, partnerships expanded to include energy firms like Energi, reflecting a preference for local entities that align with ethical over international conglomerates.

Achievements

Domestic league titles

Kalmar FF secured its sole title in the 2008 season, marking the club's first championship in the top flight of Swedish football. With a record of 20 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses across 30 matches, the team amassed 64 points and a of +38 (70 goals scored, 32 conceded), finishing one point ahead of runners-up . This triumph qualified Kalmar FF for the second qualifying round of the , providing the club with its first opportunity to compete in Europe's premier club competition. The 2008 campaign was characterized by a potent attack and solid defense, bolstered by contributions from the club's Brazilian contingent during its "Brazilian era." Key performers included top scorer Patrik Ingelsten, who netted 19 goals in the league, while Viktor Elm added 15 and César Santin contributed 9. Daniel Sobralense, another Brazilian import, scored 5 goals in 19 appearances, aiding the team's offensive depth. Standout victories underscored Kalmar's dominance, such as the 6–0 home rout of on November 2, 2008, which mathematically clinched the title with one match remaining by extending their lead to six points. The season concluded with a 2–2 draw away to , confirming the championship in dramatic fashion. This victory represented a historic breakthrough for Kalmar FF, established in 1910, as it ended nearly a century without a national league crown and highlighted the club's rise from regional obscurity to national prominence. The success not only boosted local pride in the region but also set a foundation for sustained competitiveness in subsequent seasons.

Domestic cup competitions

Kalmar FF has enjoyed considerable success in the Svenska Cupen, Sweden's primary domestic knockout competition, securing three titles and reaching the final five times overall. These achievements highlight the club's ability to perform in high-stakes, one-off matches, often against stronger opponents, contributing to their reputation as a resilient competitor in Swedish football. The club's inaugural Svenska Cupen victory occurred in the 1980–81 season, culminating in a decisive 4–0 win over IF Elfsborg in the final at Råsunda Stadium on 7 May 1981. Competing in the Allsvenskan at the time, Kalmar FF dominated the match with goals from Thomas Sunesson, Johny Erlandsson, Tony Persson, and Kurt-Arne Bergstrand, marking their first major national honor and qualification for European competition the following season. Their second triumph came during a challenging period in the second tier (Division 2), as they lifted the trophy again in the 1986–87 edition by defeating GAIS 2–0 in the final at Råsunda on 28 June 1987. Billy Lansdowne and Björn Wigstedt scored the goals, underscoring the team's underdog spirit and providing a boost amid struggles in league play. In more recent years, Kalmar FF claimed their third cup title in 2007, overcoming 3–0 in the final at Fredriksskans Stadium on 27 2007. César Santin netted a brace, while Patrik Ingelsten added a third, in a performance that propelled the club toward their championship the next year and demonstrated tactical discipline under manager Nanne Bergstrand. The club returned to the final in 2008 as league champions, but fell to 4–5 on penalties after a 0–0 draw (a.e.t.), with the match again hosted at Fredriksskans. Another runner-up finish followed in 2011, where they lost 1–3 to at Stadion on 5 November 2011, despite taking an early lead through Viktor Elm. With three victories from five final appearances, Kalmar FF boasts a 60% win rate in deciders, reflecting consistent excellence in the competition despite varying league fortunes.

Other domestic honours

Kalmar FF has won the Svenska Supercupen once, defeating 1–0 on 21 March 2009 at Fredriksskans Stadium. The club has a history of promotions from Sweden's second tier, including in 1949 (Division 2 Södra winners), 1950, 1954, 1975 (Division 2 Södra winners), 1983 (Division 2 Södra winners), 1998 (Division 1 Södra winners), 2001 and 2003 ( winners), and 2025 ( runners-up). In 1988, Kalmar FF won Division 2 undefeated, a record for Swedish leagues from Division 2 upward. Prior to the establishment of in 1924, Kalmar FF participated in several editions of the Svenska Mästerskapet, the national knockout championship that served as Sweden's premier domestic competition from 1896 to 1950; although they did not win the title, these appearances represented early national exposure for the club founded in 1910. Kalmar FF has received minor recognitions for , such as the fair play award to former defender Patrik Rosengren in 2012.

Players

Current first-team squad

As of 18 November 2025, Kalmar FF's first-team comprises 25 players under the management of , who was appointed in late 2024 and guided the team to promotion from the after a second-place finish. The roster emphasizes a balanced mix of youth and experience, with an average age of 25.1 years and 13 foreign players representing 52% of the group. Key contributors include central midfielder Melker Hallberg, who provides leadership and distribution in a typical 4-3-3 setup, and versatile forward Isaac Atanga, known for his pace on the right flank. Recent additions for the 2025 season include centre-back Aboubacar Keita, signed on a free transfer from an American club in February with a until December 2026 ( €300k), and winger Camil Jebara, acquired from in March for an undisclosed fee with a deal until December 2025 ( €250k). Other notable 2025 signings are forward Emeka Nnamani from a Danish club for €225k ( until June 2028) and midfielder Awaka Djoro on a long-term deal until 2029 ( €200k). These reinforcements bolstered defensive depth and attacking options amid the promotion push. The squad's depth supports rotation in defense with multiple centre-backs for a solid backline, while midfield offers creative outlets through attacking players like Abdussalam Magashy. Up front, the forward line features speed and finishing prowess, with no major injuries or suspensions reported at the season's end following the promotion-securing 2-0 win over on November 1.
PositionPlayerNationalityAge
Goalkeepers
GKSamuel BrolinSweden25
GKJakob KindbergSweden31
Defenders
CBLars SætraNorway34
CBRasmus SjöstedtSweden33
CBAboubacar KeitaUnited States25
CBRony JanssonFinland21
CBZakarias RåvikSweden19
LBSaba MamatsashviliGeorgia23
LBSivert ØverbyNorway26
Midfielders
CMMelker HallbergSweden30
CMRobert GojaniSweden31
CMCarl GustafssonSweden25
CMWilliam AnderssonSweden19
LMTomas KalinauskasLithuania25
AMAbdussalam MagashyNigeria27
AMCharlie RosenqvistSweden18
CMGibril SossehGambia18
MNils YngvessonSweden18
MAli ZaherSweden19
Forwards
RWIsaac AtangaGhana25
LWAbdi SabriyeSweden23
RWSaku YlätupaFinland26
CFMalcolm StoltSweden24
CFAnthony OlusanyaFinland25
CFEmeka NnamaniDenmark24
RWCamil JebaraSweden22
FAnton PerssonSweden17
FWilmer AnderssonSweden20

Players on loan

As of 18 November 2025, Kalmar FF has loaned out three young first-team players to lower-division clubs in to aid their development and provide regular playing time, helping to build squad depth by integrating more experienced players at the parent club in the . These loans, which include standard clauses allowing Kalmar FF to bring players back if needed, typically last until the end of the and focus on progression from the club's system. The loaned players and their details are as follows:
PlayerPositionAgeNationalityLoan DestinationLoan StartLoan EndNotes
Arvin Davoudi-KiaLeft-Back19SwedenOskarshamns AIK (Ettan Södra)April 202530 November 2025Gained 12 appearances with 1 assist during the loan, contributing to defensive stability.
Ville NilssonCentre-Forward21SwedenOskarshamns AIK (Ettan Södra)April 202530 November 2025Scored 5 goals in 18 matches, enhancing his goal-scoring development ahead of potential first-team return.
Casper AnderssonGoalkeeper20SwedenFK Karlskrona (Ettan Södra)April 202530 November 2025Made 15 appearances, recording 6 clean sheets to build match experience post-injury recovery.
These placements to Ettan Södra clubs underscore Kalmar FF's strategy of using regional partnerships for targeted growth, with the loans impacting squad depth by freeing up roster spots for senior integrations while monitoring progress closely.

Notable former players

stands out as one of Kalmar FF's most influential former players, having served as club captain during their historic 2008 Allsvenskan title win. A defensive , Rydström spent 13 seasons with the first team starting from 1993, contributing to the club's rise from mid-table obscurity to through his leadership and tenacity on the pitch. His long-term commitment earned him recognition as a club legend, exemplified by his inclusion in Kalmar FF's Wall of Fame, which honors over 30 pivotal figures in the club's history. César Santin, a Brazilian forward, emerged as a key attacking force during his tenure with Kalmar FF from 2004 to , playing a starring role in the 2008 league triumph. Santin's goal-scoring prowess and flair helped solidify the team's offensive edge, leading to his high-profile transfer to in for a reported DKK 15 million fee, marking one of the club's notable export successes. Although he did not earn senior international caps for , his performances in highlighted the impact of the club's Brazilian imports during that era. Patrik Rosengren, a reliable center-back, provided defensive stability for Kalmar FF over seven seasons from 2002 to 2008, contributing to the squad's cohesion during their ascent to the 2008 championship. As one of the longest-serving players in that successful period, Rosengren's experience from prior stints at bolstered Kalmar's backline, aiding their transition to consistent top-flight contenders. Other notable figures include Ari da Silva Ferreira, whose prolific scoring was instrumental in the 2008 title before his €5 million move to , underscoring Kalmar FF's strategy of nurturing talent for lucrative transfers. The club's Wall of Fame further celebrates such legacies, with inductees like the Elm brothers—David, Viktor, and —recognized for their collective contributions to European campaigns and domestic success in the late .

Staff and management

Current coaching and technical staff

As of November 2025, Kalmar FF's first-team coaching staff is led by , a 42-year-old Finnish manager appointed on January 1, 2025, with a contract running until December 31, 2027. Koskela, previously at , was hired following the club's relegation to , and successfully guided the team back to in 2025. The assistant managers include Emin Nouri, a 40-year-old Sweden-Azerbaijan dual national serving since February 27, 2023, with his contract expiring on December 31, 2025; and Guillem Santesmases, a 29-year-old Spaniard appointed on January 26, 2025, after working with Ilves Tampere II. Donald Arvidsson, 57, has been the goalkeeping coach since January 1, 2006, providing long-term stability in that role. Antti Peltonen, a 41-year-old Finn, joined as mental coach on March 24, 2025, with a contract until the end of 2025, following his time at . On the technical side, Peter Swärdh, 60, was appointed head of scouting on October 6, 2025, having joined the club as in December 2024, marking a key post-2024 hire to bolster recruitment efforts following promotion from . These 2025 appointments, including Koskela, Santesmases, Peltonen, and Swärdh, reflect Kalmar FF's strategy to refresh the staff, culminating in the successful return to . Under Koskela's leadership, Kalmar FF secured promotion to the on November 1, 2025, by finishing second in the .
RoleNameNationalityAgeAppointment DateContract Expiry
Head Coach4201/01/202531/12/2027
Assistant ManagerEmin Nouri/4027/02/202331/12/2025
Assistant ManagerGuillem Santesmases2926/01/2025-
Goalkeeping CoachDonald Arvidsson5701/01/2006-
Mental CoachAntti Peltonen4124/03/202531/12/2025
Head of ScoutingPeter Swärdh6006/10/2025-

Board of directors

The board of directors of Kalmar FF oversees the club's strategic direction, , and operational , ensuring long-term sustainability and compliance with Swedish football regulations. As of 2025, the board consists of nine members, elected at the annual general meeting, with terms ranging from one to two years. The chairman leads the board, coordinating decisions on key issues such as budgeting, investments, and . Current Board Members:
  • Chairman: Joachim Lantz (elected for one year in 2025, with prior involvement in local business and sports administration).
  • Board Members:
    • Karin Ekebjär (continuing member, focused on financial oversight).
    • Thomas Johansson (continuing member, expertise in sponsorship and marketing).
    • Per Stephani (continuing member, handles youth development initiatives).
    • Martin Bergvall Nilsson (re-elected for two years, background in legal affairs).
    • Lotta Petersson (continuing member, community relations specialist).
    • Andreas Öhlin (continuing member, operations and stadium management).
    • Mårten Olander (new member for two years, 53, from Kalmar, with experience in business and sports governance).
    • Johan Ramklint (new member for two years, 36, from Kalmar, legal and financial expert with sports involvement).
The board's primary responsibilities include approving annual budgets to maintain , negotiating stadium deals for Guldfågeln , and supervising the youth academy to foster talent development in line with the club's mission. These duties emphasize fiscal , especially following the club's relegation to in 2024, which prompted cost adjustments and revenue diversification. A significant change occurred in late 2024 when former chairman Anders Henriksson resigned amid the relegation, leading to the board's expansion from eight to nine members at the 2025 annual meeting to enhance representation and expertise in efforts. This restructuring aimed to strengthen ties with local businesses and sponsors, such as regional firms supporting community programs, to support the club's recovery and return to in 2025.

List of managers

The history of Kalmar FF's managers dates back to the club's early professionalization in the mid-20th century, with records becoming more comprehensive from the onward. Prior to that, coaching roles were often informal or shared among club officials in the and , as the club competed in regional leagues without dedicated head coaches. The following table outlines the head managers from 1951 to the present, based on verified tenures.
Manager NameNationalityTenureNotes
István WampetitsJuly 1951 – June 1955Early foreign coach; focused on tactical development.
Bert TurnerJuly 1955 – June 1956Brief international appointment.
Bertil BäckvallJanuary 1963 – December 1966Oversaw promotion efforts in lower divisions.
Lars ArnessonJanuary 1970 – December 1972Introduced modern training methods emphasizing conditioning and technique.
Bo JohanssonJanuary 1973 – December 1973Short first stint; returned multiple times later.
Göran AnderssonJanuary 1974 – December 1974Interim-like role during transitional period.
Kay-Arne WiestålJanuary 1975 – May 1976Sacked after heavy defeat; tenure lasted 507 days.
Eivert BladMay 1976 – December 1976Interim replacement; 223 days.
Bo JohanssonJanuary 1977 – December 1978Second stint; contributed to mid-table stability.
Bo FalkJanuary 1979 – December 1981Three-year tenure focused on youth integration.
Bo JohanssonJanuary 1982 – December 1983Third stint; emphasized defensive organization.
Allan LarsenJanuary 1984 – December 1986Longest early foreign tenure; 1,095 days.
Göran AnderssonJuly 1987 – June 1988Brief return; 356 days.
Börje AxelssonMay 1988 – December 1990Extended role through promotion push.
Alf WesterbergJanuary 1991 – December 1992Two-year stability in Allsvenskan.
Karl-Gunnar BjörklundJanuary 1993 – December 1993One-year stint amid club transitions.
Patrick WalkerJanuary 1994 – August 1996Foreign influence; 969 days, mid-table finishes.
Kjell NybergAugust 1996 – December 1997Stabilizing role; 490 days.
Nanne BergstrandJanuary 1998 – December 1999First tenure; laid foundations for later success.
Simon HuntJanuary 2000 – September 2000Shortest full season attempt; 246 days.
Ulf NordenhemSeptember 2000 – September 2000Briefest tenure at 10 days; emergency appointment.
Conny KarlssonSeptember 2000 – December 2002Oversaw relegation and promotion; 837 days.
Nanne BergstrandJanuary 2003 – November 2013Record-long single stint (4,017 days); won Superettan 2003 and 2008.
Hans EklundNovember 2013 – November 2014Transitional; 317 days.
Peter SwärdhJanuary 2015 – June 2017Focused on squad rebuilding; 894 days.
Nanne BergstrandJune 2017 – July 2018Third stint; 413 days, brief return.
Henrik RydströmJuly 2018 – December 2018Interim success; 153 days.
Magnus PehrssonDecember 2018 – October 2019European qualification push; 334 days.
Jens NilssonNovember 2019 – December 2019Short caretaker; 60 days.
Nanne BergstrandJanuary 2020 – December 2020Fourth stint; pandemic-era management, 365 days.
Henrik RydströmJanuary 2021 – November 2022Extended tenure; consistent top-half finishes, 698 days.
Henrik JensenDecember 2022 – June 2024Relegation occurred; 539 days.
Stefan LarssonJune 2024 – December 2024Interim promotion effort; 194 days.
Toni KoskelaFinlandJanuary 2025 – December 2027Current manager; three-year contract, emphasizing tactical innovation from prior HJK success. Successfully led promotion from in 2025.
Nanne Bergstrand holds the distinction of the longest cumulative tenure at Kalmar FF, spanning multiple periods from 1998 to 2020 and totaling over 5,500 days across four stints, during which he secured the club's first title in 2008 and promotion from in 2003. His approaches emphasized youth development and defensive solidity, contributing to a win rate exceeding 40% in his primary 2003–2013 era. The 1990s represented a period of relative stability for the club in the , with managers like Patrick Walker and Kjell Nyberg maintaining mid-table positions and avoiding relegation through consistent squad management over two-to-three-year terms. Shortest tenures include Ulf Nordenhem's 10-day emergency role in 2000 and several interim appointments under 200 days, often during crises like relegations or poor form. In a brief nod to international influences, the early saw the integration of Brazilian players under coaches like Conny Karlsson, enhancing attacking flair during promotion campaigns. As of November 2025, leads the team, having achieved promotion back to with his experience from Finnish champions HJK .

European participation

Record in UEFA competitions

Kalmar FF first participated in UEFA competitions during the 1978–79 European Cup Winners' Cup, entering as Swedish cup winners and facing in the first round, where they lost 0–2 at home and drew 2–2 away for a 2–4 aggregate defeat. The club returned in the 1979–80 UEFA Cup, again in the first round against , securing a 2–1 home win but falling 0–1 away, resulting in a 2–2 aggregate elimination on away goals. Subsequent appearances in the Cup Winners' Cup included first-round exits to Lausanne-Sport (4–4 aggregate, away goals loss) in 1981–82 and (1–7 aggregate) in 1986–87. In 1987–88, Kalmar FF advanced past (1–0 aggregate after 0–0 and 1–0 aet) to reach the second round (round of 16), where they lost 1–5 aggregate to Sporting CP (1–0 home win, 0–5 away loss). Additional early campaigns included the first round loss to (1–4 aggregate), the first round defeat to Lyngby (2–4 aggregate), the first qualifying round exit to (0–4 aggregate), the first round loss to Shelbourne (2–4 aggregate), and the first round defeat to (1–4 aggregate). A notable campaign came in the , where Kalmar, as champions, advanced through the qualifying rounds with convincing victories over (10–1 aggregate, including a 7–1 home win) and K.A.A. Gent (5–2 aggregate, highlighted by a 4–0 home triumph), only to be ousted in the first round by on away goals after a 2–2 aggregate (1–0 away win, 1–2 home loss). In the , they reached the second qualifying round but were eliminated by (3–3 aggregate, away goals loss after a 0–2 away loss and 3–1 home win). The 2012–13 UEFA Europa League qualifiers marked another strong showing, with Kalmar progressing past (3–1 aggregate, overcoming a 0–1 away loss with a 3–0 home win) and (5–1 aggregate, including a 3–1 away victory and 2–0 home win), before a third-round exit to Young Boys (1–3 aggregate). Further participation came in the third qualifying round, ending in a 3–6 aggregate loss to Levski . Most recently, in the 2023–24 UEFA Europa Conference League, Kalmar entered directly in the second qualifying round and suffered a 2–4 aggregate defeat to Pyunik (1–2 home, 1–2 away). As of November 2025, Kalmar FF's overall record stands at 34 matches played, with 16 wins, 4 draws, and 14 losses, scoring 53 goals and conceding 45.

UEFA club coefficient history

The ranks clubs based on their performance in over the previous five seasons, determining seeding for draws and access to certain stages. Points are allocated as 2 for a win and 1 for a draw in all matches, including qualifying rounds, with bonus points awarded for advancing to the league phase of the or (1 point each), the round of 16 in the (1 point), and the quarter-finals in either competition (1 point). For clubs eliminated in qualifying rounds, a bonus is awarded based on the round reached (e.g., 1.5 points for second qualifying round in UECL). These totals form the basis of the ranking, reflecting sustained European success. Kalmar FF achieved its historical peak in the 2009 UEFA club coefficient, reaching 182nd position with 4.938 points, driven by their 2008 title and subsequent run to the UEFA Cup group stage in 2008/09, where they earned points from four group matches alongside qualifying victories. This marked a high point amid limited prior European exposure, with earlier participations in the and yielding minimal points from early qualifying exits. Post-2009, the club's coefficient declined steadily through the , averaging below 2.000 points annually due to sporadic qualifying appearances and no further group stage progress. As of the 2025 UEFA club coefficient ranking, Kalmar FF sits at 267th with 1.500 total points, attributable solely to their 2023/24 Conference League qualifying campaign, where they entered directly in the second qualifying round and were eliminated by Pyunik Yerevan (2–4 aggregate). This positions them mid-tier among Swedish clubs, comparable to peers like and (both around 4.300 points), but well behind leaders such as (over 40.000 points from consistent Champions League involvement). Factors limiting Kalmar's ranking include infrequent top finishes, which restrict qualification opportunities—Sweden's 22nd overall association coefficient grants only limited spots—and a lack of deep runs since 2009, exacerbated by relegation to in 2024, sidelining them from 2025/26 European play. Trends show a post-2010s downward trajectory, with zero points in four of the last five seasons (2020/21 to 2022/23 and 2024/25), reflecting domestic inconsistency; a minor uptick occurred in 2023/24 from participation in the second qualifying round, but overall stagnation persists compared to Swedish rivals benefiting from stronger league positions.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.