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Charlotta Eva Schelin (born 27 February 1984) is a Swedish former professional footballer who played as a forward.

Key Information

She made her debut for the Sweden national team in March 2004 and was appointed joint captain alongside Caroline Seger in October 2012. Schelin has represented her country in the 2005, 2009, 2013, and 2017 editions of the UEFA Women's Championship, as well as the 2007, 2011, and 2015 FIFA Women's World Cups. She also played at the Olympic football tournaments in 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016.[4]

In October 2014, Schelin became Sweden's all time record goalscorer by scoring her 73rd international goal in a friendly defeat by Germany.

Schelin began her senior club career with Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC (then known as Landvetter FC) in 2001. She developed into a prolific goalscorer in the Damallsvenskan then made a lucrative transfer to Lyon in 2008, rejecting a competing offer from the American Women's Professional Soccer league. During her eight-season stay at Lyon, she won eight consecutive Division 1 Féminine titles, five Coupes de France Féminine, three UEFA Women's Champions Leagues and was the top goalscorer in the 2012–13 and 2014–15 Division 1 Féminine seasons. In 2013, she became the first foreign UNFP Player of the Year. In 2016, she returned to Swedish football with FC Rosengård, departing Lyon as the French club's all time record goalscorer with 225 goals in 225 appearances.[5] She has been awarded Diamantbollen (the Diamond Ball), given to the Swedish player of the year, a record five times, including four consecutive times from 2011 to 2014.

On 30 August 2018, she announced her retirement due to chronic head and neck pain resulting from an injury suffered while playing for FC Rosengård in 2017.[6][7]

Early life

[edit]

Although Schelin was born in Stockholm, her family moved away from the capital when she was two years old.[8] With her father Kjell and mother Nina,[9] she grew up in Kållered outside Gothenburg and began to play football for Kållereds SK along with her older sister, Camilla.[10] She has also played for Hällesåkers IF and Mölnlycke IF. Schelin was also adept at sports including table-tennis, track and field, and snowboarding before opting to focus on football full-time. As a teenager, she developed problems with her spine and was advised to stop playing the sport. Schelin went through intensive strength training and recovered by the time she turned 17.[11] She credited her sister and former teammate Camilla and Tina Nordlund as important role models for her.[12]

Club career

[edit]

Göteborg FC

[edit]

In 2001, when she was 17 years old, Schelin made her debut in the Damallsvenskan for Landvetter FC, now known as Göteborg FC. Her debut season yielded eight goals in 19 appearances.[13] After an injury in August 2002, she was out of the league for almost a year and a half, returning in June 2003. In 2004 Schelin was named Breakthrough Player of the Year after netting 14 goals in 15 games for Göteborg.[14] In 2006, Schelin scored 21 goals in 21 league games. At the end of season Fotbollsgalan, she was named Forward of the Year, Player of the Year and Top Goalscorer.[15] She was also shortlisted for the 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year and was recognised by Swedish referees with a special award for her sporting treatment of opponents and officials.[16] In 2007, she retained her top scorer title by scoring 26 league goals.[17] Despite persistent interest from leading Damallsvenskan clubs including Umeå IK and Linköpings FC,[18] Schelin opted to stay at her hometown team. She ultimately played in over 120 league matches with Göteborg, establishing herself as one of the club's most prominent players.

Lyon

[edit]
Playing for Lyon in 2013

After the re-branding and re-launch of the new United States-based league, Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), Schelin declared that she would be interested in playing in the league. However, after the 2008 Summer Olympics, Schelin announced that she would instead be joining Division 1 Féminine club Olympique Lyonnais in France. Upon signing her contract, it was reported by Göteborgs-Posten that Schelin would be earning over 1 million kr (US$160,000) per year.[19] The move to France was criticised in Sweden, as, although Lyon were a well-resourced club, the overall standard of the Division 1 Féminine was considered much weaker than the Damallsvenskan.[18] On 24 September 2008, Schelin's American transfer rights were drafted by the Saint Louis Athletica in the 2008 WPS International Draft. She declined the chance to join WPS, citing her contract with Lyon as the primary reason.[20] Saint Louis signed Schelin's compatriot Sara Larsson instead.[21]

Schelin arrived in Lyon in poor condition, after a thigh injury disrupted her 2008 spring season with Göteborg and migraines and stomach aches afflicted her at the 2008 Olympic Games. When she told Lyon's coach Farid Benstiti that she could also play on the wing, he shook his head and replied that he had signed her to score goals.[22] Alongside Brazil's Kátia Cilene Teixeira, Schelin formed a productive attack for Lyon as the club defended its French title and reached the 2008–09 UEFA Women's Cup semi-final, where they lost to FCR 2001 Duisburg. The following season, Schelin was afflicted by injuries and was ruled out of Lyon's 2010 UEFA Women's Champions League Final defeat by Turbine Potsdam with ligament damage.[23]

Schelin did play in the 2011 final, as Lyon avenged the previous year's defeat to beat Turbine Potsdam 2–0 at Craven Cottage and secure their first continental title. She had scored nine times on Lyon's route to the final, including twice in the semi-final, to bring about what she termed "the proudest moment" of her career.[24] Lyon won a domestic double in 2011–12 and retained their European title by beating Frankfurt 2–0 in the 2012 final at the Olympic Stadium in Munich. In 2012–13 Schelin was in the best form of her career and finished as Division 1 Féminine top scorer with 24 goals in 16 appearances. She was also named French Player of the Year for the first time,[25] but missed out on a third successive Champions League winner's medal when Lyon lost the final 1–0 to Wolfsburg at Stamford Bridge. In May 2013 she signed a new three-year contract with Lyon, reportedly worth an annual 2 million kr.[26]

In 2013–14 Schelin contributed 12 league goals to another domestic double but Lyon lost to Turbine Potsdam in the Champions League round of 16. Her form had slumped after a breakdown in her working relationship with coach Patrice Lair.[27] She rebounded the following season, scoring Lyon's 1000th Division 1 Féminine goal in a 7–0 home win over Rodez on 16 November 2014. Her second goal in the same match drew her level with Sandrine Brétigny as Lyon's all-time record scorer.[28] She finished 2014–15 as Division 1 Féminine top scorer with 34 goals in 21 games, but Lyon were upset by French rivals Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round of 16.

Towards the end of another successful season in 2015–16, Lyon announced that Schelin would depart the club at the end of her contract. Her final game for the club was the 2016 UEFA Women's Champions League Final; in which she scored in the penalty shootout win over Wolfsburg. With Lyon Schelin won eight consecutive Division 1 Féminine titles, five Cups and three Champions Leagues. She left as the team's all-time record goalscorer with 225 goals in 225 appearances.[5][29] Schelin's 41 goals for Lyon in the UEFA Women's Champions League left her fourth in the competition's all-time top scorer list. She held the record for Champions League goals for a single club, since Anja Mittag (49), Conny Pohlers (48) and Marta (46) all accrued their totals with more than one club.[30]

Rosengård

[edit]

On 8 June 2016, Schelin was presented as a player for Swedish champions FC Rosengård, of Malmö.[31] She rejected an offer to rejoin Göteborg FC because they were unable to offer Champions League football.[32] Schelin made her Rosengård debut slightly earlier than expected, substituting in for the injured Nataša Andonova after 22 minutes of a league fixture against Djurgården. Schelin scored a 90th-minute goal to salvage a 2–2 draw.[33]

International career

[edit]

In March 2004 Schelin scored twice on her debut for the Swedish under-21 team, in their 6–0 win over the full Republic of Ireland national team in Dublin.[34] She previously scored three goals in six appearances for Sweden's under-16 team and two goals in seven appearances for the under-18s.[35]

Schelin in April 2013

Schelin made her senior national team debut for Sweden on 16 March 2004; a 3–0 Algarve Cup defeat by France.[36] In the fifth place play-off against China, Schelin was praised for scoring in Sweden's penalty shootout win after a 1–1 draw.[37] She had been called into the squad as a replacement for Sara Johansson who had flu.[34] Schelin retained her place and represented her nation at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. Throughout this period, Schelin endured injuries to the groin and hamstring, which required extensive rest. She was selected by coach Marika Domanski-Lyfors for UEFA Women's Euro 2005 in North West England. She entered play as a second-half substitute but failed to score as Sweden lost 3–2 to rivals Norway in extra time of the semi-final in Warrington.[38]

Schelin was a key player in the 2006 edition of the Algarve Cup; leading Sweden to their third-place finish. She scored the only goal in the bronze medal victory over France. After overcoming her injury problems, Schelin was awarded the Diamond Ball as the country's best female football player.[39] That same year, she was named the Forward of the Year in the Damallsvenskan. Schelin's success brought her to mainstream attention in her country and she was rewarded with selection to attend the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup draw in China on behalf of Sweden.

At the World Cup in China, Schelin scored two goals in three matches (one start) but Sweden unexpectedly failed to progress out of their group. After that failure some experienced players retired and coach Thomas Dennerby gave Schelin and other younger players a more prominent role in the team.[40] Back in China the following year for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she contributed three goals in four games but the Swedes lost 2–0 to Germany in the quarter-final.

Schelin helped Sweden to a bronze medal position at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany and was named in the All-Star Team. She featured in Sweden's 3–1 semi-final defeat to eventual winners Japan in Frankfurt. Sweden secured third place by beating France 2–1 in Sinsheim, Schelin scoring her second goal of the tournament. Third place also ensured Sweden's qualification for the 2012 Olympic football tournament in London. Dennerby kept Schelin in Sweden's Olympic squad for London,[41] where they lost to France in the quarter-finals. Schelin scored twice in four matches but felt Dennerby's emphasis on defence had left her isolated in Sweden's attack.[42]

Marked by Germany's Jennifer Cramer in the Euro 2013 semi-final

In October 2012, new national team coach Pia Sundhage decided that Schelin and Caroline Seger would share the captaincy.[43] Sundhage named Schelin in the squad for UEFA Women's Euro 2013, which Sweden hosted.[44] Schelin finished as the tournament top scorer with five goals but was disappointed when Sweden lost 1–0 to Germany in the semi-final.[45] She criticised the decision of Swiss referee Esther Staubli, who disallowed her equalising goal for a very questionable foul on Germany's centre-back Annike Krahn.[46] Schelin's goal against Germany in October 2014's 2–1 home friendly defeat was her 73rd goal for Sweden, which broke the national record previously set by Hanna Ljungberg.[47]

Schelin arrived at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup suffering from persistent knee pain. In Sweden's opening game she was unable to make any impression on Nigeria's defence, as the Africans recovered from 3–1 down to draw 3–3.[48] In the team's 4–1 second round loss to Germany, goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl made several saves to prevent an even heavier defeat for the disorganised Swedes.[49]

With 165 caps and 84 goals, Schelin was the most experienced member of Sweden's 18-player squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics.[35] When the team suffered a record 5–1 defeat by hosts Brazil in the second match, Schelin scored the late consolation goal and tried to lift the spirits of her demoralised teammates.[50] In the quarter-final against the United States, captain Schelin had an extra-time goal incorrectly ruled out for offside and the match finished 1–1. She scored in Sweden's penalty shootout win.[51] Sweden reached the gold medal match, but lost 2–1 to Germany. Schelin was disappointed by the defeat but proud to win a silver medal.[52]

Style of play

[edit]

In June 2015 Schelin described herself as "not a typical center-forward" as she likes to drop deep or go wide in order to find space: "I always think of the collective because the danger can come from all players. Even if I do not score, I pass, I run to attract defenders. In the end, I want to win." She attributes her unselfish play to her upbringing in communal Swedish culture. After moving to Lyon, her instinct to pass to better-placed teammates annoyed her coach Farid Benstiti, who wanted her to concentrate on converting chances herself.[18] Sweden's former coach Thomas Dennerby felt that Schelin became more comfortable on the ball after moving to Lyon, but retained her pace and ability in one-on-one situations.[53]

Schelin is capable of playing as a winger. But when Dennerby deployed her wide in the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup, her Göteborg coach Martin Pringle called for her to be given a more central role: "she is too good a player to play out there".[54] China's coach Shang Ruihua highlighted Schelin as Sweden's best player ahead of the countries' opening match at the 2008 Summer Olympics: "Schelin has fast pace and excellent technique, and few defenders could keep up with her."[55] Although tall and slender, she is also physically strong; England captain Steph Houghton rated Schelin as the "toughest opponent" of her career.[56]

The comparisons are nice in a way. After all, Zlatan's one of the best in the world; a real killer on the field with fantastic technical skills and an awesome will to win. But although he inspires me, and I love watching him play, there are big differences between us too. And I like that young girls look up to me as Lotta Schelin, not as 'the female Zlatan'.

—Lotta Schelin[57]

As a tall, skilful and prolific Swedish forward, Schelin has frequently drawn comparison with the contemporary male footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović.[58] Former Denmark national team manager Peter Bonde branded Schelin "the female Zlatan" in 2005.[59] In December 2013, Ibrahimović made an outspoken rejection of any comparison: "I was asked [by Swedish media] in the summer who was the better player, me or Lotta Schelin. You're kidding me, right? When I've broken all these records, this goal record, the goals in the national team, who shall I compare it to? Shall I compare it to whoever has the record, or the ladies?" Schelin's national team coach Pia Sundhage described his comments as sad and boring.[60] Johanna Frändén, a journalist specialising in coverage of Ibrahimović, noted Schelin's contrasting temperament: "She is polite, charming, she does not have the same arrogance".[29]

Personal life

[edit]

Schelin came out publicly as a lesbian in August 2018.[61] She has been married to her wife Rebecca since 2018.

[edit]

Schelin featured in the Sveriges Television documentary television series The Other Sport from 2013.

In 2021 Schelin participated in the Swedish version of the South Korean game show Masked Singer as Jokern (The Joker).[62]

Career statistics

[edit]
Schelin in 2014

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup Continental Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Göteborg[63] 2001 19 8 0 0 0 0 19 8
2002 8 3 0 0 0 0 8 3
2003 11 10 2 2 0 0 13 12
2004 15 14 1 0 0 0 16 14
2005 22 10 2 2 0 0 24 12
2006 21 21 4 8 0 0 25 29
2007 22 26 2 1 0 0 24 27
2008 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Total 123 92 11 13 0 0 134 105
Lyon[5][64] 2008–09 16 17 3 1 7 7 26 25
2009–10 11 11 1 0 7 5 19 16
2010–11 18 11 4 2 9 9 31 22
2011–12 20 20 6 13 9 5 35 38
2012–13 16 24 5 7 6 7 27 38
2013–14 18 12 4 9 4 2 26 23
2014–15 21 34 6 5 4 2 31 41
2015–16 18 14 5 4 7 4 30 22
Total 138 143 34 41 53 41 225 225
Rosengård[65] 2015 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1
2016 6 5 3 3 0 0 9 8
2017 11 5 0 0 0 0 11 5
Total 17 10 4 4 0 0 21 14
Career total 278 245 49 58 53 41 380 344

International

[edit]
Scores and results list Sweden's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Schelin goal.
List of international goals scored by Lotta Schelin
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1 28 August 2005 Nobelstadion, Karlskoga, Sweden  Iceland 2–1 2–2 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
2 24 September 2005 Norrvalla, Skellefteå, Sweden  Belarus 3–0 6–0 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification [66]
3 15 March 2006 Estádio Algarve, Faro, Portugal  France 1–0 1–0 2006 Algarve Cup
4 22 April 2006 Stadion Františka Kloze, Kladno, Czech Republic  Czech Republic 2–1 3–2 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
5 3–2
6 7 May 2006 Vångavallen, Trelleborg, Sweden  Portugal 2–1 5–1 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification [67]
7 18 June 2006 Darida Stadium, Minsk, Belarus  Belarus 1–0 6–0 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
8 12 February 2007 GSZ Stadium, Larnaca, Cyprus  Japan 1–0 2–2 Friendly [68]
9 16 June 2007 Stadionul Mogoșoaia, Mogoșoaia, Romania  Romania 7–0 7–0 UEFA Women's Euro 2009 qualifying
10 18 September 2007 Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium, Tianjin, China  North Korea 1–0 2–1 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup
11 2–1
12 8 November 2007 Energi Viborg Arena, Viborg, Denmark  Denmark 2–1 4–2 2008 Summer Olympics qualification [69]
13 4–1
14 28 November 2007 Råsundastadion, Solna, Sweden  Denmark 1–0 3–1 2008 Summer Olympics qualification [70]
15 12 February 2008 Dasaki Stadium, Dasaki Achnas, Cyprus  England 1–0 2–0 Friendly [71]
16 2–0
17 16 February 2008 Paralimni Stadium, Paralimni, Cyprus  Norway 1–0 2–0 Friendly [72]
18 25 June 2008 Carlisle Grounds, Bray, Ireland  Republic of Ireland 5–0 5–0 UEFA Women's Euro 2009 qualifying
19 20 July 2008 Komplett Arena, Sandefjord, Norway  Norway 1–0 2–0 Friendly [73]
20 6 August 2008 Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium, Tianjin, China  China 1–1 1–2 2008 Summer Olympics
21 12 August 2008 Beijing Workers' Stadium, Beijing, China  Canada 1–0 2–1 2008 Summer Olympics
22 2–0
23 31 January 2009 Marbella Football Centre, Marbella, Spain  Norway 1–0 5–1 Friendly [74]
24 3–0
25 4–0
26 5–1
27 9 March 2009 Estádio Algarve, Faro, Portugal  Germany 2–0 3–2 2009 Algarve Cup
28 3–0
29 11 March 2009 Estádio Algarve, Faro, Portugal  United States 1–0 1–1 (4–3 2009 Algarve Cup p)
30 25 April 2009 Gamla Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden  Brazil 3–1 3–1 Friendly [75]
31 28 August 2009 Veritas Stadion, Turku, Finland  Italy 1–0 2–0 UEFA Women's Euro 2009
32 25 August 2010 Värendsvallen, Växjö, Sweden  Wales 1–0 5–1 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
33 4–0
34 11 September 2010 Gamla Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden  Denmark 2–0 2–1 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification - UEFA play-offs
35 26 October 2010 Falkenbergs IP, Falkenberg, Sweden  Norway 2–0 3–1 Friendly [76]
36 3–1
37 7 March 2011 Estádio José Arcanjo, Olhão, Portugal  China 1–0 1–0 2011 Algarve Cup
38 16 June 2011 Gamla Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden  Mexico 2–0 2–0 Friendly [77]
39 10 July 2011 Impuls Arena, Augsburg, Germany  Australia 3–1 3–1 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup
40 16 July 2011 Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Sinsheim, Germany  France 1–0 2–1 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup
41 2 March 2012 Desportivo da Nora Park, Ferreiras, Portugal  Iceland 1–0 4–1 2012 Algarve Cup
42 31 March 2012 Malmö Stadion, Malmö, Sweden  Canada 2–0 3–1 Friendly [78]
43 26 May 2012 Stark's Park, Kirkcaldy, Scotland  Scotland 1–0 4–1 Friendly [79]
44 2–0
45 16 June 2012 Örjans Vall, Halmstad, Sweden  United States 1–2 1–3 2012 Sweden Invitational [80]
46 25 July 2012 City of Coventry Stadium, Coventry, England  South Africa 3–0 4–1 2012 Summer Olympics
47 4–1
48 15 September 2012 Gamla Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden  Netherlands 1–1 2–1 Friendly [81]
49 8 March 2013 Municipal Stadium, Albufeira, Portugal  Iceland 3–0 6–1 2013 Algarve Cup
50 6 April 2013 Myresjöhus Arena, Växjö, Sweden  Iceland 1–0 2–0 Friendly [82]
51 2–0
52 1 June 2013 Linköping Arena, Linköping, Sweden  Norway 1–1 2–1 Friendly [83]
53 4 July 2013 Skarsjövallen, Ljungskile, Sweden  England 2–1 4–1 Friendly [84]
54 4–1
55 13 July 2013 Gamla Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden  Finland 4–0 5–0 UEFA Women's Euro 2013
56 5–0
57 16 July 2013 Örjans Vall, Halmstad, Sweden  Italy 2–0 3–1 UEFA Women's Euro 2013 [85]
58 21 July 2013 Örjans Vall, Halmstad, Sweden  Iceland 3–0 4–0 UEFA Women's Euro 2013
59 4–0
60 21 September 2013 Swedbank Stadion, Malmö, Sweden  Poland 1–0 2–0 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
61 26 October 2013 Bilino Polje, Zenica, Bosnia & Herzegovina  Bosnia and Herzegovina 1–0 1–0 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
62 31 October 2013 Gamla Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden  Faroe Islands 1–0 5–0 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
63 4–0
64 7 March 2014 Estádio Municipal, Albufeira, Portugal  United States 1–0 1–0 2014 Algarve Cup
65 5 April 2014 Shamrock Park, Portadown, Northern Ireland  Northern Ireland 2–0 4–0 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
66 19 June 2014 Tórsvøllur, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands  Faroe Islands 3–0 5–0 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
67 4–0
68 21 August 2014 Stadion Kazimierza Deyny, Starogard Gdański, Poland  Poland 1–0 4–0 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
69 3–0
70 13 September 2014 Gamla Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden  Bosnia and Herzegovina 2–0 3–0 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
71 3–0
72 17 September 2014 Gamla Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden  Scotland 2–0 2–0 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
73 29 October 2014 Behrn Arena, Örebro, Sweden  Germany 1–0 1–2 Friendly [86]
74 13 January 2015 La Manga, Spain  Norway 3–2 3–2 Friendly [87]
75 12 February 2015 Eerikkilä Areena, Tammela, Finland  Finland 1–0 3–0 Friendly [88]
76 9 March 2015 Estádio Municipal, Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal  China 2–0 3–0 2015 Algarve Cup
77 5 April 2015 Tunavallen, Eskilstuna, Sweden  Switzerland 1–2 1–3 Friendly [89]
78 8 April 2015 Tele2 Arena, Stockholm, Sweden  Denmark 1–0 3–3 Friendly
79 2–2
80 30 May 2015 York Stadium, Toronto, Canada  Netherlands 1–1 2–1 Friendly [90]
81 17 September 2015 CSR Orhei, Orhei, Moldova  Moldova 2–0 3–0 UEFA Women's Euro 2017 qualifying
82 26 January 2016 Prioritet Serneke Arena, Gothenburg, Sweden  Scotland 4–0 6–0 Friendly [91]
83 2 June 2016 Stadion ŁKS, Łódź, Poland  Poland 2–0 4–0 UEFA Women's Euro 2017 qualifying
84 21 July 2016 Guldfågeln Arena, Kalmar, Sweden  Japan 1–0 3–0 Friendly [92]
85 6 August 2016 Estádio Olímpico João Havelange, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  Brazil 1–5 1–5 2016 Summer Olympics
86 1 March 2017 Albufeira Municipal Stadium, Albufeira, Portugal  Australia 1–0 1–0 2017 Algarve Cup
87 21 July 2017 De Adelaarshorst, Deventer, Netherlands  Russia 1–0 2–0 UEFA Women's Euro 2017
88 25 July 2017 De Vijverberg, Doetinchem, Netherlands  Italy 1–1 2–3 UEFA Women's Euro 2017

Honours

[edit]
Receiving Diamantbollen in November 2006
Schelin (right) receiving an award from SvFF President Karl-Erik Nilsson in April 2015, for breaking Sweden's international scoring record. Therese Sjögran (left) got an award for her 200 caps.

Lyon

FC Rosengård

Sweden

Sweden U17

  • Nordic Cup runner-up: 2001[94]

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Lotta Schelin

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Charlotta Eva "Lotta" Schelin (born 27 February 1984) is a Swedish former professional footballer who played as a forward and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Swedish players of all time. She holds the record as Sweden's all-time leading international goalscorer with 88 goals in 185 caps for the national team, spanning from her debut in 2004 until her retirement in 2018 and remaining the record holder as of 2025. Schelin's career highlights include winning three UEFA Women's Champions League titles with Olympique Lyonnais (2011, 2012, 2016), where she became the club's all-time top scorer with 225 goals in 225 appearances, along with eight consecutive French Division 1 Féminine titles and five Coupe de France triumphs. On the international stage, she earned an Olympic silver medal in 2016 and a FIFA Women's World Cup bronze in 2011, contributing to Sweden's successes in three World Cups and four UEFA Women's EURO tournaments. Since retiring due to chronic injuries, Schelin has transitioned into roles promoting women's football, becoming the first UEFA Playmakers Ambassador in Sweden in 2024 to encourage girls' participation through inclusive programs. Schelin began her senior club career at age 17 with Landvetter IF (later Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC) in Sweden's in 2001, where she quickly established herself as a prolific striker, scoring over 100 league goals during her seven seasons there and helping the team win the in 2002. Her move to in 2008 marked the pinnacle of her club achievements, as she formed part of a dominant squad that revolutionized women's , consistently overpowering European rivals with her aerial prowess, speed, and clinical finishing—traits that earned her the 2015 second-place finish. After leaving Lyon in 2016 as a , she returned to with , winning the in 2017 before announcing her retirement at age 34 following persistent knee and back issues. Internationally, Schelin's debut came in a 2004 friendly against , and she went on to become a key figure in Sweden's golden era, captaining the team from 2013 and leading them to notable finishes like the 2004 Olympic quarterfinals and the 2013 Women's EURO final. Her 88th and final international goal came in 2017, cementing her legacy as Sweden's record goalscorer. Post-retirement, Schelin has embraced advocacy, giving birth to her first child in 2019 while pursuing media and coaching opportunities, and in 2024, she highlighted the importance of programs like in fostering confidence and joy in young female players.

Early years

Early life

Charlotta Eva Schelin was born on 27 February 1984 in Trångsund, a suburb of , . Her family soon relocated to Kållered, a community near , where she spent her formative years in a supportive environment that fostered her growth. Schelin grew up with her older sister, Camilla Schelin, who was also involved in football and served as a key influence during her childhood. This sibling bond introduced her to the sport early on, as she looked up to Camilla's participation and developed a passion for football amid everyday family life. Schelin's early experiences were shaped by this familial encouragement, setting the foundation for her dedication to athletics over other pursuits.

Youth career

Schelin began her organized football journey at the age of six in 1990, joining Kållereds SK in Mölndal near , where she played alongside her older sister Camilla, who served as an early role model and training partner. Influenced by Camilla's involvement in the club's U17 team, Schelin quickly developed a passion for the sport, practicing dribbling and shooting regularly; around ages 10 to 12, while participating in other activities such as and , she shifted her focus more seriously toward football. She later moved to Hällesåkers IF, continuing to hone her skills in a competitive youth environment. Under the guidance of her first coach, teenage leader Eva Bülow at Kållereds SK, Schelin was initially positioned as a defender but demonstrated offensive prowess by scoring goals from that role, earning early recognition for her exceptional talent, competitive spirit, and innate understanding of the game—qualities Bülow described as "football in her DNA." One notable early achievement came around age six or seven when she scored 14 goals in a single match, contributing to her team's 15-0 victory and highlighting her scoring ability. Schelin then transferred to Mölnlycke IF, further building her development amid growing physical challenges. As a teenager, she faced severe back problems due to a rapid growth spurt, prompting a doctor to recommend quitting football; instead, she committed to intensive strength and muscle training, which strengthened her physique and allowed her to persist. This regimen, combined with the foundational coaching from her youth days, positioned her as a promising talent ready for senior competition. By 2001, at age 17, Schelin transitioned to the senior level with Göteborg FC (formerly Landvetter IF), marking the end of her youth career and the start of her professional path.

Club career

Göteborg FC

Schelin signed her first senior professional contract with Landvetter FC—later rebranded as Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC—at the age of 17 in 2001, marking her debut in Sweden's top-flight Damallsvenskan league for her hometown club based in Gothenburg. In her inaugural season, she quickly demonstrated her potential as a forward, contributing to the team's competitive efforts despite her youth. The local girl from nearby Kållered became an immediate asset, blending seamlessly into professional play after progressing through the club's youth ranks. Her early tenure was interrupted by a serious in August 2002, which sidelined her for nearly a year; she made a strong return in June 2003, resuming her role as a key attacking presence. During this period, Schelin helped Göteborg FC reach the final of the 2002 , the Swedish Women's Cup, showcasing her contribution to the club's domestic cup ambitions despite ultimately falling short of the title (0–3 loss to ). Her resilience post-injury solidified her status within the squad, as she adapted to the demands of consistent professional competition. By 2006, Schelin had emerged as one of the league's premier talents, earning the top scorer title with 21 goals and helping Göteborg FC win the league championship that season. She repeated the top scorer feat in 2007 with 26 goals, further establishing her reputation as a prolific striker for Göteborg FC. These standout performances highlighted her emergence as a foundational player, with the prolific forward quickly becoming one of the most popular figures in Swedish women's football during her eight seasons with the club from 2001 to 2008.

Olympique Lyonnais

In July 2008, Lotta Schelin transferred from Göteborg FC to for a fee of approximately €100,000, marking her move to elite European women's football following a prolific spell in Sweden's . Over the next eight seasons until 2016, she became a cornerstone of the team, appearing in 225 matches and scoring 225 goals across all competitions, establishing herself as Lyon's all-time leading goalscorer. Schelin's tenure coincided with Lyon's dominance in French and European women's football, as the club secured eight consecutive titles from 2008–09 to 2015–16, along with five Coupe de France Féminine triumphs and three victories in 2011, 2012, and 2016. Her contributions were pivotal in these successes, including serving as the top scorer in the 2010–11 with nine goals, which helped Lyon claim their first European title that season by defeating Turbine Potsdam 2–0 in the final. She also delivered crucial strikes in knockout stages, such as a brace in the 2011 semi-final against and goals during the 2012 quarter-final run, underscoring her impact in high-stakes European ties. Within Lyon's attacking framework, Schelin formed a dynamic partnership with midfielder , whose precise passes often set up Schelin's clinical finishes, as seen in multiple matches where Abily's assists directly led to Schelin goals. Adapting to life in , Schelin quickly embraced the professional environment in , praising the club's support, the city's appeal, and her teammates' camaraderie, which facilitated her integration and sustained high performance over the years.

FC Rosengård

In June 2016, Lotta Schelin signed a two-year contract with , returning to the after departing as the French club's all-time leading goalscorer with 225 goals in 225 appearances. Her move brought significant experience to the defending champions, who were aiming to maintain dominance in Swedish women's football amid strong competition from teams like Linköpings FC. Over her time at Rosengård from 2016 to 2018, Schelin made 18 appearances and scored 9 goals across all competitions, with her contributions concentrated in the 2016 partial season and 2017 Damallsvenskan campaign. Key moments included goals against Eskilstuna United DFF and Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC in 2017, helping the team in title pursuits despite finishing as league runners-up that year. The club succeeded in the Svenska Cupen, winning the 2016–17 edition with a 2–1 final victory over Linköpings FC, followed by another cup title in 2017–18. Schelin's involvement was severely limited by chronic head and neck injuries, stemming from a knock sustained during a 2017 match for , which caused ongoing pain and restricted her to just 11 league appearances that season. These health challenges ultimately forced her retirement announcement on August 30, 2018, at age 34, ending her professional career without further play in 2018.

International career

Debut and early years

Schelin began her international career in Sweden's youth setups, where she demonstrated early scoring prowess by netting three goals in six appearances for the under-16 team and two goals in seven matches for the under-18 side. In March 2004, she made her under-21 debut, scoring twice in a 6–0 friendly win over the , which highlighted her potential as a forward. Her form at Göteborg FC earned her a senior national team call-up as a replacement for Sara Johansson, leading to her debut on 16 March 2004 in a 3–0 defeat to France. Schelin retained her place and was selected for her first major tournament at the 2004 Olympics, where she appeared in four matches as finished fourth. Her first senior international goal arrived shortly after, on 28 August 2005, during a 5–0 friendly victory over at Nobelstadion in . By 2008, Schelin had established herself as a regular, accumulating over 50 caps while contributing goals in UEFA Women's Euro qualifiers, including efforts that helped Sweden qualify for the 2005 tournament, where she made three substitute appearances.

Major tournaments

Schelin represented Sweden at three FIFA Women's World Cups in 2007, 2011, and 2015, where she scored a total of four goals across the tournaments. In the 2007 edition in China, she netted both goals in Sweden's 2-1 group stage victory over North Korea, helping the team advance to the knockout stage despite finishing second in their group. During the 2011 tournament in Germany, Schelin contributed two goals, including one in the 2-1 win over Australia and another in the 2-1 bronze medal match triumph against France, securing Sweden's third-place finish. She appeared in all four matches at the 2015 World Cup in Canada but did not score as Sweden exited in the quarterfinals. At the UEFA Women's Euro, Schelin participated in all four editions from 2005 to 2017, emerging as a key figure in Sweden's campaigns. In 2013, as hosts, she led the tournament with five goals to claim the Golden Boot, including a brace in the 4-0 quarterfinal rout of Iceland that propelled Sweden to the semifinals. Her goals that year also featured strikes against Italy in the group stage and England in a pre-tournament friendly where she scored twice in a 4-1 victory. Sweden reached the semifinals in 2005, 2009, and 2013 under her influence, though they were eliminated by finalists in each instance, and she added one goal in the 2017 edition before Sweden's quarterfinal exit. Schelin competed in four consecutive Olympic women's football tournaments from 2004 to 2016, scoring crucial goals and helping Sweden achieve consistent medal contention. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, she captained the side to a silver medal, defeating the United States on penalties in the quarterfinals en route to the final, where they fell 2-1 to Germany despite her leadership in attack. Earlier appearances included a fourth-place finish in 2004 after a semifinal loss to the United States, fourth place in 2008 after a semifinal loss to the United States, and a quarterfinal in 2012. Throughout these major tournaments, Schelin's scoring prowess elevated her status, culminating in her becoming Sweden's all-time leading goalscorer with 88 international goals. She achieved this record in October 2014 by netting her 73rd goal for the national team in a 4-1 friendly loss to Germany, surpassing Hanna Ljungberg's previous mark of 72. The milestone underscored her impact in high-stakes matches.

Retirement from international play

Following Sweden's silver medal win at the Rio Olympics, Schelin continued to represent her country until the 2017 UEFA Women's EURO, after which she retired from international football. The physical demands of the international schedule had taken a toll, prompting her to step away despite her status as Sweden's all-time leading scorer. Her final appearance came on 29 July 2017 in the quarter-final against the Netherlands at De Vijverberg Stadium in , where she started and played the full 90 minutes in a 2-0 defeat, marking her 185th cap for . The match served as an emotional farewell, with teammates and fans paying tribute to her contributions, including her leadership as captain and role in transitioning the team to a new generation of players like . Former coach lauded Schelin as a "fantastic " for her versatility and team spirit during the 2016 Olympics. Over her international career from 2004 to 2017, Schelin scored 88 goals in 185 appearances, records that underscored her impact on Swedish women's football. Her departure allowed to rebuild, though the team missed her scoring prowess in subsequent tournaments.

Style of play

Overview

Lotta Schelin primarily played as a forward or striker, leveraging her height of 179 cm (5 ft 10 in) and technical proficiency to dominate attacking spaces, though she occasionally operated as a winger or second striker to provide versatility in team setups. Her approach emphasized intelligent movement, using her speed and grace to make sophisticated off-the-ball runs that exploited gaps behind defenses, often dropping deep or drifting wide to create opportunities rather than remaining static in the box. Throughout her career, Schelin evolved from a promising young talent in Swedish youth and early senior football—debuting at age 17 in the Damallsvenskan and overcoming injuries to become a consistent scorer by 2006—into a clinical finisher during her prime years at Olympique Lyonnais, where she adapted her pacey, dynamic style to a more refined, goal-oriented role in a high-pressing system. This progression highlighted her growth from an energetic wide player in her formative years to a pivotal central threat, influenced by mentors like Hanna Ljungberg and Victoria Svensson, who shaped her technical skills and mentality early in her international career. She drew inspiration from Zlatan Ibrahimović's winning mindset and flair, aspiring to embody a similar blend of skill and determination while forging her own identity as a role model for young players. Schelin's playing philosophy was inherently team-oriented, prioritizing link-up play and unselfish runs to assist teammates over individual dominance, as evidenced by her willingness to shift positions for the collective good—such as moving to left wing to contribute defensively during Sweden's 2016 Olympic campaign. This adaptability extended across tactical systems, from the fluid, counter-attacking setups in Swedish football to the possession-based, high-intensity demands of French club play at Lyon, where she thrived under intense expectations and integrated seamlessly into a star-studded squad. For instance, during her peak at Lyon, she exemplified this by combining her finishing prowess with creative support in build-up phases, helping secure multiple UEFA Women's Champions League titles through collaborative attacking patterns.

Key attributes

Schelin's physical attributes were central to her effectiveness as a forward, standing at 1.79 meters tall, which provided a significant advantage in aerial duels and allowed her to dominate headers against defenders. Her exceptional pace enabled her to exploit spaces behind defenses, often turning counterattacks into scoring opportunities, while her stamina supported sustained high-intensity runs throughout matches. These qualities made her a versatile threat in transition play, combining speed with to challenge opposing backlines. Technically, Schelin excelled in finishing with clinical accuracy, converting chances from various angles and distances, which contributed to her record 88 international goals. Her heading ability was particularly notable, leveraging her height for precise, powerful strikes in the , as demonstrated in key tournament moments like the 2011 Women's World Cup. She also possessed strong skills for navigating tight spaces, maintaining close control under pressure, and her proficiency with both feet—despite being naturally right-footed—added precision to her left-footed shots and crosses. Mentally, Schelin demonstrated strong in the attacking third, serving as co-captain for the Swedish national team from 2012 and guiding teammates through high-stakes scenarios. Her resilience was evident in overcoming early career setbacks, including severe back issues as a teenager that nearly ended her playing days, yet she recovered through dedicated to become Sweden's all-time leading scorer. Schelin thrived in clutch situations, delivering decisive goals in major tournaments, showcasing her composure under pressure. Despite her strengths, Schelin's career was occasionally hampered by injury susceptibility, particularly chronic neck and head issues stemming from a injury during a match with , which disrupted her consistency and ultimately led to her 2018 retirement at age 34. These setbacks limited her availability in later seasons, though they did not diminish her overall impact.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Schelin publicly came out as a in August 2018, sharing her experiences in detail within her Min historia, where she described the supportive reactions from her family and friends, noting that her parents remained calm upon hearing the news. She met her wife, Rebecca Hedin, a former sports journalist and press officer for the Swedish national team, in late 2016 while both were in previous relationships, and they began dating shortly thereafter. The couple married in 2017. Post-retirement, Schelin and Hedin expanded their family; Schelin announced her pregnancy with their first child in April 2019, embracing what she described as a "new life" after years focused on her athletic career. Details about the child's birth remain private, aligning with Schelin's overall approach to her personal matters. Throughout her career, Schelin received strong support from her family, particularly her older sister Camilla Schelin, a fellow footballer with whom she began playing at Kållereds SK as a child; the siblings often trained together, with Camilla serving as both a teammate and mentor in their early years. This familial encouragement helped Schelin navigate the demands of professional sports, including moves abroad. Schelin has maintained a stance of privacy regarding her personal life, frequently deflecting media inquiries to prioritize her on-field performance and later her family well-being, stating that she previously avoided discussing relationships to keep the focus on football.

Health challenges

During her teenage years, Schelin experienced severe back problems attributed to a rapid growth spurt, which led her doctor to recommend quitting football altogether. Instead, she committed to an intensive strength and muscle training program that allowed her to continue playing and overcome the condition. These issues, emerging around age 15, highlighted early challenges in her athletic development but did not derail her pursuit of the sport. In the early 2000s, Schelin faced a significant setback with a major injury in August 2002 while playing for Landvetter IF, which sidelined her for nearly a year and required extensive recovery efforts. She returned to competitive play in June 2003, demonstrating resilience through dedicated rehabilitation. From 2017 onward, Schelin dealt with chronic head and neck problems stemming from an injury sustained during a match for in June 2017. This led to persistent headaches and pain, necessitating ongoing diagnostics and management strategies, ultimately contributing to her retirement in August 2018 at age 34 due to the high risk of further damage. She described the period as "a tough year," reflecting the physical and emotional strain. The injuries took a toll on her mental , with Schelin expressing feelings of and difficulty in the lead-up to her announcement. The frustration from prolonged pain and the pressure of an abrupt end to her career underscored the psychological challenges of managing chronic athletic injuries. Post-retirement, Schelin continued to address the lingering effects of her neck injury through rehabilitation and ; by early 2019, she reported being in better condition than at the end of 2018, though the issues persisted. These ongoing health management efforts have shaped her transition away from professional play.

Post-retirement activities

Retirement from playing

On August 30, 2018, Lotta Schelin announced her retirement from professional football during a in , , ahead of a national team qualifier. The decision was prompted by chronic head and neck pain stemming from an injury she sustained in June 2017 while playing for , which medical experts deemed too risky to continue her playing career. At 34 years old and after 17 years as a professional—having debuted in the with Landvetter FC (now Göteborg FC) in 2001—Schelin described the process as difficult, involving consultations with medical advisors who highlighted the potential long-term health dangers. In her emotional speech, she reflected on her achievements, stating, "It has been a tough year and it is still tough," while expressing pride in representing across 185 international matches. The announcement elicited an outpouring of tributes from fans, former teammates, and the global football community, with many praising her as one of Sweden's greatest players and expressing sadness at her forced exit due to injury. Schelin indicated her intention to transition immediately into non-playing roles within football, supported by club officials like FC Rosengård's Therese Sjögran, who encouraged her ongoing involvement in the sport.

Ambassador and advocacy roles

In May 2024, Lotta Schelin was appointed as the first-ever ambassador for , a program developed by in partnership with to promote inclusive football among girls aged 5-8 through storytelling inspired by Disney characters. The initiative, adopted by 46 of 's 55 member associations including the , has engaged over 161,000 girls as of October 2025, with 96% reporting they enjoyed the sessions that emphasize fun, , and basic football skills without competitive pressure. In a September 2024 , Schelin expressed her passion for the program, stating that it would have appealed to her younger self by combining creativity with sport, and stressed the need for global efforts to boost female participation amid ongoing gender inequalities in football. Schelin has contributed to initiatives focused on youth development, particularly through her ambassadorship, which aligns with national efforts to increase girls' involvement in football from an early age. In October 2025, she participated in a project event in , further supporting the program's expansion. Since publicly as a in 2018 and marrying her wife Rebecca that year, Schelin has served as a prominent figure for LGBTQ+ visibility in , using her platform to advocate for inclusivity and acceptance within football communities. In March 2025, Schelin became an ambassador for Majblomman, a Swedish charity combating , promoting a new certification program that encourages sports clubs to reduce term fees and make activities accessible to economically disadvantaged children. The initiative, launched with partners like Jitex BK and , aims to broaden participation in leisure activities nationwide. Later that year, in September 2025, she joined FIFA's 16-member Players’ Voice Panel, a group of former players advising on strategies, , and reforms under FIFA's Global Stand Against Racism to drive cultural change in the sport. In November 2025, she participated in the panel's inaugural meeting in , .

Career statistics

Club statistics

Over her club career, Lotta Schelin made over 368 appearances and scored over 340 goals across all competitions. Her contributions were particularly prolific at , where she netted 225 goals in 225 appearances, including 42 goals in the . Schelin's club statistics are broken down by team as follows: 123 appearances and 92 goals with Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC from 2001 to 2007; 225 appearances and 225 goals with from 2008 to 2016; and 20 appearances and 11 goals with from 2016 to 2017. These figures encompass domestic league matches, cup competitions, and European fixtures, highlighting her efficiency as a forward in both Swedish and French leagues.
ClubYearsAppearancesGoals
Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC2001–200712392
2008–2016225225
2016–20172011
Total2001–2017368+328+
Her peak scoring seasons included 33 goals in the 2014–15 campaign with , underscoring her dominance in European club football.

International goals

Lotta Schelin is Sweden's former all-time leading international goalscorer with 88 goals in 185 caps between her debut in 2004 and retirement in 2017. Her scoring record highlights a consistent threat in attack, beginning with her first senior international goal on 18 September 2007 against in a 2–1 group stage win. Over her career, Schelin's goals came across friendlies, qualifiers, and major tournaments, demonstrating versatility against diverse opponents ranging from top European sides like to Asian and African teams in global qualifiers. Schelin reached key milestones that underscored her dominance, including surpassing Hanna Ljungberg's long-standing record of 72 goals with her 73rd strike on 29 October 2014 in a 1–2 friendly loss to . This achievement cemented her legacy, as she continued to add to her tally through 2017, finishing with 88 goals—a national record she held until surpassed by in the years following her retirement (as of ). Her goals were particularly prolific in qualifying campaigns, where Sweden often relied on her finishing to secure progression, though she also delivered in high-stakes finals. Schelin's international goals spanned various competitions, with a notable concentration in European qualifiers and major events. She scored against 40 different opponents, including multiple tallies against regional rivals like and , as well as decisive strikes versus powerhouses such as the and . In qualifiers for Women's EURO and , her output helped qualify consistently, often in tight matches where her aerial ability and positioning proved crucial.
CompetitionGoalsNotable Examples
62 in 2007 (vs. , ); 1 in 2011 (vs. France); 3 in 2015 (vs. , , )
85 in 2013 (Golden Boot winner, including vs. and ); 2 in 2009; 1 in 2005
92 in 2008 (both vs. ); 3 in 2012; 4 in 2016 (including vs. )
Other (Qualifiers & Friendlies)65Including record-breaker vs. (2014 friendly); multiple in EURO/WCup qualifiers vs. teams like and

Matches and goals at major tournaments

Lotta Schelin represented in three Women's World Cups, appearing in 13 matches and scoring 6 goals overall. In the 2007 tournament in , she scored 3 goals during the group stage, including one in a 2-1 win over and another in a 1-1 draw with , though finished third in their group and did not advance. In 2011 in , Schelin netted 2 goals across 6 matches, notably the winner in a 1-1 draw with and one in the 2-1 third-place victory over , helping secure bronze. 's campaign ended with that medal, their best World Cup finish during her career. In 2015 in , she scored 1 goal in 4 appearances during a quarter-final run, where lost on penalties to the after a 1-1 draw. At the Olympic Games, Schelin featured in four tournaments, playing 18 matches and contributing 9 goals as Sweden consistently reached at least the quarter-finals. Her Olympic debut came in 2004 in Athens, where she appeared in all 4 matches without scoring, as Sweden exited in the quarter-finals with a 0-1 loss to Brazil. In 2008 in Beijing, Schelin scored 2 goals in the group stage, including both in a 2-1 victory over Canada, but Sweden lost 1-2 to Germany in the quarter-finals. The 2012 London Games saw her score 3 goals in 4 matches, such as one in a 4-1 win over South Africa, though Sweden again fell 1-2 in the quarter-finals to France. Schelin's most successful Olympics was in 2016 in Rio, where she scored 4 goals over 6 matches, including the equalizer in a 1-1 quarter-final draw with the United States (won on penalties) and one in the 1-0 group win over South Africa; Sweden earned silver after a 1-2 final loss to Germany, with her leadership pivotal in the semifinal penalty shootout win over Brazil. Schelin competed in four UEFA Women's EURO tournaments, making 15 appearances and scoring 9 goals, establishing herself as Sweden's all-time leading scorer in the competition with 8 goals (one additional in qualifying). In 2005 in , she scored 1 goal in the group stage as Sweden advanced to the semi-finals before a 1-2 extra-time loss to . In 2009 in , Schelin netted 2 goals in 4 matches, including strikes in group wins over (3-0) and (2-0), but Sweden exited in the quarter-finals with a 1-3 defeat to . The 2013 edition in was her standout, where she scored 5 goals in 5 matches to claim the Golden Boot as top scorer; key contributions included 2 goals in a 2-0 group win over and 2 in the 4-0 quarter-final rout of , though Sweden lost 0-1 to in the semi-finals. In 2017 in the , limited to 2 appearances due to injury, she scored 1 goal in a 1-2 group loss to , as Sweden reached the quarter-finals before a 0-2 defeat to the hosts.
TournamentYearAppearancesGoals
200733
201162
201541
200440
200842
201243
201664
[UEFA Women's EURO2005](/page/UEFA_Women's_Euro_2005)41
200942
201355
201721
Schelin's tournament performances often influenced Sweden's outcomes, with her goals providing crucial momentum in knockout stages and her experience anchoring the attack across 46 total appearances and 24 goals in major competitions.

Honours

Club honours

During her time with Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC from 2001 to 2008, Schelin contributed significantly to the team's competitiveness in the , finishing as the league's top scorer in 2006 with 21 goals and in 2007 with 26 goals, though the club did not secure any major titles in that period. Schelin's most successful club period was with from 2008 to 2016, where she played a pivotal role in the team's dominance. The club won eight consecutive titles from the 2008–09 to 2015–16 seasons, with Schelin serving as the top scorer for in multiple campaigns, including a league-leading 33 goals in the 2014–15 season. They also captured four Coupes de France Féminine titles during her tenure (2012, 2013, 2015, 2016), and three trophies (2010–11, 2011–12, 2015–16), where Schelin scored crucial goals, including in the 2011 final. In her brief stint with FC Rosengård in 2016–17, Schelin joined mid-season and helped the team finish second in the Damallsvenskan, but no major titles were won during her partial involvement.

International honours

Schelin contributed significantly to Sweden's international successes, including their bronze medal at the , where she scored the opening goal in the 2–1 third-place victory over , securing the nation's first-ever podium finish at the tournament. Her performance earned her a spot in the tournament's All-Star Team, highlighting her role as a key forward in the team's run to the semi-finals. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Schelin captained to a , leading the team through a strong group stage and knockout victories, including a 4–1 semi-final win over , before a 2–1 extra-time loss to in the final. As co-captain alongside from 2012 to 2016, she provided leadership during qualification campaigns, notably scoring crucial goals in Women's EURO qualifiers, such as her brace in a 3–0 win over in 2013 that bolstered Sweden's path to the tournament. Sweden also achieved success in invitational tournaments under Schelin's influence. In the 2009 Algarve Cup, she starred with multiple goals, including contributions in the group stage, as Sweden defeated the United States on penalties in the final to claim the title. In the Cyprus Women's Cup, Schelin delivered standout performances, such as her brace in a 2–0 friendly victory over in 2008, underscoring her prowess in preparatory internationals that aided Sweden's broader competitive preparations.

Individual awards

Schelin was recognized as the Swedish Female Footballer of the Year, known as the Diamantbollen, a record five times, in 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. She received nominations for the Best Women's Player in Europe Award, reaching the shortlist in 2013 alongside and Lena Goeßling, and again in 2014. In 2006, Schelin was the top scorer in the with 21 goals. With , she was named French Women's Player of the Year in 2014 and top scorer in in 2009–10 (25 goals), 2010–11 (23 goals), and 2014–15 (33 goals). Schelin holds the record as Sweden's all-time leading international goalscorer with 88 goals in 185 appearances, a milestone she reached in 2014 by surpassing the previous record of 72 goals.

Television and film appearances

Schelin featured prominently in the 2013 Sveriges Television (SVT) documentary series Den andra sporten (The Other Sport), a three-part production exploring the history and challenges of women's from the onward. The series highlighted her career as a key figure in the sport's professionalization, including interviews and archival footage of her playing days with Göteborg FC and the national team. In 2021, Schelin participated in the Swedish version of Sverige on TV4, performing incognito as "Jokern" (The Joker) across two episodes before her unmasking on April 9. She sang tracks such as Laleh's "Goliat" and Elton John's "," drawing on her athletic background to incorporate dynamic stage movements that surprised audiences and panelists. Her appearance showcased a lighter, performative side, blending her sports fame with entertainment and garnering media attention for bridging athletes and pop culture. Schelin made guest appearances on several Swedish talk and variety shows, often discussing her football achievements. On Allsång på Skansen in 2021 (SVT, Episode 5), she joined as a special guest alongside performers like Sanna Nielsen, contributing to the sing-along format and sharing anecdotes from her career that emphasized community and perseverance in sports. She also appeared on Klassfesten (TV4, 2019, Season 3 Episode 5), reuniting with schoolmates in a lighthearted segment hosted by Nyberg, where she reflected on her early life balancing academics and athletics. Additional spots included Tror du jag ljuger? (TV4, 2019, Season 4 Episode 4), a deception-based , and programs like Renées Brygga (TV4, 2022, Season 8 Episode 6) and (SVT, 2021–2023, multiple episodes), where she engaged in conversations about her post-retirement transitions. These television outings helped demystify elite women's football, portraying Schelin as relatable and multifaceted to broader audiences.

Other media mentions

In 2020, Lotta Schelin co-authored her I huvudet på Lotta Schelin with her Rebecca Schelin, reflecting on her professional football achievements, the physical toll of injuries leading to her 2018 , and personal milestones including her 2018 marriage and public as a . Schelin has featured in numerous exploring her career legacy, such as the 2021 episode of Värvet where she discussed maternity leave, , and life after , and the July 2025 Drömelvan installment on the Offside podcast, in which she curated her all-time dream team from teammates and opponents. In September 2024, as the inaugural ambassador for 's program—a Disney-inspired initiative to engage young girls in football—she shared insights in a interview on using to inspire participation and her own passion for the . Schelin has been profiled in Swedish sports publications like Offside magazine, highlighting her role in elevating women's football visibility. Post-retirement, Schelin has leveraged to promote in sports and share family life, maintaining an active presence on with over 39,000 followers where she posts about UEFA events and motivational content for aspiring athletes. Schelin's influence extends to historical accounts of women's football, such as Ann Killion's 2016 book Champions of Women's Soccer, which profiles her as a key figure in Sweden's rise and international success alongside global icons.

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  28. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/23159911
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  30. https://inside.fifa.com/news/swedes-hold-nerve-to-end-hosts-golden-dream-2822390
  31. https://www.olympic.org/lotta-schelin
  32. https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/021b-0e15b5f330c6-ccbfe5ae9f5e-1000--ibrahimovic-and-schelin-take-swedish-honours/
  33. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jul/29/euro-2017-quarter-finals-holland-sweden-germany-denmark
  34. https://www.espn.com/espnw/news-commentary/2015worldcup/article/13054780/why-now-swedish-superstar-lotta-schelin
  35. https://phillysoccerpage.net/2011/07/20/womens-world-cup-bext-xi-and-other-awards/
  36. https://kids.kiddle.co/Lotta_Schelin
  37. https://sports.yahoo.com/article/lotte-schelin-sweden-grand-dame-060000154.html
  38. https://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/lotta-schelin-berattar-sa-traffade-hon-frun-rebecca/
  39. https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/career-numbers-lotta-schelin
  40. https://www.svtplay.se/video/KwrLbEj/svt-sport-direkt/presskonferens-lotta-schelin
  41. https://thesportplayer.blogspot.com/2011/07/lotta-schelin.html
  42. https://shekicks.net/swedens-all-time-top-goalscorer-lotta-schelin-retires/
  43. https://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/landslaget/lotta-schelin-hyllas-over-varlden-efter-beskedet/
  44. https://www.facebook.com/SemraHunterTV/posts/two-weeks-ago-i-had-the-honor-of-hosting-the-inaugural-uefa-playmakers-conferenc/1391506886316701/
  45. https://aktiva.svenskfotboll.se/nyheter/2024/05/lotta-playmakersambassador/
  46. https://www.facebook.com/MfaWomensFootball/posts/1353327700125405/
  47. https://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/det-var-sjukt-hur-han-brot-ned-oss-spelare/
  48. https://via.tt.se/pressmeddelande/3847821/lotta-schelin-ambassador-nar-majblomman-tar-strid-mot-hoga-terminsavgifter?publisherId=2159100&lang=sv
  49. https://inside.fifa.com/news/players-voice-panel-tackle-racism-in-football
  50. https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2025/11/10/george-weah-leads-fifas-anti-racism-players-voice-panel-first-meeting-morocco/
  51. https://www.uefa.com/womenschampionsleague/news/0256-0e16aa197ee5-2e17a0fcaa4d-1000--women-s-champions-league-ada-hegerberg-reigns-as-all-time-/
  52. https://www.soccerzz.com/player/lotta-schelin/116661
  53. https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/lotta-schelin
  54. https://fansided.com/posts/top-15-womens-goalscorers-olympics-history/5
  55. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/lotta-schelin/frauen-em-2009-finnland/schweden-frauen-team/3/
  56. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40689354
  57. https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/0276-157458af7020-2f9b948405ee-1000--uefa-women-s-euro-top-scorers-all-time-and-by-tournament/
  58. https://www.ol.fr/fr/football/feminin-pro/palmares
  59. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesz/zwed-womchamp.html
  60. https://www.fifa.com/en/articles/the-best-of-lotta-schelin-womens-world-cup-australia-new-zealand-2023-countdown
  61. https://inside.fifa.com/news/gold-for-germany-as-neid-finishes-in-style-2822872
  62. https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/0298-1d70a7594576-2bc3533c9fc8-1000--sweden-women-s-euro-records-and-stats/
  63. https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01d7-0e118f0a5c89-e3a52bad7cbd-1000--sweden-win-algarve-cup-with-shoot-out-success/
  64. https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01ca-0e10b3c08e22-08ba3a55b986-1000--schelin-inspires-sweden-to-victory/
  65. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/479287-most-wins-of-the-diamantbollen-by-a-football-soccer-player
  66. https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/020c-0e1443ff9a61-f9d043707c78-1000--angerer-schelin-and-goessling-shortlisted/
  67. https://www.uefa.com/womenschampionsleague/news/0217-0e159b1cb07e-34ea73897c8b-1000--best-women-s-player-in-europe-shortlist-revealed/
  68. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2211065/
  69. https://tv.aftonbladet.se/video/327516/jokern-tvingas-lamna-masked-singer
  70. https://www.expressen.se/noje/hon-tvingas-lamna-masked-singer-/
  71. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15134990/
  72. https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/lotta-schelins-framtid-efter-sang-succen-har-chockat-mig
  73. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10853744/
  74. https://www.tv4play.se/video/8b69c1ef311470172639/avsnitt-6
  75. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21600180/
  76. https://www.boktugg.se/2020/09/30/lotta-schelin-om-karleken-och-skadan-i-ny-bok-har-fatt-vaga-mig-ut/
  77. https://books.google.com/books?id=xPsAEAAAQBAJ
  78. https://poddtoppen.se/podcast/508310996/varvet/437-lotta-schelin
  79. https://www.offside.org/nyheter/lotta-schelin-dromelvan/
  80. https://www.instagram.com/schelin_official/
  81. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/champions-of-womens-soccer-ann-killion/1126941661
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