On a typical dreary December Thursday in London, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd radiates joy as she welcomes guests into her apartment. The Swedish midfielder, recently crowned the winner of the 2024 Diamantbollen, Sweden’s prestigious award for the best female football player, is understandably elated. The aroma of Swedish coffee fills the air, accompanied by the festive treats of pepparkakor (gingerbread cookies) and skumtomtar (foam marshmallows), a taste of home amidst her London life. The award, a culmination of a remarkable year, holds immense personal significance, a dream realized from childhood and a frequent topic of conversation with her supportive father. The news, initially difficult to keep secret, was immediately shared with her parents, the pillars of her journey. Her father, ever confident in her abilities, had always maintained it wasn’t a question of if she would win, but when. Holding the glass sculpture etched with her name, Kaneryd reflects on a rewarding year, acknowledging the hard work while emphasizing the importance of never taking success for granted.
Kaneryd’s journey to the pinnacle of women’s football has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. From her early days at Kolsva IF and the subsequent moves to Forsby FF and Tyresö FF, her talent shone through. The transition to Älta IF and later Djurgårdens IF in 2016 solidified her rising star status, earning her the “Breakthrough of the Year” award. Her performances caught the eye of FC Rosengård, leading to a contract in 2018. However, fate intervened cruelly on the very same day, as she suffered her second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, sidelining her for the entire season. The recovery and subsequent lack of playing time at Rosengård fueled her frustration, a feeling of untapped potential within a limiting environment.
The move to BK Häcken in 2020 proved to be the turning point. The fast-paced environment allowed Kaneryd to fully express her dynamic playing style, a key factor in her return to the national team. Her earlier call-up during her time at Djurgården had been followed by a hiatus, making her re-emergence all the more significant. This resurgence, powered by her undeniable skill and relentless drive, cemented her place as a vital asset in Swedish football. Two ACL injuries and the challenging period at Rosengård might have derailed a lesser player, but Kaneryd embodies resilience. These adversities, far from breaking her, became the crucible that forged her unwavering self-belief and ultimately propelled her to the heights she now occupies.
The year 2022 marked another significant leap as Kaneryd joined Chelsea, one of the world’s leading clubs. Now, firmly established as a key player in the squad, she is living her dream, a reality that often feels surreal. The first year at Chelsea presented its own challenges, demanding patience, a virtue Kaneryd admits she lacks. Her perseverance paid off, culminating in a regular starting position and recognition as one of the team’s most influential figures. Parallel to her club success, she has become an integral part of the Swedish national team. Under the guidance of national team coaches Peter Gerhardsson and Magnus Wikman, her role has become well-defined, emphasizing her creativity, daring play, and ability to produce the unexpected, qualities mirroring her contributions at Chelsea.
Kaneryd’s impact on the national team extends beyond her individual brilliance. Her energetic playing style and drive to accelerate the tempo of the game have been lauded by former Swedish international Kim Källström, a member of the Diamantbollen jury. This intensity, coupled with a desire for high-tempo play, reflects her unwavering commitment to elevating the team’s performance. With the retirement of long-time captain Caroline Seger, a void in leadership has emerged. Kaneryd acknowledges Seger’s exceptional leadership and the profound impact she had on the team, recognizing her as the best captain she has ever played under. While not typically considered a captaincy candidate, Kaneryd is eager to learn from Seger’s example and contribute to the team’s leadership dynamic.
Off the field, Kaneryd enjoys the camaraderie of her Chelsea teammates, particularly her close friends and fellow Swedes Zecira Musovic and Nathalie Björn. Their reunion at Chelsea, after previously playing together at FC Rosengård, provides a comforting sense of familiarity and shared history. The trio forms a tight-knit group, sharing laughter and creating lasting memories amidst the pressures of professional football. Kaneryd, affectionately known as "Jojo" and more recently "Sweet but Psycho" within the team, embraces the playful dynamic, adding another layer of personality to her already vibrant persona. As Chelsea continues their unbeaten run, both domestically and in the Champions League, Kaneryd continues to shine, a testament to her talent, dedication, and unwavering belief in her own abilities. And while her goal celebrations are yet to find a consistent form, she hints at a possible step dance in the future, a playful nod to a spontaneous moment of improvised dance in Malmö that revealed a hidden talent.
