Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, the dynamic 27-year-old winger, has been crowned the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Diamantbollen, an accolade recognizing the best Swedish female football player of the year. Her selection comes as no surprise to those who have witnessed her electrifying performances for both her club, Chelsea, and the Swedish national team throughout the year. The jury lauded her as an innovative playmaker who has ascended to new heights, praising her energy, courage, and speed as driving forces behind her success at both the club and international levels. Rytting Kaneryd’s contributions have been instrumental in Chelsea’s triumph in the Super League and have solidified her position as a key player for the Swedish national team.
Rytting Kaneryd’s journey to the pinnacle of Swedish women’s football has been marked by consistent excellence and a remarkable upward trajectory. Her performance in the first half of the year alone established her as a strong contender for the Diamantbollen. With a tally of four goals and six assists, she played a crucial role in Chelsea’s Super League victory. Shortly after securing the league title, she donned the national team jersey and delivered a stellar performance, scoring two goals against Ireland. Her speed and skill have been described as intimidating by teammates, further solidifying her reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the pitch.
Despite her current success, Rytting Kaneryd exhibits a remarkable hunger for improvement and a belief in her untapped potential. Reflecting on her career, she acknowledges past setbacks due to injuries but maintains a strong sense of optimism about her future growth. She feels that she is yet to reach her peak, a testament to her unwavering dedication and ambition. The Diamantbollen serves as a fitting recognition of her current achievements while simultaneously fueling her motivation to continue pushing boundaries and elevating her game.
The Diamantbollen jury, composed of prominent figures from both the Sydsvenskan newspaper and the Swedish Football Association, carefully deliberated before selecting Rytting Kaneryd as the deserving recipient. Representing Sydsvenskan were Malena Henriksson, Editorial Director, Ulf Jarevik, Sports Editor, and Max Wiman, Reporter. From the Swedish Football Association, the jury included Fredrik Reinfeldt, Chairman, Andrea Möllerberg, General Secretary, and Kim Källström, Head of Football. Their combined expertise and understanding of the game ensured a rigorous and fair selection process.
This prestigious award, jointly presented by Sydsvenskan and the Swedish Football Association, represents the pinnacle of achievement in Swedish women’s football. For Rytting Kaneryd, it is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. Moreover, it serves as an inspiration to aspiring young players across the nation, demonstrating the heights that can be reached through perseverance and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her story is one of overcoming challenges, embracing growth, and ultimately, achieving recognition at the highest level of the sport.
Rytting Kaneryd’s victory further highlights the growing prominence and increasing recognition of women’s football in Sweden and globally. Her dynamic playing style and unwavering commitment to the game have captured the attention of fans and experts alike, solidifying her status as a role model for aspiring athletes. As she continues her career, she will undoubtedly inspire future generations of female footballers to pursue their dreams and strive for greatness, leaving an indelible mark on the sport both on and off the field. The Diamantbollen is not just an individual accomplishment for Rytting Kaneryd, but also a symbolic victory for the continued advancement and celebration of women’s football.
