PHOTO: Bildbyrån
In the 70s, he was one of Sweden’s most celebrated footballers.
Today we say congratulations to Ralf Edström who turns 71.
And remember when he revealed who he thinks is the greatest Swedish footballer of all time.
Ralf Edstrom was a real star in the 1970s. He played in clubs such as PSV Eindhoven, Standard Liège, IFK Gothenburg and AS Monaco. Edström won the Golden Ball on two occasions, in 1972 and 1974, and made his debut in the Swedish national team as a 19-year-old.
Iconic volley goal
The striker was born in Degerfors on October 7, 1952 and received his football training in Degerfors IF. As a 13-year-old, he got to play with the association’s 16-year-olds, before he made his debut for the first team in 1968. Edström’s main skill was his main play in the penalty area, earning him the nickname “Mr Nickson” early on.
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Despite his fine career, Edström is still best known today for his volley goal against West Germany in the World Cup in 1974. The shot went like a cannon into the net behind the great goalkeeper Sepp Maier, and is seen as one of the most classic goals in Swedish football history.
– It’s good that you score a goal like that at the WC and not in training. Then it was a bit special because it silenced the home crowd. It was a real gem, Ralf said about the goal several years later to Nyheter24.
The fight with Zlatan
If he was best known for his volley goal during his career, it is probably the public dispute with Zlatan Ibrahimovic which is what the 71-year-old has become best known for after his career.
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Edström became a football expert in Radiosporten after hanging up his shoes in the birch, and commented on the Swedish national team. Then Ibrahimovic played in the team, and during a WC qualifying match in 2008, Ralf did not hold back in his criticism of “Ibra”.
– Sweden played at home against Hungary and he did nothing that match. If you don’t do your job on the pitch, I have to say so, regardless of whether your name is Zlatan, Henke or Källström, Edström has said.
READ MORE: Henrik Larsson’s big confession – that’s why he didn’t want his son Jordan Larsson to start playing football
Select the best player
Zlatan was made aware of Ralf’s criticism, and as so many times in the past gave a scathing reply back. A then 29-year-old Zlatan said that Edström was not fit for anything more than working in his garden.
– He said it with a twinkle in his eye. If I get one percent of his salary, I can dig up his garden, said “Mr. Nickson” a few years later.
READ MORE: Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s completely unforgettable response to Ralf Edström who slaughtered “Ibra” live
However, that dispute has not affected Edström when it comes to assessing who is the best Swedish soccer player of all time.
– It is difficult. But I say Zlatan and Henke (Henrik Larsson), Zlatan is somewhat sharper considering the recent titles he has won, Ralf said in an interview with Nyheter24.
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