Emil Holmberg '24 Recruiting Profile

Personal Statement

I am a dedicated and passionate goalkeeper with a deep love for the game. I began playing soccer at the age of 5 and have since developed into one of the top goalkeepers in Sweden in my age group. In 2024, I competed with IFK Norrköping’s U-19 Division 1 team in Sweden, where I also participated in the prestigious National Soccer Program (2021–2024), designed to develop players for professional careers. I played senior soccer in division 2 from September 2024 until June 2025. In August 2025, I started at East Tenessee State University, the Buccaneers, in Division 1.

In September 2024, I was promoted to IF Sylvia, a minor league team competing in Sweden’s Senior Division 2. I have regularly trained with both IF Sylvia and the Senior Professional Team of IFK Norrköping, one of Sweden’s most successful top-tier clubs with 13 national championships in the Allsvenskan. In November 2024, I made my debut for IFK Norrköping’s senior professional team, playing the full 90 minutes in a friendly against IK Sirius.

Off the field, I have gained valuable leadership experience working as a substitute teacher at Jönsbergska Sports Junior High School and as a retail associate at Eko, preparing myself for college studies in the fall of 2025.

Athletic Profile

As a goalkeeper, I am mentally focused, quick in decision-making, and physically agile. I excel at:

• Distribution of play: Delivering precise short passes under pressure, as well as accurate mid-range and long-range passes to initiate counterattacks or switch play.
• One-on-one situations: Strong instincts and quick reactions.
• Handling crosses: Developed further through senior-level competition.
• Leadership: Providing stability and direction to the defensive line.
  
  

I am 6 feet tall, weigh 163 pounds, and was born in 2005. I am confident playing with both feet and pride myself on being a reliable team player who brings calm and structure to the defense. 

Academic and Personal Background

I graduated from high school in June 2024 with a focus in Economics, balancing academic performance with the demands of the National Soccer Program. My areas of academic interest include business administration and political science. Final highschool GPA 3.4.

Having lived abroad in Latin America during my childhood, I am fluent in Swedish, Spanish, and English, which provides me with a strong global perspective. I come from a family of university educators, which has instilled in me a deep respect for academic achievement.

Why U.S. College Soccer?

I see college studies in the U.S. as an unparalleled opportunity to combine high-level soccer with academic excellence. This unique combination is not possible in Sweden, and I am excited to bring my skills, determination, and leadership to a competitive collegiate soccer program.

BASIC STATS EMIL HOLMBERG

- Born in April 2005 (19)

- Height 183 cm/6 Feet

- Weight 74 kg/164 Pounds

- High School graduation in June 2024

- GPA 3,4

- Fluent in Swedish, English, and Spanish

- Played in IFK Norrköping Academy – a club with 125 years of experience - in the highest league. The team's academy is ranked as the 5th best in Sweden by the National Football Association https://unicoach.se/2024/01/2023-ars-resultat-av-certifieringen-av-klubbarnas-akademiverksamheter-hela-listan/

- Played in IF Sylvia in Division 2  from September 2024 until June 2025, it is the minor league team of IFK Norrköping for prospects to the professional team. 

MATCH STATS EMIL HOLMBERG

- In September 2024, he was promoted to IF Sylvia in Senior Division 2. It is the minor league team of IFK Norrköping.

- Trained in 2024-2025 with IFK Norrköping and the Senior Professional Team (Division 1), which plays in the national top league.

- Played in the 2024 U-19 “Allsvenskan”. Top U-19 division in Sweden. 

- Between 2021 and June 2024, Emil Holmberg has played 103 competitive matches.

- In IF Sylvia, he had an average save ration after 9 games in 2024 of 93%, 5 clean sheets, GAA 0.6, and saved 3/6 penalties (50%). Contributed to te team's defense having the least conceded goals in the league. He played 9 games during the spring of 2025 with a save ratio of 84%, GAA 0.8 and 5 clean sheets.

-  In 2024 he played 31 competitive games with an average save ratio of 80%. Saved 6 out of 11 penalties - 55% save ratio. 

- In 2024, U-21 National League Gold (Ligacup Elit) as second goalkeeper.

- U-19 National League Gold (Allsvenskan), 2023. Least conceded goals in the series. 27% of the games without conceded goal - clean sheets. Goals Against Average (GAA) 1,2.

- U-19 bronze in the Scandinavians Masters in December, 2023 playing with the best teams of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Marbella, Spain. Best Swedish team in the tournament. 

- Played in the Gothia Youth World Cup U-17 reaching quarterfinals

- U-17 National League U-17 "Allsvenskan Södra" gaining fifth place. 19% of the games without conceded goal - clean sheet. GAA 1,7

- U-16 National League Silver, 2021. Least conceded goals in the final series and “player of the match” in the finals. 26% of the games without conceded goals - clean sheets. GAA 1,3

- Played in the Scandinavians Masters in 2021 with the best teams of Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

Video updated on 25 of November 2024