Profile

The captain of Sweden since the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Fredrik 'Freddie' Ljungberg led his troops successfully through the UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying competition.

The West Ham United FC midfielder will hope to have regained full fitness for the finals after an injury-interrupted season in England.

Won the Swedish championship with first club Halmstads BK in 1997, aged 20; capped by Sweden for the first time in January 1998.

Joined Arsenal FC a year later; Premier League runner-up in his first three seasons before playing a major part in the Gunners' 2002 domestic double –12 goals in the league and also scored in the FA Cup final win over Chelsea FC (2-0), having also been on target in the 2001 final defeat by Liverpool.
Added two more FA Cup wins and 2003/04 'invincible' Premier League triumph; regular UEFA Champions League participant, making his 60th appearance in the 2006 final v FC Barcelona. Voted 2006 Swedish Footballer of Year.

Prominent figure at UEFA European Championships of 2000 and 2004 (making maximum seven appearances), marking the latter with the first goal in Sweden's opening 5-0 win against Bulgaria.

Lack of goals at the start of his international career but seven in 2006 World Cup qualifiers and the crucial late winner versus Paraguay at the finals.

Did you know?

Ljungberg was voted best-dressed man in Sweden in 2002.