Trelleborgs FF
Trelleborgs FF is a Swedish professional association football club based in Trelleborg, Skåne County, founded on 6 December 1926. The club, which fields teams in both men's and women's divisions, has a long history in the upper echelons of Swedish football, most recently competing in the Superettan—the second tier—until its relegation to Division 1 Södra following a 1-1 draw against Örebro SK on 8 November 2025 that confirmed its demotion after finishing 15th in the 2025 season. Known for its white-and-blue kits and strong community ties, Trelleborgs FF plays home matches at Vångavallen, a stadium with a capacity of approximately 5,500 spectators.[1][2][1] The club's most notable achievements came in the early 1990s during its peak period in the Allsvenskan, Sweden's top division, where it participated 17 times overall and achieved finishes in the top four. In European competition, Trelleborgs FF won the 1993/94 Intertoto Cup and advanced to the second round of the 1994/95 UEFA Cup, famously eliminating Blackburn Rovers—who went on to win the 1994–95 English Premier League title—3–2 on aggregate (1–0 away win and 2–2 home draw). Domestically, it secured the Superettan title in the 2005/06 season, earning promotion back to the Allsvenskan, and has maintained a reputation for developing youth talent while emphasizing societal impact through programs like "TFF – En Kraft i Samhället."[3][4][5][3][6][7]History
Founding and early years
Trelleborgs FF was established on 6 December 1926 in Trelleborg, Sweden, initially operating as a football-focused association within the town's sporting landscape. The club quickly became embedded in the community, drawing players and supporters from Trelleborg's working-class neighborhoods and fostering a sense of local pride during the pre-professional era of Swedish football.[8] In its early years, Trelleborgs FF competed in regional lower divisions, starting in Division 4 Skåne, where it built a foundation through consistent participation and gradual improvement in competitive standing. By the early 1950s, the club achieved promotion to Division 3 Södra Götaland for the 1951/52 season, marking a significant step up in the Swedish football pyramid and reflecting growing organizational strength. This progression was supported by dedicated local involvement, though specific early leadership figures like initial presidents remain sparsely documented in historical records. During the mid-20th century, Trelleborgs FF emphasized community integration, using football to strengthen ties with Trelleborg's residents through grassroots events and local rivalries. The club began developing rudimentary youth systems, prioritizing talent cultivation from within the region to sustain participation in higher divisions.[7] These efforts laid the groundwork for sustained growth, with the youth academy evolving into a well-functioning structure that promotes over 40 young teams today, underscoring the club's enduring commitment to community development in its formative decades.[9]Rise to Allsvenskan and European competition
Trelleborgs FF achieved its first promotion to Allsvenskan by winning Division 2 Södra in 1984 with 20 victories, 1 draw, and 5 defeats, amassing 41 points. Under manager Krister Kristensson, the team secured the top-flight spot through a two-legged promotion playoff against Åtvidabergs FF, runners-up in Division 2 Norra. They lost the first leg 0–1 at Kopparvallen but overturned the deficit with a 3–1 victory at home on October 28, 1984, in front of 9,790 spectators, with goals from Benny Mårtensson (twice) and Marek Skurczyński.[10] The club consolidated its position in Allsvenskan during the late 1980s and early 1990s, reaching its highest-ever league finish of third place in the 1992 season under manager Tom Prahl. Competing in a 10-team format with 18 matches, Trelleborgs FF recorded 7 wins, 7 draws, and 4 losses, scoring 20 goals and conceding 20 for a goal difference of 0 and 28 points, behind champions IFK Norrköping (36 points) and runners-up Östers IF (29 points).[11][12] Building on this success, Trelleborgs FF finished fourth in the 1993 Allsvenskan with 42 points from 26 matches (12 wins, 6 draws, 8 losses), qualifying for the 1994–95 UEFA Cup as one of Sweden's top non-champions. In the competition's preliminary round, they defeated GÍ Gøta of the Faroe Islands 4–2 on aggregate, winning 1–0 away and 3–2 at home. This set up a first-round tie against English Premier League side Blackburn Rovers, featuring stars like Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton, who were title challengers that season. Trelleborgs FF pulled off a famous upset, triumphing 3–2 on aggregate: a 1–0 away victory at Ewood Park (Fredrik Sandell 72') followed by a 2–2 home draw at Vångavallen (Christian Karlsson 50', 85'; Sutton and Shearer for Blackburn). The result was hailed as one of the club's greatest achievements, with captain Bosse Karlsson later stating it might never be topped.[13][14][15] Trelleborgs FF's European campaign ended in the second round against Italian giants SS Lazio, drawing 0–0 at home before a 0–1 away defeat at Stadio Olimpico, eliminated 0–1 on aggregate. The run elevated the club's profile, marking their only appearance in major European competition to date and demonstrating their competitive potential on the continental stage.[14]Post-UEFA era and league fluctuations
Following the club's participation in European competition during the 1994–95 season, Trelleborgs FF enjoyed a period of relative stability in Allsvenskan, maintaining top-flight status through consistent mid-table finishes from 1996 to 2000.[16] This era marked the end of their most successful phase in the early 1990s, but the team began to face increasing challenges, culminating in relegation after finishing 14th in the 2001 Allsvenskan season—their first drop from the top division since promotion in 1985.[16] The demotion initiated a pattern of league fluctuations that earned the club a "yo-yo" reputation, characterized by quick returns to Allsvenskan followed by struggles to stay there. In 2002, Trelleborgs FF finished 9th in Superettan, failing to secure immediate promotion, but rebounded strongly the next year by placing 2nd, earning a return to Allsvenskan for the 2004 season.[16] However, their stay was brief; another 14th-place finish led to relegation at the end of 2004. The club spent the 2005 season in mid-table Superettan obscurity (11th place) before dominating the second tier in 2006 with a 1st-place finish and promotion back to the top flight.[16] These cycles highlighted the club's competitive edge in the second division but recurring difficulties adapting to Allsvenskan's demands, often resulting in survival battles at the lower end of the table. The 2007 Allsvenskan season exemplified these struggles, as Trelleborgs FF fought to avoid the drop, ultimately securing 13th place and safety without entering the relegation playoff.[16] Stability improved thereafter, with finishes of 10th in 2008, 9th in 2009, and a strong 5th in 2010, bolstered by the return of veteran manager Tom Prahl in January 2008. Prahl, who had led the club to prominence in the early 1990s, guided the team through this transitional period, helping to end the yo-yo pattern and solidify their top-flight presence.[17] The following table summarizes Trelleborgs FF's league positions from 1996 to 2010, illustrating the shift from stability to volatility and partial recovery:| Year | League | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Allsvenskan | 12th | Safe from relegation |
| 1997 | Allsvenskan | 10th | |
| 1998 | Allsvenskan | 11th | |
| 1999 | Allsvenskan | 8th | |
| 2000 | Allsvenskan | 6th | |
| 2001 | Allsvenskan | 14th | Relegated |
| 2002 | Superettan | 9th | No promotion |
| 2003 | Superettan | 2nd | Promoted |
| 2004 | Allsvenskan | 14th | Relegated |
| 2005 | Superettan | 11th | |
| 2006 | Superettan | 1st | Promoted |
| 2007 | Allsvenskan | 13th | Avoided playoff |
| 2008 | Allsvenskan | 10th | |
| 2009 | Allsvenskan | 9th | |
| 2010 | Allsvenskan | 5th |
21st century developments
In the 2010s, Trelleborgs FF experienced continued fluctuations between Sweden's top two divisions, culminating in a successful promotion campaign in 2017. Finishing third in the Superettan with a record of 14 wins, 10 draws, and 6 losses, the club secured promotion to the Allsvenskan through the promotion playoffs, defeating Jönköpings Södra IF 3–1 on aggregate.[18] The stint in the Allsvenskan proved brief, as Trelleborgs FF struggled defensively and finished last in the 2018 season with only 3 wins, 6 draws, and 21 losses, resulting in immediate relegation back to the Superettan.[19] The club has since focused on stabilizing its position in the second tier, with mid-table finishes becoming more common amid efforts to rebuild squad depth and tactical consistency. The 2020s brought additional challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on operations during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Like many Swedish clubs, Trelleborgs FF played matches without spectators, leading to reduced revenue from ticket sales and concessions, while adhering to health protocols that disrupted training schedules and player availability.[20] These disruptions contributed to inconsistent performances, though the club avoided relegation playoffs in both years. In recent seasons, Trelleborgs FF achieved a solid seventh-place finish in the 2024 Superettan, marking a step toward competitiveness with 12 wins, 8 draws, and 9 losses.[21] Entering the 2025 Superettan, the team faced difficulties, finishing 15th in the table after a 1-1 draw against Örebro SK on 8 November 2025 that confirmed relegation to Division 1 Södra.[22] Ongoing efforts emphasize youth development through an expanding academy program, which has grown annually and produced talents like Nigerian winger Emmanuel Godwin, signed from a local academy in 2023.[23][24] Sustainability initiatives have also gained prominence, bolstered by an expanded partnership with Trelleborg AB announced in 2025, which supports community engagement, youth programs, and regional development to foster long-term club stability.[25] Parallel to the men's team, Trelleborgs FF established its women's section in the early 2010s, with the team competing in Elitettan, Sweden's second-tier women's league, since joining the division around 2014. Following promotion from Elitettan after the 2023 season, the women's squad participated in the Damallsvenskan in 2024 but finished 14th (last place) with 0 wins, 3 draws, and 23 losses, resulting in relegation back to Elitettan.[26] This development reflects the club's broader commitment to gender-inclusive football infrastructure.Club identity and facilities
Colours, crest, and kit
Trelleborgs FF's primary colours are blue and white, inspired by the club's coastal location in the port town of Trelleborg. The home kit traditionally consists of blue shirts with white accents, shorts, and socks, while away kits often invert or vary these colours for contrast.[27] The club's crest has undergone modernization over the decades and reflects local heritage tied to the historic Trelleborg area. Trelleborgs FF has partnered with several kit suppliers throughout its history. Adidas provided kits until 1999, followed by Puma from 2000 to 2008, Masita from 2009 to 2012, and Nike from 2017 to 2019. Since 2020, Craft has been the official supplier, producing the club's contemporary home and away kits; in November 2025, Craft extended its partnership for six more years.[28][29] Special edition kits have marked key moments, such as the 1994–95 UEFA Cup campaign, where Trelleborgs FF wore Adidas-manufactured blue home kits during matches against teams like Blackburn Rovers.[28]Home stadium and training grounds
Vångavallen has been the home stadium of Trelleborgs FF since its inauguration on 5 June 1933.[30] The venue, located in Trelleborg, Sweden, features a grass pitch measuring 105 meters by 65 meters and holds a total capacity of approximately 7,400 spectators (3,000 seated) as of 2025. It has hosted key club fixtures, including Allsvenskan matches during the 1992 season and UEFA Cup qualifying ties in 1994.[31] The stadium underwent significant renovations in the early 2000s to meet licensing requirements for top-tier Swedish football, including the addition of additional seating.[32] In the 2020s, Trelleborgs FF assumed operational control of Vångavallen from the local municipality in 2020, paving the way for further developments.[33] A major overhaul is scheduled from 2025 to 2030, beginning with the demolition of the iconic south stand and its replacement with a modern structure incorporating hospitality areas and offices, followed by a new western stand in 2028.[30] Training facilities for the first team are integrated at Vångavallen, utilizing adjacent pitches such as the D-plan for sessions.[34] Youth and women's teams primarily train at Trelleborgs IP, a nearby multi-purpose sports ground that supports academy development and lower-division matches.[35]Achievements and records
Domestic competitions
Trelleborgs FF has competed in the Allsvenskan, Sweden's top football league, for a total of 17 seasons since their debut promotion in 1985, with their best finish being third place in 1992.[19][36][37] The club has achieved promotion to the Allsvenskan on several occasions, including via victory in the 1984 Division 2 Södra play-off against Åtvidabergs FF, second place in the 1996 Superettan, second place in the 2001 Superettan, the Superettan title in 2006, and a third-place finish in the 2017 Superettan followed by a 3–1 aggregate playoff win over Jönköpings Södra IF.[10][38][39][40] In the Svenska Cupen, Trelleborgs FF has never won a major title but has advanced to the quarter-finals on multiple occasions, including in 1993 and most recently in the 2024–25 edition after defeating Degerfors IF 1–0 in the round of 16.[41] The club's performances in the cup have often highlighted their competitive edge in knockout formats, though they have not progressed beyond the quarter-final stage. Earlier successes in lower divisions laid the foundation for Trelleborgs FF's rise, with multiple titles in the 1970s and 1980s, such as winning Division 3 Sydvästra in 1972 for promotion to Division 2 and securing the Division 2 Södra title in 1984 to earn their first Allsvenskan promotion.[42][10] These achievements in Division 2 and Division 3 demonstrated the club's growing strength in regional competitions during that era. Among all-time records in domestic play, Benny Mårtensson holds the distinction as Trelleborgs FF's top scorer with 290 goals across 497 appearances, primarily in lower divisions and early Allsvenskan seasons from 1973 to 1993.[10] The club's highest recorded attendance at Vångavallen in domestic matches is 9,843, set during a 2004 Allsvenskan game against Malmö FF. Average attendances have varied, peaking around 5,000–6,000 during successful Allsvenskan campaigns like 2007.[43]European participation
Trelleborgs FF's European record includes winning the 1993/94 Intertoto Cup by topping their group, marking the club's first international success.[3] Trelleborgs FF qualified for their sole European campaign by finishing fourth in the 1993 Allsvenskan season, earning entry into the preliminary round of the 1994–95 UEFA Cup as one of Sweden's representatives. The club, featuring key forward Mats Lilienberg—who had led the domestic league in scoring the previous year with 18 goals—advanced through the early stages under coach Jörgen Mattsson, showcasing disciplined defending and counter-attacking play.[44] This marked a significant milestone for the modest club from southern Sweden, highlighting their rising competitiveness in the early 1990s. The campaign began in the preliminary round against GÍ Gøta from the Faroe Islands, where Trelleborgs FF secured a 4–2 aggregate victory. They followed this with a notable upset in the first round, eliminating English Premier League side Blackburn Rovers 3–2 on aggregate, thanks to goals from Fredrik Sandell and Joachim Karlsson. However, their run ended in the second round against Italian giants SS Lazio, falling 0–1 on aggregate after a goalless home draw and a narrow away defeat. Overall, Trelleborgs FF played six matches, recording three wins, two draws, and one loss while scoring seven goals.[14]| Round | Opponent | 1st Leg (Score) | 2nd Leg (Score) | Aggregate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary | GÍ Gøta (Faroe Islands) | 1–0 (away) | 3–2 (home) | 4–2 |
| First | Blackburn Rovers (England) | 1–0 (away) | 2–2 (home) | 3–2 |
| Second | SS Lazio (Italy) | 0–0 (home) | 0–1 (away) | 0–1 |
Current squad and personnel
First-team squad
As of November 2025, Trelleborgs FF's first-team squad comprises 23 players with an average age of 24.1 years, including 7 foreign nationals accounting for 30.4% of the roster. Following relegation to Division 1 Södra, the club announced a restructuring including staff notices, though no immediate squad changes as of 15 November 2025.[45] The team emphasizes a blend of youth academy graduates and recent acquisitions, with approximately 40% of the squad featuring players who progressed through the club's internal development system, fostering long-term stability in Division 1 Södra. Notable mid-season signings in 2025 include Danish forward Zean Dalügge, who joined from Vendsyssel FF in Denmark's 2. Division to bolster the attacking line.[46][47][48] The squad's goalkeepers provide solid experience, led by Mathias Nilsson, a 25-year-old Swedish keeper whose contract runs until December 2026 after joining from local lower-tier clubs. Victor Astor, 23, serves as backup with a deal expiring in November 2025.[46]| No. | Player | Position | Nationality | Age | Height | Contract Expiry | Market Value | Joined From (Summary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Mathias Nilsson | Goalkeeper | Sweden | 25 | 1.88 m | Dec 31, 2026 | €100k | Youth/lower leagues |
| 30 | Victor Astor | Goalkeeper | Sweden | 23 | 1.92 m | Nov 30, 2025 | €100k | GAIS (2024) |
| No. | Player | Position | Nationality | Age | Height | Contract Expiry | Market Value | Joined From (Summary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Eren Alievski | Left-Back | North Macedonia / Sweden | 20 | 1.78 m | Dec 31, 2025 | €200k | Youth ranks (2024) |
| 20 | Felix Hörberg | Right-Back | Sweden | 25 | 1.75 m | Dec 31, 2025 | €200k | IFK Norrköping (2023) |
| 22 | Fredrik Martinsson | Right-Back | Sweden | 27 | 1.80 m | Dec 31, 2026 | €200k | Local clubs |
| No. | Player | Position | Nationality | Age | Height | Contract Expiry | Market Value | Joined From (Summary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | Vincent Haynes | Midfielder | Sweden / USA | 19 | 1.80 m | N/A | N/A | Youth |
| 10 | Axel Vidjeskog | Central Midfield | Finland | 23 | 1.78 m | Dec 31, 2026 | €150k | VPS (2024) |
| 16 | Ammar Asani | Central Midfield | Sweden | 18 | 1.75 m | Dec 31, 2027 | €100k | Trelleborgs FF Youth |
| 7 | Jakob Andersson | Central Midfield | Sweden | 25 | 1.82 m | Dec 31, 2026 | €150k | Youth/club (2022) |
| 27 | Alexander Baraslievski | Central Midfield | Sweden | 19 | 1.77 m | N/A | N/A | Youth |
| 19 | Tobias Karlsson | Attacking Midfield | Sweden | 26 | 1.85 m | Dec 31, 2025 | €100k | Local clubs |
| No. | Player | Position | Nationality | Age | Height | Contract Expiry | Market Value | Joined From (Summary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | Armin Culum | Left Winger | Sweden / Bosnia-Herzegovina | 21 | 1.80 m | Jun 30, 2028 | €200k | Youth |
| 14 | Angelo Nehmé | Left Winger | Denmark / Lebanon | 20 | 1.75 m | Dec 31, 2028 | €250k | Youth |
| - | Emil Jaf | Left Winger | Norway | 20 | 1.78 m | N/A | N/A | Norwegian youth |
| 8 | Oskar Ruuska | Right Winger | Sweden | 20 | 1.77 m | Dec 31, 2028 | €200k | Youth |
| 17 | Filip Bohman | Centre-Forward | Sweden | 28 | 1.85 m | Dec 31, 2025 | €150k | Landskrona BoIS (2023) |
| 45 | Zean Dalügge | Centre-Forward | Denmark | 21 | 1.88 m | Dec 31, 2028 | €300k | Vendsyssel FF (2025) |
| 26 | Johannes Käck | Centre-Forward | Sweden | 18 | 1.82 m | N/A | N/A | Youth |