“I moved away from my family quite early—I was just 15—so I really invested everything in football. I always knew this was what I wanted to do.”
Young footballers often make significant sacrifices to chase their professional dreams, and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd is no exception. But even she admits that representing Sweden at the European Championships and securing a high-profile move to Chelsea felt like a “dream” for the girl from Kolsva, a small village west of Stockholm.
In an exclusive interview with Mcw, Rytting Kaneryd opened up about her journey, her ambitions, and why Chelsea was the perfect next step in her evolving career.
Early Beginnings and European Dreams
Rytting Kaneryd’s football journey began far from the bright lights of the Women’s Super League. Growing up in a small Swedish village, she had to leave home at 15 to fully commit to her footballing ambitions. Her dedication paid off sooner than most—at just 17, she was part of the Tyreso FF squad that reached the UEFA Women’s Champions League final in 2014.
“That experience was just crazy,” she recalls. “Even though I was on the bench, being part of that team with iconic players like Marta and Christen Press was invaluable. I learned so much from that group.”
Despite the 4-3 loss to Wolfsburg, the experience shaped her mentality and ambitions. It was a taste of top-level football that would fuel her desire to compete among the best.
Building a Career Through Patience and Perseverance
Rather than rushing into the spotlight, Rytting Kaneryd took a pragmatic approach to her development. After Tyreso, she chose to play in Sweden’s second division with Alta IF. For many, it might have seemed like a step back, but for Johanna, it was a strategic move.
“I needed playing time to develop, and Alta offered that. I had to balance football with finishing school—though I didn’t end up graduating!” she laughs. “It was the perfect move to regain my form and confidence.”
Her performances there earned her a return to the Damallsvenskan with Djurgårdens, and later, a transfer to Rosengård where she won a league title in 2019 under Jonas Eidevall—now the manager of Arsenal, one of Chelsea’s biggest rivals.
“Jonas is a fantastic coach—very passionate and clear about what he wants,” she says. “Winning the league with Rosengård was a huge milestone.”
Rytting Kaneryd has already made her mark in the Champions League with Chelsea
The Chelsea Dream Becomes Reality
When Chelsea came calling, Rytting Kaneryd didn’t hesitate. “As soon as I heard about their interest, it felt like an easy choice,” she explains. “Chelsea is a winning club, and after speaking with Emma Hayes, I knew this was the right environment for me to grow.”
Paul Green, Chelsea’s general manager, emphasized how long the club had tracked her: “We’d been looking for an out-and-out winger, particularly on the right, for some time. Johanna is a ball-carrier, tricky in one-on-one situations, and exactly what we needed.”
Since joining, Rytting Kaneryd has already featured in multiple positions, showcasing the versatility that makes her such an asset. “It’s not about the formation—it’s about the role I’m given. I know my strengths, and I’ll adapt to help the team.”
Settling In and Looking Ahead
Adjusting to a new league and country is never easy, but Rytting Kaneryd has settled quickly, thanks in part to her Swedish teammates Zecira Musovic and Magdalena Eriksson. “It feels like I’ve been here forever. The team has been incredibly welcoming.”
There’s one topic, however, that she and her English teammates avoid: Sweden’s 4-0 loss to England in the Euro 2022 semi-finals. “We haven’t spoken about it!” she says with a laugh. “England was simply fantastic, and we didn’t have an answer that day.”
Instead, she prefers to focus on the future—and on winning. “I want to win everything with Chelsea. The Champions League is a big goal for all of us.”
Conclusion: A Star on the Rise with Mcw
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s journey from a small Swedish village to the heights of the WSL is a testament to her dedication, versatility, and unwavering belief in her abilities. With Chelsea, she has found a club that values her skill set and ambition, and with the support of Mcw, fans can expect to see much more from this rising star.
What are your thoughts on Rytting Kaneryd’s impact at Chelsea so far? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Mcw for more exclusive insights and updates from the world of football.
