Emil Salomonsson
A dependable Swedish fullback whose steady club career was a testament to loyalty and tactical discipline in the Allsvenskan.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Swedish footballer·Birthday: April 28·Millennials
Biography
Emil Salomonsson’s professional story is one of quiet consistency, not flashy headlines. The right-back spent the vast majority of his career with IFK Göteborg, a club where he became a fixture through multiple eras and managers. Known more for his defensive reliability, work rate, and precise crossing than for dazzling skill, Salomonsson embodied a certain old-school football virtue: showing up, doing the job, and wearing the badge with pride. He helped Göteborg secure Swedish Cup victories, providing stability on the flank during periods of transition. While his name never became synonymous with the national team—earning just a handful of caps—his value was never in doubt at Gamla Ullevi, where his longevity and commitment made him a respected figure. His career offers a blueprint for the kind of player who forms the essential, often unsung backbone of a club.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Emil was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Emil Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Emil's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made over 250 Allsvenskan appearances for IFK Göteborg across multiple spells.
- Won the Swedish Cup with IFK Göteborg in 2013 and 2015.
- Earned three caps for the Swedish national football team.
Did You Know?
He played almost his entire professional career for just two clubs: IFK Göteborg and Djurgårdens IF.
Salomonsson announced his retirement from professional football in December 2023.
He is the son of former Swedish footballer and coach Kjell Salomonsson.
“You show your value by being ready every match, in every minute.”
