Hammarby centre-back Björn Hedlöf, 17, has been around for a long time, despite his young age.
Over the years, the 17-year-old has played 57 games in the northern league, where he made his debut at the age of 15. Löftet was given the chance by Täby FK in the second half of the 2023 season and around a month later became the youngest goalscorer ever in the series, when he netted in a 4-0 win against Hammarby TFF at home in the series game.
Hedlöf believes that he has learned a lot from playing at senior level at a young age.
– It has meant a lot. I’ve got into it physically, as well as the pace, as it’s a different pace at senior level. It has meant a lot to my development, he says to Fotbollskanalen.
There was also something extra about being the youngest ever to net in the northern league.
– It was very special. We led 3-0 against HTFF and they had received a red card. There was a post and I nodded. It was special and fun.
Nowadays, Hedlöf is therefore a part of Hammarby, as he came to the club before last season and was a regular starter when HTFF was close to promotion to the super league, but fell to Örebro SK after a qualifier.
Hedlöf learned a lot from his last season at HTFF.
– It was fun. When I arrived during the pre-season, I felt that there was a difference between football in Täby and in HTFF. I got to get into it and then it flowed on during the season. We had a good year and were very close to moving up.
For the talent, it was obvious to choose to play in Hammarby, as he saw a potential in first playing first-team football and then getting the chance in the Allsvenskan.
– There were a few teams, mostly in Sweden (who were interested in him), but Bajen was obvious. I felt that their football suits me well and Bajen is a club that is good at developing young players, so it was an obvious choice.
You didn’t even have to think?
– It was crystal clear for me, he says.
This winter, Hedlöf has also had the opportunity to participate and show off during Bajen’s pre-season camp in Marbella, Spain.
– It is very fun and educational. I also drove with them (the A team) during the fall and it’s fun that I got the chance to be part of the camp. I think I have come into it well, he says.
How do you think you measure up to others?
– I think it has gotten better and better with more training. Now I actually think I measure up very well with them.
Hedlöf hopes to take a place in Bajen’s Allsvenskan squad in 2026, even if the competition is tough with, for example, Victor Eriksson, Frederik Winther and Ibrahima Fofana.
– I’m aiming high and I’m aiming for the A team, but if it’s HTFF, it’ll be HTFF and then I’ll do my best there too, he says and continues:
– They are of course fantastic players, so I’ll see what the coach says, but I’ll try to do my best during all training and practice matches.
