Markus Rosenberg facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Markus Rosenberg

Rosenberg during his second spell at Malmö FF in 2014
Personal information
Full name	Nils Markus Rosenberg
Date of birth	(1982-09-27) 27 September 1982 (age 42)
Place of birth	Malmö, Sweden
Height	1.84 m
Playing position	Forward
Youth career
1987–2001	Malmö FF
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2001–2005	Malmö FF	52	(8)
2004	→ Halmstads BK (loan)	26	(14)
2005–2007	Ajax	40	(12)
2007–2012	Werder Bremen	123	(40)
2007	→ Werder Bremen II	2	(0)
2010–2011	→ Racing Santander (loan)	33	(9)
2012–2014	West Bromwich Albion	28	(0)
2014–2019	Malmö FF	156	(67)
Total		460	(150)
National team
2002–2004	Sweden U21	9	(3)
2005–2012	Sweden	33	(6)
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Nils Markus Rosenberg (born 27 September 1982) is a Swedish former professional footballer. He played as a forward, scoring many goals throughout his career.

Markus spent most of his career with his childhood club, Malmö FF. He also played for big teams like Werder Bremen in Germany. From 2015 to 2019, he was the captain of Malmö FF.

Rosenberg played 33 times for the Swedish national team, scoring 6 goals. He represented Sweden in major tournaments like the 2006 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2008, and UEFA Euro 2012.

He started his career at Malmö FF. While on loan at Halmstads BK in 2004, he became the top scorer in the Swedish league, Allsvenskan. This success led him to play for clubs across Europe. He joined Ajax in the Netherlands, Racing de Santander in Spain, and West Bromwich in England.

When he returned to Malmö FF in 2014, Rosenberg scored important goals. He helped the team win the league title and reach the UEFA Champions League group stage. He continued to be a key player, helping Malmö FF win two more league titles in 2016 and 2017. He also helped them advance in the UEFA Europa League. His second time at Malmö FF was so successful that he was named the club's greatest footballer of the 21st century.

Club Career Highlights

Markus Rosenberg started playing football at age five with Malmö FF. He was a talented player in the youth team. He began as a right-back but became a striker at 16. His great performance in the reserve team, scoring 26 goals in 2000, earned him a spot in the first team. People even gave him the nickname "Sillen" because he was so small and clever.

Early Years at Malmö FF (2001–2003)

Rosenberg made his first league appearance for Malmö FF on 10 May 2001. He scored his first goal for the club on 2 July 2001. However, it was tough for him to become a regular starter because of strong competition from other strikers. Despite this, he signed a three-year contract with the club.

In 2002, he still faced tough competition and some injuries. He often played for the reserve team. By the end of the 2003 season, he had played 21 games and scored five goals. He also made his European debut in a UEFA Cup match.

Loan to Halmstads BK (2004)

In 2004, Malmö FF bought new strikers, so Rosenberg decided to go on loan to Halmstads BK. This move was a turning point for him.

He made an immediate impact, scoring in his first game for Halmstads. He quickly became a key striker for the team. Rosenberg scored two goals against his parent club, Malmö FF, in September 2004. He also scored a hat-trick against Örebro. He finished the 2004 season as the top goalscorer with 17 goals. Halmstads BK nearly won the league title, finishing just two points behind Malmö FF.

Return to Malmö FF and Move to Ajax (2005)

After his successful loan, Rosenberg returned to Malmö FF for the 2005 season. He quickly regained his starting spot and scored his first goal of the season in a 1–0 win. He continued to score important goals. Before leaving Malmö, he was also the top scorer in the Royal League and led the Allsvenskan in assists.

Time at Ajax (2005–2007)

Rosenberg training with Ajax.

In 2005, Rosenberg joined Dutch club Ajax for about €5.3 million. He had turned down a big offer from a Russian club, saying that money wasn't everything and he wanted to play in the right league.

He made a great start at Ajax, scoring in his first game in a UEFA Champions League qualifying match. He also scored in his Eredivisie debut. As the season went on, his performance dipped a bit. However, after a new striker joined, Rosenberg moved to the left wing and scored five goals in a row. Ajax won the KNVB Cup that season. In his first season, he played 48 games and scored 15 goals.

In the 2006–07 season, Rosenberg helped Ajax win the Johan Cruyff Shield. However, he was no longer a regular starter, often playing as a backup. By the time he left Ajax, he had played 14 games and scored three goals that season.

Werder Bremen Years (2007–2012)

Rosenberg playing for Werder Bremen against FC Bayern Munich in 2007.

In January 2007, Rosenberg moved to German club Werder Bremen. He was given the number nine shirt.

He made his debut two days after joining. On 11 March 2007, he scored his first goal for the club against Bayern Munich. He scored his first hat-trick for Werder Bremen in a 4–1 win over Hertha BSC in May 2007. By the end of the 2006–07 season, he had scored eight goals in 14 games, often coming off the bench.

Rosenberg training for Werder Bremen in 2010.

At the start of the 2007–08 season, his goal-scoring slowed down, but he still played regularly. He scored an important goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League. He finished the season as Bremen's top league scorer with 14 goals, and 16 goals in all competitions.

Rosenberg walking to training alongside then teammate, Peter Niemeyer.

The 2008–09 season started well for Rosenberg. He scored four goals in a cup match and two goals against Bayern Munich. He continued to be an important player. He played in the 2009 UEFA Cup Final where Werder Bremen lost. However, they won the German Cup that season. He scored 13 goals in 47 games.

Rosenberg celebrating a goal at Werder Bremen on 6 May 2007, where he scored a hat–trick.

In the 2009–10 season, Rosenberg faced injuries and strong competition. He scored only one league goal but managed three goals in the Europa League. He expressed frustration about not playing enough.

Rosenberg training at Werder Bremen.

Before the 2010–11 season, Rosenberg wanted to stay with Bremen. He scored a crucial goal in the Champions League play-off, helping Bremen reach the group stage.

Loan to Racing Santander (2010–2011)

On the same day he extended his contract with Werder Bremen, Rosenberg was loaned to Spanish club Racing Santander. He was excited to play in Spain.

He debuted for Santander in September 2010. After a knee injury, he quickly recovered and became a regular starter. He scored his first goal for the club against Real Madrid. He finished the season as Racing Santander's top scorer with nine goals in 35 games.

Final Season at Werder Bremen (2011–2012)

Rosenberg returned to Werder Bremen for the 2011–12 season. He started strong, scoring in the German Cup and two goals in the first league game. He regained his starting spot and scored 11 goals in 34 games that season.

Werder Bremen decided not to extend his contract in May 2012. Fans nicknamed him "Rosi" because of his aerial ability and strength. He was known for being a dangerous player with the ball at his feet.

West Bromwich Albion (2012–2014)

On 7 August 2012, Rosenberg joined English Premier League club West Bromwich Albion. He wore the number 8 shirt.

He made his debut for West Brom on 25 August 2012. However, he found it hard to get regular playing time due to strong competition. He played 24 league matches in his first season but did not score any goals.

In the 2013–14 season, Rosenberg stayed with the club despite being told he could leave. He still had limited opportunities and decided he wanted to leave. In February 2014, he and the club agreed to end his contract. When he left, Rosenberg donated everything in his house to charity.

Return to Malmö FF (2014–2019)

Rosenberg at Grimsta IP in 2014.

On 1 February 2014, Rosenberg returned to Malmö FF after nine years away. He signed a three-year contract.

2014 Season: A Triumphant Return

Rosenberg made his first appearance back and quickly made an impact. He scored his first league goal on 7 April 2014. He became the team captain in July 2014. Rosenberg went on a scoring spree, including two goals that helped Malmö FF qualify for the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League.

Rosenberg before a Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk in 2015.

He also scored Malmö's first win in the Champions League group stage. Overall, he scored 15 goals and made 14 assists in the league. This helped Malmö FF win the league title, which was Rosenberg's first league title in his career. With 24 goals in all competitions, 2014 was his most successful season for goals. He was named Allsvenskan Forward of the Year and Most Valuable Player.

2015 Season: Champions League Again

Rosenberg showing leadership during a Champions League qualifier against Red Bull Salzburg in 2015.

Rosenberg became the official captain for Malmö FF in 2015. He continued to score important goals, especially in the Champions League qualifiers. He scored a goal that helped Malmö eliminate Red Bull Salzburg for the second year in a row. He also scored against Celtic, helping Malmö qualify for the Champions League group stage for the second straight year. Malmö FF finished fifth in the league that year. He ended the season with 16 goals in 42 games.

2016 Season: Another League Title

Rosenberg marking Paulo Miranda during a Champions League qualifier against Red Bull Salzburg in 2015.

Rosenberg remained captain in 2016. He scored in the Svenska Cupen semi-finals. He also scored in the Cup Final, but Malmö FF lost on penalties. He suffered a groin injury late in the season. Despite this, Malmö FF won their second league title with Rosenberg. He played 28 games and scored 11 goals.

2017 Season: Third League Title

Rosenberg talking to referees and the opposition's players during a Champions League qualifier against Red Bull Salzburg in 2015.

In 2017, Rosenberg continued as captain. He scored his first goal of the season in April. He suffered an injury in July but returned to score in the Champions League. He received a red card in August but later signed a new contract. Malmö FF won the league title again, their third with Rosenberg. He made 25 appearances and scored 8 goals.

2018 Season: More Goals and Europa League

Rosenberg kept his captaincy in 2018. He scored his 100th and 101st goals for Malmö FF in a friendly match. He continued his great scoring form throughout the season. He helped Malmö FF reach the 2018–19 UEFA Europa League group stage by scoring in both legs of a qualifier. He finished the season with 19 goals in 46 games and signed another one-year contract.

2019 Season: Retirement and Farewell

In his last home match at Malmö FF against Dynamo Kyiv, the club's supporters paid tribute to Rosenberg.

In 2019, Rosenberg continued as captain. He scored several goals early in the season, including two consecutive braces. On 30 June 2019, he announced he would retire at the end of the season. He scored a hat-trick in the Europa League first round. He also helped Malmö FF reach the 2019–20 UEFA Europa League group stages again.

In his very last home game for Malmö FF, Rosenberg scored two goals, including the winning goal in the 96th minute, in a 4–3 Europa League win. Before the match, he had a special farewell with former teammates and managers. His bronze shoes were placed at the stadium to honor his contributions to Malmö FF. He ended his final season with 21 goals in 42 games.

Life After Football

After retiring from playing, Markus Rosenberg became a football agent with his former teammate Behrang Safari. In 2018, he also opened a padel center called Padelcourt No 9 in Höllviken, Sweden.

International Career

Sweden U21 Team

Markus Rosenberg was first called up to the Sweden U21 squad in February 2002. He made his debut on 13 February 2002.

In 2004, he played in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He scored his first goals in the tournament against Switzerland U21. Sweden U21 finished fourth in the tournament. Rosenberg played nine games and scored three goals for the U21 team.

Sweden National Team

Rosenberg had his shot blocked by Yevhen Selin while playing for Sweden at UEFA Euro 2012.

In December 2004, Rosenberg was called up to the Sweden national team. He made his debut on 22 January 2005. He scored two more international goals that year.

He was part of the Sweden squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He didn't play in any matches as Sweden was knocked out in the round of 16. He scored his fourth international goal in September 2006.

Rosenberg and Yevhen Khacheridi after chasing a ball while playing for Sweden at UEFA Euro 2012.

During a Euro 2008 qualifier, an incident occurred where Sweden was awarded a penalty and later a default victory. Rosenberg scored another goal for Sweden in June 2007. He was selected for UEFA Euro 2008 and played two games, but Sweden was eliminated in the group stage.

After a break from the national team, Rosenberg was called up for UEFA Euro 2012. He played two games in the tournament, but Sweden was again eliminated in the group stage. In August 2014, he decided to retire from international football to focus on his club career with Malmö FF. He played 33 times for Sweden and scored six goals.

Personal Life

Markus Rosenberg was born in Malmö, Sweden. He is married to Maria and they have two children. In 2019, he received the "Andreas Nilsson Memorial Award" for his dedication to Malmö FF.

Career statistics

Club

International

Scores and results list Sweden's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Rosenberg goal.

List of international goals scored by Markus Rosenberg

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	22 January 2005	The Home Depot Center, Carson, United States	South Korea	1–1	1–1	Friendly
2	17 August 2005	Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden	Czech Republic	2–1	2–1	Friendly
3	12 November 2005	Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea	South Korea	2–2	2–2	Friendly
4	6 September 2006	Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden	Liechtenstein	3–1	3–1	UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
5	6 June 2007	Råsunda Stadium, Solna, Sweden	Iceland	4–0	5–0	UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
6	12 September 2007	Podgorica City Stadium, Podgorica, Montenegro	Montenegro	1–1	2–1	Friendly

Honours

Ajax

• KNVB Cup: 2005–06
• Johan Cruyff Shield: 2006

Werder Bremen

• DFB-Pokal: 2008–09

Malmö FF

• Allsvenskan: 2014, 2016, 2017
• Svenska Supercupen: 2014

Individual

• Allsvenskan Top goalscorer: 2004
• Allsvenskan Forward of the year: 2014
• Allsvenskan Player of the Year: 2014
• Allsvenskan Top assist provider: 2014

See also

In Spanish: Markus Rosenberg para niños