Thomas Ravelli

Former professional footballer Thomas Ravelli had an impressive career spanning more than 20 years, with numerous appearances for the Swedish national team.

Ravelli first rose to prominence in the 1980’s, signing with Öster in 1979 and staying with the club for the next 10 years. He won three Allsvenskan tournaments with the club, making more than 200 appearances for the team and becoming well known for his eccentric and outgoing style of play. His skill as a goalkeeper was recognised by fans, other players and the media, and in 1989 he signed with Göteborg where he would play for the next 8 years. He has become well known for his longevity on the pitch, with his career continuing into his 40‘s with brief stints at Tampa Bay Mutiny and a return to Öster before he retired in 1999.

Alongside his impressive club career, Ravelli also put in numerous stellar performances for the Swedish national team, including two FIFA World Cups in 1990 and 1994 and the UEFA Euro 1992. He was the most capped player on the team for a number of years, and came second in the 1994 Goalkeeper of the Year awards.

In recent years he has worked as a commentator, a public speaker and runs a sportswear line which supplies school teams and clubs. In 2019 he was a contestant on the reality show Let’s Dance and he remains a popular public figure in Sweden and across Europe.