Hjalmar Ekdal


Hjalmar Ekdal is a Swedish footballer who plays as a defender for IK Sirius in Allsvenskan, on loan from Hammarby IF.

Club career

Early career

Ekdal was born in Stockholm and started to play football with IF Brommapojkarna as a youngster. In 2017, he left to club to study in the United States and play college soccer for UNC Wilmington Seahawks.

IK Frej

In May 2018, Ekdal returned to his native country and signed a two-year deal with IK Frej in Superettan, Sweden's second tier. He played 15 league games throughout the year, scoring once, as the club finished 9th in the table. Ekdal also made one appearance out on loan with Assyriska FF in Division 1, the third tier.
In 2019, Ekdal had a major breakthrough and established himself in the starting eleven at IK Frej. He played all 30 league games in Superettan during the season, scoring twice, but was unable to save the club from relegation.

Hammarby IF

On 19 July 2019, Ekdal transferred to Hammarby IF in Allsvenskan, signing a two-year deal. It was also announced that he would remain eligible for affiliated club IK Frej for the rest of the season.
On 3 March 2020, Ekdal was sent on loan to fellow Allsvenskan club IK Sirius for the remainder of the season.

International career

Ekdal was called up to the Sweden under-19 national team in October 2018, and featured in two friendlies against Denmark and Russia the same month.

Personal life

He is the son of journalist Lennart Ekdal and the brother of fellow footballer Albin Ekdal, who represents Sampdoria and the Swedish national football team.