Felicia Schröder has said that it is ‘huge’ to have two Swedish teams in the UEFA Europa Cup Final.
2025 was a breakout year for Sweden international Felicia Schröder. After scoring 30 goals in 26 games in the Damallsvenskan for BK Häcken, she also helped her team reach the inaugural UEFA Women’s Europa Cup final.
They face fellow Swedish side Hammarby across the two legged final. The first leg was held in Stockholm, where Schröder was on the scoresheet in Häcken’s 1-0 win. Before the second leg this Friday, Schröder spoke to the media about the final, facing familiar opponents and scoring goals. The Halfway Line was there to hear from her.
Schröder hails ‘huge’ Swedish success in Europa Cup
BK Häcken will play the second leg of the final at home, in Hisingen Arena in Göteborg. Schröder was asked about the unique circumstance of playing a two legged final,
“It’s kind of special to play two finals, one away and one home” Schröder mused. “But I think it’s a good experience. It’s the first time we play like two halves. I feel like it’s special that we end the final at home with the fans and family and everything.”
In the space of three weeks, Häcken will face league rivals Hammarby in two separate finals. Schröder was asked about second leg meeting the Södermalm,
“It’s kind of special” Schröder said it is like meeting in the Damallsvenskan. But I mean, it’s historical too. So I think it’s special, that it’s the Europa cup and of course we are here to win.
“It shows how like on the level how high Sweden can go. So that Häcken and Hammarby is in European cup final. It’s huge.”
Schröder says she ‘improves everyday’ at BK Häcken
Schröder joined BK Häcken in April 2023, just shy of her sixteenth birthday. In the past three years, she’s won a Damallsvenskan title, and scored in both European competitions. She was asked about her development at Häcken,
“I think it’s the club and also the people around me, pushing me and cheering for me” Schröder reported. “And also the facilities here in Häcken. I feel like I improve every day and develop. I think the first time was a new experience because I just came to Häcken from a very small club before [IFK Björkö].
The thing I learnt the most was, oh, it’s so much! I would say maybe the physical part, to be strong and also smart. How you run on the pitch.”
Despite rumours of big European clubs’ interest in the Swedish international last summer, Schröder signed a four year deal with Häcken just recently,
“People come and go, and I feel like, especially for me when I’m young, it’s the right decision and the right move” Schröder affirmed. “I feel like I don’t think you [know when you] are going to be ready when you leave.
“You have to deal with everything then, and I think you will be ready when you are in it. So just for me, just taking my time and hopefully taking the right decision and not stressing anything.”
Schröder revels in finding her goalscoring ‘flow’
One thing Schröder isn’t short of is goals. Already having scored 13 goals across all competitions in 2026, “Especially for a forward and for me, personally, it’s just scoring goals for the team” Schröder said. “It’s really important to me. I’m really glad that I can help the team with points and goals and that’s what I’m looking for when I’m out of pitch.
“When you are in a flow, you just keep going and you have your teammates behind you who also in a flow with the assists.”
“It’s an incredible feeling [to score]. I can’t describe it. It’s so amazing, to be happy and celebrate. It’s a team sport. So we do it together and of course I’ve scored many goals, but it’s the team behind it and also the actions before I put my foot on the ball to score. So yeah, it’s incredible feeling to laugh and celebrate. I can’t describe it.”
Schröder says ‘it would mean everything’ to lift the UEFA Europa Cup
Schröder is only 19, but she looks up to her experienced teammates. Aivi Luik is now the oldest player to play in a Women’s European final, at 41 years old. Having her team mate’s experience to call on is evidently a major positive for the youngster,
“It’s really important” Schröder said. “She knows, everything I would say. Like, on the pitch, how to fix situations when it’s not working and also [to] see the spaces.
And her defensive is incredible. I’m looking up to her every day and [she is] a real role model to me.”
No matter who lifts the trophy on Friday night, history will be made in this inaugural UEFA Women’s Europa Cup. Will it be Felicia Schröder’s side that do it? “It would mean everything” Schröder said. “It’s a dream to be a champion out in Europe. So, yeah, it would mean a lot. And that’s what we’re going for.”
BK Häcken host Hammarby for the second leg on Friday night, 3PM GMT. The game will be available to watch on the UEFA website and YouTube channel.
