Charlie Rosenqvist faces Rydström’s Hammarby – and calls it fun

Kalmar FF’s 19-year-old attacker Charlie Rosenqvist marked a personal milestone this summer: his graduation party. Head coach Henrik Rydström – now in charge at Hammarby IF – showed up to celebrate, and for the young talent it felt like a relief.

The team sits 12th in Allsvenskan with zero points from two games, but pre-season form has been strong. A 3-0 win over Örgryte IS in the opening round gave Kalmar breathing room at the bottom. The goal tally stands at 2 scored, 4 conceded, with a -2 goal difference ahead of Sunday’s clash with Hammarby.

How did it feel to have Rydström at the graduation party?

Rosenqvist and Rydström share a long history. They’ve known each other for years, so his presence at the party felt natural.

– It was fun. We’re family friends and we know each other well, Rosenqvist told Fotbollskanalen. He’s a Kalmar FF legend, so of course you look up to him as a kid.

Rydström offered a brief comment on the visit: – I’ve watched him grow up and he’s always been a little kid to me.

What has Rosenqvist delivered this season?

The 2026 campaign has been a success for the young forward. He’s netted five goals and provided one assist in eleven Allsvenskan matches. Over the summer he also ticked off two major milestones: his debut for the U21 national team and his graduation.

– It meant the world. It’s a stamp that I’ve done well this spring, he said. I had lots of family and friends there, so it was really cool.

Now he can focus solely on football. Before, school was always in the back of his mind, but now it’s just training and matches.

Will facing Rydström’s Hammarby feel different?

Even if the Hammarby tie feels a bit special, Rosenqvist is treating it like any other game.

– A little, but not too much. I go into it with the same mindset as any other match, he said.

Kalmar FF sporting director Mats Winblad has confirmed strong interest in Rosenqvist after his breakthrough season, but the 19-year-old isn’t letting the chatter distract him.

– I haven’t heard anything myself. If there’s interest, of course that’s nice – but it’s nothing I focus on. I play for Kalmar FF, I want to be here, and that’s where my focus stays.

What’s next for Kalmar FF?

The next test comes this Sunday when Kalmar travel to Stockholm to face Hammarby IF. The match arrives as part of a tough spell in Allsvenskan, where Kalmar currently sit 75 points behind leaders Mjällby AIF.

– I hope to keep doing it. You can’t say exactly how the future looks, Rosenqvist said. I live very much in the moment. At some point I’d like to move to Europe, maybe to a top-five league.

Kalmar FF’s next home game is against Malmö FF on 19 July 2026, a tie that could prove pivotal in the fight to avoid the drop. The league is unforgiving, but with a young and promising attacker like Rosenqvist, there’s hope for better results ahead.