Matilda Plan, the talented 26-year-old defender, has officially joined AIK Fotboll, marking a significant transfer within the Swedish football scene. Following her recent stint with Djurgården, where she stood out as the team captain, Matilda now aims to strengthen AIK's backline as they seek to build on their strong finish to the last season.
Sporting director Zinar Spindari expressed enthusiasm about the addition of Plan to the squad, stating, "It’s a player who doesn’t hold back on defense but is also skilled with the ball and presents a threat on offensive set pieces. She will bring a new dimension to the team and will challenge as well as complement the defensive line we have available today." With her reputation for both defensive prowess and playmaking abilities, expectations are high for Matilda to make her mark at AIK.
"I’m excited to get started. AIK finished the season strongly, and I hope to help the team build on this and take the next step, both individually and as part of the team," said Matilda, reflecting her eagerness to join forces with her new teammates.
Born on July 31, 1998, Matilda grew up in Katrineholm, where she began her football career with DFK Katrineholm. Before committing fully to football, she also played bandy at an elite level until the age of 21. During her bandy career, she secured significant achievements, including winning the Swedish Championship gold with Västerås SK and the World Championship gold with Sweden.
Her football development took place primarily at DFK Katrineholm, where she honed her skills before transferring to Eskilstuna United’s youth setup in 2015. Matilda made her competitive debut for the senior team on June 18, 2017, against Piteå IF, coming on as a substitute. Although her debut ended without victory, she quickly solidified her position on the squad.
By the 2017 season, Matilda became a regular starter for Eskilstuna, demonstrating her talent and leadership over five seasons, during which she made 123 appearances and scored five goals. Her consistent performance earned her the captaincy at Djurgården, where she played until the recent transfer to AIK.
During her time at Djurgården, she made 49 appearances and remained integral to the squad, contributing significantly to their efforts as they finished seventh during the recent season.
Matilda's achievements are not limited to club level; she has also represented Sweden at various youth levels and most recently played for the U23 national team, making 17 appearances so far. Her experience at the international level and her track record with club football positions her well for her role at AIK.
This transfer, valid until December 31, 2026, symbolizes Matilda's commitment to the future of AIK Fotboll. She will don the number 29 shirt, adding to the club’s ambitions as they enter the new season with renewed strength and resilience.
With the addition of Matilda Plan, AIK looks to not only bolster its squad defensively but also to inspire the team toward greater achievements as they aim to improve on last season's performance. The expectations are palpable as the season approaches, with fans eager to see how Matilda will fit within the team dynamics and lead by example on the pitch.
