Women’s soccer is experiencing exciting changes as young talents make their moves internationally. With the recent signings of Helena Sampaio and Jada Conijnenberg, Swedish women’s football is set to benefit immensely from fresh and proven talent.
On January 6, 2025, BK Häcken, located in Gothenburg, Sweden, announced the signing of Helena Sampaio, who had just concluded her impressive collegiate career at the University of Southern California (USC). Sampaio, who was born in Porto Alegre, Brazil, became the first Brazilian player to join the club. Her remarkable college performance included leading the USC women's soccer team to its best-ever winning percentage, as well as clinching accolades such as Big Ten Midfielder of the Year.
During her tenure at USC, Sampaio showcased her talent, tallying five goals and dishing out seven assists, leading to her being among the top players nationally. The midfielder's consistency and performance culminated in earning her First-Team All-American recognition, making her not just a leader on the field, but also setting high expectations for her future at BK Häcken.
“I’m thrilled to pursue this new chapter of my career with BK Häcken,” Sampaio stated after signing, expressing excitement over joining the Swedish top-tier league. Her ambitions are high as she looks to continue building on her collegiate successes.
Meanwhile, just as Sampaio makes headlines, another young talent, Jada Conijnenberg, is also making strides as she transitions from Feyenoord to IFK Norrköping, effective immediately. The 21-year-old striker leaves Feyenoord after making significant contributions over the past three and half seasons, during which she scored 12 goals across 62 official matches.
Reflecting on her time at Feyenoord, Conijnenberg expressed gratitude for her development: “I joined the youth academy at 13 years old, and the step up to Feyenoord Women 1 was incredible,” she shared. Her heartfelt message highlights the personal growth and enjoyment she experienced at the club, emphasizing her readiness to take on new challenges.
IFK Norrköping will welcome Conijnenberg with open arms, offering her the opportunity to build on her early career success. Her skills as a forward will surely be advantageous as the team seeks to bolster its attacking options.
These moves not only showcase the individual journeys of Sampaio and Conijnenberg but also reflect the growing opportunities available for women players on the international stage. Sweden has become increasingly recognized for its strong women’s league, offering competitive environments for talents from across the globe.
Helena Sampaio’s decision to sign with BK Häcken exemplifies the allure of Swedish football, where the level of play and professional opportunities can set the stage for greater achievements. Similarly, Jada Conijnenberg’s switch to IFK Norrköping signifies the pursuit of growth and potential within the sport.
With both players stepping onto the field with their new clubs, the next chapter of their careers promises excitement and opportunity. Their journeys will undoubtedly inspire aspiring female athletes seeking pathways to professional football.
Clearly, the Swedish women’s football scene is not only thriving but also becoming the new destination for talented players like Sampaio and Conijnenberg, joining the ranks of those eager to contribute to the growth and visibility of women’s sports globally.