Inside the Career of Stina Blackstenius: Stats & Story

Introduction

In the realm of women's football, few names resonate with the combination of consistency, resilience, and clutch performance like Stina Blackstenius. Her journey from the quaint town of Vadstena, Sweden, to the grand stages of European football is a testament to her dedication and prowess. This article delves into her career, offering insights into her statistics and the story that cements her status as one of Sweden's premier football talents.

Early Life and Youth Career

Born on February 5, 1996, in Vadstena, Sweden, Stina Blackstenius showcased her footballing talents early on. Her youth career was marked by remarkable goal-scoring feats, notably netting 50 goals in 49 appearances across various Swedish youth national teams. Her standout performance came during the 2015 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship, where she emerged as the tournament's top scorer with six goals, leading Sweden to victory. 

Club Career

Linköpings FC

Blackstenius began her senior club career with Linköpings FC in 2013. Her tenure was highlighted by a prolific 2016 season, where she clinched the Damallsvenskan Golden Boot, propelling her team to a league title. 

Montpellier HSC

In 2017, she ventured abroad to join Montpellier HSC in France's Division 1 Féminine. Over two seasons, she honed her skills against top-tier European competition, further developing her versatility and tactical understanding.

Return to Sweden: Linköpings FC and BK Häcken

After her stint in France, Blackstenius returned to Linköpings FC in 2019 before moving to BK Häcken (formerly Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC) in 2020. At Häcken, she played a pivotal role in securing the Damallsvenskan title and the Svenska Cupen, reaffirming her status as a top striker in the Swedish league. 

Arsenal FC

January 2022 marked a significant chapter as Blackstenius signed with Arsenal FC in the Women's Super League. Despite facing stiff competition for starting positions, she consistently delivered in crucial moments. Notably, she scored decisive goals in both the 2023 and 2024 League Cup finals and netted the winner in the 2025 UEFA Women's Champions League final against Barcelona, securing Arsenal's first European title in 18 years. 

International Career

Blackstenius made her senior debut for the Sweden national team in October 2015. Since then, she has amassed over 115 caps and scored 35 goals. Her international accolades include:

• Olympic Silver Medals: 2016 (Rio de Janeiro) and 2020 (Tokyo)

• FIFA Women's World Cup: Third-place finishes in 2019 and 2023

• UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship: Winner in 2015

Her ability to perform under pressure has made her an invaluable asset to the national team, often delivering goals in critical matches.

Playing Style and Strengths

Standing at 5'9", Blackstenius combines physical presence with exceptional speed and tactical intelligence. Her strengths include:

• Versatility: Capable of playing both as a central striker and on the wings.

• Finishing: Proficient with both feet, she boasts a commendable goal conversion rate.

• Off-the-Ball Movement: Known for her intelligent runs that disrupt defensive lines.

• Work Rate: Consistently contributes defensively, pressing opponents and tracking back when needed.

Her adaptability and commitment make her a constant threat to opposing teams.

Career Statistics

Club Career:

• Linköpings FC: 2013–2016, 2019–2020

• Montpellier HSC: 2017–2019

• BK Häcken: 2020–2022

• Arsenal FC: 2022–Present

International Career:

• Sweden U17: 2012–2013

• Sweden U19: 2014–2015

• Sweden Senior Team: 2015–Present

For detailed statistics, including appearances, goals, and assists, refer to her profiles on and 

Recent Achievements

In the 2024–25 season, Blackstenius played a crucial role in Arsenal's UEFA Women's Champions League triumph, scoring the only goal in the final against Barcelona. This victory marked Arsenal's first European title since 2007. 

Despite limited starts in the Women's Super League, she managed to score five goals and provide three assists, showcasing her efficiency and impact as a substitute.

Conclusion

Stina Blackstenius' career is a narrative of perseverance, adaptability, and clutch performances. From her early days in Sweden to her current stature as a key player for Arsenal and the national team, she exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier footballer. Her journey underscores the importance of determination and seizing opportunities, making her an inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide.