Swedish footballer and manager who played for Celtic and coached in Sweden and Scotland, known for his tenacious defensive style and successful stints at Helsingborgs IF and Celtic.
Johan Mjllby is a Swedish football manager and former professional player, renowned for his incredible skills as a centre back, and his impressive 49-cap tenure with the Sweden national team. He is also celebrated for his leadership, having captained the team during the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Born on February 9, 1971, Mjllby's sporting career didn't begin with football. He had a choice to turn professional in either football or tennis, but ultimately chose to prioritize the beautiful game. He was signed by AIK in 1984, from IK Bele, where he spent the next fourteen years establishing himself as a solid, no-nonsense tackling midfielder.
Mjllby's performances at club level caught the attention of the Sweden national team, and he soon broke through to the squad. Although he was part of the AIK team that won the league in 1992, he refused to accept the gold medal, believing he hadn't contributed enough. He made amends in 1998, guiding the club to a new league victory, earning himself a silverware.
Mjllby's solid performances for club and country caught the eye of Jozef Venglos, coach at Celtic. In November 1998, he signed for Celtic for a fee of around £1.2 million and was given the number 35, which he retained throughout his time at the club. He made his debut in the famous 5-1 victory over arch-rivals Rangers, playing as a central defender.
During his time with Celtic, Mjllby played alongside compatriot and international teammate Henrik Larsson, and the duo departed the club in the same year, 2004. Mjllby represented Sweden in several international tournaments, including the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he captained the team, and UEFA Euro 2000 and 2004.
After retiring from professional football in 2006, Mjllby transitioned into coaching. He served as assistant manager of Bolton Wanderers and Celtic, working alongside former Celtic teammate and manager Neil Lennon. His coaching career has been marked by his ability to inspire and motivate players, earning him a reputation as a shrewd tactician.
Throughout his career, Mjllby has been known for his tenacity, leadership, and dedication to the sport. He remains an iconic figure in Swedish football, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of players.
Mjllby has often spoken about the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in achieving success. He believes that a strong squad dynamic is essential to overcoming challenges and achieving victory. This philosophy has guided his approach to coaching and management, earning him the respect of his peers and players alike.
54 Years Old
A legendary striker and manager, known for his clinical finishing and iconic Celtic FC career, earning a cult following among fans.
54 Years Old
A Swedish defender who played for clubs like Bayern Munich and Barcelona, winning numerous titles including the UEFA Champions League.
48 Years Old
A Swedish defender who played for top-tier clubs like Aston Villa and Juventus, earning 117 caps for the national team and scoring crucial goals in major tournaments.
56 Years Old
A Swedish striker who scored crucial goals in the 1994 World Cup, leading his team to a third-place finish. He's also infamous for a disastrous stint at Leeds United.
