Brief Introduction of Emil Krafth
Emil Henry Kristoffer Krafth is a distinguished Swedish professional footballer, renowned for his role as a right-back. He currently plays for the Premier League club Newcastle United and is a regular member of the Sweden national team. Krafth’s career is marked by his defensive prowess, versatility, and consistent performances at the highest levels of European football. Having started his career in his native Sweden, he has since played in top-tier leagues in Italy, France, and England, showcasing his adaptability and commitment. Known for his solid defensive skills and ability to contribute to the attack, Krafth has been a reliable figure for both club and country, participating in major international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.
Emil Krafth Overview
| Full Name | Emil Henry Kristoffer Krafth |
| Date of Birth | August 2, 1994 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 31 |
| Birthplace | Ljungby, Sweden |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Husband/Wife | Lina Krafth (m. 2021) |
| Family | Pelle (Father), Pernilla (Mother), One sister, one brother |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around £14.7 million |
Early Life and Education of Emil Krafth
Emil Krafth was born on August 2, 1994, in Ljungby, Kronoberg County, Sweden. Football was a significant part of his family life, with both his parents, Pelle and Pernilla, being footballers themselves. This familial passion for the sport deeply influenced his early years. He began his football journey at the age of five, joining Lagans AIK, a club where his mother also played and where his parents coached him. Initially, he experimented with positions as a defensive midfielder or a striker before finding his natural fit in defense, eventually specializing as a right-back. At the age of fifteen, Krafth made a mature decision to further his football development by moving away from home to Växjö to attend a specialized football high school, a transition he adapted to with ease. During his formative years, he was an ardent supporter of the English club Manchester United. His formal education details beyond high school are not extensively documented, as his focus shifted heavily towards his burgeoning professional football career.
Emil Krafth’s Career
Emil Krafth’s professional career began at the tender age of 16 when he made his senior debut in 2010 for the lower-division side Lagans AIK, the club where he spent his youth. His potential was quickly recognized, and in 2011, he moved to Östers IF in the Superettan, Sweden’s second tier. He made an immediate impact, debuting at 17 and establishing himself as a first-team regular. His impressive performances earned him the “Sports Surprise of the Year 2011” award from Sveriges Radio Kronoberg.
In January 2012, Krafth took a significant step up, joining Allsvenskan side Helsingborgs IF. Though his first season saw him mostly on the substitute bench, he gained valuable experience, including his UEFA Europa League debut. Over the next few seasons, he became a mainstay in the team’s defense. A move to Italian Serie A club Bologna followed in August 2015. His time in Italy was hampered by injuries, including back and knee issues, which limited his appearances. Despite the setbacks, he described the period as a valuable learning experience, particularly in developing his mentality.
To secure more playing time, Krafth joined French Ligue 1 side Amiens SC on a season-long loan in August 2018. He thrived in France, making 35 appearances and helping the club avoid relegation. His successful loan spell led to a permanent transfer to Amiens in June 2019. However, his stay was brief. On August 8, 2019, Krafth signed a four-year contract with Premier League club Newcastle United for a fee of around £5 million. At Newcastle, Krafth has proven to be a dependable squad player. He scored his first goal for the club in May 2021 against Manchester City. A serious knee injury in 2022 sidelined him for a significant period, but he made a full recovery. His commitment to the club has been rewarded with several contract extensions, with his current deal running until the end of the 2025-26 season.
Internationally, Krafth has represented Sweden at various youth levels, including U17, U19, and U21. He became one of the youngest players to feature for the Sweden U21 team at 17 years and 309 days old. He made his senior debut for the national team in January 2014. Krafth has been a part of Sweden’s squads for major tournaments, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where they reached the quarter-finals, and UEFA Euro 2020.
Emil Krafth Personal Life & Family
Emil Krafth leads a relatively private personal life, centered around his family. He is married to Lina Krafth (née Lundqvist). The couple has been together since their teenage years, starting their relationship in 2013, and they tied the knot in a private ceremony in July 2021. They have two children together. Their daughter, Celine, was born in November 2019, and their son, Loui, was welcomed in September 2021. The family resides in Newcastle, United Kingdom, where Emil plays his club football. Krafth’s parents, Pelle and Pernilla, were both footballers, which played a significant role in his upbringing and career choice. He also has a sister and a brother. Beyond football, Krafth is known to be a family-oriented individual, and his social media often features pictures of his wife and children.
Awards and Achievements of Emil Krafth
- UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2015 (Although he missed the final tournament due to injury, he was part of the squad that qualified)
- Tipselit Player of the Month: June 2011
- Sveriges Radio Kronoberg Prize for “Sports Surprise of the Year”: 2011
Emil Krafth Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Emil Krafth’s net worth is estimated to be approximately £14.7 million. His primary source of income is his professional football career. His current contract with Newcastle United sees him earning a substantial weekly wage. According to various reports, his weekly salary is around £55,000, which translates to an annual income of approximately £2.8 million. His earnings have seen a steady increase throughout his career, from his time in Sweden to his moves to top European leagues in Italy, France, and England. Besides his club salary, he likely earns income from international appearances with the Swedish national team and potentially from personal endorsements, although details of these are not widely publicized.
Legacy and Influence
Emil Krafth’s legacy is that of a determined and reliable professional who has forged a successful career across several of Europe’s top football leagues. His journey from the lower divisions of Swedish football to the English Premier League serves as an inspiration for aspiring players. He is respected for his work ethic, resilience, particularly in overcoming significant injuries, and his versatility as a defender. For Newcastle United, he has been a valuable and committed squad member, appreciated for his professionalism and readiness to perform whenever called upon. On the international stage, Krafth has been a consistent presence for the Swedish national team for over a decade, contributing to their campaigns in major tournaments and demonstrating his enduring quality at the highest level. His public image is that of a composed and private individual, who prioritizes his family and his football career above public spectacle.
Interesting Facts about Emil Krafth
- Both of his parents, Pelle and Pernilla, were footballers and coached him during his time at his first club, Lagans AIK.
- He started his youth career playing as a defensive midfielder or a striker before transitioning to a defender.
- Growing up, he was a supporter of Manchester United.
- He became the fifth youngest player to ever play for the Sweden U21 team at the age of 17 years and 309 days.
- He moved out of his parents’ house at the age of 15 to attend a football-focused high school in Växjö.
- His move to Newcastle United in 2019 was for a reported fee of £5 million.
Controversies
Emil Krafth’s career has been largely free of major public controversies. He maintains a professional and composed demeanor both on and off the pitch. While his performances have occasionally drawn criticism from fans and media, as is common for any professional athlete, he has not been involved in any significant disciplinary issues or scandals. In 2025, amidst media speculation about a potential rift in the Swedish national team’s dressing room following Alexander Isak’s high-profile transfer from Newcastle, Krafth publicly dismissed these rumors. He emphasized the solidarity among the players and his personal support for his friend and former club teammate, calling the speculation “pure fabrication.”
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: Information not disclosed.
- Twitter: Information not disclosed.
- YouTube: Not publicly available.
Final Words about Emil Krafth
Emil Krafth continues to be a key figure in the Newcastle United squad and a respected member of the Swedish national team. Having overcome a serious knee injury in 2022, his resilience and dedication have been evident. He has consistently proven himself to be a reliable defender, valued for his experience and professional attitude. With a contract at Newcastle extending to June 2026, his immediate future remains in the competitive environment of the Premier League. Krafth’s career is a testament to his perseverance and adaptability, having successfully navigated the demands of top-flight football in four different countries. His legacy will be that of a solid, dependable full-back who has consistently performed at a high level for both club and country, earning the respect of teammates and coaches throughout his extensive career.
