Kosovare Asllani: Why she's staying with the national team – and what it means for Irish football
A sigh of relief swept through Swedish football when the news broke. Kosovare Asllani, our most experienced and perhaps most decisive player, is doing what Zlatan did for the men's team – she's taking one more step. But unlike Zlatan's carnivalesque comebacks, Asllani's decision has felt more thoughtful, more strategic. I've personally noticed a shift in her attitude towards the national team over the past year, a maturity that goes beyond goals and assists.
A new role, a new era
Now that she's confirmed she'll continue in the blue and yellow, it's not just about chasing more caps. It's about shaping a new generation. Just as Peter Gerhardsson has adapted the team to her qualities, Asllani has adapted her leadership style. I heard her say herself on a podcast a few weeks ago that she's passionate about guiding the younger girls forward. It's evident in her body language on the pitch – she points, directs, whispers tactical advice into the ears of Rolfö and Kaneryd. She's no longer just a footballer; she's an institution.
Asllani – a name with weight
It's fascinating how one surname can carry such different stories. For the younger generation, especially those following Serie A, Kristjan Asllani might be the first that comes to mind. The 22-year-old midfielder at Inter has a bright future and carries the Albanian national team on his shoulders. Then there's Fisnik Asllani, another talent making waves in the Hungarian league, and Ali Asllani making his mark in Albanian football. But none of them reach the cultural status that Kosovare has built in Sweden, or indeed that Action Bronson – the American rapper of Albanian descent – holds in the music world. Bronson, whose father is Albanian, has turned his surname (Arslani, a dialectal variant) into a brand for gritty, colourful storytelling. In the same way, Kosovare has made "Asllani" synonymous with elegance, determination, and a touch of unconventional creativity on the pitch.
- Kosovare Asllani: Sweden's undisputed leader, eyes on the 2025 Euros.
- Kristjan Asllani: Inter's future, already a regular in Albania's starting eleven.
- Action Bronson: Cultural ambassador, proving the name carries international weight.
The hidden commercial potential
It's no coincidence that Asllani is appearing more frequently in commercial contexts outside of football. Her decision to continue with the national team opens the door for entirely new sponsorship deals. We're talking about a player who not only delivers on the pitch but also holds a given place in the conversation – from sports pages to the entertainment supplements of the evening press. Major brands love continuity. The fact that she's now committing for at least another year (with an eye on the Euros) means marketing departments can breathe a sigh of relief. You can build campaigns around her, not just short stunts. I suspect we'll soon see her in significantly bigger contexts than the traditional sports drink ads.
What happens next?
For Sweden, it's about maximising the time with one of our all-time greats. Peter Gerhardsson must balance the reliance on her with gradually transferring leadership to the next generation – players like Filippa Angeldal and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd must be allowed to grow in her shadow before they take over. Asllani herself, however, seems to have a plan. She's felt the vibe in the squad since the World Cup bronze and has made up her mind: she's not done. For those of us who have followed her since her time in Linköping, it's a privilege. For Swedish football, it's a multimillion-euro deal in miniature – because without the queen of the crowd, what's the party really worth?