This FIFA season, we’re celebrating the global reach of women’s football through its international players, cross-cultural exchanges and achievements. By celebrating national teams and their outreach, we hope to showcase the richness of talent and passion for the sport worldwide.Ìý
We’re focusing on 6 individuals from women’s football history and the wider effects of their contribution. To kick things off, we discovered the ways in which former Fulham Football Club’s Permi Jhooti is a quadruple threat due to her work across sport, science, art/design and public speaking. We will be focusing our attention on Jane Törnqvist, who excelled as a centre-back in the Sweden women’s national team.
G9FNT5 // Jane Törnqvist playing for Sweden against Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games // Contributor Name Credit: PA Images.
An Impressive Track Record
Known as a tough tackling central defender, Törnqvist is a luminary when you dig into the statistics. Active in football from 1989-2012, she debuted against Finland in 1995 before playing in two World Cups (USA 1999 and USA 2003), two Olympic Games (Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004) and three Euros (Norway/Sweden ’97, Germany 2001 and England 2005). To angle it another way, she played 109 games in total for the Swedish national team, scoring 13 goals.
At 109 caps, she beat past the 100 caps mark for her country. Her ability to maintain a professional football career at the senior level for more than two decades is a testament to her consistent performance on the field.
2PFD2EY // Törnqvist's teammates celebrating her goal against Australia during the Women’s World Cup, at the Jack Kent Cooke Stadium in Landover, Md., 1999. // Contributor Name Credit: Associated Press.
International Coverage
Hailing from Manila, Philippines, Törnqvist is a Swedish football player with roots in both nations, extending her reach internationally to proudly represent women’s football. While she started her career in Hallsta IK with the youth club, she also played nationally for Häverödals SK, Rimbo IF, Tyresö FF, Hammarby IF and Älvsjö AIK. Here, she saw a variety of different seasons and was part of winning teams — retiring after the 2007 run.
2007 did not mark the end. Törnqvist was picked up by manager Torbjörn Nilsson and brought over to Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC. After joining this particular women’s football club, Törnqvist made a staggering 100 league appearances.
Törnqvist’s footballing prowess secured her international coverage, starting with a faithful senior Sweden debut in a 3–0 win over Finland in 1995. The World Cup and championship tournaments that she participated in took her around the world to Europe, the USA and Australia. Not too shabby. Closer to home, her team won Damallsvenskan (Swedish Women’s League) in back-to-back seasons at Djurgardens IF.
2PFD2EY // Törnqvist tackling during the Athens 2004 Olympics between Germany and Sweden, at the Karaiskaki Stadium in Athens, Greece, 2004. // Contributor Name Credit: Associated Press.
Women Supporting Women
Törnqvist’s retirement did not mean the end of her involvement in women’s football. Within the world of football, there’s plenty of space for mentorship and allyship. In 2022, Törnqvist worked with the Indian women’s football team as a strength and conditioning coach, overseeing daily morning sessions in the gym. Strength, agility and conditioning are key components of succeeding in the competitive sport, something that the team recognised ahead of the AFC Asian Cup. The team trained with Törnqvist for two months and she coached them strategically, making a considerable difference to their playing style on the pitch.
G8F6J5 // Törnqvist during the UEFA European Women's Championship Semi-Final, Norway v Sweden, at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, 2005. // Contributor Name Credit: PA Images.
What can we learn from Jane Törnqvist?
Jane Törnqvist’s impressive track record as a tough-tackling central defender highlights the importance of consistency and dedication in professional sports. Her coverage and representation of both Sweden and the Philippines demonstrate the global reach of women’s football and its ability to bring together players from diverse backgrounds.
Moreover, Törnqvist’s post-retirement involvement in women’s football as a strength and conditioning coach for the Indian women’s football team highlights the importance of mentorship and support among women in sports. Her role in training and coaching the team showcases the significance of sharing knowledge and empowering the next generation of athletes.
Overall, Jane Törnqvist’s journey in women’s football teaches us the values of consistency, dedication, teamwork, and mentorship. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and emphasises the global unity and talent present in women’s football.
Törnqvist’s story is the second in a series of six blog posts spotlighting global individuals from women’s football history. As we celebrate the pioneers of women’s football from around the world, let us remember the importance of inclusivity, collaboration, and the global reach of the sport. By honouring the achievements of individuals like Permi Jhooti and Jane Törnqvist, we recognise the rich talent and passion that exists within women’s football worldwide, emphasising its significance during the FIFA season and beyond. Discover the visual history of FIFA women’s football here. For more on Alamy’s 2023 #EmpowerHer campaign, read this.Ìý