Freddy Winsth, one of IFK Värnamo's most loyal players, announces he is ending his football career after over 30 years with the club. He has been a key player in the team's journey from division 1 to Allsvenskan. This season will be his last.
Freddy Winsth debuted for IFK Värnamo's A-team as an 18-year-old in 2008 and signed his first A-team contract the following year. During his time with the club, he has played over 400 matches and worn the captain's armband from division 1 through Superettan to Allsvenskan. In Superettan, he was named the back of the year.
Winsth has been central both on and off the pitch. He led the small club to Sweden's top league and was honored in 2021 by P4 Jönköping as the Småland person of the year. The motivation highlighted his leadership: "As captain of IFK Värnamo, Freddy Winsth has led the small club to Sweden's highest football league and stunned Swedish football. Freddy Winsth embodies IFK Värnamo's heart and soul, has been loyal to the club throughout his sporting life, and has been a leader in good times and bad."
Despite setbacks, such as relegation from Superettan, Winsth reached elite level. "I never thought I would play elite football again when we were relegated from Superettan, but here I stand now with four seasons in Allsvenskan," he says in an interview with the club. He plans to continue supporting IFK Värnamo as a fan: "I will definitely be at Vallen in 2026 and I am convinced that we are heading towards a bright future."
His farewell marks the end of an era for the club, which was recently relegated from Allsvenskan but aims for a quick return.