Alexander Kačaniklić

Youth career

Born in Helsingborg, Kačaniklić played for a local team until he joined Helsingborgs IF, alongside his brother, at the age of ten. Kačaniklić joined Liverpool from Swedish club Helsingborg in the summer of 2007, where he was assigned to the club's academy. It came after when Kačaniklić was scouted while playing for Sweden U16. During his progress, the club's U18 Manager Hughie McAuley said: "Alex is a talented player and has already played at reserve team level. He is a naturally gifted footballer who is very quick. He crosses really good balls and can also be effective on the right wing when he cuts inside and scores goals. I'm looking forward to seeing him make more progress." He scored "a wonderful effort" against Arsenal's youth team in the 2008–09 FA Youth Cup Final. Two years later, Kačaniklić graduated from the academy to the club's reserves, where he was featured under John McMahon. It was reported in February 2010 that Kačaniklić could get a chance in Liverpool's first team football ahead of the UEFA Europa League match. But he never made it to the starting line-up. At the end of the 2009–10 season, Kačaniklić was offered a two–year contract with the club. He moved on to Fulham in August 2010, together with Lauri Dalla Valle, as part of the deal in which Fulham's Paul Konchesky joined Liverpool. After leaving Liverpool, Kačaniklić reflected his time there, saying: "I left because I saw an opportunity to make a career for myself and develop as a…

Youth career

Kačaniklić has played international football for Sweden in UEFA European football championship games at under-17 and under-19 levels. In February 2011, Kačaniklić was called up by Sweden U21. However, he was replaced the following month by Viktor Lundberg.

Senior career

On 15 August 2012, Kačaniklić was called up to the Sweden national team replacing Emir Bajrami for the match against Brazil. Kačaniklić previously considered to be shortlisted for the Sweden squad ahead of the UEFA Euro 2012, but didn't make the cut. He was introduced as a substitute with 25 minutes left, coming on for Christian Wilhelmsson. Sweden lost the friendly match to Brazil on a scoreline of 0–3. On 12 October 2012, Kačaniklić played his first competitive international, in the 2014 World Cup UEFA Group C qualifiers. In the match against the Faroe Islands he was introduced in the 62nd minute, with the result then being 1–0 for the opposition. Only three minutes later, after a pass from Zlatan Ibrahimović, Kačaniklić scored his first goal for his country, levelling the score to 1–1. Ten minutes further into the game Ibrahimović netted as well and the game ended 2–1 in favour of Sweden. Four days later on 16 October 2012, Sweden played again in the same competition, this time against Germany. Kačaniklić again started as a substitute but after Germany completely outplayed Sweden in the first half, Kačaniklić and Kim Källström were introduced by Swedish coach Erik Hamrén. The…

Club

As of 15 June 2022

International

As of 12 January 2020

Scores and results list Sweden's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Kačaniklić goal.

Kačaniklić's older brother Robin (born 1988) is a midfielder. Their father was born in Sweden to immigrants from SR Macedonia, a part of SFR Yugoslavia, of Serb descent. His family hails from Čučer-Sandevo. His father wanted him to play for Serbia, but he chose to represent Sweden. Growing up, Kačaniklić idolised Rivaldo and later Cristiano Ronaldo. He also grew up supporting Barcelona, citing the club's style of play. In addition to speaking Swedish, Kačaniklić can speak English and learned French during his time at Nantes.