Magdalena Eriksson: A role model beyond 90 minutes

"Don't criticise what you don't understand. The line comes from Bob Dylan's 'The Times They Are A-Changing', a musical manifesto for change, openness and the willingness not to judge the world too quickly. For Eriksson, this sentence is not just a quote, but a principle. 'I like the message,' she says. 'You should always inform yourself about everything before you judge it - about people, about cultures, about things you maybe don't immediately understand.'"

"Since her arrival in 2023, the 32-year-old has operated like an architect in the Munich defence. While others hunt the ball, she organises everything. She can often be heard shouting 'weiter, weiter' ('keep going') - two words in one breath. It's her favourite command on the pitch, she says with a grin."

"Eriksson conceives her role as a footballer as more than just a sporting one. To her, responsibility does not end with the final whistle. For example, she is involved in the Common Goal project, an international network of men's and women's footballers who demonstrate commitment beyond the game."

Magdalena Eriksson, Bayern Munich Women's number 5, is a multi-layered personality guided by Bob Dylan's principle 'Don't criticise what you don't understand,' which she has tattooed on her forearm. This philosophy reflects her approach to life and football—always informing herself before making judgments about people, cultures, and unfamiliar situations. Since joining Bayern in 2023, the 32-year-old Swedish defender operates as an architect of the defense, organizing play through subtle but crucial influence rather than flashy individual moments. Her leadership manifests through constant communication on the pitch, frequently shouting encouragement to teammates. Beyond football, Eriksson demonstrates responsibility extending past the final whistle through involvement in social initiatives like the Common Goal project.

Read at FC Bayern Women