Soccer power couple Magdalena Eriksson, left, and Pernille Harder. In the upcoming Euro 2025 tournament, they will take the field against each other as rivals. In what’s likely the most anticipated of all these matchups, Denmark will take on Sweden, setting up another showdown between these two remarkable athletes. Unfortunately, this has been an uphill battle game since 2018. Look forward to a beautiful experience full of wonder and passion!
The pair’s romantic relationship started in 2014 when they were both on the soccer club Linköping IF. Over the past 11 years, Eriksson and Harder have not only built a solid partnership in their personal lives but in their professional endeavors. They were rejoined after both signed to Chelsea. Together they made the transfer to Bayern Munich, their inseparable friendship evident both on and off the field.
Their competitive encounters are well-documented. Harder had in 2018 scored the winning goal which took Wolfsburg past Eriksson’s Chelsea in the Champions League semifinal. Ever since, they have been pitted against each other in a series of nomination contests. These matchups feature World Cup qualifying games that have added fuel to their friendly rivalry.
As she and the Lionesses look forward to Euro 2025 opener, Eriksson’s biggest moment of managerial brilliance should be disarmament of Harder’s offensive prowess. Harder had a different kind of painful moment during a recent matchup between Sweden and Denmark. While competing for position on a corner kick, Eriksson elbowed her in the face. Following that encounter, Harder expressed relief that Eriksson would be suspended for their next face-off:
“As a football player, it’s nice that Magda won’t play. But also to avoid these duels between us.” – Pernille Harder
Neither athlete shied away from their role as LGBTQ+ icons on the soccer field. Their public display of affection—their kiss in Paris in 2019—stoked the world’s imaginations and affections. They have become role models for many, and Eriksson reflected on this responsibility, stating:
“It made me understand that, ‘OK, I am actually a role model to people.’” – Magdalena Eriksson
Outside of their athletic pursuits, Eriksson and Harder are both involved in social advocacy. Each of them donates 1% of their salaries to Common Goal, a soccer-focused social impact venture. They support the Play Proud project, which works to make sports more inclusive.
The pair often tease each other about their competition in their house. They’ve got a lighthearted wager of their own! The loser of their matches has to do all the household chores! This playful yet meaningful exchange captures their sincere love for each other through the lens of highly competitive athletics.
Their dedication to the beautiful game is highlighted with both players having over 100 national-team caps. Recently, Eriksson elaborated on her philosophy regarding integrity and standing up for one’s beliefs:
“That’s something my dad always taught me when I was younger was to have integrity, to stand up for what you believe in.” – Magdalena Eriksson
With Euro 2025 drawing ever closer, fans can be found holding their breath at this rich tapestry of talent and romance. It’ll be an exciting contest between them and the defending USL champions. It will show how their connection runs much deeper as they both learn to face the challenges of love and rivalry.
