Rosa Kafaji joined the all-Swedish top team Häcken from AIK for the 2022 season. The transfer fee was one of the larger in Swedish women's football – around SEK 700,000, according to Göteborgs-Posten.
But just over a month later, the accident occurred. Kafaji broke his right shin after just six minutes in the first practice match with The Hedges, in a clash with the opposing team's goalkeeper.
Surgery followed, and football was exchanged for rehab training for the ball talent.
"There was a period when it was a bit difficult. When you don't get to do what you love most," says the 19-year-old.
Back too quickly
She started training with the team again earlier than expected, back in July.
"I was back pretty quickly. Everyone was pretty shocked by it. And everyone kind of warned me and told me to be careful, because you can have setbacks.
They were right. After a single appearance in the allsvenskan for Kafaji, a fracture in his leg was discovered in late September, shortly before The Hedges faced Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
"So I had to back off a few steps and start rehab again. It was very hard, like I had false hopes.
In-game
Rosa Kafaji could become a key player for the Hurdles this season. In AIK she was a winger, but in Häcken she has a central role between midfield and striker.
"She's cut and dried for the role of trailing forward," says Robert Vilahamn, coach of Häcken.
He thinks Kafaji is a player who stands out with his technique and understanding of the game.
"She's very, very good with the ball. And goal-dangerous," says Vilahamn.
On talent list
Rosa Kafaji's progress in AIK and Swedish U-national teams attracted attention abroad as well. Last spring, while Kafaji was injured, she was on the website Goals' list of the world's greatest football talents.
"I was quite shocked actually, although I appreciated it of course," Kafaji says.
This year's goal with Häcken is to take the Swedish Championship gold.
"One hundred percent," says Rosa Kafaji.
Kafaji: "Heard a crack but didn't know what was cracked" (April 2, 2022):
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Kafaji: "Heard a crack but didn't know what was cracked" Photo: Bildbyrån/SVT