Klas Johansson

Klas "Klasse" Göran Johansson (born 7 July 1956) is a Swedish former footballer who played as a left back. He represented Hammarby IF throughout his whole professional career. A full international between 1977 and 1983, he won 13 caps for Sweden.

Early life Klas Johansson was born in Stockholm and grew up in the suburb of Vällingby. He started to play football with IF Brommapojkarna before moving to the youth organisation of Hammarby IF. At age 16, he returned to local club Lillsjö IF to play senior football in the Swedish lower divisions.

Club career Reportedly turning down a move to AIK, Johansson returned to Hammarby in 1975, at age 19. He made his debut in Allsvenskan the same year and played 13 games, as Hammarby finished 10th in the table. He got known as a hard-working and physical full-back with a powerful shot.

Johansson scored a brace in a 3–1 away win against Örgryte IS in 1983, his first ever goals in Allsvenskan. In 1985–86, Hammarby qualified for the UEFA Cup, where they eliminated both Pirin Blagoevgrad and St Mirren, before getting knocked out by Köln in the third round (3–4 on aggregate). In total, Johansson played 10 continental games for Hammarby in the two European tournaments. Immediately after winning the promotion, Johansson retired from football, at age 33.

International career Johansson was a regular member of Sweden's under 21 side for two years. He made his debut for the senior national team on 5 October 1977, coming on as a substitute in a 1–0 win against Denmark in a home friendly.

In total, Johansson would win 13 caps for Sweden between 1977 and 1983.

Career statistics

International

Honours

Individual

Stor Grabb: 1983