We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement for Matilda Nildén to join us from BK Häcken in January, 2026, subject to international clearance and work permit.
The 21-year-old Sweden youth international has agreed a long-term contract and will wear the number 14 shirt.
Matilda Nildén said: "I'm so excited and really happy to be here. I think this is the right step for me because the club wants to develop players and I feel they have a clear plan for me.
“I'm young and this feels like the next step in my career. I've spoken to Martin [Ho] and Andy [Rogers] - and I really liked our conversations. They like the way I play and that gave me a good feeling. I've watched the English league for many years, and it has always been a dream to play here. To now be at Spurs is really special."
Our Head Coach Martin Ho said: “Matilda is an exciting attacking player with the ability to operate as a winger on both sides. She plays with pace, bravery and intent, and has the qualities to consistently impact games in the final third.
“She is comfortable receiving in wide areas, attacking 1v1 situations and making decisive movements in behind. Matilda has significant potential, and we believe this environment will allow her attacking instincts, decision-making and end product to develop to an even higher level.
“We are delighted that Matilda chose Tottenham Hotspur as the place to continue her development. That decision reflects her ambition and belief in what we are building, and we are excited to support her growth while she adds energy, creativity and unpredictability to our attacking play.”
Starting her career at IF Brommapojkarna, Matilda joined Swedish top-flight side AIK Fotboll in August, 2021, a club that has strong family connections with her grandfather Jim Nildén, father David Nildén and sister – a current Spurs player – Amanda Nildén having all played for the Stockholm-based side.
In her maiden campaign, the young Swede made 10 Damallsvenskan appearances and scored in the Svenska Cupen before joining Elitettan side Bollstanas SK on a short loan. Back at AIK the following season, she featured 28 times, netting three goals on this occasion, but her most prolific goal-scoring would come in 2023.
Registering an impressive 23 goals in 25 games in the Elitettan (the Swedish second division) that term, Matilda inspired AIK to the league title and promotion back to the top tier. That goal return caught the eye of one of the top clubs in Sweden and earned the exciting winger a move to BK Häcken in January, 2024.
Across her two seasons at Häcken, Matilda made a total of 63 senior appearances in all competitions, including eight in the UEFA Champions League, and tasted silverware at the end of this campaign by lifting the Damallsvenskan for the first time in her career.
On the international stage, Matilda has represented Sweden from Under-16 to Under-23 level, recently lining up alongside Matilda Vinberg in the latest international break.