Major League Soccer has no shortage of stars that hail from Sweden. Erik Friberg is definitely such a player. Born on February 10, 1986, he comes from Göteborg, Sweden. He is a huge fan favorite in the Seattle area. The 29-year-old’s full name is John Erik Gunnar Friberg and he is 5’11. He also weighs 154 pounds. His last name is pronounced “free burg.” He plays midfielder for the Seattle Sounders. Friberg has played in 39 games with the Sounders during the regular season. In the postseason, that number is only two. In his league career, he has only scored a total of 12 goals but fans admire him for his ability on field to aid other players in securing the ball and scoring and other skills. Friberg wears the #28 jersey for the team.

His career started at the age of 19 when he played for his hometown, Västra Frölunda. Much of his acclaim comes from his international experience and honors. He was honored with the coveted Player of the Year Award in 2006 following the 2005 to 2006 season. Internationally, he has won Sweden two caps. Some other key highlights of his more-than-a-decade long career include aiding Hacken in achieving a promotion, helping the team qualify for the 2011-2012 UEFA Europa League and going to the 2013 Allsvenskan championship with Malmö FF. Some other teams he has played for in the past include Bologna and Esbjerg fB.

After departing from the Sounders, Friberg is back, much to fans’ excitement, to play this season. His return was determined by the acceptance of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate. Sounders general manager and president of soccer Garth Lagerwey confirmed Friberg’s return to the team and expressed his excitement about the development to the press, explaining that Friberg is not only a very versatile soccer player, but also a beloved favorite with many fans. He described the team’s feelings about welcoming Friberg back to Seattle as “eager.”

Fans of Friberg can keep up with the players’ news, photos and videos via his social network presence on Twitter. Friberg has over 6,000 followers. Aside from his soccer career, Friberg is well known for his deep love of tacos. Friberg was first signed on as a soccer player at the tender age of 16. He is the son of another professional soccer player, Peter Friberg, and has one sister. He also likes to watch basketball.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia