Early Life and Background
Glenn Ingvar Hysén was born on October 30, 1959, in Göteborg, Sweden. He grew up in a working-class family in a close-knit community that fostered a love for football from an early age. His father, Kurt Hysén, had a background as a professional footballer himself, and this had a profound influence on young Glenn’s development. Raised with strong family values and a disciplined approach to both sport and life, Glenn quickly stood out as a promising football talent in the local Göteborg youth leagues.
Growing up in the football-mad region of Gothenburg, Glenn spent much of his time playing on the streets and participating in youth leagues. His natural ability and leadership qualities made him a standout player from an early age, and he was soon recruited to play for local youth clubs. By the age of 15, Glenn was already being scouted by some of Sweden’s top teams, and it was clear that he was destined for a professional career.
Early Club Career: IFK Göteborg and Rise to Prominence
Glenn Hysén’s professional career began at IFK Göteborg, one of Sweden’s most prominent and successful football clubs. He joined the senior team in 1977 at just 18 years old, making an immediate impact as a central defender. His imposing physical presence, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game set him apart as a defensive talent with immense potential. Over the next few seasons, Glenn established himself as a key player in the IFK Göteborg lineup, helping the club secure several domestic titles.
One of the defining moments of his early career came in 1982 when IFK Göteborg won the UEFA Cup, defeating Hamburger SV in the final. Glenn played a crucial role in the team’s success, leading the defense and contributing to a historic victory that put both the club and Swedish football on the European map. The win not only elevated Glenn’s status as one of Sweden’s top defenders but also attracted the attention of several major European clubs.
During his time at IFK Göteborg, Glenn also won two Swedish championships (Allsvenskan) and the Svenska Cupen (Swedish Cup) multiple times. His consistent performances earned him recognition and accolades, including his first Guldbollen award in 1983, given to Sweden’s best footballer of the year.
First Move Abroad: PSV Eindhoven
After establishing himself as one of Sweden’s premier defenders, Glenn sought new challenges abroad and moved to the Netherlands in 1983 to join PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch league, known for its technical and attacking style of football, provided a unique challenge for Glenn. He adapted quickly to the faster pace and more technical style of play, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and reliable defender.
Although his stint at PSV was relatively short, it was a valuable learning experience that helped him refine his defensive skills. He played one full season with the club before making a move to Italy, where he would take on one of the toughest leagues in Europe—Serie A.
Serie A Experience: Fiorentina
In 1984, Glenn Hysén signed with Fiorentina, a Serie A club based in Florence, Italy. At the time, Serie A was considered the most competitive and tactically sophisticated league in the world, attracting some of the best players globally. The move to Italy marked a new chapter in Glenn’s career, as he sought to test himself against world-class opposition and enhance his understanding of the game.
During his two seasons with Fiorentina, Glenn faced the likes of Diego Maradona, Michel Platini, and Marco van Basten. His performances were widely praised, as he demonstrated not only his defensive capabilities but also his leadership and composure under pressure. Despite Fiorentina’s struggles to challenge for top honors, Glenn’s time in Italy was seen as a success, as he proved himself to be a formidable presence in one of the most challenging environments in football.
English Success: Liverpool FC
In 1989, Glenn Hysén made a high-profile move to Liverpool FC, one of England’s most successful and storied clubs. His transfer came at a time when Liverpool was a dominant force in English football, and the club was looking to strengthen its defense. Glenn’s arrival at Anfield was met with great expectations, and he quickly became a central figure in the team’s backline.
His debut season (1989-90) was a resounding success, as Liverpool won the First Division title (now known as the Premier League), the last league championship the club would win for 30 years until their victory in 2019-20. Glenn’s performances throughout the campaign were critical to Liverpool’s success, and he was celebrated for his ability to organize the defense and neutralize some of the league’s top strikers.
One of Glenn’s most memorable performances in a Liverpool shirt came in a match against Manchester United at Old Trafford in 1989. He was tasked with marking Mark Hughes, one of United’s most prolific forwards, and delivered a masterful defensive display that earned him widespread acclaim and solidified his reputation as one of the best defenders in the league.
However, Glenn’s time at Liverpool was not without its challenges. The club went through a period of transition following the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, and several managerial changes led to inconsistency on the pitch. Despite these difficulties, Glenn remained a reliable and respected figure at the club until his departure in 1992.
Swedish National Team Career
Glenn Hysén made his debut for the Swedish national team in 1981 and went on to earn 68 caps, scoring 7 goals for his country. He represented Sweden in several major international tournaments, including the UEFA European Championship in 1988 and the FIFA World Cup in 1990.
One of the defining moments of his international career came during the 1990 World Cup qualifiers, where he delivered a legendary performance against England at Wembley Stadium. Tasked with marking England’s star striker Gary Lineker, Glenn was virtually unbeatable throughout the match, making crucial interceptions, tackles, and blocks. His performance earned him the nickname “Wembley Hero” in Sweden and remains one of the most iconic displays by a Swedish player on the international stage.
Glenn served as captain of the Swedish national team during the latter part of his career, leading by example both on and off the field. His leadership and experience were invaluable to the team, and he retired from international duty in 1990 after the World Cup.
Return to Sweden and Retirement
After leaving Liverpool in 1992, Glenn returned to Sweden to play for GAIS, a club based in his hometown of Gothenburg. His return was seen as a homecoming, and he was welcomed with great enthusiasm by the Swedish football community. Glenn played two seasons with GAIS before retiring from professional football in 1994 at the age of 35.
Post-Retirement: Coaching, Media, and Television Career
Following his retirement from professional football, Glenn Hysén transitioned into coaching and media. He took on several coaching roles, including managing lower-division Swedish clubs and working as a defensive coach. However, his true post-playing success came as a media personality and television commentator.
Glenn became a prominent figure in Swedish sports media, working as a commentator and analyst for various television channels. His charismatic and straightforward style, combined with his deep knowledge of the game, made him a popular figure among fans. He also appeared on several reality TV shows and participated in various entertainment programs, further enhancing his public profile.
Personal Life and Public Image
Glenn Hysén is known for his outgoing personality, humor, and straightforwardness. He has been open about his personal struggles and family life, which has endeared him to the Swedish public. Glenn has been married several times and is the father of five children, including Anton Hysén, who is also a professional footballer and has gained recognition for coming out as openly gay—an important milestone in the football world.
In recent years, Glenn has remained active in the media and continues to be involved in Swedish football as a commentator and analyst. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, have made him one of Sweden’s most beloved and respected football figures.
Honors and Awards
- Guldbollen (Swedish Footballer of the Year): 1983, 1988
- UEFA Cup Winner with IFK Göteborg: 1982, 1987
- Swedish Champion with IFK Göteborg: 1982, 1983, 1984
- First Division Title with Liverpool FC: 1989-90
- Swedish National Team Captain
- Swedish Football Hall of Fame Inductee
- Hall of Fame Inductee at IFK Göteborg
Legacy and Influence
Glenn Hysén’s legacy as one of Sweden’s greatest footballers is secure. His performances for both club and country set a standard for Swedish defenders, and his success in Europe and England made him a pioneer for Swedish players abroad. As a central defender, his strength, leadership, and tactical understanding of the game made him a role model for future generations of Swedish footballers.
Off the field, Glenn’s engaging personality and willingness to speak openly about his life have made him a beloved public figure. His contributions to football and media have left an indelible mark on Swedish sports culture, and he remains an influential voice in the football community.
Photo: Unibet
License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0