Barcelona’s 19-year-old winger Roony Bardghji has received his first-ever call-up to the Sweden senior national team, with head coach John Dahl Tomasson praising the “fantastic player” for his rapid development at the Catalan club.
The Swedish football association confirmed the maiden call-up for the young attacker, who is now in line to make his senior international debut in Sweden’s upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Switzerland and Kosovo.
Roony Bardghji pic.twitter.com/zU98pHaJRC
— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) October 1, 2025
Sweden National Team Coach’s High Praise
Tomasson expressed significant admiration for the teenager, highlighting both his current club situation and his personal drive. “He is a fantastic player,” Tomasson stated.
“It is impressive that a player of that age has so much playing time at a club as big as Barça”.
The coach further elaborated on the qualities that make Bardghji special, noting, “He has brilliant drive, he’s ambitious, and he has shown that he wants to be the best.
That’s something I value highly in an athlete. He’s still young, but he plays for Barcelona with all the pressure that entails”.
A Rising Talent Dubbed the ‘Swedish Messi’
Bardghji, who has frequently been dubbed the ‘Swedish Messi’ for his attacking flair, joined Barcelona from FC Copenhagen in the summer of 2025.
The deal, worth an initial €2 million, represents a strategic acquisition for Barcelona, with sporting director Deco describing the winger as a player with a similar profile to fellow young star Lamine Yamal.
Despite spending nearly a year sidelined with a serious knee injury, Barcelona’s leadership insisted on the transfer, convinced the youngster would regain the form that previously made him one of Europe’s most sought-after prospects.
Bardghji has since made three appearances for Barcelona in La Liga, proving his physical issues are behind him.
The 19-year-old has already showcased his talent on big stages, most notably scoring an 87th-minute winner for Copenhagen against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League in 2023.
Now, with his first senior call-up and the confidence of his national team coach, Roony Bardghji continues his promising ascent in the football world.
