Full name Leif Tommy Svensson 1971–1973 Standard Liege Name Tommy Svensson | Years Team Role Football manager 1964–1971 Osters IF | |
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Date of birth (1945-03-04) 4 March 1945 (age 70) | ||
Leif Tommy Svensson (born 4 March 1945) is a Swedish football manager and former player. He is best known for playing for Östers IF and the Swedish national football team. He won the Guldbollen in 1969. He managed the Swedish National Team between 1991 and 1997 and led them to a bronze medal in the 1994 World Cup.
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He is the son of Stig Svensson and the uncle of Joachim Björklund.
Early years
Thomas Svensson was born 4 March 1945 to father Stig Svensson. Stig was a footballer who played for Östers IF and dubbed Mr. Osters.
Svensson, like his father, had a natural talent for football. At just eleven years-old, he debuted for Östers youth team, and allegedly scored eight goals in the match. However, news paper headlines said he was too weak. Tommy bought a barbell and trained. Morning, noon and night, he lifted weights in order to bulk up.
Playing career
His playing career took him to Östers IF as well as Belgian Standard Liège. Throughout his career, he suffered from knee injuries. His injuries almost stopped him from competing in 1968. However, Svensson persevered. He was awarded Guldbollen in 1969 and played at the 1970 FIFA World Cup.
Managing career
After retiring, he started working as the Östers IF coach. He later had a successful period with Tromsø IL, and became national team coach in 1991.
He led the Swedish team to the 1992 European Football Championship semi final as well as a bronze medal at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. He continued with the national team until 1997, and later worked in television with match commentary as well as coaching Tromsø for a second period in 2001.
Outside the Azteca stadium, there is a statue of the best players of each nation was erected. Sweden's representative was Tommy Svensson.