Sanja Troelsgaard

Sanja Troelsgaard Biography

Sanja Troelsgaard, officially known as Sanne Troelsgaard Nielsen, is a renowned Danish professional footballer famous for her midfield prowess and long-standing career with the Denmark national team. She has made significant contributions to both club and country, gaining fame as a skilled and versatile midfielder. Her career spans numerous clubs across Denmark, Sweden, England, and Italy, and she has played over 180 international matches for Denmark until her retirement from international football in 2025.

Childhood

Sanja Troelsgaard was born on August 15, 1988, in Denmark. She grew up in the towns of Vejen and Haderslev, where she began playing youth football. Coming from a close-knit family, she shares a special bond with her identical twin sister Lotte, who is also a professional footballer. Her upbringing in Denmark laid the foundation for her passion and dedication to the sport.

Education

Alongside her football career, Sanja Troelsgaard pursued education and training in teaching, reflecting a balanced approach between sports and academics. She holds qualifications as a teacher and has spoken about the challenges and decisions involved in balancing her professional athletics career with personal aspirations and growth.

Career

Sanja Troelsgaard began her senior professional career at SønderjyskE in 2005 when she was 17. She moved on to play for Brøndby IF, where she won multiple league titles and cups. Troelsgaard further advanced her career internationally by joining Sweden's FC Rosengård in 2017, where she won the Damallsvenskan league twice. In 2021, she signed with Reading FC in England's Women's Super League, and in 2024, she joined AS Roma in Italy’s Serie A, winning both the league and the Coppa Italia that season. In 2025, she returned to Denmark to play for FC Midtjylland, continuing to contribute to Danish women's football. She played for Denmark's national team from 2008 to 2025, becoming a national legend with over 180 caps and participating in major tournaments like the UEFA Women's Euros and FIFA Women's World Cup.

Family Life

Sanja shares a strong personal connection with her twin sister Lotte Troelsgaard, who is also a football player. Despite her love for football, Sanja has openly discussed the difficult personal choices she faced regarding motherhood and relationships, as she chose to prioritize her football career during her prime years. She has mentioned the impact this had on her personal relationships and the complexities of balancing family aspirations and a demanding professional sports career.

Achievements

Sanja Troelsgaard's career is decorated with numerous achievements. She was named Danish Player of the Year in 2011. Her club successes include league titles with Brøndby IF and FC Rosengård, multiple Danish Women's Cups, and a Serie A and Coppa Italia double with AS Roma in 2024. Internationally, she earned more than 180 caps for Denmark, scoring many goals and representing the country in key European and World Cup tournaments, solidifying her status as a football icon in Denmark.

Controversies

There have been no major controversies reported in association with Sanja Troelsgaard throughout her career. She is widely respected for her professionalism and dedication on and off the field, maintaining a positive reputation in the sports community.

Sanja Troelsgaard Summary

Sanja Troelsgaard is a celebrated Danish football midfielder known for her skill, leadership, and longevity at the highest levels of women’s football. From her early days in Danish youth clubs to international stardom with various European teams and a legendary national team career, she has earned respect and admiration. Her decisions to focus on football over motherhood reflect the challenges elite female athletes face. Sanja remains a pivotal figure in Danish women's football, leaving behind a legacy of commitment, achievement, and inspiration for future generations.