Hans Pontus Farnerud (born 4 June 1980) is a Swedish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. Starting off his professional career with Landskrona BoIS in the late 1990s, he went on to represent Monaco, Strasbourg, Sporting, and Stabaek before finishing up his career at IFK Göteborg in 2013. He won 11 caps for the Sweden national team between 2002 and 2010 and was a squad player for his country at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2004.
Club career Farnerud was born in Helsingborg, and grew up in Landskrona. During his youth he was also a promising hockey player, playing with Malmö Redhawks. After starting professionally at 16 with Landskrona BoIS, he was acquired in 1999 by French club AS Monaco FC, and appeared in 15 Ligue 1 matches as the team won the 2000 national title; after spending the 2003–04 season on loan to fellow league side Strasbourg he returned,Les suédois passés par le championnat de France (Swedes with spells in the French championship); Sport 365, 7 November 2016 (in French) playing six games in the UEFA Champions League and scoring once in the league, after only one minute on the pitch for a 2–1 home win against FC Nantes.
In June 2005, Farnerud was bought definitely by Strasbourg, reuniting with younger brother Alexander.Strasbourg secure second Farnerud; UEFA, 16 June 2005 The pair (with Pontus only missing six league contests) could not prevent a final relegation, as second from the bottom.
Afterwards, Farnerud moved to Sporting CP on a free transfer,Sporting chance for Farnerud; UEFA, 22 June 2006 being scarcely used during his two-year stint in Portugal. He then returned north to Norway, signing a long-term contract with Stabæk Fotball on 23 July 2008. He helped to a national championship in his debut campaign, eventually being named team captain.
Farnerud spent his two last seasons as a professional back in his homeland, with IFK Göteborg.Farnerud klar för IFK Göteborg (Farnerud signs for IFK Göteborg) ; IFK Göteborg, 3 February 2012 (in Swedish) In late 2013, he retired from the game due to a recurrent hip injury, but returned the following year with amateurs Glumslövs FF (seventh division).Pontus Farnerud klar för Glumslövs FF!(Pontus Farnerud signs for Glumslövs FF!); Glumslövs FF, 20 August 2014 (in Swedish)
In May 2019, it was announced that Farnerud would take the position as assistant director of football at Göteborg.Farnerud om sportchefsjobbet i Blåvitt: "Självklart tackade jag ja" (Farnerud about the blue-and-white sporting director job: "Of course I appreciated it"); Fotbollskanalen, 31 May 2019 (in Swedish)
International career Farnerud was a Swedish international from 13 February 2002 to 23 January 2010, making his debut in a 2–2 friendly away draw against Greece where he featured 29 minutes. He was a participant at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2004, but did not leave the bench on either occasion.
Personal life Farnerud's younger brother, Alexander, is also a footballer. He too is a midfielder and former Swedish international.Farnerud till storklubb (Farnerud to giants); Aftonbladet, 22 June 2006 (in Swedish)Inget Bröndby för Farnerud (No Bröndby for Farnerud); Expressen, 17 July 2008 (in Swedish) Farnerud's son Colin Farnerud has played for the Sweden national youth football team.
After retiring, Farnerud worked as a French League pundit for the TV company C More Entertainment.Pontus Farnerud blir ny Ibrahimovic-expert (Pontus Farnerud becomes new expert on Ibrahimovic); Expressen, 17 December 2014 (in Swedish)
Career statistics
International +Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsSweden200220200340200430200500200600200700200800200900201020Total110
Honours Monaco Ligue 1: 1999–2000 Coupe de la Ligue: 2002–03 Trophée des Champions: 2000
Sporting Taça de Portugal: 2006–07, 2007–08 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2007
Stabæk Tippeligaen: 2008 Superfinalen: 2009
IFK Göteborg Svenska Cupen: 2012–13
References
External links