Henrik Larsson
{{Short description|Swedish footballer and manager (born 1971)}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{About|the Swedish footballer|the sprinter|Henrik Larsson (sprinter)|the Danish footballer|Henrik Larsen|the Swedish pool player|Henrik Larsson (pool player)}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Henrik Larsson
| image = Henrik Larsson in Jan 2014.jpg
| caption = Larsson in 2014
| full_name = Edward Henrik Larsson
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1971|9|20|df=y}}
| birth_place = Helsingborg, Sweden
| position = Striker
| currentclub =
| youthyears1 = 1977–1988
| youthclubs1 = Högaborgs BK
| years1 = 1989–1991
| clubs1 = Högaborgs BK
| caps1 = 64
| goals1 = 23
| years2 = 1992–1993
| clubs2 = Helsingborgs IF
| caps2 = 56
| goals2 = 51
| years3 = 1993–1997
| clubs3 = Feyenoord
| caps3 = 101
| goals3 = 26
| years4 = 1997–2004
| clubs4 = Celtic
| caps4 = 221
| goals4 = 174
| years5 = 2004–2006
| clubs5 = Barcelona
| caps5 = 40
| goals5 = 13
| years6 = 2006–2009
| clubs6 = Helsingborgs IF
| caps6 = 84
| goals6 = 38
| years7 = 2007
| clubs7 = → Manchester United (loan)
| caps7 = 7
| goals7 = 1
| years8 = 2012
| clubs8 = Råå IF
| caps8 = 1
| goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2013
| clubs9 = Högaborgs BK
| caps9 = 1
| goals9 = 0
| totalcaps = 575
| totalgoals = 325
| nationalyears1 = 1992–1993
| nationalteam1 = Sweden U21
| nationalcaps1 = 12{{Cite web |title=Henrik Larsson – Spelarstatistik |url=https://www.svenskfotboll.se/spelarfakta/henrik-larsson/0a5711cd-f976-4438-80cd-9d5102798ea5/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027035333/https://www.svenskfotboll.se/spelarfakta/henrik-larsson/0a5711cd-f976-4438-80cd-9d5102798ea5/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 October 2020 |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=Swedish Football Association |language=sv}}
| nationalyears2 = 1997
| nationalteam2 = Sweden B
| nationalcaps2 = 1
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 1993–2009
| nationalteam3 = Sweden
| nationalcaps3 = 106
| nationalgoals3 = 37
| manageryears1 = 2010–2012
| managerclubs1 = Landskrona BoIS
| manageryears2 = 2014
| managerclubs2 = Falkenbergs FF
| manageryears3 = 2015–2016
| managerclubs3 = Helsingborgs IF
| manageryears4 = 2019
| managerclubs4 = Helsingborgs IF
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's football}}
{{Medal|Country|{{fb|SWE}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|FIFA World Cup}}
{{Medal|3rd|1994 United States|}}
}}
Edward Henrik Larsson ({{IPA|sv|ˈhɛnːrɪk ˈlɑːʂɔn}}; born 20 September 1971) is a Swedish professional football coach and former player who played many times for the Swedish national team. A striker, Larsson began his career with Högaborgs BK. In 1992, he moved to Helsingborg IF where in his first campaign he helped the club win promotion to Allsvenskan after 24 seasons. He moved to Feyenoord in November 1993, staying for four years before leaving in 1997 to join Scottish Premiership club Celtic and enjoying great success there. During his time in the Dutch Eredivisie, he won two KNVB Cups with Feyenoord. He later played for Barcelona, earning the Spanish title twice and the Champions League before returning to Helsingborg. He ended his career with a loan spell at Manchester United, with whom he won the English Premier League in 2006–07. {{Cite news |date=20 October 2009 |title=Celtic legend Larsson to retire from football |url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/131414-celtic-legend-larsson-to-retire-from-football/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304003835/http://sport.stv.tv/football/131414-celtic-legend-larsson-to-retire-from-football/ |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=20 October 2009 |work=STV Sport}}
Larsson is often regarded as one of the greatest foreign imports in Scottish football,{{Cite web |title=10 Greatest Foreign Imports to Play in the SPL |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1853339-10-greatest-foreign-imports-to-play-in-the-spl |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211070942/https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/1853339-10-greatest-foreign-imports-to-play-in-the-spl.amp.html |archive-date=11 February 2022 |access-date=10 February 2022 |website=Bleacher Report}} having been signed by Wim Jansen for Celtic in July 1997 for a fee of £650,000. In his first season at the club, he played a crucial role in Celtic winning their first league title in ten years. Larsson suffered a broken leg in a UEFA Cup tie against Lyon in 1999. He returned to score 53 goals in a 2000–01 season that saw him win the European Golden Shoe. Larsson won four league titles in his seven years at Celtic. He also helped the team reach the 2003 UEFA Cup final against Porto, scoring both goals in a 3–2 defeat in extra time. His 242 goals in 313 matches saw Celtic fans nickname him The King of Kings.
Larsson played for Sweden in three FIFA World Cups and three UEFA European Championships, winning a bronze medal at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, and is a former captain of the national team. He ended his international career with 37 goals in 106 matches. He also won the Golden Ball (Guldbollen), the annual Award for best Swedish footballer twice, first in 1998 and again in 2004, while in 2003 he was named the Greatest Swedish Footballer of the Last 50 Years as part of the UEFA Jubilee Awards. He is also the second all-time leading goalscorer in the UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League.{{Cite web |date=1 July 2021 |title=UEFA Europa League all-time top scorers |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0252-0cda386ff5c5-9baca13a1b43-1000--all-time-top-scorers/ |access-date=19 July 2021 |website=UEFA}}
In 2010, Larsson began his career as a manager at the Superettan club Landskrona BoIS, where he stayed for three seasons. He later managed Falkenberg in Allsvenskan, and he took over at Helsingborg in 2015, where his son, Jordan, was one of his players. Helsingborg were relegated to Superettan in 2016 and Larsson left the club. Three years later he made a brief return in the same role at the club.{{Cite web |date=23 August 2019 |title=För stort tryck mot honom och familjen |url=https://www.expressen.se/kvallsposten/sport/fotboll/allsvenskan/just-nu-lamnar-efter-pahopp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823132526/https://www.expressen.se/kvallsposten/sport/fotboll/allsvenskan/just-nu-lamnar-efter-pahopp/ |archive-date=23 August 2019 |access-date=23 August 2019 |website=Kvällsposten |language=sv}} He served Barcelona as assistant to Ronald Koeman from August 2020 until October 2021.
Early life
Edward Henrik Larsson{{Cite web |title=Acta del Partido celebrado el 06 de mayo de 2006, en Barcelona |trans-title=Minutes of the Match held on 6 May 2006, in Barcelona |url=https://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=2252 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321230925/https://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=2252 |archive-date=21 March 2021 |website=Royal Spanish Football Federation |language=es}} was born on 20 September 1971{{Hugman|23772|access-date=21 March 2021}} in Helsingborg, Scania.{{Cite web |title=Henrik Larsson: Profile |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/henrik-larsson/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321231336/https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/henrik-larsson/ |archive-date=21 March 2021 |access-date=21 March 2021 |website=worldfootball.net |publisher=HEIM:SPIEL}} His father, Francisco Da Rocha, is Cape Verdean,{{Cite news |last=Christenson |first=Marcus |date=18 May 2003 |title=Signing off in style: Profile: Henrik Larsson |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/18/uefa.sport1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922010534/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/18/uefa.sport1 |archive-date=22 September 2024 |access-date=16 August 2009 |work=The Guardian}} and his mother, Eva Larsson, is Swedish.{{Cite news |last=Asthana |first=Anushka |date=20 April 2003 |title=The big interview Henrik Larsson |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article861668.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922010648/https://www.thetimes.com/ |archive-date=22 September 2024 |access-date=4 May 2010 |work=The Times |location=London}}{{subscription required}} His parents, who never married and split up when he was 12, decided that he should take his mother's surname because they felt it would make it easier for their son to be accepted in Sweden.{{Cite news |date=22 April 2001 |title=Larsson: The Untold Story |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/LARSSON:+THE+UNTOLD+STORY;+I+sat+Henrik+down+at+eight+years+of+age...-a073506403 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025021459/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/LARSSON:+THE+UNTOLD+STORY;+I+sat+Henrik+down+at+eight+years+of+age...-a073506403 |archive-date=25 October 2012 |access-date=9 June 2010 |work=Sunday Mail}} He credits his father for his love of football. His father gave him a football when he was 16 months old and as a child, he was able to practice with brothers and friends on a large field near his home on the Närlunda estate in Helsingborg.{{Cite web |title=Henrik Larsson Bio – Swedish Striker in 2002 World Cup |url=http://www.kidzworld.com/article/1910-henrik-larsson-bio-swedish-striker-in-2002-world-cup |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813214010/http://www.kidzworld.com/article/1910-henrik-larsson-bio-swedish-striker-in-2002-world-cup |archive-date=13 August 2016 |access-date=15 June 2016 |website=KidzWorld}}{{Cite web |last=Butler |first=Michael |date=3 March 2024 |title=Henrik Larsson: 'I have 106 caps for Sweden but I see myself as foreign' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/mar/03/henrik-larsson-i-have-106-caps-for-sweden-but-i-see-myself-as-foreign |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922010536/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/mar/03/henrik-larsson-i-have-106-caps-for-sweden-but-i-see-myself-as-foreign |archive-date=22 September 2024 |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=The Guardian}} He has said of his school years, "I experienced some racism, because back then it was unusual to have a dark kid at school, I was one of the few."{{Cite web |title=Ghod speaks (interview with Henrik Larsson) |url=http://www.manchestercsc.com/Ghod%20Speaks%20content.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402101739/http://www.manchestercsc.com/Ghod%20Speaks%20content.htm |archive-date=2 April 2012 |website=Manchester Celtic Supporters Club}} He watched English football on television and his parents gave him a video of Pelé's life story, both of which inspired him.
Club career
=Early career=
File:Henrik Larsson 1993.png, June 1993]]
Larsson began playing at lower-league Högaborg at age six. This smaller club was known to provide a good education for young players, and since Larsson left he has stressed how important this was not only for his football but also for his adult life in general.{{Cite web |date=8 December 2016 |title=Henrik Larsson |url=https://stadslexikon.helsingborg.se/henrik-larsson/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206140347/https://stadslexikon.helsingborg.se/henrik-larsson/ |archive-date=6 December 2017 |access-date=14 February 2018 |website=Helsingborgs Stadslexikon}}{{Cite web |title=Högaborgs BK |url=https://www.laget.se/HOGABORGSBOLLKLUBB/About |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215083750/https://www.laget.se/HOGABORGSBOLLKLUBB/About |archive-date=15 February 2018 |access-date=14 February 2018 |website=laget.se}}{{Cite web |date=8 March 2011 |title=Från mobbad - till frälsare |url=http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/landslagsfotboll/masterskap/article10463891.ab |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215143837/https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/landslagsfotboll/masterskap/article10463891.ab |archive-date=15 February 2018 |access-date=14 February 2018 |website=Aftonbladet}} He went on to start his professional career playing for their senior team at age 17 while still at school.{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Ciaran |date=19 August 2011 |title=Henrik Larsson: The King of Kings « Back Page Football |url=http://backpagefootball.com/henrik-larsson-the-king-of-kings/24036/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419064957/http://backpagefootball.com/henrik-larsson-the-king-of-kings/24036/ |archive-date=19 April 2013 |access-date=5 August 2013 |website=Backpage Football}} When he was 18, he had a trial at Benfica, at the time being managed by Larsson's country-mate Sven-Göran Eriksson.{{Cite web |date=22 February 2017 |title=The big interview: Henrik Larsson – "The only regret of my career? Spending just two months at Man United" |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/henrik-larsson-one-one-only-regret-my-career-spending-just-two-months-man-united |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213081820/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/henrik-larsson-one-one-only-regret-my-career-spending-just-two-months-man-united |archive-date=13 December 2017 |access-date=12 December 2017 |website=FourFourTwo}} On leaving school at 18, Larsson combined a semi-pro football career at Högaborg with work as a fruit packer.
In four years playing at senior level with Högaborg, Larsson scored 23 goals in 74 matches. In 1992, second division side Helsingborg (the main club of his home city) signed Larsson.
=Helsingborg=
In his first year as a full-time professional, Larsson scored 34 goals for Helsingborg and his partnership up front with veteran striker Mats Magnusson helped the side win promotion to the top Swedish division, the Allsvenskan, the club's return to the top tier after 24 seasons in the lower divisions. His star continued to rise the following year, as he netted 16 goals to help Helsingborg to a respectable mid-table finish.
The Södra was split into Spring and Autumn leagues, Henrik scored 15 goals in 14 games in the former and 17 goals in 13 games in the latter. After then failing to score in the 3 placement qualifier matches, he scored twice in a 9–1 aggregate play-off win against IFK Sundsvall that sealed promotion.{{Cite web |date=2 June 2006 |title=The Henke Larsson story |url=https://www.st.nu/artikel/the-henke-larsson-story |access-date=24 June 2024 |newspaper=Sundavalls}}
=Feyenoord=
In November 1993, Dutch side Feyenoord signed Larsson for a fee of £295,000. He made his league debut on 21 November 1993 as a substitute for Regi Blinker in a 1–1 home draw against Vitesse.{{Cite news |last=Van der Kraan |first=Marcel |date=22 November 1993 |title=Larsson heeft 't nog nooit zo koud gehad |trans-title=Larsson has never had it so cold |url=http://leiden.courant.nu/issue/LD/1993-11-22/edition/0/page/15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807042904/http://leiden.courant.nu/issue/LD/1993-11-22/edition/0/page/15 |archive-date=7 August 2016 |access-date=6 June 2016 |work=Leidsch Dagblad |language=nl |agency=Geassocieerde Pers Diensten}} Larsson took time to adjust to working and living in a foreign country and could only muster a modest 6 goals in 27 appearances in his first season. His goalscoring record improved in subsequent seasons, but he continued to be unsettled and frustrated by a combination of ever-changing coaches, being played in unfamiliar positions and latterly the club's player-rotation policy which saw him being substituted fifty or sixty minutes into a match even when playing well.{{Cite web |date=16 September 2001 |title=My Story by Henrik Larsson; Scotland saved my marriage |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/EXCLUSIVE%3A+MY+STORY+BY+HENRIK+LARSSON%3B+Scotland+saved+my+marriage.-a078318833 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922010558/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/EXCLUSIVE%3A+MY+STORY+BY+HENRIK+LARSSON%3B+Scotland+saved+my+marriage.-a078318833 |archive-date=22 September 2024 |access-date=5 August 2013 |website=Sunday Mail}}
Larsson won his first major winner's medal on 12 May 1994 when he played in the Feyenoord side that defeated NEC 2–1 in the final of the KNVB Cup.{{Cite web |title=Verslag & foto's: Feyenoord – NEC (2–1) – 12-05-1994 (Seizoen: 1993–1994) |url=http://www.lunaticnews.nl/wedstrijden/verslag/?feyenoord-nec-12-05-1994&id=980 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926075627/http://www.lunaticnews.nl/wedstrijden/verslag/?feyenoord-nec-12-05-1994&id=980 |archive-date=26 September 2013 |access-date=5 August 2013 |website=Lunaticnews.nl}} The following season, Larsson won his second winner's medal in the same tournament when Feyenoord won 2–1 against Volendam.{{Cite web |date=25 May 1995 |title=Verslag & foto's: Feyenoord – FC Volendam (2–1) – 25 May 1995 (Seizoen: 1994–1995) |url=http://www.lunaticnews.nl/wedstrijden/verslag/?feyenoord-fc-volendam-25-05-1995&id=1027 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925020451/http://www.lunaticnews.nl/wedstrijden/verslag/?feyenoord-fc-volendam-25-05-1995&id=1027 |archive-date=25 September 2013 |access-date=5 August 2013 |website=Lunaticnews.nl}} He did record a hat-trick in a 4–3 win against Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1994–95.{{Cite news |date=15 January 2010 |title=Henrik "Henke" Larsson - Goals in European Cups |url=https://www.rsssf.org/players/larsson-in-ec.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405172143/https://www.rsssf.org/players/larsson-in-ec.html |archive-date=5 April 2023 |access-date=9 April 2020 |website=RSSSF}}
In 1997, Larsson told manager Arie Haan that he wished to leave the club. A legal dispute then ensued over a clause in his contract that Larsson claimed would allow him to be sold on if a fee of £600,000 was offered. Larsson won his case and in July 1997, he signed for Scottish side Celtic.{{Cite web |date=23 October 2009 |title=Henrik Larsson: His first Celtic interview |url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/132366-henrik-larsson-his-first-celtic-interview/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007205742/http://sport.stv.tv/football/132366-henrik-larsson-his-first-celtic-interview/ |archive-date=7 October 2011 |access-date=15 June 2016 |website=STV Sport}}
=Celtic=
==1997–2000==
Following the contract dispute with Feyenoord, Larsson was signed by Celtic manager Wim Jansen in July 1997 for a fee of £650,000. In his first season at Celtic, he played the role of supporting forward alongside Darren Jackson, Simon Donnelly and later Harald Brattbakk.
In Larsson's Celtic debut, against Hibernian at Easter Road, he came on as a late substitute. He inadvertently passed the ball to Hibernian player Chic Charnley, who scored, resulting in a 2–1 defeat for Celtic.{{Cite news |last=McPherson |first=Archie |date=4 August 1997 |title=Celtic left standing by slick Charnley |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/celtic-left-standing-by-slick-charnley-1243679.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305034319/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/celtic-left-standing-by-slick-charnley-1243679.html |archive-date=5 March 2016 |access-date=15 June 2009 |work=The Independent |location=London}} He scored an own goal in his first European game,{{Cite web |last=Weir |first=Stewart |date=28 August 1997 |title=I thought I'd kicked Celtic out of Europe; I could see headlines after I scored own goal; Says Henrik Larsson |url=https://www.questia.com/library/1G1-64828207/i-thought-i-d-kicked-celtic-out-of-europe-i-could |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029194007/http://www.questia.com/library/1G1-64828207/i-thought-i-d-kicked-celtic-out-of-europe-i-could |archive-date=29 October 2013 |access-date=5 August 2013 |website=The Mirror}} although Celtic did go on to win 6–3 against Austrian side Tirol Innsbruck.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} He went on to score 19 goals in all competitions,{{Cite web |title=Celtic Player Henrik Larsson Details |url=http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player.php?playerid=2842 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129035732/http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player.php?playerid=2842 |archive-date=29 November 2014 |access-date=5 August 2013 |website=FitbaStats}} and was Celtic's top scorer for the season. In November 1997, Larsson won his first medal for the club after a 3–0 win over Dundee United at Ibrox Stadium gave Celtic the Scottish League Cup. Larsson scored Celtic's second goal in the match.{{Cite news |date=30 November 1997 |title=Celtic cruise to cup final win |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/35873.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922010539/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/35873.stm |archive-date=22 September 2024 |access-date=5 August 2013 |work=BBC Sport}} On the final day of the league season, he scored the opener with a powerful shot from 20 yards out in a 2–0 win against St Johnstone to clinch the championship for Celtic. It was the club's first league championship win since the double winning season 1987–88 and stopped Old Firm rivals Rangers from breaking Celtic's record of nine titles in a row.{{Cite news |date=9 May 1998 |title=Celtic get by with a little help from their Scandinavians |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/90174.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513025154/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/90174.stm |archive-date=13 May 2008 |access-date=5 August 2013 |work=BBC Sport}} He finished fourth in the voting for the SFWA Footballer of the Year in 1998.{{Cite news |date=8 May 1997 |title=Burley lands award in Celtic clean sweep |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000540/19980508/645/0040 |url-access=subscription |access-date=26 April 2023 |work=The Scotsman |via=British Newspaper Archive}}
Larsson's second season with the club saw a change in management with Jozef Vengloš taking over following Wim Jansen's resignation.{{Cite news |date=17 July 1998 |title=Celtic appoints new coach |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/134664.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115141638/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/134664.stm |archive-date=15 January 2009 |access-date=5 August 2013 |work=BBC Sport}} Playing in a more advanced striker's role, Larsson scored 38 goals to end the season as both Celtic and Scotland's top goalscorer.{{Cite web |title=Scotland – Premier League – Top scorers' list |url=http://www.worldfootball.net/torschuetzenkoenige/sco-premier-league/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080926080924/http://www.worldfootball.net/torschuetzenkoenige/sco-premier-league/ |archive-date=26 September 2008 |access-date=5 August 2013 |website=Worldfootball.net}} During the season, Larsson also scored for the first time in an Old Firm match, with two goals in a 5–1 victory in November,{{Cite web |title=A tussle at Parkhead.|url=http://www.sportinglive.info/football/scottishpremier/celtic/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/98/11/21/SOCCER_Celtic_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=celtic&DIV=scotsprem&TEAM=CELTIC&RH=Celtic&PREV_SEASON=1997&BID= |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130702113350/http://www.sportinglive.info/football/scottishpremier/celtic/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/98/11/21/SOCCER_Celtic_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=celtic&DIV=scotsprem&TEAM=CELTIC&RH=Celtic&PREV_SEASON=1997&BID= |archive-date=2 July 2013 |website=sportinglive.info}} and the equaliser in the 2–2 New Year's Day match at Ibrox.{{Cite web |date=4 January 1999 |title=Amo Blast At Stubbs; Rangers 2 Celtic 2 |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3A+Amo+Blast+At+Stubbs%3B+RANGERS+2+CELTIC+2.-a060241651 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316182511/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3A+Amo+Blast+At+Stubbs%3B+RANGERS+2+CELTIC+2.-a060241651 |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=5 August 2013 |website=The Mirror}} Throughout the season, Larsson forged a prolific partnership with diminutive Slovak playmaker Ľubomír Moravčík.{{Cite web |title=Stars of the Past: Lubomir Moracvik |url=http://www.footandball.net/stars-of-the-past-lubomir-moracvik/4810 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708032318/http://www.footandball.net/stars-of-the-past-lubomir-moracvik/4810 |archive-date=8 July 2013 |access-date=5 August 2013 |website=Foot and Ball}} He was also awarded the honours of SPFA Players' Player of the Year, SFWA Footballer of the Year,{{Cite web |title=Season review 1998/99 |url=http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/season-review-199899-2008-06-01/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220103717/http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/season-review-199899-2008-06-01/ |archive-date=20 December 2014 |access-date=8 December 2014 |website=SPFL}} and Swedish Footballer of the Year.{{Cite web |title=Guldbollen genom tiderna |url=http://www.bornyellow.com/html/historia_statistik/allmanstatistik/guldbollen.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316181916/http://www.bornyellow.com/html/historia_statistik/allmanstatistik/guldbollen.htm |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=5 August 2013 |website=BornYellow}} The 1998–99 season ultimately proved disappointing for Celtic, as they finished runners-up to rivals Rangers in both the newly established Scottish Premier League (SPL),{{Cite web |title=News & Features |url=http://www.scotprem.com/content/default.asp?page=s2&newsid=7178&back=home |access-date=5 August 2013 |website=Scotprem.com}} and the Scottish Cup.{{Cite news |date=1 May 2002 |title=Scottish Cup – Old Firm finals down the years |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scottish_cup/1963032.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070505194335/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scottish_cup/1963032.stm |archive-date=5 May 2007 |access-date=5 August 2013 |work=BBC Sport}}
The 1999–2000 season saw another change in management for Celtic. Former Liverpool and England international winger John Barnes replaced Vengloš to become manager at the club.{{Cite web |last=Forrester |first=Vinny |title=When Barnes Managed Celtic: The Appointment From Hell |url=http://sabotagetimes.com/reportage/when-barnes-managed-celtic-the-appointment-from-hell/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116182354/http://sabotagetimes.com/reportage/when-barnes-managed-celtic-the-appointment-from-hell/ |archive-date=16 January 2014 |access-date=5 August 2013 |website=Sabotage Times}} The season started very brightly for Larsson as he scored eight league goals in nine games for the club. During Celtic's 1–0 defeat in a UEFA Cup tie against Lyon on 21 October 1999, Larsson suffered a career-threatening injury, breaking his leg in two places in a challenge with Serge Blanc.{{Cite news |last=Buckland |first=Simon |date=22 October 1999 |title=Fears for Larsson's future after broken leg nightmare |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/fears-for-larssons-future-after-broken-leg-nightmare-26136099.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112215600/http://www.independent.ie/sport/fears-for-larssons-future-after-broken-leg-nightmare-26136099.html |archive-date=12 November 2013 |access-date=5 August 2013 |work=The Independent |location=Ireland}} This resulted in him spending eight months on the sidelines,{{Cite web |date=29 October 2009 |title=Celtic star Henrik Larsson's horror leg break |url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/133420-celtic-star-henrik-larssons-horror-leg-break/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116201356/http://sport.stv.tv/football/133420-celtic-star-henrik-larssons-horror-leg-break/ |archive-date=16 January 2014 |access-date=2 June 2013 |website=STV Sport}} only returning on the last day of the 1999–2000 season. John Barnes cited Larsson's injury as being a significant factor in his sacking by Celtic after only months in the position.{{Citation |last=McNulty |first=Phil |title=Barnes bouncing back |date=21 February 2001 |work=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/1182698.stm |access-date=15 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922011113/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1182698.stm |archive-date=22 September 2024 |url-status=live}} It was initially feared that Larsson had suffered a compound leg fracture, an injury which would normally result in an even longer absence – or possibly even end his career – but X-rays soon revealed that the injury was not as serious as originally feared.{{Cite web |date=28 February 2010 |title=Ouch! The Top 10 worst footballing injuries of all-time |url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/mirror-football-blog/Aaron-Ramsey-Eduardo-David-Busst-Petr-Cech-and-the-Top-10-worst-footballing-injuries-of-all-time-article338653.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429171021/http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/mirror-football-blog/Aaron-Ramsey-Eduardo-David-Busst-Petr-Cech-and-the-Top-10-worst-footballing-injuries-of-all-time-article338653.html |archive-date=29 April 2014 |website=The Mirror}} Larsson made a temporary return in March and scored three goals in two under-21 matches,{{Cite news |date=8 March 2000 |title=Old Firm game too soon for Larsson |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000578/20000317/828/0036 |url-access=subscription |access-date=26 April 2023 |work=The Scotsman |via=British Newspaper Archive}}{{Cite news |date=14 March 2000 |title=Henrik Larsson continued... |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000540/20000314/616/0037 |url-access=subscription |access-date=26 April 2023 |work=The Scotsman |via=British Newspaper Archive}} but a sustained injury to his left shin in a third match meant he missed the 2000 Scottish League Cup Final.{{Cite news |date=17 March 2000 |title=Larsson injury blow for Celtic |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000578/20000317/828/0036 |url-access=subscription |access-date=26 April 2023 |work=Press and Journal |via=British Newspaper Archive}} By the time Larsson had completed his full rehabilitation, John Barnes had been sacked and replaced by director of football Kenny Dalglish as interim manager.{{Cite web |date=10 February 2000 |title=Barnes forced out |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/637415.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225230806/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/637415.stm |archive-date=25 December 2019 |access-date=1 March 2014 |website=BBC News}} Larsson made his comeback with a substitute appearance against Dundee United at Celtic Park on the final day of the SPL season.{{Cite web |date=21 May 2000 |title=Larsson returns as Celtic win |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/scottish_premier/758231.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070920131239/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/scottish_premier/758231.stm |archive-date=20 September 2007 |access-date=16 June 2016 |website=BBC Sport}}
==2000–03==
Following the arrival of Martin O'Neill in the summer of 2000,{{Cite web |date=1 June 2000 |title=Celtic win O'Neill tussle |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/769394.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512134800/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/769394.stm |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=15 March 2013 |website=BBC Sport}} Larsson had his most successful season for Celtic. He began a successful partnership with new arrival Chris Sutton,{{Cite web |date=15 April 2001 |title=Sutton hails partner Larsson |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/sutton-hails-partner-larsson-6355829.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117011633/http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/sutton-hails-partner-larsson-6355829.html |archive-date=17 January 2014 |access-date=20 April 2010 |website=Evening Standard}} as he scored 35 league goals in 38 league games to become SPL top goalscorer and to win the European Golden Shoe.{{Cite news |last=Irvine |first=Neil |date=18 June 2001 |title=Larsson goals earn Europe's golden boot |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/scottish-premier/3007495/Larsson-goals-earn-Europes-golden-boot.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/scottish-premier/3007495/Larsson-goals-earn-Europes-golden-boot.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}} The season saw Celtic win the domestic treble of the Scottish League Cup, Scottish Cup and the SPL.{{Cite news |last=Lomax |first=Andrew |date=27 May 2001 |title=Scottish Cup Final: Larsson leads Celtic to treble |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/3006197/Scottish-Cup-Final-Larsson-leads-Celtic-to-treble.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/3006197/Scottish-Cup-Final-Larsson-leads-Celtic-to-treble.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}} Larsson scored a hat-trick in a 3–0 win over Kilmarnock at Hampden Park to win the Scottish League Cup,{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Mike |date=19 March 2001 |title=Larsson hat-trick clinches first trophy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/mar/19/newsstory.sport1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512134750/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/mar/19/newsstory.sport1 |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=16 June 2016 |website=The Guardian}} the first non-Scottish player to do so in a cup final in Scotland.{{Cite web |date=21 October 2014 |title=The elite players who scored cup final hat-tricks |url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/the-elite-players-who-scored-cup-final-hat-tricks-1999429 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920223352/https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/the-elite-players-who-scored-cup-final-hat-tricks-1999429 |archive-date=20 September 2024 |access-date=7 July 2017 |newspaper=The Scotsman}} He also scored twice in the Scottish Cup in a 3–0 win over Hibernian. Other highlights for Larsson included two goals against Rangers in the 6–2 win at Parkhead early in the season,{{Cite web |date=28 August 2000 |title=O'Neill's six-shooters proves they are up for title fight |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/o-neill-s-six-shooters-proves-they-are-up-for-title-fight-1.220858 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117000338/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/o-neill-s-six-shooters-proves-they-are-up-for-title-fight-1.220858 |archive-date=17 January 2014 |access-date=20 April 2010 |website=The Herald |location=Glasgow}}{{Cite news |date=24 November 2012 |title=O'Neill's Bhoys herald a brave, bright new dawn |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/oneills-bhoys-herald-a-brave-bright-new-dawn-26112516.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116192834/http://www.independent.ie/sport/oneills-bhoys-herald-a-brave-bright-new-dawn-26112516.html |archive-date=16 January 2014 |access-date=6 June 2013 |work=Irish Independent}} breaking Charlie Nicholas' post-war club record of 48 goals (in all competitions) in a season, with a brace against Dundee United in the Scottish Cup semi finals,{{Cite news |date=15 February 2007 |title=Henrik Larsson Factfile |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/henrik-larsson-factfile-1050465 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304044150/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/henrik-larsson-factfile-1050465 |archive-date=4 March 2024 |access-date=9 April 2023 |work=Manchester Evening News}} equalling Brian McClair's post-war club record of 35 league goals in season with a goal in a 5–2 defeat of Hibs,{{Cite web |date=25 May 2004 |title=THE MAGNIFICENT 7: 242 - Every goal scored by the King of Kings during his Celtic career; |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/THE+MAGNIFICENT+7%3A+242+-+Every+goal+scored+by+the+King+of+Kings...-a0117101251 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304153242/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/THE+MAGNIFICENT+7:+242+-+Every+goal+scored+by+the+King+of+Kings...-a0117101251 |archive-date=4 March 2024 |access-date=12 April 2023 |via=thefreelibrary.com |newspaper=Daily Record}} and scoring his 50th goal of the season against Rangers at Ibrox in a 3–0 victory towards the end of the season{{Cite news |date=29 April 2001 |title=Larsson brings up the half-century as Celtic win Old Firm clash |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/3004436/Larsson-brings-up-the-half-century-as-Celtic-win-Old-Firm-clash.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/3004436/Larsson-brings-up-the-half-century-as-Celtic-win-Old-Firm-clash.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}} and finishing the season with a total of 53 goals in all competitions. He was again voted SPFA Players' Player of the Year, as well as SFWA Footballer of the Year and FourFourTwo Scottish Player of the Year.{{Cite news |date=11 May 2001 |title=Awards seem to be raining down on Henrik Larsson |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12168451.no-headline-present/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801172848/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12168451.no-headline-present/ |archive-date=1 August 2020 |access-date=9 April 2020 |work=The Herald (Glasgow)}}{{Cite web |title=Season review 2000/01 |url=http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/season-review-200001-2008-06-01/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220103549/http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/season-review-200001-2008-06-01/ |archive-date=20 December 2014 |access-date=8 December 2014 |website=SPFL}}
Rangers manager Dick Advocaat said "Larsson is one of the best strikers in Europe, maybe the world. If you watch Batistuta, he is sometimes not seen for 90 minutes but he scores two goals. Larsson has even more, because, besides being a good player and goalscorer, he has a tremendous work rate."{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Phil |date=11 February 2001 |title=Advocaat anoints Henrik the Great |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/advocaat-anoints-henrik-the-great-691300.html |website=The Independent}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
Larsson's fifth season at Celtic yielded a second consecutive SPL title for the club.{{Cite news |date=6 April 2002 |title=Celtic clinch title in style |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/3025465/Celtic-clinch-title-in-style.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/3025465/Celtic-clinch-title-in-style.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}} It also marked the club's first foray into the UEFA Champions League group stage. Larsson scored his first Champions League goal with a penalty in Celtic's opening fixture in a 3–2 defeat to Juventus in Turin.{{Cite news |date=18 September 2001 |title=Penalty denies brave Celtic |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/champions_league/1551293.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030305151541/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/champions_league/1551293.stm |archive-date=5 March 2003 |access-date=2 June 2013 |work=BBC Sport}} He scored again for Celtic in their Champions League campaign with the only goal in a 1–0 victory over Porto,{{Cite news |date=25 September 2001 |title=Larsson strike punishes Porto |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/champions_league/1561407.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703162538/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/champions_league/1561407.stm |archive-date=3 July 2022 |access-date=2 June 2013 |work=BBC Sport}} and again from the penalty spot against Juventus in a thrilling 4–3 victory at Celtic Park.{{Cite news |date=31 October 2001 |title=Celtic bow out in style |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/champions_league/1627972.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030608201139/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/champions_league/1627972.stm |archive-date=8 June 2003 |access-date=2 June 2013 |work=BBC Sport}} Despite achieving a Scottish record of nine points in the group stage, Celtic failed to qualify for the latter stages and parachuted into the UEFA Cup. The club were drawn against Valencia, with Larsson scoring the second leg goal to take the tie into penalties, which Celtic eventually lost.{{Cite news |last=Clark |first=Graham |date=7 December 2001 |title=Valgaeren misses twice in Celtic's sudden death |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/dec/07/uefa.sport |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512134836/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/dec/07/uefa.sport |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=11 December 2016 |work=The Guardian}} Larsson once again ended the season as SPL top goalscorer with 29 goals from 33 league appearances.{{Cite web |title=Records |url=http://www.scotprem.com/content/default.asp?page=s72 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100902090111/http://www.scotprem.com/content/default.asp?page=s72 |archive-date=2 September 2010}}{{Cite web |title=Celtic Player Henrik Larsson Details |url=http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player.php?playerid=2842 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129035732/http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player.php?playerid=2842 |archive-date=29 November 2014 |access-date=2 June 2013 |website=FitbaStats}}
The 2002–03 season saw the club reach the 2003 UEFA Cup Final.{{Cite news |date=21 May 2003 |title=Porto end Celtic's UEFA dream |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3043029.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418035951/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/3043029.stm |archive-date=18 April 2012 |access-date=2 June 2013 |work=BBC Sport}} After losing out on a place in the Champions League following an away goals defeat to Basel,{{Cite web |date=28 August 2002 |title=Celtic beaten in Basel |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/champions_league/2218965.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040605111210/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/champions_league/2218965.stm |archive-date=5 June 2004 |access-date=2 June 2013 |website=BBC Sport}} Celtic dropped into the UEFA Cup. In the first round, Celtic were paired with Lithuanian side Sūduva, with Larsson scoring a hat-trick in the 8–1 first leg victory,{{Cite web |date=20 September 2002 |title=Larsson leads Celtic in eightsome reel Swede equals Scottish European goals record after first-half hat trick |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/larsson-leads-celtic-in-eightsome-reel-swede-equals-scottish-european-goals-record-after-first-half-hat-trick-1.138683 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117000348/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/larsson-leads-celtic-in-eightsome-reel-swede-equals-scottish-european-goals-record-after-first-half-hat-trick-1.138683 |archive-date=17 January 2014 |access-date=2 June 2013 |website=The Herald |location=Glasgow}} as they progressed 10–1 on aggregate after adding a 2–0 away win.{{Cite news |last=Roberts |first=Chris |date=4 October 2002 |title=O'Neill lets Celtic lesser lights shine |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/oct/04/uefa.sport1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512134852/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/oct/04/uefa.sport1 |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=11 December 2016 |work=The Guardian}} The second round saw former Rangers player-manager Graeme Souness' Blackburn Rovers side visit Celtic Park in a matched dubbed "The Battle of Britain".{{Cite news |date=31 October 2002 |title=Blackburn and Celtic set for battle of Britain |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/sport/newsid_2383000/2383013.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116221759/http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/sport/newsid_2383000/2383013.stm |archive-date=16 January 2014 |access-date=21 October 2011 |work=BBC Sport}} Celtic went into the second leg at Ewood Park 1–0 up courtesy of a late Larsson goal.{{Cite news |date=31 October 2002 |title=Larsson stuns Blackburn |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/uefa_cup/2369811.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323163939/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/uefa_cup/2369811.stm |archive-date=23 March 2012 |access-date=21 October 2011 |work=BBC Sport}} His winning goal (his 22nd European goal for Celtic) meant he became the all-time top scorer for a Scottish club in European competition. After comments from the Blackburn players in the media, who felt their team deserved to win, claiming that the tie was "like men against boys",{{Cite web |date=14 November 2002 |title=Irish argue Celtic's case |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/blackburn-rovers/3037870/Irish-argue-Celtics-case.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/blackburn-rovers/3037870/Irish-argue-Celtics-case.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |website=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}} Larsson scored the opening goal in a 2–0 away win.{{Cite news |date=14 November 2002 |title=Celtic win Battle of Britain |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/uefa_cup/2442877.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203132833/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/uefa_cup/2442877.stm |archive-date=3 December 2012 |access-date=21 October 2011 |work=BBC Sport}} The following rounds saw Celtic beat Celta Vigo 2–2 on away goals,{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Chris |date=13 December 2002 |title=Hartson hammer blow ends Spanish hoodoo |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/dec/13/uefa.sport1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512134817/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/dec/13/uefa.sport1 |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=11 December 2016 |website=The Guardian}} and VfB Stuttgart 5–4 on aggregate.{{Cite web |date=27 February 2003 |title=Celtic kill off Stuttgart |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/2798753.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924101605/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/2798753.stm |archive-date=24 September 2021 |access-date=2 June 2013 |website=BBC Sport}} Larsson missed both ties with Stuttgart, following a broken jaw, after a collision with Gustave Bahoken in an SPL match against Livingston,{{Cite web |date=11 February 2003 |title=Bahoken heartbroken |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/livingston/2748703.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512134910/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/livingston/2748703.stm |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=29 April 2011 |website=BBC Sport}} but he returned from injury in time for Celtic's quarter-final clash with 2001 winners Liverpool.{{Cite news |last=Lomax |first=Andrew |date=12 March 2003 |title=Larsson return tempered by Agathe blow |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2397838/Larsson-return-tempered-by-Agathe-blow.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2397838/Larsson-return-tempered-by-Agathe-blow.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |work=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}} Larsson scored the opener in a 1–1 draw at Celtic Park.{{Cite news |last=McCarra |first=Kevin |date=14 March 2003 |title=Liverpool survive the battle |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/mar/14/uefa.sport |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512134841/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/mar/14/uefa.sport |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=11 December 2016 |work=The Guardian}} Celtic followed that up with a 2–0 victory at Anfield to win the tie 3–1 on aggregate,{{Cite news |date=20 March 2003 |title=Celtic brush aside Liverpool |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/2864921.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329232435/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/2864921.stm |archive-date=29 March 2022 |access-date=2 June 2013 |work=BBC Sport}}
Celtic met Portuguese side Boavista in the semi-final.{{Cite web |date=22 March 2003 |title=Celtic draw Boavista in last four: 10 Years Ago I Was Playing Amateur Football in Biggar .. I Can't Believe I'm Now Going to Play in a Dream European Showdown; says keeper Rab Douglas |url=https://www.questia.com/library/1G1-99062056/football-uefa-cup-semi-final-special-celtic-draw |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140121042632/http://www.questia.com/library/1G1-99062056/football-uefa-cup-semi-final-special-celtic-draw |archive-date=21 January 2014 |access-date=29 August 2017 |website=The Mirror}} Boavista took the advantage on away goals after a 1–1 draw in the first leg, in which Larsson scored the equaliser after missing a penalty.{{Cite news |last=McCarra |first=Kevin |date=11 April 2003 |title=Celtic ground down but not out |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/apr/11/newsstory.sport4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922011213/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/apr/11/newsstory.sport4 |archive-date=22 September 2024 |access-date=11 December 2016 |work=The Guardian}} In the second leg, Larsson struck for Celtic after a one-two with John Hartson with ten minutes remaining. The goal sent Celtic through to their first European final since 1970.{{Cite news |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |date=25 April 2003 |title=Larsson has the final word |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/apr/25/newsstory.sport4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512135435/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/apr/25/newsstory.sport4 |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=11 December 2016 |work=The Guardian}} The final in Seville against Porto saw Larsson equalise twice with two headers, although Celtic eventually lost 3–2 after extra time. Larsson also finished runner-up to Porto's Derlei in the competition's goalscoring charts. Larsson described the pain of the defeat as being the worst moment of his career, including his broken leg in 1999.{{Cite web |last=Keevins |first=Hugh |date=2 November 2009 |title=Henrik Larsson exclusive: I feared broken leg would end my career |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/henrik-larsson-exclusive-i-feared-broken-1040811 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529081746/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/henrik-larsson-exclusive-i-feared-broken-1040811 |archive-date=29 May 2013 |access-date=2 June 2013 |website=Daily Record}} More disappointment followed, as Celtic finished runners-up to Rangers on the last day of the SPL season, by only a single goal on goal difference.{{Cite news |date=25 May 2003 |title=Victory not enough for Celtic |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/2932014.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060524040116/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/2932014.stm |archive-date=24 May 2006 |access-date=2 June 2013 |work=BBC Sport}} 2003 also saw Larsson voted as the Greatest Swedish Footballer of the Last 50 Years as part of the UEFA Jubilee Awards.{{Cite web |title=50th Jubilee Awards: "The Golden Players" |url=http://www.bigsoccer.com/community/threads/50th-jubilee-awards-the-golden-players.84873/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512135338/https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/50th-jubilee-awards-the-golden-players.84873/ |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=2 June 2013 |website=BigSoccer Forum}} He also finished the season again the top SPL goalscorer with 28 goals from 35 games.
Larsson was nominated for both the Ballon d'Or and UEFA Team of the Year in 2001,{{Cite news |date=21 December 2001 |title=uefa.com Team of 2001: Forwards |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0180-0e6a35821c42-5ae20d438df8-1000--uefa-com-team-of-2001-forwards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512135400/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0180-0e6a35821c42-5ae20d438df8-1000--uefa-com-team-of-2001-forwards/ |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=9 February 2023 |website=UEFA}} and again in 2003.{{Cite news |date=12 December 2003 |title=uefa.com Team of the Year 2003 |url=https://www.uefa.com/newsfiles/133586.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304081731/https://www.uefa.com/newsfiles/133586.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2024 |access-date=9 February 2023 |website=UEFA}} He placed 14th (2001) and 12th (2003) for the Ballon d'Or.{{Cite news |date=26 March 2005 |title=European Footballer of the Year ("Ballon d'Or") 2001 |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/europa-poy01.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216092548/http://rsssf.com/miscellaneous/europa-poy01.html |archive-date=16 February 2009 |access-date=9 April 2020 |website=RSSSF}}
{{Cite news |date=26 March 2005 |title=European Footballer of the Year ("Ballon d'Or") 2003 |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/europa-poy03.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907075917/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/europa-poy03.html |archive-date=7 September 2022 |access-date=9 April 2020 |website=RSSSF}} He finished runner-up for the SFWA Footballer of the Year in 2003 as well.{{Cite news |date=14 May 2003 |title=Award for Ferguson |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/14/newsstory.sport2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512135433/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/14/newsstory.sport2 |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=26 April 2023 |work=The Guardian}}
==2003–04==
Larsson's seventh and final season for Celtic saw the club win the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Cup titles.{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=John |date=23 May 2004 |title=Departing Larsson earns Celtic double |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2379408/Departing-Larsson-earns-Celtic-double.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2379408/Departing-Larsson-earns-Celtic-double.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}
Larsson broke the record for European goals with the same British club (shared by Ian Rush and Peter Lorimer) after scoring his 31st European goal for Celtic in a Champions League qualifier against MTK Hungaria.{{Cite web |date=20 August 2003 |title=Larsson looking for more glory |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/025a-0eaadb2bfec9-087142149510-1000--larsson-looking-for-more-glory/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622110139/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/025a-0eaadb2bfec9-087142149510-1000--larsson-looking-for-more-glory/ |archive-date=22 June 2023 |access-date=12 April 2023 |website=UEFA}} Larsson scored his only Champions League goal of the season against Anderlecht in a 3–1 win at Celtic Park.{{Cite web |date=5 November 2003 |title=Celtic blow Anderlecht away |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/champions_league/3239887.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040615120024/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/champions_league/3239887.stm |archive-date=15 June 2004 |access-date=3 June 2013 |website=BBC Sport}} He added to his European goal tally with a double in a 3–0 UEFA Cup third round victory over Teplice,{{Cite web |date=26 February 2004 |title=UEFA Europa League 2003/04 – History – Celtic–Teplice – UEFA.com |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/019a-0e6acd49b378-1077efd3f12d-1000--larsson-puts-celtic-in-command/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022183146/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2003/matches/round=1720/match=73831/postmatch/report/index.html |archive-date=22 October 2013 |access-date=3 June 2013 |website=UEFA}} and the equaliser in a first leg quarter-final tie at Celtic Park against Villarreal, after earlier having a goal disallowed for handball; the match ended 1–1.{{Cite web |date=8 April 2004 |title=Celtic 1–1 Villarreal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3593685.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040503145444/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3593685.stm |archive-date=3 May 2004 |access-date=3 June 2013 |website=BBC Sport}} It was Larsson's final European goal for Celtic.{{Cite web |title=Celtic Player Henrik Larsson, Games Played |url=http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player_games.php?playerid=2842&page=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117013030/http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player_games.php?playerid=2842&page=1 |archive-date=17 January 2014 |access-date=3 June 2013 |website=FitbaStats}} After parachuting from the Champions League, Celtic reached the UEFA Cup quarter-finals, eliminating Barcelona en route,{{Cite web |date=25 March 2004 |title=Celtic stun Barcelona |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/3560199.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071006101301/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/3560199.stm |archive-date=6 October 2007 |access-date=3 June 2013 |website=BBC Sport}} before losing 3–1 on aggregate to Villarreal.{{Cite news |date=14 April 2004 |title=Villarreal 2–0 Celtic |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3621937.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512135354/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/3621937.stm |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=3 June 2013 |work=BBC Sport}} In March 2004, Larsson equalled Bobby Lennox's post-war record of 167 league goals and went level with Stevie Chalmers' 231 goals for the club with strike in 2-1 win over Dundee.
Celtic defeated Rangers in all five Old Firm fixtures that season.{{Cite web |date=8 May 2004 |title=Celtic 1–0 Rangers |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/3691469.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040723135455/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/3691469.stm |archive-date=23 July 2004 |access-date=3 June 2013 |website=BBC Sport}} Larsson's final goal against Rangers came in a 1–0 Scottish Cup win at Parkhead.{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Graham |date=8 March 2004 |title=Lonely Larsson leaves Rangers to rue lack of home help |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/mar/08/match.sport3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512135438/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/mar/08/match.sport3 |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=11 December 2016 |website=The Guardian}} His final competitive game at home for Celtic came in a league match against Dundee United on 16 May 2004, and he scored both goals as Celtic won 2–1.{{Cite web |date=16 May 2004 |title=Celtic 2–1 Dundee Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/3712317.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040713141451/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/3712317.stm |archive-date=13 July 2004 |access-date=3 June 2013 |website=BBC Sport}} In his last competitive appearance for Celtic, he scored two goals to defeat Dunfermline Athletic on 22 May 2004 at Hampden and win the 2004 Scottish Cup Final.
Larsson was also voted Swedish Footballer of the Year for the second time for his performances throughout the 2003–04 season. He was also again a nominee for the Ballon d'Or but received no votes.{{Cite news |date=26 March 2005 |title=European Footballer of the Year ("Ballon d'Or") 2004 |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/europa-poy04.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923163335/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/europa-poy04.html |archive-date=23 September 2022 |access-date=9 April 2020 |website=RSSSF}}
After leaving Celtic, Larsson returned to play in testimonial matches three times. In May 2005, he played in Jackie McNamara's testimonial against the Republic of Ireland,[http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/league-cup/larsson_back_to_honour_mcnamara_1_714014 Larsson back to honour McNamara] The Scotsman. Sport, 28 May 2005. In May 2008, Larsson left Sweden's national training camp early to take part in a match played in memory of Larsson's former teammate Phil O'Donnell, who had died in December 2007 while playing in a match for Motherwell. Larsson played as part of Celtic's 1998 championship-winning side against the Motherwell 1991 Scottish Cup-winning side.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/7419472.stm Larsson takes time for O'Donnell] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528040600/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/7419472.stm |date=28 May 2008 }} BBC Sport, 25 May 2008. On 9 August 2011, Larsson played for the Celtic Legends against the Manchester United Legends for John Kennedy's testimonial{{Cite web |last=agencies |first=Telegraph staff and |date=10 August 2011 |title=Manchester United beaten 5-2 in legends match against Celtic |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/8692778/Manchester-United-beaten-5-2-in-legends-match-against-Celtic.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/8692778/Manchester-United-beaten-5-2-in-legends-match-against-Celtic.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |access-date=29 December 2019 |website=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}} He has since returned to play in a further three charity matches at Celtic Park. He played for a Celtic XI against a Petrov XI in 2013,{{Cite news |date=8 September 2013 |title=Stars pay tribute at hero Petrov's charity match |url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/sport/13263249.stars-pay-tribute-at-hero-petrovs-charity-match/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922011220/https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/sport/13263249.stars-pay-tribute-at-hero-petrovs-charity-match/ |archive-date=22 September 2024 |access-date=4 March 2024 |work=Evening Times}} for Henrik's Heroes against Lubo's Legends in 2017,{{Cite news |date=13 April 2020 |title=Lubo pin-points the skills which made Henrik Larsson so good |url=https://www.celticfc.com/news/17862/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304153237/https://www.celticfc.com/news/17862/ |archive-date=4 March 2024 |access-date=23 March 2023 |website=Celtic FC}} and for a Petrov XI against Milner XI in 2018.{{Cite news |date=8 September 2018 |title=Milner and Petrov XIs draw 3-3 in Match for Cancer |url=https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/features/315713-report-match-for-cancer-milner-petrov-celtic |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922011214/https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/features/315713-report-match-for-cancer-milner-petrov-celtic |archive-date=22 September 2024 |access-date=4 March 2024}}
==Legacy==
In his seven years at Celtic, Larsson won four SPL titles, two Scottish League Cups and two Scottish Cups. He was the top goalscorer in the Scottish Premier League for five of the six seasons that he competed in, the only exception being the 1999–2000 season, most of which Larsson missed due to a broken leg. He was the SPL (1998–2013) record goalscorer with 158 goals (Kris Boyd broke his record in 2009).{{Cite news |date=30 December 2009 |title=BOYD BAGS FIVE TO BREAK SPL SCORING RECORD |url=https://spfl.co.uk/news/boyd-bags-five-to-break-spl-scoring-record-2009-12-30 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801214209/https://spfl.co.uk/news/boyd-bags-five-to-break-spl-scoring-record-2009-12-30 |archive-date=1 August 2020 |access-date=9 April 2020 |work=SPFL}}
Larsson has currently scored the third most goals in Celtic's history (only Jimmy McGrory and Bobby Lennox scored more),{{Cite web |date=29 June 2004 |title=Larsson all set to join Barcelona |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/football/06/29/barcelona.larsson/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907010656/http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/football/06/29/barcelona.larsson/index.html |archive-date=7 September 2023 |access-date=12 April 2023 |website=CNN}} which includes a total of 15 hat-tricks.{{Cite news |date=20 October 2021 |title=Happy-50th-Birthday-Henke/ |url=https://www.celticfc.com/news/2021/september/Happy-50th-Birthday-Henke/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231093754/https://www.celticfc.com/news/2021/september/Happy-50th-Birthday-Henke/ |archive-date=31 December 2022 |access-date=23 March 2023 |website=Celtic FC}} Larsson was also a consistent goalscorer in European competition. With 35 goals, Larsson is the record goalscorer for Celtic in UEFA competitions.{{Cite book |last1=Cuddihy |first1=Paul |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2hsjAwAAQBAJ&q=celtic%27s+highest+european+goalscorer+larsson&pg=PT31 |title=The Century Bhoys: The Official History of Celtic's Greatest Goalscorers |last2=Friel |first2=David |date=2010 |publisher=Black & White Publishing |isbn=978-1845022976 |access-date=25 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922011213/https://books.google.com/books?id=2hsjAwAAQBAJ&q=celtic%27s+highest+european+goalscorer+larsson&pg=PT31#v=snippet&q=celtic's%20highest%20european%20goalscorer%20larsson&f=false |archive-date=22 September 2024 |url-status=live}} Celtic fans selected Larsson (the only player from outside Scotland) in the greatest ever Celtic team, when a vote was held in 2002.{{Cite web |date=9 September 2002 |title=Jinky best-ever Celtic player |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/Celtic/2245965.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017181150/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/2245965.stm |archive-date=17 October 2015 |access-date=11 June 2008 |website=BBC Sport}}
Larsson played a testimonial match on 25 May 2004 against Sevilla in front of a capacity crowd at Celtic Park.{{Cite web |date=25 May 2004 |title=Larsson's final bow |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/3748073.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512140603/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/3748073.stm |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=16 June 2016 |website=BBC Sport}} In all, he scored 242 goals for Celtic in 313 matches, and his performances earned him the nickname The King of Kings from fans.{{Cite news |date=27 November 2008 |title=Henrik Larsson: The King Of Kings |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/86642-henrik-larsson-the-king-of-kings |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305082601/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/86642-henrik-larsson-the-king-of-kings |archive-date=5 March 2016 |access-date=15 February 2018 |work=The Bleacher Report}}
=Barcelona=
At the end of the 2003–04 season, Larsson left Celtic on a free transfer and signed a one-year contract with Barcelona with an option for a second year.{{Cite web |date=30 June 2004 |title=Larsson joins Barcelona |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3844495.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309171004/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3844495.stm |archive-date=9 March 2021 |access-date=4 June 2013 |website=BBC Sport}} Larsson's contribution in Barça{{'s}} La Liga win in his first season there was disrupted by serious injury. He scored 3 goals in 12 Liga games and one goal (against his former club Celtic){{Cite web |date=14 September 2004 |title=Celtic 1–3 Barcelona |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3645872.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922011223/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/3645872.stm |archive-date=22 September 2024 |access-date=26 July 2013 |website=BBC Sport}} in four Champions League matches. After the match against Celtic, he said: "It was very difficult for me to celebrate my goal because I had so many great times here."{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Graham |date=15 September 2004 |title=Larsson's return is unhappy for Celtic |url=http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,1527,1304856,00.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050802112748/http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,1527,1304856,00.html |archive-date=2 August 2005 |access-date=22 November 2005 |website=The Guardian}} On 20 November 2004, during the 3–0 victory in El Clásico against Real Madrid, Larsson tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee.{{Cite web |date=23 November 2004 |title=Larsson upbeat over Barca future |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4030671.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922011117/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4030671.stm |archive-date=22 September 2024 |access-date=4 June 2013 |website=BBC Sport}} Despite his injury-hit 2004–05 season, playing only 16 games, Barcelona took the option to extend his contract.{{Cite web |date=31 May 2005 |title=Larsson to extend Barcelona stay |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4595185.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408224613/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4595185.stm |archive-date=8 April 2023 |access-date=4 June 2013 |website=BBC Sport}}
File:Henrik Larsson.jpg in 2006]]
In December 2005, Larsson announced that at the end of his contract, which ended in July, he would leave Barcelona and return to Sweden to end his career. He revealed that he had refused an offer by club president Joan Laporta to extend his contract to the end of the next season.{{Cite web |date=27 December 2005 |title=Larsson leaving Barça for home |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0254-0d7b8b169992-5de691f56c26-1000--larsson-leaving-barca-for-home/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316183338/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=381831.html |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=5 June 2013 |website=UEFA}} On the announcement of his departure, Ronaldinho said:{{Cite web |last=McCarthy |first=David |date=26 April 2006 |title=Ronnie: Barca pal Larsson is my idol |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3a+Ronnie%3a+Barca+pal+Larsson+is+my+idol%3b+Exclusive.-a0144951096 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025021517/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football:+Ronnie:+Barca+pal+Larsson+is+my+idol%3b+Exclusive.-a0144951096 |archive-date=25 October 2012 |access-date=23 September 2010 |website=Daily Record}}{{cquote|"With Henrik leaving us at the end of the season this club is losing a great scorer, no question. But I am also losing a great friend. Henrik was my idol and now that I am playing next to him it is fantastic".}}
In Larsson's final match for Barcelona, his substitute introduction was pivotal to win the 2006 Champions League final. Larsson assisted both of Barcelona's goals in a 2–1 win over Arsenal. Thierry Henry paid tribute to Larsson's contribution to Barcelona's win after the match, saying, "People always talk about Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o, Ludovic Giuly and everything, but I didn't see them today, I saw Henrik Larsson. He came on, he changed the game, that is what killed the game. Sometimes you talk about Ronaldinho and Eto'o and people like that; you need to talk about the proper footballer who made the difference, and that was Henrik Larsson tonight."{{Cite news |last=Bailey |first=Graeme |date=May 2006 |title=Henry questions referee |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_2377139,00.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807190729/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_2377139,00.html |archive-date=7 August 2016 |access-date=23 September 2010 |work=Sky Sports}} Indeed, his ability to give Barcelona the cutting edge required to overcome Arsenal was noted by the international press.{{Cite web |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |date=18 May 2006 |title=Larsson takes his leave in the grandest style |url=http://football.guardian.co.uk/championsleague200506/story/0,,1777338,00.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615054821/http://football.guardian.co.uk/championsleague200506/story/0,,1777338,00.html |archive-date=15 June 2006 |access-date=24 July 2006 |website=The Guardian}}{{Cite web |last=Baskett |first=Simon |date=18 May 2006 |title=Barca inherit 'dream team' mantle |url=http://in.rediff.com/sports/2006/may/18champs1.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407025419/https://in.rediff.com/sports/2006/may/18champs1.htm |archive-date=7 April 2023 |access-date=24 July 2006 |agency=Reuters}} In 2005–06, Larsson scored ten goals as Barcelona won La Liga for a second consecutive year.
In his time at the Camp Nou,
Larsson’s shirt was the third most popular at Barcelona’s club shop. Only Ronaldinho and Eto’o shirts outsold his.{{Cite news |date=13 July 2006 |title=Henke's homecoming: the return of the King |url=https://www.thelocal.se/index.php/20060713/4319 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304154427/https://www.thelocal.se/index.php/20060713/4319 |archive-date=4 March 2024 |access-date=23 March 2023 |work=The Local}} Larsson would also again be shortlisted for UEFA Team of the Year in 2006 for his performances.{{Cite news |date=6 December 2006 |title=uefa.com Team of the Year 2006 |url=https://www.uefa.com/newsfiles/487904.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512105619/https://www.uefa.com/newsfiles/487904.pdf |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=9 February 2023 |website=UEFA}}
=Return to Helsingborg=
After Sweden's elimination from the 2006 FIFA World Cup on 24 June 2006, Larsson joined up with his former club, Helsingborg.{{Cite news |date=16 February 2006 |title=Larsson returning to hometown club |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/european/2006/0216/201456-larssonh/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304083105/http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/european/2006/0216/201456-larssonh/ |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=5 June 2013 |website=RTÉ News}} He made his second debut for his home town club against Hammarby in the Swedish Cup on 6 July 2006. Helsingborg went on to win the competition, defeating Gefle 2–0 in the final on 11 November 2006, earning Larsson another medal.{{Cite web |title=2006 |url=https://svenskfotboll.se/cuper-och-serier/svenska-cupen-herrar/resultat-tidigare-ar/2006/ |website=svenskfotboll.se}} Larsson's eight league goals in 15 appearances{{Cite web |title=Henrik Larsson |url=https://svenskfotboll.se/allsvenskan/person/?playerid=4524 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304124557/http://svenskfotboll.se/allsvenskan/person/?playerid=4524 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=20 February 2018 |website=svenskfotboll.se}} also helped his team to a fourth-place finish in the Allsvenskan.{{Cite web |title=Tabell och resultat – Allsvenskan Herrar |url=https://svenskfotboll.se/allsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2006/tabell/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324080349/http://svenskfotboll.se/allsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2006/tabell/ |archive-date=24 March 2018 |access-date=20 February 2018 |website=svenskfotboll.se}} This successful season earned Helsingborg a slot in the following season's UEFA Cup.
He registered two goals and two assists in three Royal League matches just before leaving on loan.{{Cite web |date=19 November 2006 |title=Henke avgjorde för HIF |url=https://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/henke-avgjorde-for-hif/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304115506/https://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/henke-avgjorde-for-hif/ |archive-date=4 March 2024 |access-date=4 March 2024 |website=Expressen |language=sv}}{{Cite web |date=7 December 2006 |title=Royal League-äventyret fortsätter |url=https://www.expressen.se/kvallsposten/royal-league-aventyret-fortsatter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304115506/https://www.expressen.se/kvallsposten/royal-league-aventyret-fortsatter/ |archive-date=4 March 2024 |access-date=4 March 2024 |website=Expressen |language=sv}}{{Cite web |date=10 December 2006 |title=Henke Larsson fixade oavgjort för HIF |url=https://www.expressen.se/kvallsposten/henke-larsson-fixade-oavgjort-for-hif/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304115507/https://www.expressen.se/kvallsposten/henke-larsson-fixade-oavgjort-for-hif/ |archive-date=4 March 2024 |access-date=4 March 2024 |website=Expressen |language=sv}}
==Loan to Manchester United==
Shortly after rejoining Helsingborg, Larsson was signed on loan by Manchester United from 1 January until 12 March 2007, coinciding with the Allsvenskan's off-season.{{Cite news |date=1 December 2006 |title=Man Utd capture Larsson on loan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6198464.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070125083140/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6198464.stm |archive-date=25 January 2007 |access-date=10 June 2007 |work=BBC Sport}} He scored on his debut against Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on 7 January 2007 at Old Trafford, facing his former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill.{{Cite news |last=Hughes |first=Ian |date=7 December 2007 |title=Man Utd 2–1 Aston Villa |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/6213959.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070315213527/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/6213959.stm |archive-date=15 March 2007 |access-date=10 June 2007 |work=BBC Sport}} Larsson scored his first ever FA Premier League goal on 31 January in a 4–0 win over Watford.{{Cite news |last=McKenzie |first=Andrew |date=31 January 2007 |title=United find reasons to be cheerful as treble omens bode well |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6309659.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070331152329/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6309659.stm |archive-date=31 March 2007 |access-date=7 December 2011 |work=BBC Sport}}
While United were eager to extend the loan deal, Larsson stated that he had made a promise to his family and his club to return on 12 March. This was confirmed on 20 February, when Larsson announced that he would not be extending his loan period.{{Cite news |date=20 February 2007 |title=Larsson snubs Man Utd extension |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6377927.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070714152616/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6377927.stm |archive-date=14 July 2007 |access-date=10 June 2007 |work=BBC Sport}} Despite this, Alex Ferguson praised the striker, who scored 3 goals in 13 matches in all competitions during his three-month stay,{{Cite news |last=Sanghera |first=Mandeep |date=11 March 2007 |title=The Larsson kiss goodnight |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6437629.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070821113358/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6437629.stm |archive-date=21 August 2007 |access-date=7 December 2011 |work=BBC Sport}} saying, "He's been fantastic for us, his professionalism, his attitude, everything he's done has been excellent."{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Daniel |date=20 February 2007 |title=Larsson will not extend his United career |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/feb/20/newsstory.sport4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512135822/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/feb/20/newsstory.sport4 |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=7 December 2011 |work=The Guardian |location=London}} "We would love him to stay but, obviously, he has made his promise to his family and Helsingborg and I think we should respect that – but I would have done anything to keep him." Larsson scored Manchester United's only goal in their win against Lille at Old Trafford in the Champions League.{{Cite news |date=7 March 2007 |title=Football – Europe – Man Utd 1–0 Lille (agg 2–0) |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6414981.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070317042439/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6414981.stm |archive-date=17 March 2007 |access-date=10 June 2008 |website=BBC}} He made his final appearance for United on 10 March in an FA Cup sixth round tie away to Middlesbrough, ending in a 2–2 draw.{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=Michael |date=12 March 2007 |title=United find reasons to be cheerful as treble omens bode well |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/mar/12/match.middlesbrough |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512135845/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/mar/12/match.middlesbrough |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=7 December 2011 |work=The Guardian |location=London}}
Manchester United won the Premier League two months after Larsson had left the club, Larsson had not played the required quota of ten league games to qualify for a Premier League winners medal. Despite media reports to the contrary,{{Cite news |date=11 May 2007 |title=Title medal hope for Red giants |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/title-medal-hope-for-red-giants-991862 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316231521/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/title-medal-hope-for-red-giants-991862 |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=7 December 2011 |work=Manchester Evening News}}{{Cite news |date=12 October 2010 |title=Larsson reveals United regret |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/larsson-reveals-united-regret-900809 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129131328/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/larsson-reveals-united-regret-900809 |archive-date=29 November 2014 |access-date=18 November 2014 |work=Manchester Evening News}} Larsson stated in 2019 that he did not receive a medal.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyqK7fzQgZs {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227062657/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyqK7fzQgZs&t=1250s |date=27 December 2019 }} Interview with Larsson on Fulltimedevils
Larsson's next appearance at Old Trafford in fact came against United, the day after his loan with the club expired, as captain for the Europe XI team in the UEFA Celebration Match.{{Cite web |date=10 March 2007 |title=Henrik Larsson to say goodbye to Old Trafford as member of Marcello Lippi's Europe XI squad |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefa/mediaservices/mediareleases/newsid=943185.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604003113/http://www.uefa.com/uefa/mediaservices/mediareleases/newsid=943185.html |archive-date=4 June 2013 |access-date=7 December 2011 |website=UEFA}}{{Cite web |date=14 March 2007 |title=Report: United 4 Europe XI |url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01bf-0e6e375a00e2-90074a22f61e-1000--spectacular-night-in-manchester/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603203855/http://www.uefa.com/uefa/stakeholders/europeanunion/news/newsid=516149.html |archive-date=3 June 2013 |access-date=7 December 2011 |website=UEFA}} Larsson received a standing ovation from the home fans upon being substituted for Liverpool player Robbie Fowler.{{Cite web |date=13 March 2007 |title=Report: United 4 Europe XI 3 |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2007/Mar/Report-United-4-Europe-XI-3.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712123513/http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2007/Mar/Report-United-4-Europe-XI-3.aspx |archive-date=12 July 2012 |access-date=7 December 2011 |website=Manchester United F.C.}}
== 2007–09 ==
After leaving Manchester United in March 2007, Larsson resumed his career with Helsingborg. Larsson helped the club through the preliminary stages of the UEFA Cup, where Larsson scored twice against Estonian side Narva Trans and once against League of Ireland side Drogheda United.{{Cite web |title=Henrik Larsson UEFA Cup Qualifying 2007/2008 |url=http://www.football-lineups.com/footballer/296/?t=367&s=352 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162703/https://www.football-lineups.com/footballer/296/?t=367&s=352 |archive-date=6 April 2023 |access-date=5 June 2013 |website=Football-Lineups}} The first round proper of the UEFA Cup that season saw a high-scoring tie between Helsingborg and Heerenveen, Larsson's side lost 5–3 in the Netherlands on 20 September 2007, with Larsson scoring twice. The return leg in Sweden on 4 October 2007 saw Helsingborg win 5–1, Larsson again scoring, to win the tie 8–6 on aggregate and qualify for the group stage.{{Cite web |title=Henrik Larsson UEFA Cup 2007/2008 |url=http://www.football-lineups.com/footballer/296/?t=90&s=352 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512135847/https://www.football-lineups.com/footballer/296/?t=90&s=352 |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=5 June 2013 |website=Football-Lineups}} Helsingborg progressed from the group stage, with Larsson scoring against Panionios, Austria Wien and Bordeaux, and they qualified for the round of 32, where they lost 1–4 on aggregate to PSV in February 2008. Helsingborg could not match their league performances of the previous year, and finished in eight place in Allsvenskan in 2007.{{Cite web |title=Tabell och resultat – Allsvenskan Herrar |url=https://svenskfotboll.se/allsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2007/tabell/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305000631/http://svenskfotboll.se/allsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2007/tabell/ |archive-date=5 March 2016 |access-date=20 February 2018 |website=svenskfotboll.se}} Helsingborg also failed to retain the Swedish Cup, losing 1–2 to BoIS in the fourth round in June 2007.{{Cite web |title=Helsingborg vs. Landskrona – 28 June 2007 |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2007/06/28/sweden/svenska-cupen/helsingborgs-idrottsforening/landskrona-bois/457968/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304175113/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2007/06/28/sweden/svenska-cupen/helsingborgs-idrottsforening/landskrona-bois/457968/ |archive-date=4 March 2020 |access-date=20 February 2018 |website=Soccerway}}
The 2008 Allsvenskan saw Larsson produce his best league goal-scoring tally since returning to Sweden, with his 14 goals{{Cite web |title=Henrik Larsson Allsvenskan 2008 |url=http://www.football-lineups.com/footballer/296/?t=165&s=352 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162700/https://www.football-lineups.com/footballer/296/?t=165&s=352 |archive-date=6 April 2023 |access-date=5 June 2013 |website=Football-Lineups}} helping Helsingborg to fourth place{{Cite web |title=Tabell och resultat – Allsvenskan, herrar |url=https://svenskfotboll.se/allsvenskan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2008/tabell-resultat/ |website=svenskfotboll.se}} and qualification in 2009–10 for the rebranded UEFA Europa League, formerly the UEFA Cup.
In July 2009, Larsson scored three goals in the Europa League qualifying ties against Eastern European minnows Mika and Zestaponi.{{Cite web |title=Henrik Larsson Europa League Qualifying 2009/2010 |url=http://www.football-lineups.com/footballer/296/?t=362&s=352 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162706/https://www.football-lineups.com/footballer/296/?t=362&s=352 |archive-date=6 April 2023 |access-date=5 June 2013 |website=Football-Lineups}} He broke his knee-cap during the first leg of the next qualifying round against Sarajevo on 30 July 2009, and was out for an estimated eight weeks. Some reports at the time suggested that this in fact was the end of his playing career, with this injury also coming on top of the recent death of his younger brother, Robert. He returned to the first team on 16 September 2009, appearing as a substitute in a 1–3 defeat against IFK Göteborg in the Swedish Cup,{{Cite web |title=Henrik Larsson 2009 |url=http://www.football-lineups.com/footballer/296/?y=2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162700/https://www.football-lineups.com/footballer/296/?y=2009 |archive-date=6 April 2023 |access-date=5 June 2013 |website=Football-Lineups}} and then on 24 September 2009 in his first start since returning from injury, he scored two goals (including the winner) against league rivals AIK. He is Helsingborg's record goalscorer in UEFA competitions with 12 goals.{{Cite news |title=Sweden: Helsingborgs IF |url=https://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/teams/club=60401/profile/history/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231121355/https://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/teams/club=60401/profile/history/index.html |archive-date=31 December 2019 |access-date=9 April 2020 |website=UEFA}}
On 20 October 2009, Larsson announced his retirement from playing at the end of the 2009 Allsvenskan. The announcement followed a previous statement from the player declaring his intention to retire from international duty. Larsson had also stated his desire to move into coaching and expressed his intent to study for coaching qualifications in Scotland under the Scottish Football Association system.{{Cite news |date=14 October 2009 |title=Celtic legend Henrik Larsson wants to return to Parkhead as manager |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2009/10/14/celtic-legend-henrik-larsson-wants-to-return-to-parkhead-as-manager-86908-21745730/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091017052540/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2009/10/14/celtic-legend-henrik-larsson-wants-to-return-to-parkhead-as-manager-86908-21745730/ |archive-date=17 October 2009 |access-date=20 October 2009 |work=Daily Record}} Larsson also discussed the possibility of taking up floorball on a full-time basis.{{Cite news |date=21 October 2009 |title=Henrik Larsson set to switch sport after announcing his retirement |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/celtic/2009/10/21/henrik-larsson-set-to-switch-sport-after-announcing-retirement-86908-21762814/? |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091024060338/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/celtic/2009/10/21/henrik-larsson-set-to-switch-sport-after-announcing-retirement-86908-21762814/ |archive-date=24 October 2009 |access-date=21 October 2009 |work=Daily Record}}
Larsson took to the pitch for the final time in Helsingborg's 2–0 Allsvenskan loss to Djurgården on 28 October 2009, and was given a standing ovation from the crowd.{{Cite news |date=29 October 2009 |title=Larsson bids emotional farewell |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8332552.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091030101851/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8332552.stm |archive-date=30 October 2009 |access-date=29 October 2009 |work=BBC Sport}}[http://sport.stv.tv/football/133518-celtic-legend-larsson-bows-out-on-emotional-night/ Celtic legend Larsson bows out on emotional night] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091101182740/http://sport.stv.tv/football/133518-celtic-legend-larsson-bows-out-on-emotional-night/ |date=1 November 2009 }} STV Sport, 29 October 2009[http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2533520.0.henriks_crying_game.php Henrik's crying game] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091104134338/http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2533520.0.henriks_crying_game.php |date=4 November 2009 }} Evening Times, 29 October 2009
As of his retirement, he remains the Swedish player with the most goals scored (59) in UEFA competitions (Zlatan Ibrahimovic is next on 57).{{Cite web |date=30 March 2017 |title=Sweden's biggest European success stories |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0237-0e968f7c98f9-f75a9453d405-1000--sweden-s-biggest-european-success-stories/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304154818/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0237-0e968f7c98f9-f75a9453d405-1000--sweden-s-biggest-european-success-stories/ |archive-date=4 March 2024 |access-date=12 April 2023 |website=UEFA}}
=Playing activity after retirement=
File:Henrik Larsson, Celtic legends match.jpg in 2011]]
Larsson participated in the Soccer Aid football match at Old Trafford on 6 June 2010 for the Rest of the World team in aid of UNICEF.[http://www.unicef.org.uk/Latest/News/Soccer-Aid-2010-minute-by-minute-report/ Soccer Aid 2010: minute by minute report] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401211146/http://www.unicef.org.uk/Latest/News/Soccer-Aid-2010-minute-by-minute-report/ |date=1 April 2012 }} UNICEF UK, 7 June 2010 Larsson made a promise that at the end of his football career, he would play one season at his first club, Högaborg. When he retired at the end of the 2009 season, that promise was not fulfilled. In August 2010, however, Larsson played with Högaborg's veterans team and scored 16 goals in 5 matches.{{Cite news |date=22 August 2010 |title=Här gör Henrik Larsson comeback |url=http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/article7657681.ab |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100824215457/http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/article7657681.ab |archive-date=24 August 2010 |access-date=23 August 2010 |work=Aftonbladet}}
In August 2012, Larsson came out of retirement for a brief spell at Swedish fifth division (Division 3) side Råå.{{Cite web |date=30 August 2012 |title=Henrik Larsson gör comeback – licensen klar i Råå IF |url=http://www.fotbolltransfers.com/site/news/23045 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029212813/http://www.fotbolltransfers.com/site/news/23045 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |access-date=28 October 2013 |website=FotbollTransfers.com}} He made one appearance, coming on as a substitute in a league match on 22 September 2012, a 1–1 draw against Höganäs.{{Cite web |title=Div 3 Södra Götaland, herrar Matchinformation: Råå IF – Höganäs BK |url=https://svenskfotboll.se/cuper-och-serier/information/?scr=result&fmid=1792585 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029221916/http://svenskfotboll.se/cuper-och-serier/information/?scr=result&fmid=1792585 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |access-date=28 October 2013 |website=SvenskFotboll.se}} Larsson then registered as a player with Högaborg's senior-recreational side and played games with them. Due to the many injuries, Larsson was included in the first-team squad that beat Tenhult with 4–2 on 19 June 2013. He came off the bench in the 85th minute, and played alongside his son, Jordan.{{Cite web |date=19 June 2013 |title="Henke" fick lira i tio minuter med sonen |url=http://www.expressen.se/kvp/sport/henke-fick-lira-i-tio-minuter-med-sonen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303223913/http://www.expressen.se/kvp/sport/henke-fick-lira-i-tio-minuter-med-sonen/ |archive-date=3 March 2016 |access-date=20 June 2013 |website=Expressen}}{{Cite web |date=19 June 2013 |title=Här gör "Henke" Larsson comeback |url=http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/article16992932.ab |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002150/http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/article16992932.ab |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=19 June 2013 |website=Aftonbladet}} At age 42, Larsson took part in a further league match for Högaborg on 26 October 2013, when he played the first 66 minutes in a 2–0 win over IF Haga.{{Cite web |date=27 October 2013 |title=Larsson juega un partido oficial con 42 años para ayudar a su primer club |url=http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20131027/mundo-barsa/larsson-juega-un-partido-oficial-con-42-anos-por-solidaridad_54392480469.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029223230/http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20131027/mundo-barsa/larsson-juega-un-partido-oficial-con-42-anos-por-solidaridad_54392480469.html |archive-date=29 October 2013 |access-date=28 October 2013 |website=MundoDeportivo.com}}{{Cite web |last=Coombs |first=Dan |title=Ex-Celtic and Manchester United ace comes out of retirement at 42 |url=http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/10/27/ex-celtic-and-manchester-united-ace-comes-out-of-retirement-at-4/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200240/http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/10/27/ex-celtic-and-manchester-united-ace-comes-out-of-retirement-at-4/ |archive-date=29 October 2013 |access-date=28 October 2013 |website=HITC Sport}} At age 44, Larsson took part in a 7–1 friendly win for Helsingborg over IFK Malmö, in which he scored in the 89th minute.{{Cite web |title=Celtic Legend Henrik Larsson Subs Himself On For Helsingborgs Against IFK Malmö … And Scores |url=http://www.talkingbaws.com/2015/06/10/celtic-legend-henrik-larsson-subs-himself-on-for-helsingborgs-against-ifk-malmo-and-scores/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612144342/http://www.talkingbaws.com/2015/06/10/celtic-legend-henrik-larsson-subs-himself-on-for-helsingborgs-against-ifk-malmo-and-scores/ |archive-date=12 June 2015 |access-date=11 June 2015 |website=talkingbaws.com}}
International career
Larsson scored 37 goals in 106 matches for the Sweden national team. He scored his first international goal in his debut on 13 October 1993, during the FIFA World Cup qualifications stage, in a 3–2 win against Finland.{{Cite web |title=Sweden vs. Finland – 13 October 1993 |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/1993/10/13/europe/wc-qualifying-europe/sweden/finland/630483/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304180757/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/1993/10/13/europe/wc-qualifying-europe/sweden/finland/630483/ |archive-date=4 March 2020 |access-date=20 February 2018 |website=Soccerway}}
=1994 FIFA World Cup=
File:Football players Pontus Kåmark Henrik Larsson, July 18, 1994.jpg after the 1994 FIFA World Cup]]
Sweden manager Tommy Svensson selected Larsson for his 22-man squad for the 1994 FIFA World Cup squad, alongside established forwards such as Tomas Brolin, Kennet Andersson and Martin Dahlin. Larsson began Sweden's first game of the tournament, against Cameroon, on the bench, but came on as a substitute with Sweden trailing 1–2. Larsson struck a fierce, long-range shot against the crossbar, with Dahlin reacting quickly to score the rebound to give their country a 2–2 draw. He again came on as a late substitute in the following game against Russia, and then played from the start in the final game of the group against Brazil. He was not used in the last 16 game against Saudi Arabia, but came on a substitute in the quarter-final tie against Romania. The match finished 2–2 after extra time, with Sweden winning on penalties, one of which was scored by Larsson. Larsson did not feature in Sweden's 0–1 defeat against Brazil in the semi-final, but did play in the third-place play-off against Bulgaria which Sweden won 4–0, including Larsson's first World Cup goal, latching onto a through-ball from Brolin before rounding Bulgarian goalkeeper Borislav Mihaylov and wrong-footing defender Trifon Ivanov. That win secured third-place at the 1994 FIFA World Cup for Sweden, their best showing in a tournament since finishing runner-up to Brazil in 1958.{{Cite web |title=World Cup – 1958 – Overview |url=http://www.planetworldcup.com/CUPS/1958/wc58index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510212428/http://www.planetworldcup.com/CUPS/1958/wc58index.html |archive-date=10 May 2013 |access-date=3 June 2013 |website=Planet World Cup}}
=Euro 1996 and 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifiers=
Larsson became a regular in the side after that, playing in six of his country's qualifiers for Euro 1996. He did not score in any of these matches and Sweden failed to qualify for the finals.
He scored one goal in four qualifying games as Sweden also failed to qualify for the 1998 FIFA World Cup.{{Cite web |title=Henrik Larsson - Spelarstatistik - Svensk fotboll |url=https://www.svenskfotboll.se./spelarfakta/henrik-larsson/0a5711cd-f976-4438-80cd-9d5102798ea5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027035333/https://www.svenskfotboll.se/spelarfakta/henrik-larsson/0a5711cd-f976-4438-80cd-9d5102798ea5/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 October 2020 |access-date=19 August 2020 |website=svenskfotboll.se. |language=sv}}
=Euro 2000=
On October 14, 1998, Larsson scored the decisive goal in Sweden's 1–0 away victory over Bulgaria during a UEFA Euro 2000 qualifier. He followed up with another goal in March 1999, helping Sweden secure a 2-0 home win against Luxembourg in another European qualifier.
Sweden finally succeeded in qualifying for Euro 2000, with Larsson ending up scoring three goals during these qualifying matches. Larsson was selected for the Sweden squad despite having only just recovered from a broken leg sustained playing for Celtic.{{Cite web |date=27 May 2000 |title=Larsson wins his Euro 2000 battle |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/larsson-wins-his-euro-2000-battle-1.233946 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117000409/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/larsson-wins-his-euro-2000-battle-1.233946 |archive-date=17 January 2014 |access-date=3 June 2013 |website=The Herald |location=Glasgow}}{{Cite web |title=Larsson to make Euro 2000 |url=http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/967575/larsson-to-make-euro-2000 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116200841/http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/967575/larsson-to-make-euro-2000 |archive-date=16 January 2014 |access-date=3 June 2013 |website=The World Game}} Euro 2000 was not a great success for Sweden, who went out at the first group stage, but Larsson scored against Italy in a 1–2 defeat.{{Cite web |date=19 June 2000 |title=Sweden bow out after Italy defeat |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/euro2000/797976.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828234537/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/euro2000/797976.stm |archive-date=28 August 2017 |access-date=3 June 2013 |website=BBC Sport}}
=2002 FIFA World Cup and first retirement=
Sweden reappeared on the global stage two years later at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Larsson helped guide Sweden out of the group of death and into the knockout round with a 2–1 win over Nigeria in which he scored both goals.{{Cite web |date=7 June 2002 |title=Sweden v Nigeria – Swedes knock out Nigeria |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/sweden_v_nigeria/default.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621083351/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/sweden_v_nigeria/default.stm |archive-date=21 June 2015 |access-date=3 June 2013 |website=BBC Sport}} He then scored in the round of 16 match against Senegal, though Sweden ended up losing 1–2 in extra time to a golden goal and were eliminated.{{Cite web |date=16 June 2002 |title=Sweden v Senegal – Golden day for Senegal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/sweden_v_senegal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116225443/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/sweden_v_senegal/ |archive-date=16 January 2014 |access-date=3 June 2013 |website=BBC Sport}} Larsson chose to retire from international football after the World Cup.{{Cite news |last=TT |date=26 May 2003 |title=Henrik Larsson slutar i landslaget |url=https://www.svd.se/henrik-larsson-slutar-i-landslaget-25bU |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202170734/https://www.svd.se/henrik-larsson-slutar-i-landslaget-25bU |archive-date=2 December 2021 |access-date=24 August 2020 |work=Svenska Dagbladet |language=sv |issn=1101-2412}}
=Euro 2004=
File:Henrik Larsson Euro 2004.jpg at Euro 2004]]
Larsson's decision to retire from international football was met with dismay in Sweden and there was much clamoring for him to return to the team for their campaign at Euro 2004 in Portugal.{{Cite news |date=2 March 2004 |title=Larsson rejects Swede calls |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/3525081.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040506225211/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/3525081.stm |archive-date=6 May 2004 |access-date=14 April 2008 |work=BBC Sport}} Despite initially maintaining his decision to retire, he eventually agreed to return to the national side for Euro 2004.{{Cite web |date=30 April 2004 |title=Sweden – Larsson back for Sweden |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/3672309.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040707083923/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/3672309.stm |archive-date=7 July 2004 |access-date=5 June 2013 |website=BBC Sport}} Playing up front alongside Zlatan Ibrahimović, Larsson scored three goals in four matches and lead Sweden to the quarter-finals, where they were defeated in a penalty shoot-out by the Netherlands. Larsson's diving header against Bulgaria was voted best goal of the tournament.{{Cite web |title=In 2004 This Man Scored The Original Wonder Diving Header |url=https://the18.com/news/2004-man-scored-original-wonder-diving-header |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226190151/https://the18.com/news/2004-man-scored-original-wonder-diving-header |archive-date=26 December 2019 |access-date=29 December 2019 |website=The18}}
=2006 FIFA World Cup and second retirement=
Larsson also featured at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. He scored in the final minute of the match against England for Sweden to draw the match 2–2 in their final match in the group stages.{{Cite web |last=McCarra |first=Kevin |date=21 June 2006 |title=Ragged England stumble as Owen falls |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/jun/21/worldcup2006.match1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922011221/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/jun/21/worldcup2006.match1 |archive-date=22 September 2024 |access-date=11 December 2016 |website=The Guardian}} The goal sealed Sweden's qualification for the second round of the tournament. In Sweden's last 16 game against hosts Germany, Larsson missed a penalty and Sweden went out with the score at 2–0 to Germany.{{Cite web |date=24 June 2006 |title=Germany 2–0 Sweden |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4991466.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070918195422/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4991466.stm |archive-date=18 September 2007 |access-date=3 June 2013 |website=BBC Sport}}
He retired from international football for the second time on 17 July 2006.{{Cite news |date=17 July 2006 |title=Larsson ends international career |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/5189550.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080518184742/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/5189550.stm |archive-date=18 May 2008 |access-date=20 February 2007 |work=BBC Sport}} "It is time to quit now. It feels right. I'm done with the national team", the 34-year-old Larsson told TV station Canal Plus.
=Euro 2008=
Sweden boss Lars Lagerbäck managed to lure Larsson out of international retirement once more and on 13 May 2008, the Swedish Football Association officially declared that Larsson had agreed to make a comeback and play for Sweden once again at Euro 2008.{{Cite news |date=14 May 2008 |title=Larsson returns for Sweden again |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7399871.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080518025014/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7399871.stm |archive-date=18 May 2008 |access-date=14 May 2008 |work=BBC Sport}} Larsson assisted Zlatan Ibrahimovic for a goal against Greece in the first group stage game, but could not help Sweden advance to the quarter-finals.{{Cite news |last=Roughley |first=Gregg |date=18 June 2008 |title=Euro 2008: Russia 2-0 Sweden -as it happened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jun/18/euro2008groupd.russia |access-date=19 August 2020 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}
=2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying and final retirement=
Following former team captain Freddie Ljungberg's decision to quit the national side after the tournament, Larsson was chosen to become the new captain in a friendly match against France on 20 August 2008,{{Cite web |date=18 August 2008 |title=Henrik Larsson kapten mot Frankrike |url=http://www.fotbollsexpressen.se/Nyheter/1.1269771/henrik-larsson-kapten-mot-frankrike |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080819152319/http://www.fotbollsexpressen.se/Nyheter/1.1269771/henrik-larsson-kapten-mot-frankrike |archive-date=19 August 2008 |access-date=19 August 2008 |website=Fotbolls Expressen |language=sv}} He scored his 37th goal for Sweden in that match, although France ended up winning 3–2.{{Cite web |date=20 August 2008 |title=Match: Sweden v France – International Friendly |url=http://espnfc.com/match?id=244657&cc=5739 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417221929/http://espnfc.com/match?id=244657&cc=5739 |archive-date=17 April 2014 |access-date=6 June 2013 |website=ESPN FC}} He played his 100th game for Sweden on 6 September 2008, in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Albania, which ended in a 0–0 draw.{{Cite web |date=6 September 2008 |title=Sweden held goalless in Tirana |url=http://m.goal.com/s/en/news/852336/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316182957/http://m.goal.com/s/en/news/852336/ |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=6 June 2013 |website=Goal (website)}}
On 11 October 2009, after it was clear that Sweden had failed to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Larsson once again decided to retire from the national team.
At the age of 38 years and 20 days, Larsson became the oldest outfield player in the history of the Sweden national team with his last ever appearance against Denmark on 10 October 2009. Since then, Zlatan Ibrahimović has become Sweden's oldest outfield player.{{Cite news |date=11 October 2009 |title="Henke" slutar i landslaget |url=http://www.svd.se/sportspel/nyheter/artikel_3635689.svd |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091021155330/http://www.svd.se/sportspel/nyheter/artikel_3635689.svd |archive-date=21 October 2009 |access-date=13 October 2009 |work=Svenska Dagbladet |language=sv}}
Managerial career
Larsson made clear his intentions to take up coaching once his playing career came to an end, having also expressed an interest in returning to Celtic in a coaching capacity.{{Cite news |date=14 October 2009 |title=Larsson keen on Celtic coach role |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8306579.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512140228/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8306579.stm |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=14 October 2009 |work=BBC Sport}}
=Landskrona BoIS=
On 14 December 2009 Larsson was appointed manager at Landskrona BoIS, a Swedish second division football club, on a one-year contract.{{Cite news |date=14 December 2009 |title=Larsson takes first manager's job |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8412898.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109040051/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8412898.stm |archive-date=9 November 2020 |access-date=14 December 2009 |work=BBC Sport}}
The news that Larsson would take over Landskrona was received with mixed feelings, as his former club Helsingborg traditionally were their main rivals.{{Cite news |date=12 December 2009 |title=Larsson joins the enemy (Swedish) |url=http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/sverige/superettan/article12192944.ab |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316194632/http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/sverige/superettan/article12192944.ab |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=12 December 2009 |work=Aftonbladet |language=sv}}
The 2010 Superettan, the first season for Larsson as a manager, started off positively for Landskrona. With an aggressively attacking 4–3–3 formation Larsson's club lined up victories and fought for the top positions and promotion to Allsvenskan, until the very end of the season. They finished in fifth place. The Landskrona BoIS board was satisfied with the results, and both Larsson and his assistant manager Hans Eklund renewed their contracts for another year.{{Cite news |date=14 October 2010 |title=Henke gör tummen upp för ett år till i BoIS |url=http://hd.se/sport/2010/10/14/henke-fortsatter-i-bois/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017054956/http://hd.se/sport/2010/10/14/henke-fortsatter-i-bois/ |archive-date=17 October 2010 |access-date=15 October 2010 |work=Helsingborgs dagblad |language=sv}}
On 23 March 2011, Landskrona BoIS announced the recruitment of the Sweden national team qualified midfielder Marcus Lantz from Helsingborg, a solicitation that was largely thanks to Larsson.{{Cite news |date=23 March 2011 |title=Marcus Lantz klar för BoIS |url=http://www.sydsvenskan.se/sport/fotboll/marcus-lantz-klar-for-bois/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316183441/http://www.sydsvenskan.se/sport/fotboll/marcus-lantz-klar-for-bois/ |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=23 March 2011 |work=Sydsvenskan |language=sv}} With the recruitment of Lantz, Henrik Larsson announced a major effort to make the club win Superettan and be promoted to Allsvenskan, from which they were relegated in 2005.{{Cite news |date=23 March 2011 |title=Eklund rädd om jobbet – siktar mot allsvenskan |url=http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/sverige/superettan/landskrona/article12835740.ab/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408090014/http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/sverige/superettan/landskrona/article12835740.ab |archive-date=8 April 2011 |access-date=23 March 2011 |work=Sydsvenskan |language=sv}}
Before the 2011 Superettan season, the managers of the other Superettan clubs had tipped Landskrona as the likely champion.{{Cite news |date=5 April 2011 |title=Tränarna: BoIS går upp |url=http://www.nsk.se/article/20110405/SPORT/110409871/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316182330/http://www.nsk.se/article/20110405/SPORT/110409871/ |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=5 April 2011 |work=Norra Skånes tidningar |language=sv}} But the season was about to become the club's worst in years. Instead of being in the top of the table, Landskrona was stuck at the bottom more than halfway into the season, with relegation looming. Some fans protested against both the board and Henrik Larsson, sarcastically suggesting that the club had used an impostor instead of the real Larsson.{{Cite news |date=20 June 2011 |title=Fansen protesterade mot Henrik Larsson |url=http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/sverige/superettan/landskrona/article13204217.ab |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623011308/http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/sverige/superettan/landskrona/article13204217.ab |archive-date=23 June 2011 |access-date=20 June 2011 |work=Aftonbladet |language=sv}} The crisis went so deep within the association that the board wanted Larsson himself to make a comeback as a player. Larsson played for 20 minutes with Landskrona's reserve team in a match against Mjällby AIF, but felt physically unprepared for playing in Superettan, even if the sporting director of Landskrona, Mats Aronsson, believed the opposite.{{Cite news |date=26 July 2011 |title=Comeback av Henke Larsson |url=http://www.sydsvenskan.se/sport/fotboll/comeback-av-henke-larsson/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316183445/http://www.sydsvenskan.se/sport/fotboll/comeback-av-henke-larsson/ |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=26 July 2011 |work=Aftonbladet |language=sv}} Landskrona and Larsson avoided relegation and finished tenth largely because of the summer signing of goalkeeper Ivo Vazgeč who achieved the best save percentage in the league.{{Cite news |date=21 November 2011 |title=Ivo höjer gärna procenten |url=http://mobil.hd.se/sport/2011/10/10/ivo-hojer-garna-procenten/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130418140426/http://mobil.hd.se/sport/2011/10/10/ivo-hojer-garna-procenten/ |archive-date=18 April 2013 |access-date=21 November 2011 |work=Helsingborgs dagblad |language=sv}}
On 21 November 2011, Larsson signed a new one-year contract, making him manager for Landskrona during the 2012 Superettan as well.{{Cite news |date=21 November 2011 |title=Larsson förlänger med Landskrona |url=http://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/superettan/larsson-forlanger-med-landskrona/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630121755/http://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/superettan/larsson-forlanger-med-landskrona// |archive-date=30 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2011 |work=Expressen |language=sv}} Landskrona performed better in 2012, but only managed to finish in sixth place instead of achieving the third-place finish which would have meant qualification for a promotion play-off spot.{{Cite web |title=Tabell och resultat – Superettan (2012) |url=https://svenskfotboll.se/superettan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2012/tabell-och-resultat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113185307/http://svenskfotboll.se/superettan/tidigare-ar/resultat-2012/tabell-och-resultat/ |archive-date=13 January 2014 |access-date=10 April 2014 |website=Svenska fotbollförbundet |language=sv}} In November 2012, Larsson confirmed he had left his position and would consider any available posts elsewhere.{{Cite web |last=Körsell |first=Andreas |date=7 November 2012 |title=Henrik Larsson: Ibland vill man strunta i det politiska spelet |url=http://www.svenskafans.com/fotboll/Henrik-Larsson-Ibland-vill-man-strunta-i-det-politiska-spelet-460601.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413141526/http://www.svenskafans.com/fotboll/Henrik-Larsson-Ibland-vill-man-strunta-i-det-politiska-spelet-460601.aspx |archive-date=13 April 2014 |access-date=10 April 2014 |website=SvenskaFans.com |language=sv}}{{Cite news |date=8 November 2012 |title=Henrik Larsson: Därför slutar jag i Landskrona |url=http://sverigesradio.se/sida/gruppsida.aspx?programid=2835&grupp=12344&artikel=5340184 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324011533/http://sverigesradio.se/sida/gruppsida.aspx?programid=2835&grupp=12344&artikel=5340184 |archive-date=24 March 2014 |access-date=10 April 2014 |work=Sveriges Radio |language=sv}}
=Falkenberg=
File:Henrik Larsson (2014, cropped).jpg
On 4 December 2013, Larsson was appointed manager of Falkenberg, signing a one-year rolling contact with the newly promoted club.{{Cite web |date=4 December 2013 |title=Larsson takes Falkenberg assignment |url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=swe/news/newsid=2032446.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214152924/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=swe/news/newsid=2032446.html |archive-date=14 December 2013 |access-date=14 December 2013 |website=UEFA}} After securing Falkenberg's position in Allsvenskan, it was announced on 10 November 2014 that he would not manage the club for the 2015 season.{{Cite news |date=10 November 2014 |title=Henrik Larsson fortsätter inte i FFF |url=http://www.falkenbergsff.se/detailarticle.aspx?id=269 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217090128/http://www.falkenbergsff.se/detailarticle.aspx?id=269 |archive-date=17 December 2014 |access-date=10 November 2014 |work=Falkenbergs FF |language=sv}}
=Helsingborg=
After leaving Falkenberg, Larsson was appointed manager of Helsingborg.{{Cite news |date=10 November 2014 |title=Henrik Larsson leaves Falkenbergs to take charge at Helsingborgs |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29995844 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001233646/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29995844 |archive-date=1 October 2019 |access-date=1 October 2019 |work=BBC Sport}} In November 2016, Helsingborg were relegated to Superettan after losing a two-legged play-off against Halmstad. After the final whistle, a minor group of disappointed home fans attacked both Larsson and his son, Jordan.{{Cite news |last=sport |first=Guardian |date=20 November 2016 |title=Henrik Larsson and son confronted by Helsingborg fans after relegation |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/nov/20/henrik-larsson-jordan-son-confronted-helsingborg-supporters-relegation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512140258/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/nov/20/henrik-larsson-jordan-son-confronted-helsingborg-supporters-relegation |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=23 November 2016 |work=The Guardian}} Following the end of the season, Larsson decided to leave the club.{{Cite news |date=23 November 2016 |title=Henrik Larsson: Former Celtic striker resigns as Helsingborgs boss |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/38084837 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026184203/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/38084837 |archive-date=26 October 2018 |access-date=12 February 2018 |work=BBC Sport}}
=Ängelholms FF=
After turning down the opportunity to manage Scottish side Livingston, Division 1 club Ängelholms FF announced on 3 October 2018 that Larsson would join the staff as assistant to head coach Alexander Tengryd, whom Larsson had worked together with in Helsingborg.{{Cite news |date=8 June 2018 |title=Celtic legend Henrik Larsson turns down Livingston job |url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby-union/celtic-legend-henrik-larsson-turns-down-livingston-job-283379 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922011631/https://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby-union/celtic-legend-henrik-larsson-turns-down-livingston-job-283379 |archive-date=22 September 2024 |access-date=30 May 2024 |work=The Scotsman}} At the time of his appointment, Ängelholm were on 13 place and five matches in a row without a win with six matches left of the season. First match with Larsson in the staff was three days later against Utsiktens BK away. The match ended in a 1–0 win for Ängelholm.{{Cite news |date=6 October 2018 |title=Larsson med på bänken - då tog ÄFF efterlängtad seger: "Lösningen känns jättebra" |url=https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/division-1/larsson-med-pa-banken--da-tog-aff-efterlangtad-seger-losningen-kanns-jattebra/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819200719/https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/division-1/larsson-med-pa-banken--da-tog-aff-efterlangtad-seger-losningen-kanns-jattebra/ |archive-date=19 August 2021 |access-date=25 August 2021 |work=Fotbollskanalen |language=sv}} Ängelholm would only take two points in their last five matches, including losing 0–4 to Oskarshamns AIK and 0–3 to Tvååker, and dropped to 15th place which meant immediate relegation. Larsson, along with head coach Alexander Tengryd, left the club at the end of the season.
=Return to Helsingborgs IF=
On 16 June 2019, Helsingborg announced that Larsson had returned to the club as their new manager.[http://www.hif.se/news/henrik-larsson-ny-huvudtranare-hif/ HENRIK LARSSON NY HUVUDTRÄNARE I HIF] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818112411/http://www.hif.se/news/henrik-larsson-ny-huvudtranare-hif/ |date=18 August 2020 }}, hif.se, 16 June 2019
On 23 August 2019, Helsingborg announced that Larsson had decided to quit as head coach after being verbally assaulted on social media following the club's loss to third tier club Oskarshamns AIK in the qualification to Svenska Cupen group stage.[http://www.hif.se/news/henrik-larsson-avslutar-sitt-tranaruppdrag/ Henrik Larsson avslutar sitt tränaruppdrag] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515014111/http://www.hif.se/news/henrik-larsson-avslutar-sitt-tranaruppdrag/ |date=15 May 2020 }}, hif.se, 23 August 2019
In September 2019 he began talks with English club Southend United about becoming their manager,{{Cite news |date=30 September 2019 |title=Henrik Larsson: Southend United in talks with ex-Celtic star over manager's job |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49886303 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512140330/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49886303 |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=1 October 2019 |work=BBC Sport}} but these collapsed when proposed assistant Tommy Johnson accepted another offer.{{Cite web |date=15 October 2019 |title=Henrik Larsson: Southend United talks over manager role collapse |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50058716 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015151502/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50058716 |archive-date=15 October 2019 |access-date=15 October 2019 |website=BBC Sport}}
= Barcelona =
On 21 August 2020, FC Barcelona announced that Larsson and Alfred Schreuder had joined new head coach Ronald Koeman‘s coaching staff until 30 June 2022.{{Cite web |date=21 August 2020 |title=Schreuder and Larsson join Koeman's coaching staff |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/1756739/schreuder-and-larsson-join-koemans-coaching-staff |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822011732/https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/1756739/schreuder-and-larsson-join-koemans-coaching-staff |archive-date=22 August 2020 |access-date=22 August 2020 |website=FC Barcelona}} On 27 October 2021, the club confirmed Koeman had been relieved of his duties, which resulted in the departure of Larsson from FC Barcelona's coaching staff.
Floorball career
Larsson also played floorball at a competitive level in 1989. On 23 November 2008, he resumed his floorball career when he played his first Swedish Super League game for Helsingborg. In his second game for the club, he made two assists, and was voted man of the match.{{Cite news |date=23 November 2008 |title=Här får Henke Larsson debutera |url=http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/innebandy/article3838457.ab |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512140401/https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/a/QlgLEV/henke-larsson-bakom-helsingborgs-vandning |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=23 November 2008 |work=Aftonbladet |language=sv}}{{Cite news |date=24 November 2008 |title=Success for Henrik Larsson in floorball debut |url=http://www.thelocal.se/15894/20081124/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223134716/http://www.thelocal.se/15894/20081124/ |archive-date=23 December 2008 |access-date=24 November 2008 |website=The Local}}
Style of play
Larsson stood out for his discipline, professionalism and work-rate throughout his career.{{Cite news |date=10 April 2002 |title=Player Profile |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/sweden/squad/newsid_1862000/1862739.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701024213/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/sweden/squad/newsid_1862000/1862739.stm |archive-date=1 July 2012 |access-date=26 February 2012 |work=BBC Sport}}{{Cite web |date=16 April 2001 |title=How good is Henrik Larsson? |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/sports_talk/1280329.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117012834/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/sports_talk/1280329.stm |archive-date=17 January 2018 |access-date=16 January 2018 |website=BBC Sport}}{{Cite web |last=Rob Smyth |date=16 March 2007 |title=Much ado about ... not much |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/mar/16/sport.comment2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512140416/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/mar/16/sport.comment2 |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=16 January 2018 |website=The Guardian}}
Personal life
File:Magdalena and Henrik Larsson in Jan 2014.jpg in 2014]]
On 21 June 1996, Larsson married Magdalena Spjuth, whom he had met in a restaurant when he was 19 years old. She is the daughter of a politician and an education director at the local municipality. They have a son, professional footballer Jordan Larsson (born 1997 and named after basketball player Michael Jordan), who has represented Sweden at international level, and a daughter, Janelle Larsson{{Cite web |date=5 May 2005 |title=Regarding Henrick |url=http://sport.scotsman.com/celticfc/Regarding-Henrick.2623859.jp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625010219/http://sport.scotsman.com/celticfc/Regarding-Henrick.2623859.jp |archive-date=25 June 2008 |access-date=16 August 2009 |website=The Scotsman |publisher=Johnston Press}} (born 2002), a member of the junior Sweden national show jumping team.
On 6 June 2009, before Sweden's 1–0 loss against Denmark, Larsson's younger brother Robert, who had a troubled personal life, was found dead in his flat in their hometown of Helsingborg.{{Cite web |title=Ex-Barça player Henrik Larsson's career in his own words |url=http://www.totalbarca.com/2011/interviews/ex-barca-player-henrik-larssons-career-in-his-own-words/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116211547/http://www.totalbarca.com/2011/interviews/ex-barca-player-henrik-larssons-career-in-his-own-words/ |archive-date=16 January 2014 |website=totalbarca.com}} Henrik was not told until after the match had concluded.{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=Janice |date=7 June 2009 |title=Heartache for Celtic legend Henrik Larsson as younger brother is found dead |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/heartache-for-celtic-legend-henrik-larsson-1026341 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512140351/https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/heartache-for-celtic-legend-henrik-larsson-1026341 |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=29 December 2019 |website=dailyrecord}} Henrik Larsson also has an elder half-brother, Kim.
Career statistics
=Club=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition{{Cite web |last=Larsson |first=Henrik |title=soccerbase |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=11617 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707084415/http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=11617 |archive-date=7 July 2015 |access-date=18 December 2014 |website=soccerbase}} | ||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup !colspan="2"|League cup !colspan="2"|Europe !colspan="2"|Other{{efn|Includes goals and appearances in the 1994 and 1995 Dutch Supercup, 2005 Supercopa de España, 2007 Svenska Supercupen, 2006–07 Royal League, and 2004–05 and 2005–06 Copa Catalunya{{Cite web |title=Henrik Edward 'henke' Larsson |url=https://players.fcbarcelona.com/en/match/g0035-gimnastic-tarragona-barcelona |access-date=18 December 2022 |website=.fcbarcelona.com/}}}} !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan="4"|Högaborg
|1989 |21 | 1 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 21 | 1 | |||||
| 1990
|Division 3 Södra Götaland |21 | 7 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 21 | 7 | |||||
| 1991
|Division 3 Södra Götaland |22 | 15 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 22 | 15 | |||||
| colspan="2"|Total
!64 | 23 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 64 | 23 | |||||
| rowspan="3"|Helsingborg
|1992 |31 | 34 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 31 | 34 | |||||
| 1993
|25 | 16 | 5 | 1 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 30 | 17 | ||||
| colspan="2"|Total
!56 | 50 | 5 | 1 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 61 | 51 | ||||
| rowspan="5"|Feyenoord
|15 | 1 | 12 | 5 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 27 | 6 | ||||
| 1994–95
|Eredivisie |23 | 8 | 9 | 1 | colspan="2"|– | 6 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 39 | 16 | ||
| 1995–96
|Eredivisie |32 | 10 | 4 | 1 | colspan="2"|– | 7 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 44 | 13 | ||
| 1996–97
|Eredivisie |31 | 7 | 4 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 6 | 1 | colspan="2"|– | 41 | 8 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!101 | 26 | 29 | 7 | colspan="2"|– | 19 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 151 | 43 | ||
| rowspan="8"|Celtic
|35 | 16 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 46 | 19 | ||
| 1998–99
|35 | 29 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 4 | colspan="2"|– | 48 | 38 | ||
| 1999–2000
|Scottish Premier League |9 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | colspan="2"|– | 13 | 12 | ||
| 2000–01
|Scottish Premier League |37 | 35 | 6 | 9 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | colspan="2"|– | 50 | 53 | ||
| 2001–02
|Scottish Premier League |33 | 29 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 4 | colspan="2"|– | 47 | 35 | ||
| 2002–03
|Scottish Premier League |35 | 28 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 12 | colspan="2"|– | 51 | 44 | ||
| 2003–04
|Scottish Premier League |37 | 30 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 15 | 6 | colspan="2"|– | 58 | 41 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!221 | 174 | 25 | 23 | 11 | 10 | 56 | 35 | colspan="2"|– | 313 | 242 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Barcelona
|12 | 3 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 19 | 5 | ||
| 2005–06
|La Liga |28 | 10 | 4 | 4 | colspan="2"|– | 10 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 44 | 17 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!40 | 13 | 5 | 4 | colspan="2"|– | 14 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 63 | 22 | ||
| rowspan="5"|Helsingborg
|2006 |Allsvenskan |15 | 8 | 5 | 4 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 3 | 2 | 23 | 14 | |||
| 2007
|Allsvenskan |22 | 9 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 9 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 33 | 18 | ||
| 2008
|Allsvenskan |27 | 14 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 30 | 14 | |||
| 2009
|Allsvenskan |20 | 7 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 4 | 3 | colspan="2"|– | 25 | 10 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!84 | 38 | 8 | 4 | colspan="2"|– | 15 | 12 | 4 | 2 | 111 | 56 | ||
| Manchester United (loan)
|7 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | colspan="2"|– | 13 | 3 | ||
| Råå
|2012 |1 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 1 | 0 | |||||
| Högaborg
|2013 |1 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 1 | 0 | |||||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!575 | 325 | 76 | 40 | 11 | 10 | 106 | 59 | 10 | 6 | 778 | 440 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
File:Henrik Larsson 2 (cropped).jpg]]
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year{{Cite web |date=29 October 2009 |title=Henrik Larsson – Century of International Appearances |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/hlarsson-intlg.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405172146/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/hlarsson-intlg.html |archive-date=5 April 2023 |website=RSSSF}} | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="2"|Sweden U21
| 1992 | 5 | 4 | |
| 1993 | 7 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total | 12 | 4 | |
| Sweden B
| 1997 | 1 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total | 1 | 0 | |
| rowspan="17"|Sweden
|1993 | 2 | 1 | |
| 1994 | 14 | 5 | |
| 1995 | 6 | 0 | |
| 1996 | 6 | 1 | |
| 1997 | 2 | 0 | |
| 1998 | 7 | 1 | |
| 1999 | 9 | 2 | |
| 2000 | 8 | 2 | |
| 2001 | 10 | 9 | |
| 2002 | 8 | 3 | |
| 2003 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2004 | 9 | 8 | |
| 2005 | 5 | 2 | |
| 2006 | 6 | 2 | |
| 2007 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2008 | 9 | 1 | |
| 2009 | 4 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total | 106 | 37 |
:Scores and results list Sweden's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Larsson goal
| class="wikitable sortable" | ||||||
| scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date !scope="col"|Venue !scope="col"|Opponent !scope="col"|Score !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Competition | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| align="center"| 1 | 13 October 1993 | Råsunda, Stockholm, Sweden | {{fb|FIN}} | align="center"| 2–1 | align="center"| 3–2 | 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifier |
| align="center"| 2 | 20 February 1994 | Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami, United States | {{fb|USA}} | align="center"| 1–1 | align="center"| 3–1 | Joe Robbie Cup |
| align="center"| 3 | 20 April 1994 | Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, United Kingdom | {{fb|WAL}} | align="center"| 1–0 | align="center"| 2–0 | Friendly |
| align="center"| 4 | 5 May 1994 | Råsunda, Stockholm, Sweden | {{fb|NGA}} | align="center"| 2–0 | align="center"| 3–1 | Friendly |
| align="center"| 5 | 16 July 1994 | Rose Bowl, Pasadena, United States | {{fb|BUL}} | align="center"| 3–0 | align="center"| 4–0 | 1994 FIFA World Cup |
| align="center"| 6 | 17 August 1994 | Råsunda, Stockholm, Sweden | {{fb|LTU}} | align="center"| 4–2 | align="center"| 4–2 | Friendly |
| align="center"| 7 | 1 June 1996 | Råsunda, Stockholm, Sweden | {{fb|BLR}} | align="center"| 5–1 | align="center"| 5–1 | 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifier |
| align="center"| 8 | 14 October 1998 | Neftochimik Stadium, Burgas, Bulgaria | {{fb|BUL}} | align="center"| 1–0 | align="center"| 1–0 | UEFA Euro 2000 qualifier |
| align="center"| 9 | 27 March 1999 | Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden | {{fb|LUX}} | align="center"| 2–0 | align="center"| 2–0 | UEFA Euro 2000 qualifier |
| align="center"| 10 | 9 October 1999 | Råsunda, Stockholm, Sweden | {{fb|POL}} | align="center"| 2–0 | align="center"| 2–0 | UEFA Euro 2000 qualifier |
| align="center"| 11 | 19 June 2000 | Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands | {{fb|ITA}} | align="center"| 1–1 | align="center"| 1–2 | UEFA Euro 2000 |
| align="center"| 12 | 7 October 2000 | Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden
| {{fb|TUR}} | align="center"| 1–0 | align="center"| 1–1 | 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier | |
| align="center"| 13 | 28 February 2001 | Ta' Qali National Stadium, Ta'Qali, Malta | {{fb|MLT}} | align="center"| 2–0 | align="center"| 3–0 | Friendly |
| align="center"| 14 | rowspan="4"| 6 June 2001 | rowspan="4"| Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden | rowspan="4"| {{fb|MDA}} | align="center"| 1–0 | rowspan="4" style="text-align:center"| 6–0 | rowspan="4"| 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier |
| align="center"| 15 | align="center"| 2–0 | |||||
| align="center"| 16 | align="center"| 3–0 | |||||
| align="center"| 17 | align="center"| 6–0 | |||||
| align="center"| 18 | 15 August 2001 | Råsunda, Stockholm, Sweden | {{fb|RSA}} | align="center"| 1–0 | align="center"| 3–0 | Friendly |
| align="center"| 19 | 1 September 2001 | City Stadium, Skopje, Macedonia | {{fb|MKD|name=Macedonia}} | align="center"| 1–0 | align="center"| 2–1 | 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier |
| align="center"| 20 | 5 September 2001 | Ali Sami Yen Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey | {{fb|TUR}} | align="center"| 1–1 | align="center"| 2–1 | 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier |
| align="center"| 21 | 7 October 2001 | Råsunda, Stockholm, Sweden | {{fb|AZE}} | align="center"| 2–0 | align="center"| 3–0 | 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier |
| align="center"| 22 | rowspan="2"| 7 June 2002 | rowspan="2"| Kobe Wing Stadium, Kobe, Japan | rowspan="2"| {{fb|NGA}} | align="center"| 1–1 | rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"| 2–1 | rowspan="2"| 2002 FIFA World Cup |
| align="center"| 23 | align="center"| 2–1 | |||||
| align="center"| 24 | 16 June 2002 | Ōita Stadium, Ōita, Japan | {{fb|SEN}} | align="center"| 1–0 | align="center"| 1–2 | 2002 FIFA World Cup |
| align="center"| 25 | 5 June 2004 | Råsunda, Stockholm, Sweden | {{fb|POL}} | align="center"| 1–0 | align="center"| 3–1 | Friendly |
| align="center"| 26 | rowspan="2"| 14 June 2004 | rowspan="2"| Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal | rowspan="2"| {{fb|BUL}} | align="center"| 2–0 | rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"| 5–0 | rowspan="2"| UEFA Euro 2004 |
| align="center"| 27 | align="center"| 3–0 | |||||
| align="center"| 28 | 22 June 2004 | Estádio do Bessa Século XXI, Porto, Portugal | {{fb|DEN}} | align="center"| 1–1 | align="center"| 2–2 | UEFA Euro 2004 |
| align="center"| 29 | 4 September 2004 | Ta' Qali National Stadium, Ta'Qali, Malta | {{fb|MLT}} | align="center"| 7–0 | align="center"| 7–0 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier |
| align="center"| 30 | 9 October 2004 | Råsunda, Stockholm, Sweden | {{fb|HUN}} | align="center"| 2–0 | align="center"| 3–0 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier |
| align="center"| 31 | rowspan="2"| 13 October 2004 | rowspan="2"| Laugardalsvöllur, Reykjavík, Iceland | rowspan="2"| {{fb|ISL}} | align="center"| 1–0 | rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"| 4–1 | rowspan="2"| 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier |
| align="center"| 32 | align="center"| 3–0 | |||||
| align="center"| 33 | 17 August 2005 | Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden
| {{fb|CZE}} | align="center"| 1–0 | align="center"| 2–1 | Friendly | |
| align="center"| 34 | 12 October 2005 | Råsunda, Stockholm, Sweden | {{fb|ISL}} | align="center"| 2–1 | align="center"| 3–1 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier |
| align="center"| 35 | 2 June 2006 | Råsunda, Stockholm, Sweden | {{fb|CHI}} | align="center"| 1–0 | align="center"| 1–1 | Friendly |
| align="center"| 36 | 20 June 2006 | RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Germany | {{fb|ENG}} | align="center"| 2–2 | align="center"| 2–2 | 2006 FIFA World Cup |
| align="center"| 37 | 20 August 2008 | Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden | {{fb|FRA}} | align="center"| 1–0 | align="center"| 2–3 | Friendly |
=Managerial statistics=
{{updated|20 November 2016}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+Managerial record by team and tenure | |||||
| rowspan="2"|Team
!rowspan="2"|From !rowspan="2"|To !colspan="6"|Record | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | D | L | Win % | Ref |
| align=left|Landskrona BoIS
|align=left|14 December 2009 |align=left|8 November 2012 {{WDL|94|38|19|37}} |{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} | |||||
| align=left|Falkenberg
|align=left|4 December 2013 |align=left|10 November 2014 {{WDL|31|9|6|16}} |{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} | |||||
| align=left|Helsingborg
|align=left|1 January 2015 |align=left|23 November 2016 {{WDL|68|22|12|34}} |{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} | |||||
| colspan=3|Total
{{WDLtot|193|69|37|87}} ! |
Honours
- Scottish Premier Division/Scottish Premier League: 1997–98, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2003–04
- Scottish Cup: 2000–01, 2003–04
- Scottish League Cup: 1997–98, 2000–01
- UEFA Cup runner-up: 2002–03
- La Liga: 2004–05, 2005–06{{Cite web |title=H. Larsson |url=https://int.soccerway.com/coaches/henrik-larsson/130141/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203190443/http://int.soccerway.com/coaches/henrik-larsson/130141/ |archive-date=3 February 2015 |access-date=8 December 2014 |website=Soccerway}}
- Supercopa de España: 2005
- UEFA Champions League: 2005–06
- Svenska Cupen: 2006
- Division 1 Södra promotion: 1992{{Cite web |date=21 November 2016 |title=How Henrik Larsson closed a fateful circle at Helsingborg |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/37460999/how-henrik-larsson-closed-fateful-circle-helsingborg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301143924/https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/37460999/how-henrik-larsson-closed-fateful-circle-helsingborg |archive-date=1 March 2024 |access-date=9 April 2023 |website=ESPN}}
Manchester United
- Premier League: 2006–07{{Cite web |title=Henrik Larsson: Overview |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/3297/Henrik-Larsson/overview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418154833/https://www.premierleague.com/players/3297/Henrik-Larsson/overview |archive-date=18 April 2018 |access-date=21 March 2021 |website=Premier League}}
- FIFA World Cup third place: 1994
File:Henrik-larsson-statue-helsingborg.jpg
- Stor Grabb: 1994{{Cite web |title=Stora Grabbars Märke - Svensk fotboll |url=https://www.svenskfotboll.se/landslag/herr/historik-herr/stora-grabbar/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026123931/https://www.svenskfotboll.se/landslag/herr/historik-herr/stora-grabbar/ |archive-date=26 October 2021 |access-date=21 January 2021 |website=svenskfotboll.se |language=sv}}
- Guldbollen: 1998, 2004
- Swedish Forward of the Year: 2001,{{Cite news |title=Övriga utmärkelser |url=https://fogis.se/fotbollsgalan/tidigare-vinnare/ovriga-utmarkelser/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831224652/http://fogis.se/fotbollsgalan/tidigare-vinnare/ovriga-utmarkelser/ |archive-date=31 August 2018 |access-date=9 April 2020 |website=Fogis |language=sv}} 2002, 2003, 2004
- Scottish Premier League Golden Boot: 1998–99,{{Cite web |date=14 June 2007 |title=Scotland – List of Topscorers |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/scottops.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713154807/http://www.rsssf.com/tabless/scottops.html |archive-date=13 July 2015 |access-date=13 September 2015 |website=RSSSF}} 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04
- BBC Scotland Sports Personality of the Year: 1998{{Cite news |date=24 January 1999 |title=Saltire satire as Wainwright toughs it out |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0005278/19990124/677/0064 |url-access=subscription |access-date=12 August 2024 |work=Scotland on Sunday |via=British Newspaper Archive}}
- SFWA Footballer of the Year: 1999, 2001
- SPFA Players' Player of the Year: 1999, 2001
- Joe Robbie Cup Best Player: 1994{{Cite news |date=18 June 1994 |title=PLAYER GUIDE TO GROUP B |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0002192/19940618/015/0015?browse=False |url-access=subscription |access-date=12 August 2024 |work=Sports Argus |via=British Newspaper Archive}}
- Scottish Premier League Player of the Month: September 2000,{{Cite web |title=Scottish Premier League Manager, Player & Young Player of the Month Awards |url=http://www.myfootballfacts.com/SPL_Manager_and_Player_of_the_Month_Awards.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816105501/http://www.myfootballfacts.com/SPL_Manager_and_Player_of_the_Month_Awards.html |archive-date=16 August 2018 |access-date=8 December 2014 |website=My Football Facts}} November 2002
- Scottish Football League Player of the Month: September 1997{{Cite news |date=4 October 1997 |title=Larsson hails Jansen as Celtic start to gel |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000540/19971004/533/0038 |url-access=subscription |access-date=12 August 2024 |work=The Scotsman |via=British Newspaper Archive}}
- European Golden Boot: 2001
- UEFA Euro 2004: Team of the Tournament{{Cite web |date=5 July 2004 |title=Euro 2004 – Zagorakis named top player |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/greece/3866823.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070124130405/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/greece/3866823.stm |archive-date=24 January 2007 |access-date=8 December 2014 |website=BBC Sport}}
- UEFA Euro 2004: Goal of the Tournament{{Cite web |date=23 September 2004 |title=Larsson's goal best at Euro 2004 |url=https://www.rediff.com/sports/2004/sep/23euro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801135753/https://www.rediff.com/sports/2004/sep/23euro.htm |archive-date=1 August 2020 |access-date=9 April 2020 |website=Refiff}}
{{Cite web |date=13 February 2016 |title=In 2004 This Man Scored The Original Wonder Diving Header |url=https://the18.com/news/2004-man-scored-original-wonder-diving-header |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226190151/https://the18.com/news/2004-man-scored-original-wonder-diving-header |archive-date=26 December 2019 |access-date=9 April 2020 |website=The 18}} - UEFA Centurion Award (100 international caps): 2011{{Cite news |date=30 August 2011 |title=International centurions to receive UEFA award |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d0400bdc09e-9bc0e488959f-1000--international-centurions-to-receive-uefa-award/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512140510/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d0400bdc09e-9bc0e488959f-1000--international-centurions-to-receive-uefa-award/ |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=9 April 2020 |website=UEFA}}
- Scottish Football Hall of Fame{{Cite web |title=Inductees 2006 |url=http://scottishfootballhalloffame.co.uk/inductees-2006/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210234949/http://scottishfootballhalloffame.co.uk/inductees-2006/ |archive-date=10 December 2014 |access-date=8 December 2014 |website=Scottish Football Hall of Fame}}
- Swedish Football Hall of Fame{{Cite web |date=20 November 2020 |title=Five new inductees into the Hall of Fame |url=https://svff.svenskfotboll.se/nyheter/2020/11/hall-of-fame-2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108045002/https://svff.svenskfotboll.se/nyheter/2020/11/hall-of-fame-2020/ |archive-date=8 November 2022 |access-date=8 December 2023 |website=SVFF |language=Swedish}}
- Victoria Scholarship Award: 2007{{citation needed|date=March 2021}}
- Tidernas Guldboll (All-time best Swedish football player): 2005[http://www.svenskfotboll.se/t2svff.aspx?p=222053&x=1&a=394424 Larsson wins "Tidernas Guldboll"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930184523/http://www.svenskfotboll.se/t2svff.aspx?p=222053&x=1&a=394424 |date=30 September 2007 }} Svenskfotboll.se, 11 September 2005
- UEFA Golden Player: Greatest Swedish Footballer of the last 50 Years (November 2003, to celebrate UEFA's Jubilee){{Cite web |date=29 November 2003 |title=Golden Players take centre stage |url=http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=130150.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120524213938/http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=130150.html |archive-date=24 May 2012 |access-date=5 March 2016 |website=UEFA}}
- Honorary Doctor of the university from the University of Strathclyde: 2005{{Cite news |date=14 May 2005 |title=Dr. Henrik Larsson |url=http://www.strath.ac.uk/press/newsreleases/2005/headline_25894_en.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412072435/http://www.strath.ac.uk/press/newsreleases/2005/headline_25894_en.html |archive-date=12 April 2011 |access-date=3 May 2008 |website=University of Strathclyde}}
- Honorary MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire): 2006{{Cite news |date=26 April 2006 |title=Striker Larsson to be given MBE |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4948030.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060513044730/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4948030.stm |archive-date=13 May 2006 |access-date=10 June 2007 |work=BBC News}}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
{{wikiquote}}
- {{Soccerbase}}
- {{Soccerbase manager|id=2610}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20060718165826/http://www.hif.se/Lagen/A_lag/truppen/henrik_larsson Henrik Larsson] at HIF.se {{in lang|sv}}
- {{SvFF player |id= 0a5711cd-f976-4438-80cd-9d5102798ea5 |fid= 473429 |pid= 4524 }} ([https://web.archive.org/web/20160304124557/http://svenskfotboll.se/allsvenskan/person/?playerid=4524 archive])
- {{SvFF national player |id= 0a5711cd-f976-4438-80cd-9d5102798ea5 |fid= 473429 }} ([https://web.archive.org/web/20180317234948/http://svenskfotboll.se/landslag/landslagsdatabas/landslagsspelare/?fplid=473429 archive])
{{Navboxes
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{{European Golden Shoe}}
{{UEFA Europa League top scorers}}
{{UEFA Jubilee Awards}}
{{Scottish Premiership top scorers}}
{{SFWA Footballer of the Year}}
{{PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year}}
{{Swedish Footballer of the Year}}
{{UEFA Euro 2004 Team of the Tournament}}
{{Scottish Football Hall of Fame}}
{{Swedish Football Hall of Fame}}
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{{Navboxes
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{{Sweden squad 1994 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Sweden squad UEFA Euro 2000}}
{{Sweden squad 2002 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Sweden squad UEFA Euro 2004}}
{{Sweden squad 2006 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Sweden squad UEFA Euro 2008}}
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{{Navboxes
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{{Landskrona BoIS managers}}
{{Falkenbergs FF managers}}
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{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Larsson, Henrik}}
Category:1994 FIFA World Cup players
Category:2002 FIFA World Cup players
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Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England
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Category:Manchester United F.C. players
Category:Members of the Order of the British Empire
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Category:Swedish people of Cape Verdean descent
Category:UEFA Champions League–winning players
Category:UEFA Euro 2000 players
Category:UEFA Euro 2004 players