Anthony Elanga is a Swedish forward or winger. He plays for Newcastle United and the Sweden national team. He was eligible to play for Sweden, Cameroon, or England internationally, but he chose Sweden. He said it was because he was born there, spent most of his life there, and the country means a lot to him.
He played for Sweden at the under-17, under-19, and under-21 levels before making his senior debut. He played five times for the under-17 team and scored two goals, both against France in the 2019 European Under-17 Championship. He played his first under-21 game and scored in a friendly against Finland on June 3, 2021.
He was named in Sweden’s senior squad for World Cup qualifiers against the Czech Republic in March 2022 and made his debut as a late substitute. He scored his first senior international goal on June 5, 2022, in a 2-1 loss to Norway in the Nations League.
On March 31, 2026, he scored in Sweden’s playoff final win over Poland to qualify for the World Cup. On May 12, 2026, he was named in Sweden’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. In Sweden’s group match against the Netherlands, he scored in the 59th minute.
Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Anthony Elanga
Born in Sweden to a World Cup Father
Anthony Elanga was born on April 27, 2002, in Malmö, Sweden. Football was in his blood. His father, Joseph Elanga, was a Cameroonian professional who played for Malmö FF and represented Cameroon at the 1998 World Cup in France. A footballing legacy from the very beginning, with a father who had walked the biggest stage.
Speaks Five Languages
Anthony Elanga is a true polyglot. Besides Swedish, he speaks English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. He picked up Spanish and Portuguese simply by being around teammates, absorbing languages as naturally as he dribbles past defenders. His ability to communicate with almost anyone has made him a key figure in every dressing room he’s joined.
Hid Under a Table When Learning He Was Moving
When Anthony Elanga was 11, his mother told him the family was moving from Sweden to Manchester. The news hit him so hard that he hid under a table at his own farewell party, overwhelmed by leaving everything behind. A heartbreaking moment for a young boy, but one that ultimately changed his life forever.
Spotted by United After a Trial at Manchester City
After moving to England, Elanga was scouted by both Manchester clubs. He had a trial at City, but United won the race. He was recommended to United by the father of a boy who played alongside Elanga at local club Hattersley, and he joined United’s academy at age 12. A recommendation that changed everything.
Modelled His Game on Thierry Henry
From a young age, Anthony Elanga idolised Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. He wanted to be a versatile player who could operate anywhere across the front line. Henry’s intelligence, pace, and finishing were the blueprint for his own development. A striker’s mind in a winger’s body, shaped by an Arsenal icon.
Won United’s Prestigious Jimmy Murphy Award
Elanga followed in the footsteps of Danny Welbeck and Marcus Rashford by winning United’s Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award in 2020. His under-18 head coach praised his dedication: “Off the pitch, Anthony is extremely dedicated and always puts in the maximum effort.” A prestigious award for a young talent with a bright future.
Learned from Cristiano Ronaldo at United
Elanga broke into United’s first team and shared a dressing room with Cristiano Ronaldo following his return in 2021. The pair featured together on 25 occasions. Elanga has spoken about the invaluable lessons he learned. He was spoken particularly Ronaldo’s professionalism, recovery methods, and dedication after training. A masterclass from a living legend.
Can Cover 85 Yards in Nine Seconds
Elanga’s blistering pace is one of his deadliest weapons. During a match against his former club United, he covered an astonishing 85 yards in just nine seconds, with the ball at his feet and defenders trying to stop him. That puts him in Olympic sprinter territory. Pure, raw speed.
His Home Has a Hyperbaric Chamber and 3G Pitch
Anthony Elanga is obsessed with recovery. After his £55m move to Newcastle, he kitted out his home with a gym, hyperbaric chamber, red light therapy, sauna, plunge pool, and even a 3G football pitch. He works with a strength coach, therapist, and personal chef to maintain peak condition. A professional to the core.
Recently Became a Father to a ‘Little Geordie’
Off the pitch, Anthony Elanga recently became a father for the first time, welcoming a daughter named Blair. He beams with pride: “She’s a little Geordie who’s going to be raised in Newcastle. She’s going to have the accent as well, which is nice.” He called fatherhood “the proudest moment of my life.” A new chapter begins.
FAQs
Q. Which club does Anthony Elanga play for?
A. Elanga plays for Newcastle United.
Q. When did Elanga make his senior debut for Sweden?
A. Elanga made his senior debut in March 2022.
Q. When did Elanga score his first senior international goal?
A. Elanga scored his first goal for Sweden on June 5, 2022.
Q. Did Anthony Elanga score at the 2026 World Cup?
A. Yes, Elanga scored against the Netherlands in the group stage.
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