A look at Alexander Isak's career so far

His journey so far is filled with skill, determination, and personal growth. He was instrumental for Newcastle United, helping them secure a fifth-place finish on the final day of the English Premier League. 

This pivotal contribution played a major role in the Geordies' exciting qualification for the UEFA Champions League. His journey through the top leagues in Europe has really showcased his incredible skills, versatility, and talent for scoring goals.

Early Days in Sweden

Isak was born on September 21, 1999, in Solna, Sweden to parents of Eritrean decent. He kicked off his professional football journey with AIK in 2016, and made headlines by becoming the youngest goal scorer in the history of Sweden’s top division, Allsvenskan, at just 16 years of age. 

European Trials and Triumphs

His impressive performances quickly attracted the attention of major European clubs, which led to his move to the German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund in early 2017. He will then go on to spend two year playing at Dortumnd’s Westfalenstadion.  

Isak’s time at Dortmund turned out to be a great learning opportunity, as noted by CasinoPro. Even though his talent was clear, he had a hard time getting consistent first-team play and struggled to make an impact in the Bundesliga. Looking for more chances on the field, he was loaned to the Dutch team Willem II for the 2018–19 season. It was there that he really started to shine, scoring 13 goals in just 16 appearances and demonstrating his natural scoring ability and composure in front of the net.

This remarkable stint opened the door for a permanent move to Real Sociedad in Spain. Transitioning to La Liga turned out to be a pivotal moment for his growth. Over the course of three seasons, Isak scored 33 goals in 105 appearances and in doing so he played a crucial part in helping Sociedad secure the Copa del Rey in 2020, which was the club’s first major trophy in over three decades. His experience in Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain, really allowed him to sharpen his skills, particularly in areas like link-up play, movement, and finishing.

Premier League Rise with Newcastle

In 2022, Isak took a major leap in his career by signing for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United in the English Premier League for six years for an estimated £63 million. This transfer was a big deal, as he became the club’s record signing under the new owners which consist of a consortium of investors led by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).  

Since then, Isak has emerged as a vital player in Newcastle’s attack. His speed, dribbling finesse, and finishing skills have turned him into one of the most exciting forwards in the Premier League as he is often rumoured with a move to Arsenal FC. This might be in part due to his similar playing style to Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry.  Last season he scored 21 goals in the league, becoming the first Newcastle player since Alan Shearer to reach the 20-goal mark in a Premier League season. This season, he bettered that goal tally by scoring 23 goals, one more than Erling Haaland. There is no doubt that his contributions have greatly enhanced the club’s aspirations both domestically and in European competitions.

International Career

Isak burst onto the scene with the Swedish national team at just 17, making history as the youngest player to score for his country. Since that impressive debut, he’s become a key figure in the squad, showcasing his talent in major tournaments while consistently racking up goals and assists. Since 2017 Isak has played 52 times for the Sweden men’s national team and he scored 16 times so far. With his blend of speed, intelligence, and skill, he’s truly one of the team’s most essential players.

Looking Ahead

Isak really stands out with his tall frame, quick feet, and an impressive calmness even when the pressure is on. He combines the solid presence of a traditional number nine with the agility and flair that we see in today’s forwards. One of his signature celebrations is wonderfully relaxed—he just stands there with his hands on his hips after scoring, perfectly reflecting his cool demeanour.

At just 25 years old, Isak has a thrilling football career ahead of him. With Newcastle gearing up for the future and Sweden relying on his attacking skills, the best is definitely yet to come. If his journey so far is any indication, Isak is on track to become one of Europe’s leading strikers.