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Nathalie Björn was one of three Sweden internationals recruited by Everton in the summer of 2021.
An experienced defender who has years of her career still ahead, Björn made her first club move away from her homeland when she joined the Blues from Rosengård in July of that year and quickly settled into life in the Barclays FA Women's Super League.
Considered as one of the best defenders in Europe, Björn has competed at the highest level, having played in the UEFA Women's Champions League during her domestic spell in Sweden.
Internationally the Everton number five has represented Sweden at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup where she helped the side to a third-placed finish, and secured a silver medal in the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Calm and composed in possession and confident going forward, Björn offers versatility in her game and provides assurance at both ends of the park.
In her debut season in England, Björn made 16 appearances for the Blues in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League.
Minor injuries caused frustration for the Swede who was unable to gain momentum with consecutive appearances until the final months of the campaign. However, her patience was ultimately rewarded as she netted her first goal for the Club on the final day of the season.
Everton and international teammate Anna Anvegård played the ball into her fellow Scandinavian who fired in the opener in a 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Björn helped to secure Sweden’s place at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and would go onto compete in her second successive summer tournament in the European Championship campaign in England in 2022.
Björn impressed as Sweden beat the likes of Portugal and Belgium in the knockout phase to reach the EURO semi-final before being beaten by eventual tournament winners England.
The Blues defender started every game at the tournament and showed her versatility playing across all areas of the field.
Following the appointment of manager Brian Sorensen at Everton, Björn was inducted into the captain’s group alongside four other members of the Blues squad. The Swede would captain the Club on numerous occasions.
Her second season for Everton was full of consistent performances as Björn led by example to help achieve a top-six finish for the side.
That hard work was ultimately recognised by her peers as she was voted Players’ Player of the Season for the 2022/23 campaign.
Björn is expected to compete in her third successive summer tournament when Sweden compete in the Women's World Cup in the summer of 2023.
Contacted until: June 2024
