September 7, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Racing Louisville FC News Release
Racing Louisville FC midfielder Freja Olofsson
(Racing Louisville FC, Credit: USA Today Sports Images)
Racing Louisville FC and Real Madrid have agreed on a transfer for Freja Olofsson, sending the midfielder to the prestigious Spanish club in exchange for a fee, it was announced Wednesday.
Olofsson appeared in 46 matches for Racing over two seasons, starting 37 times. Part of Racing’s original roster, the 24-year-old from Sweden played a key role in building Racing Louisville as an NWSL expansion club, competing in the second-most games of any Racing player to this point.
But, Olofsson said, an offer from one of soccer’s most-famous teams was too good to pass up – especially for someone who grew up in Europe.
“This is a great opportunity for me as a player,” Olofsson said, “and I’m very excited to play for such a big club and well-known brand.”
“Since her arrival, Freja has been an exemplary professional and is someone we all hold in very high esteem,” said Racing president James O’Connor. “We totally understand and respect Freja’s decision, and everyone at Racing Louisville wishes her the very best for the future.”
Olofsson, who joined Racing from Swedish club KIF Örebro DFF, operated in the central midfield for Louisville. She primarily held down the No. 6 holding midfield duty in her first year before shifting to a further-forward No. 8 role during the current campaign.
“I feel very happy, very glad and very honored to have been a part of Racing Louisville, such a special place,” Olofsson said. “Coming here was the first time I really felt like a professional athlete. The facility and the environment are top class. As a women’s soccer player, it’s hard to find that. I’ve had a great relationship with everyone.”
“Freja is a hardworking player that has been very popular in the group, and we will miss her a lot,” said Racing coach Björkegren, a fellow Swede. “But as a European, I also understand how momentous it is to get an offer from one of largest clubs in the world, Real Madrid. So for us it’s fantastic to see how a player can grow here, and when she leaves, she leaves for Real. I wish Freja all the best in the future, and she is always welcome back Louisville.”
Olofsson joins a Real Madrid squad that finished third last season in Spain’s Primera Division and qualified for the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying rounds for this season.