Eritrean icon Henok Goitom named coach of Degerfors

Former Eritrean international Henok Goitom has been named head coach of Swedish Allsvenskan side Degerfors IF. Goitom has agreed to a contract that runs through 2026.

The Swedish league strugglers hope Goitom can turn around their fortunes. The former striker is a well-known figure in Swedish football, having made a name for himself with giants AIK, where he is considered a club legend. He also played for Italian side Udinese, Spanish clubs Almería, Real Valladolid, and Getafe. In 2016, he had a brief stint with Major League Soccer side San Jose Earthquakes.

After retiring, Goitom took on coaching responsibilities with the youth teams of AIK. He served as interim head coach of the club in 2024 and now takes the helm at Degerfors for the current season.

Born in Solna to Eritrean parents, Goitom, 40, represented Sweden at youth level before switching his international allegiance to Eritrea in 2015.

He scored one goal for the Red Sea Camels during his brief international stint and is credited with opening the door for other players of Eritrean descent to follow in his footsteps. Goitom is also known for being a role model and mentor to Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, who is also of Eritrean descent.

Degerfors IF are currently in the relegation zone, sitting 14th with 13 points, the same point tally as 13th-placed IK Sirius FK.