Alexander Isak Biography
Alexander Isak, a Swedish professional footballer who plays forward for Premier League side Newcastle United and the Sweden national team, was born on September 21, 1999 (Swedish: [alksandra isak]).
Isak began his professional career in 2016 with AIK and later represented Willem II and Borussia Dortmund before committing to Real Sociedad in 2019. He joined Newcastle United in 2022 for a record-breaking transfer fee.
Isak has played for Sweden on a full-time basis since 2017, and he has 40 caps to his name. He also represented Sweden at UEFA Euro 2020. He is the team’s and Sweden’s national team’s youngest-ever goal scorer.
Alexander Isak Early life
Isak was born to Eritrean parents and raised in central Stockholm County’s Solna Municipality. At the age of six, he began competing for the youth squad of AIK, an Allsvenskan side that he supports.
Alexander Isak Club career
Breakthrough at AIK
Isak debuted for AIK’s first squad on February 28, 2016, when he came on as a substitute during a Swedish Cup away game against fourth-tier outfit Tenhults IF. Isak, who is 16 years old, scored a goal in the 6-0 triumph.
Isak and fellow young attacker Carlos Strandberg were both started by AIK head coach Andreas Alm on matchday two of the Allsvenskan against stersunds FK on April 7, 2016. At the age of 16 years and 199 days, he became the Allsvenskan’s youngest goal scorer for AIK by scoring the second goal in his team’s 2-0 victory to secure the victory for his team.
Isak opened the scoring in a 2-1 victory over IF Elfsborg on April 25 at AIK’s home field, Friends Arena.
Isak impressed in his first few games and established himself as a first-team regular by the time he signed his first professional contract on May 3, 2016, lasting through the end of the 2018 campaign. Between matchdays 8 and 9, head coach Alm was fired, but new manager Rikard Norling confirmed Isak’s inclusion in the starting eleven.
Isak was 17 on September 21, 2016, and on his birthday, AIK defeated Djurgrdens IF 3-0 in a local derby. Later, teammate Chinedu Obasi referred to him as “Sweden’s new Zlatan Ibrahimovi.”
Borussia Dortmund
Isak signed a long-term contract with Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund on January 23, 2017, that ran through the summer of 2022. Although the transfer fee was not made public, rumors claimed that it was €9 million, the biggest sum ever paid for an Allsvenskan player at the time. Isak reportedly turned down a move to Real Madrid before signing with Dortmund.
On March 14, 2017, Isak made his debut for the team in a 3-0 cup victory over Sportfreunde Lotte. Isak won his first trophy with the team as Dortmund won the 2016–17 DFB–Pokal despite making just one appearance in the competition and missing the final roster.
On October 24, 2017, he scored his first goal for Dortmund in a match that they won 5-0 over 1. FC Magdeburg in the second round of the 2017–18 DFB–Pokal.
Loan to Willem II
Isak was loaned to Dutch Eredivisie club Willem II after not making an appearance for Borussia Dortmund during the 2018–19 Bundesliga season. He assisted Willem II in reaching the Dutch cup final for the first time since 2005 on February 28, 2019, when Willem II defeated AZ Alkmaar and converted the game-winning penalty. In a 3-2 victory over Fortuna Sittard on March 30, 2019, he made history by being the first player to ever score three penalties in an Eredivisie game. On April 14, 2019, Isak made league history by becoming the first player of foreign birth to score 12 goals in his first 12 league contests.
Real Sociedad
2019–20 season
Isak joined Real Sociedad on July 1, 2019, and on June 12, 2019, he agreed to a five-year contract earning £988,000 per year, or £19000 per week. He made his debut for the La Liga team that day, scoring his first goal. He played well the rest of the preseason, tallying four goals in five contests. On September 22, 2019, Isak scored his first goal in a Real Sociedad match against RCD Espanyol, winning 3-1 in La Liga. Isak scored two goals and provided one assist against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal on February 6. He scored the game-winning goal against Athletic Bilbao in the Basque derby on February 9.
Isak won his first trophy with the team on April 3, 2021, as he started and played for 89 minutes of Real Sociedad’s 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the 2020 Copa del Rey Final.
2020–21 season
He became the first Swedish player to score a La Liga hat-trick since Henry “Garvis” Carlsson done so for Atletico Madrid in 1949 on February 21, 2021, in a 4-0 league victory against Deportivo Alavés.
2021–22 season
Isak led Real Sociedad to a sixth-place La Liga finish that season with 10 goals in all competitions.
Newcastle United
2022–23 season
Isak committed to Premier League team Newcastle United on August 26, 2022, for an undisclosed sum that is rumored to be more than $70 million, setting a club transfer record. The deal is for a six-year deal that runs through June 2028 and pays £6,240,000 annually (or £120,000 per week). In a 2-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield on August 31, he scored on his debut and was named player of the game.
Isak returned to the squad to play the opening half of the FA Cup third round encounter against Sheffield Wednesday after missing 16 competitive games due to a hamstring injury following a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in which he scored a penalty. He scored his first goal since the injury on January 15, 2023, in the 89th minute of a 1-0 victory over Fulham. The second goal, a penalty in extra time to seal the victory over Nottingham Forest, was Isak’s first brace for Newcastle on March 17.
On April 23, he scored twice in the span of two minutes to defeat Tottenham Hotspur by a score of 6-1. Five days later, he outran three Everton defenders to pass the ball to Jacob Murphy, who finished with the game’s final goal in a 4-1 victory away from home. This caused his manager Eddie Howe to bring up comparisons to Thierry Henry.
2023–24 season
Isak scored twice in the season’s opening 5-1 victory over Aston Villa on August 12, 2023.
Alexander Isak International career
Isak competed for Swedish youth national teams from U-16 to U-21. He was selected for the Sweden national team to play Slovakia and Ivory Coast in friendlies on January 8 and 12, respectively. In the 62nd minute of a 1-2 defeat, he made his international debut against the Ivory Coast, replacing Per Frick. He started the second game against Slovakia, scoring the opening goal in a 6-0 victory in the 19th minute to set a Swedish national team record for the youngest goal scorer ever.
Isak debuted for Sweden on March 23, 2019, when he came on as a substitute for Robin Quaison in the 88th minute of a 2-1 victory over Romania in a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying match.
On June 7, 2019, Sweden defeated Malta in a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying match at Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, and Isak scored his first goal in a competitive match for Sweden. With a score of 3-0, Isak scored the final goal.
Isak’s inclusion in Sweden’s 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2020 marked his first call-up for a major event.
Alexander Isak Facts
Moulded in Sweden, but steeped in Eritrean culture
Isak was born in Solna, Sweden, but his parents fled to Eritrea because of a protracted civil conflict and to provide better chances for their children.
The striker has always had a strong sense of loyalty to his Eritrean culture, despite growing up as a Swede. He still has a strong connection to his hometown and is currently involved in a number of youth soccer initiatives in Asmara, the country’s capital. Even Isak himself went to East Africa in 2018 to learn more about Eritrea.
Isak has also participated in a number of humanitarian endeavors and supported organizations that help underprivileged children and youth.
Isak gave his jersey and boots to a charity auction in 2020 to collect money for the Swedish group “Min Stora Dag” (My Big Day), which helps youngsters with life-threatening illnesses or disabilities realize their hopes and aspirations.
With Isak’s contribution, the worthy cause received more than 18,000 euros.
Nicknamed ‘The New Zlatan’ and ‘Giraffe’
When Isak, then 16, made his debut with AIK, he was compared to Ibrahimovi.
Despite the differences in their personalities, playing techniques, and demeanor, Isak’s height and Swedish heritage made comparisons inevitable. The two’s blend of exquisite agility and unbridled strength also shared certain similarities.
Due to his long neck and skinny frame, previous colleagues gave the 6ft 2in striker the nickname “Giraffe.”
The youngest Swedish national team goalscorer in history
He continued to cast spells that broke records. Isak received a call-up to the Sweden first team roster for two exhibition games in January 2017. Four days after making his debut as a substitute against the Ivory Coast, he had his first start against Slovakia and netted the opening goal in Sweden’s convincing 6-0 triumph.
At the age of 17 years, three months, and 22 days, Isak broke a 105-year-old record by becoming the nation’s youngest goal scorer.
The Next Thierry Henry?
Isak is like all athletes in having someone they look up to and who inspires them. Isak acknowledged that the legendary Thierry Henry of the Gunners was his boyhood football hero in an interview with Min Stora Dag.
Isak, who is 6 feet 4 inches tall, is thought to play similarly to the legendary Arsenal player.
Both players can be dangerous from open play build-ups, as well as in the box, and they both enjoy finding the back of the net. They both have a tall, thin body and a devastating combination of technical genius and free-flowing quick feet.
He has a little bit of everything, just like Henry.
The youngster is a cool customer in front of goal, a good dribbler, and an instinctive finisher. He can catch onto passes, glide past opponents, and then casually fire beyond the keeper. He also possesses poacher instincts.
Youngest debutant goalscorer in Swedish top-tier
At the age of 16 years and 199 days, Isak made his AIK professional debut on February 28, 2016, in a game against stersunds FK. He was thereafter the youngest player to ever appear in an Allsvenskan game.
Isak really put on a strong display in his first game for AIK, scoring the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory to become the league’s youngest-ever goal scorer on his debut.
This was an impressive accomplishment for a young player and contributed to his status as one of the most sought-after prospects in Swedish football at the time.
Turned down Real Madrid before signing for Dortmund
Numerous elite European clubs pursued Isak, but he reportedly rejected Real Madrid before agreeing to a contract with Borussia Dortmund.
In January 2016, the Spanish powerhouses made an offer of €8 million for Isak’s services, shattering Ibrahimovic’s transfer to Ajax in 2001 as the most expensive transfer in Swedish football history.
The striker appeared to be about to agree to a five-year deal with Madrid, but Isak decided to move to Dortmund because of their reputation for nurturing youthful talent and their assurance of a direct route to the first squad.
Scored three penalties in one game!
Isak’s pivotal loan season at Willem II revealed his genuine abilities and boundless potential. The then-19-year-old was under a lot of pressure to perform well after failing to make an impression at Dortmund, and he went on an incredible scoring spree, hitting 14 goals in just 15 games.
Along the way, he also set a few records. In a 3-2 victory over Fortuna Sittard, he made history by being the first player to ever score three penalties in an Eredivisie game. He also became the first player who was not born in the Netherlands to score 12 goals in as many Eredivisie games by tallying 12 goals.
Music is his thing!
Isak is not only a gifted football player; he also has a fine ear for music. His listening preferences demonstrate his enthusiasm for music, as evidenced by the time he was seen rapping on a bench while working for Sociedad.
Isak stated in a LaLiga interview that he enjoys listening to music prior to matches as part of his pre-match ritual to help him get in the zone. He added that listening to music makes him feel good and keeps him motivated on the field.
I enjoy listening to music before the games; it’s part of my ritual, he declared. Music assists me in setting a positive mood before the game.
On the field, motivation and self-assurance are crucial, and music can support those feelings.
Sparkled at Euro 2020
With his efforts at Euro 2020, when he picked up assists against Poland and Ukraine and passed the eye test with his pace, dribbling skills, and determination to shoot on sight, the promising Swedish striker first really caught the attention of the wider world.
Former England striker and BBC pundit Gary Lineker was all praise for Isak during the Euros, tweeting: “I don’t think there’s any doubt that Alexander Isak will get interest from teams all over Europe. Outstanding talent.
He was accurate. Isak is recognized as one of the most intriguing young players in European football and is seen as one of the game’s future stars thanks to his efforts at Euro 2020.
The following year, Arsenal tried to speak with Isak but were unsuccessful since La Real wanted a high fee for their prized possession.
A footballing Unicorn
Isak has frequently been referred to as a football unicorn because of his special physical characteristics.
Isak has a lot of technical skill and is remarkably agile for a player his height. He belongs to a special breed of tall players who are gifted with abilities often found in players of much lesser size since he is swift across the field and a great ball carrier.
He’s skilled at taking advantage of opportunities that come his way, but he can also make his own opportunities for shooting appear. He is equally skilled at running in behind the defense of the opposition as playing as a target man. Thus, he justifies the moniker “footballing unicorn” that many media outlets have given him.
Youngest player to score in five consecutive La Liga games
Isak, who is 21 years and 146 days old, scored goals in five straight La Liga matches in the twenty-first century, making him 75 days younger than Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero (21 years 221 days) and 85 days younger than Antonio Sanabria (21 years 231 days).
Even longer was required for other LaLiga great to accomplish the accomplishment.
Both Samuel Eto’o and Gonzalo Higuain, who were regarded as elite-level strikers, accomplished it at the ages of 22 years and 62 days and 22 years and 115 days, respectively.
Isak’s accomplishment at such a young age is evidence of his skill and football potential.
Once destroyed Real Madrid single-handedly!
Isak played for Real Sociedad for three seasons, the first two of which were exceptional enough to draw the interest of elite clubs due to his 16 goals in his first season, when he was just 19, and his 17 goals the following year.
His best performance was against Real Madrid in a Copa del Rey match at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2020 when he scored twice, was denied a third by a VAR offside call, and contributed a third in a 4-3 victory. He had a great future, and his ominous speed in the background wrecked the day.
It was his coming-of-age performance that won him the admiration of the devoted members of Sociedad. More happiness would come when Sociedad defeated Athletic Bilbao 1-0 in the Copa del Rey championship, giving him his first trophy in his first campaign.
An Adidas-sponsored player
Isak, a fashion enthusiast and Adidas ambassador, has worked with the company on a number of projects, including the introduction of his own trademark boot, the Adidas Nemeziz Alexander Isak.
Additionally, he has appeared in several Adidas commercials, most notably the “Impossible Is Nothing” campaign in 2021.
Along with other Adidas ambassadors like Lionel Messi and Paul Pogba, Isak was included in a campaign that highlighted the athletes’ paths to achievement and triumph over hardship.
Through their cooperation with Isak, Adidas are able to capitalize on his popularity and influence among Swedish fans.
Alexander Isak Awards & Nominations
- PFA Fans’ Player of the Month (March 2023)
- 2023 Nominated for Premier League Player of the Month (March)
- 2023 Nominated for Premier League Goal of the Month (March)
- 2022-23 Nominated for Premier League Young Player of the Season
Alexander Isak Social Media
- Instagram handle: Alexander Isak (@alex_isak)
- Twitter handle: Alexander Isak (@IsakNUFC)
- Facebook: Alexander Isak Official
- Tiktok: Alexander Isak (@footballnotsoccer85)
Alexander Isak Personal Life
The well-known football star Alexander Isak, 23, is single right now, and there is no information available about any previous relationships he may have had. He is not wed and is not parents.
Alexander Isak is resolute in his commitment to his successful job and openly admits that he is not interested in seeking a love relationship. It’s also important to note that he doesn’t have any kids.
Alexander Isak Net Worth
Alexander Isak, a gifted football player, has a staggering net worth of $45.8 million. His yearly wage of £6,240,000 (€7 million) from his team, Newcastle United, further attests to his financial achievement.
The 6-year deal Alexander Isak signed in 2022, which guarantees him a stunning sum of £37,440,000 (€42 million), is a testament to his dedication to the team. Without a doubt, Isak’s enormous importance and promise to his club are reflected in such lucrative terms.
Is Alexander Isak Somalian?
Isak was born to Eritrean parents and raised in central Stockholm County’s Solna Municipality.
Which African country is Isak from?
Isak has demonstrated his pride in his nation over the years. He traveled there with his family in 2018: He was hosted by Ambassador Zemede Tekle, Eritrea’s Commissioner of Culture and Sports.
How much does Alexander Isak earn?
With Newcastle United F.C., Alexander Isak agreed to a six-year, £37,440,000 contract that also included an average annual income of £6,240,000. Isak will have a base salary of £6,240,000 and a cap hit of £6,240,000 in 2023.
Where is Ansah from?
Ansah, a native of Accra, Ghana, started his career at Sporting Lokeren in Belgium before moving to Beitar Tel Aviv in Israel in 2017. Ramla
