Arsenal Women have officially confirmed that Swedish international Stina Blackstenius has committed her future to the club, signing a new two-year contract extension.
The 30-year-old striker, a pivotal figure in the Gunners’ frontline since her arrival in 2022, will now remain at Meadow Park through the 2027/28 season. Known for her clinical finishing and intelligent movement off the ball, Blackstenius has been a consistent source of goals in the Women’s Super League (WSL).
Early life and career beginnings
Emma Stina Blackstenius the forward has earned a reputation for her tireless work rate and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments. She began her senior career in her native Sweden, rising through the ranks at Linköpings FC and BK Häcken.
At Häcken, Blackstenius enjoyed immense domestic success, securing the Damallsvenskan title in 2020. Her individual prowess was equally evident in 2021, when she finished as the league’s top scorer with 17 goals in just 21 appearances. Beyond her league success, she also lifted the Svenska Cupen multiple times.
On the international stage, Blackstenius has earned over 120 caps for Sweden, netting more than 40 goals. She has been a cornerstone of the national team during major tournaments, helping Sweden reach the semi-finals of Euro 2022 and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, in addition to claiming two Olympic silver medals in 2016 and 2021.
The move to North London
Arsenal secured Blackstenius on a free transfer from BK Häcken in January 2022. She made an immediate impact, finding the back of the net against Manchester United shortly after her debut. Over the past four years, the No. 25 has become a reliable focal point for the Arsenal attack.
Her tenure in North London is defined by several historic highlights:
League Cup Dominance: Scoring in the 2022–23 and 2023–24 campaigns, including the dramatic extra-time winner against Chelsea in the 2024 final.
Clutch Performances: A vital late double against Manchester City during the 2023–24 season.
European Glory: Playing a central role in Arsenal’s 2025 UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph, which included a memorable goal in the final against Barcelona.
A proven winner in N5
Since joining from BK Häcken, Stina has scored 64 goals in 152 appearances for Arsenal. Her knack for the spectacular has seen her win all four finals she has contested in a Gunners shirt. Her trophy cabinet now boasts two League Cup titles, a FIFA Champions Cup winners’ medal, and the historic 2025 Champions League title.
The club noted her importance in a recent statement once she officially extended her stay at the club
“Our number 25 joined us from Swedish side BK Hacken in 2022 and has become a firm favourite with our supporters, gaining a reputation as an instinctive finisher and important team player.
Stina has scored 64 goals in 152 appearances for Arsenal – none more important than the late winner against Barcelona that wrote her name into the history books as we clinched a historic second UEFA Women’s Champions League title in May 2025.”
The decision to extend her stay comes as Arsenal seek to maintain squad stability and build on their recent European and domestic success. For Blackstenius, the decision was driven by her deep connection to the club’s culture and fanbase.
“Obviously, I’m really happy signing this new contract,” she said. “I’ve been in the club for a long time now but I’m so happy to stay for some more time. I love playing for Arsenal and love the club, love the team and I’m just so excited for what’s ahead.”
She was also quick to praise the Arsenal faithful:
“The supporters we have, I feel like they always show up no matter what and it’s hard to describe because it really means so much for us as a team. I feel like they always have our back, no matter the game. I feel like they’re always so loud cheering us on, and it has helped us in so many games, so I feel like we’re really lucky to have supporters like that and it’s huge that we have that almost every game.”
With her future secured, Blackstenius is focused on adding more silverware to the trophy cabinet at the club, with a particular hunger to repeat the club’s recent European success.
“The experience of winning the Champions League was really a feeling that we want to do this again and we have the chance this year again,” she said. “So it’s just amazing to know that we know what it feels like now. That gives us even more hunger to actually achieve it again and do it with the fans and everyone that’s cheering us on.
💬 “It always gives me goosebumps thinking about that day. Just so much happiness.” pic.twitter.com/m2o8d5g6aX
The contract extension for Stina Blackstenius is more than just a squad retention move; it is a statement of intent from Arsenal Women. By securing their “Super Swede” until 2028, the Gunners have ensured that one of the most clinical and big-game-ready strikers in world football remains the spearhead of their attack.
For the fans who have sang her name through League Cup triumphs and historic European nights, the message is clear: Stina is here to stay, and the hunt for trophies is far from over.
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