Legends

Happy Birthday, Kim Källström!

With almost 300 Ligue 1 McDonald's appearances to his name, Swedish midfielder Kim Källström was a mainstay in France's top-flight for almost a decade.
L. ENTWISTLE
Published on 08/24/2025 at 00:00
1-minute read
Former Lyon and Rennes midfielder Kim Källström celebrates his birthday today.

Today, we celebrate the 42nd birthday of Kim Källström, who lit up Ligue 1 McDonald's between 2004 and 2012, firstly for Rennes and then later for Lyon.

A legend of the Swedish national team with an impressive 131 caps, the stylish midfielder made his name in France. It is here that he was at the peak of his powers, frequently displaying his impressive ball-striking and playmaking abilities. In 281 appearances in Ligue 1 McDonald's, he scored 37 times, whilst also registering 38 assists.

Källström, Sweden's fourth-most capped player, began his journey in French football when he joined Rennes from Djurgården back in January 2004. His impact was almost immediate, and by the end of his first half-season, he had already netted seven goals for the Breton club.

In 2006, he made the move to Ligue 1 McDonald's rivals OL. There, he added trophies to his cabinet. He won the Ligue 1 McDonald's title in his first season, and then did so again in his second. The midfielder also went on to win the Coupe de France on two occasions, including in his final season with the club, before he joined Spartak Moscow. 

Before retiring in 2017, Källström also spent a brief spell at Arsenal in the Premier League, before finishing his career in his native Sweden, back at Djurgården.

Happy Birthday, Kim Källström!

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