Joel Andersson

Eric Joel Andersson (born 11 November 1996) is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Danish Superliga club Midtjylland. He is the twin brother of Adam Andersson.

BK Häcken
A native of Gothenburg, Andersson started playing football with Västra Frölunda IF. At the age of 15, he also made some appearances for the first team, who at the time were competing in the fourth-tier Division 2.

In 2013, Andersson moved to BK Häcken, another team in the Gothenburg area, but the first two years he spent in the youth academy. He was promoted to the first team in 2015 alongside his twin brother, Adam Andersson, and began making regular appearances in Allsvenskan. Joel and Adam, however, were not the only twins appearing for the team, given the presence of the two Gustafson's, Samuel and Simon. From the 2016 season, Joel Andersson established himself permanently as the starting right-back in the team.

Midtjylland
On 2 July 2018, Andersson signed a five-year contract with Danish Superliga club Midtjylland. He made his competitive debut for the club on 28 July, starting in a 3–1 league victory against Esbjerg fB. On 7 December, he scored his first goal for Ulvene, sealing their 3–0 win in the 89th minute by slotting home a sharp cross from Awer Mabil against OB. In the 2018–19 season, he was part of the Midtjylland team that won the Danish Cup by beating Brøndby in the final. He scored once in 30 league appearances that season, with the team finishing second in the league table.

The following season, Midtjylland won their third Danish Superliga title with Andersson scoring one goal in 31 appearances during the league campaign.

Andersson struggled with injury through the 2020–21 season, making only thirteen league appearances as the team finished in second place, one point behind eventual title winners Brøndby.

On 14 March 2022, Andersson extended his contract with Midtjylland until 2026. During the 2021–22 season, Andersson contributed to Midtjylland winning their second ever Danish Cup, making six appearances and scoring a goal on their journey to the final. In the final, he played the full duration, helping his team secure a win against OB through a penalty shootout.

Halfway through the 2022–23 season, Andersson suffered a setback in the form of a foot injury which sidelined him for the remainder of the season. On 18 July 2023, Midtjylland announced via official channels that Andersson had undergone successful foot surgery, with his return to the pitch expected no sooner than late 2023.

Andersson lost his spot in the starting lineup under head coach Thomas Thomasberg, who was appointed in March 2023. In an interview, Andersson expressed his frustration with the situation: "If I'm not even part of the match squad, there's no reason to stay. I'm 27 years old and I know my qualities."

International career
Andersson made his debut for the Sweden national team on 7 January 2018 in a friendly against Estonia.

Honours
BK Häcken
 * Svenska Cupen: 2015–16

Midtjylland
 * Danish Superliga: 2019–20
 * Danish Cup: 2018–19, 2021–22