Evelina Duljan Bio
Evelina Pirjo Jovanka Duljan (born 12 May 2003) is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for the Houston Dash of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Standing 1.60 m tall, she wears jersey number 7 and has been active in senior football since 2017. Duljan is of Nigerian descent and has represented Sweden at multiple youth international levels.
Across her career, she has competed in Sweden, Italy, and the United States, winning the 2024 NWSL Championship with Orlando Pride. She plays primarily as a right back or midfielder, offering versatility along the right side of the field. Her path from Kristianstads DFF to top European and American clubs marks her as one of Sweden’s promising young players.
Early Life and Background
Evelina Pirjo Jovanka Duljan was born on 12 May 2003 in Kristianstad, Sweden. She grew up in a country where women’s football has long enjoyed strong grassroots support, and she developed her early interest in the sport in the Scania region of southern Sweden. Her background is Swedish, with Nigerian heritage through her family roots, giving her a multicultural upbringing that has shaped her identity on and off the pitch.
As a child, Duljan played handball because there was no girls’ football team available in her local area. When a club finally opened opportunities for girls, she joined her first football club, Näsby IF, at the age of eleven. This late entry into organized football did not hold her back, as she quickly progressed through the youth ranks at Kristianstads DFF and earned recognition for her technical skill and composure on the ball.
Her early years in Kristianstad provided a steady foundation, allowing her to develop the passing range and tactical awareness that would later define her style. By her mid-teens, she was already training with senior players and representing her country at youth international level.
Path to Soccer
Duljan’s pathway into senior professional football began at Kristianstads DFF, where she moved through the club’s youth system and into the first team in 2017. She spent the formative years of her career there, learning the demands of regular senior competition in the Swedish top flight. Her progress was steady, and she became a reliable presence in midfield and at right back for the club.
In 2021, she was loaned to Växjö DFF to gain additional first-team minutes and broaden her experience in the Swedish league. The spell helped her adapt to different tactical setups and increased her visibility within Swedish football circles. Upon returning to Kristianstads DFF, she continued to develop before making her move abroad.
On 12 August 2022, Duljan joined Serie A club Juventus, marking her transition to one of Europe’s top leagues. She made 23 appearances in all competitions for Juventus before her contract was mutually terminated in June 2023. Her time in Italy prepared her for the physical and tactical intensity of elite European football, paving the way for her move to the NWSL.
Evelina Duljan Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
Duljan’s early senior career was anchored at Kristianstads DFF, where she debuted in 2017 and remained a regular contributor through 2022. She trained and played alongside experienced Swedish internationals, which accelerated her tactical development. The club’s environment helped her refine her positional play between midfield and right back.
Her loan to Växjö DFF in 2021 gave her exposure to a different squad and league schedule, sharpening her adaptability. Returning to Kristianstads DFF for the 2022 season, she continued to log consistent minutes before securing a high-profile transfer to Juventus later that year.
Juventus Era (2022–2023)
Duljan signed with Juventus on 12 August 2022, stepping into the Women’s Serie A, one of Europe’s strongest domestic leagues. The move represented a significant step up in competition level and tested her ability to perform against top European opposition. She featured regularly for the Italian side across domestic and continental fixtures.
During her time at Juventus, Duljan made 23 appearances in all competitions, contributing as a versatile right back and midfielder. Her contract was mutually terminated in June 2023, ending her spell in Italy. Although brief, the experience added tactical depth to her game and raised her profile ahead of the NWSL move.
Orlando Pride Era (2024–2025)
On 2 January 2024, Duljan signed a one-year contract with Orlando Pride, beginning her career in American professional soccer. She made eight appearances during the 2024 NWSL season, contributing to a campaign that culminated in the NWSL Championship. The title win highlighted her role in a squad that emerged as one of the league’s most balanced teams.
Although her playing time in Orlando was limited, she gained valuable experience within a championship-winning environment. The single season provided her with insight into the pace, physicality, and structure of the NWSL, preparing her for a larger role at her next club.
Houston Dash Era (2025–Present)
On 10 February 2025, Duljan signed with fellow NWSL side Houston Dash, where she was assigned jersey number 7. The move offered her a fresh opportunity to secure a more prominent role within the league. Houston’s project aimed at building around young international talent fit her career trajectory.
At Houston Dash, Duljan continues to operate as a midfielder, providing passing range and defensive work along the right side of the pitch. Her adaptation to a new system and city marks the latest chapter in a career that has already spanned Sweden, Italy, and the United States.
Driving Style and Strengths
Duljan’s strengths lie in her positional versatility, calm distribution, and willingness to contribute defensively. Comfortable at right back or in central midfield, she reads the game with maturity beyond her years and supports transitions effectively.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among her career highlights, winning the 2024 NWSL Championship with Orlando Pride stands as a defining achievement. Her move to Juventus in 2022 marked her arrival on the European stage, while her signing with Houston Dash in 2025 represented a new challenge in the NWSL.
Evelina Duljan Career Wins
Evelina Duljan has collected major team honours across her clubs in Sweden, Italy, and the United States. Her most notable title is the 2024 NWSL Championship, won with Orlando Pride during her first season in the league.
Orlando Pride Highlights
Duljan joined Orlando Pride in January 2024 and contributed to their 2024 NWSL Championship success. Her eight appearances during the campaign helped the side capture the league title.
Other Wins & Performances
At Juventus, Duljan featured in Serie A and European competitions during the 2022–2023 season, adding 23 appearances in all competitions to her resume and gaining experience at one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Evelina Duljan Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Evelina Duljan is of Nigerian descent, reflecting a multicultural heritage that connects her to both Sweden and West Africa. While specific details about her parents and siblings are not publicly documented, her background has been part of her public identity.
Personal Life
Duljan grew up in Kristianstad and began her football journey relatively late, joining her first club at eleven after playing handball in her youth. She has continued to live and work internationally, building her career across Sweden, Italy, and the United States.
2025 Season Performance
Duljan’s 2025 season began with a fresh start at Houston Dash after signing in February. Joining a club building around young international talent, she was given jersey number 7 and a role in midfield. Her early appearances aimed to establish her as a regular contributor within the team’s structure.
The campaign offered her an opportunity to expand on the experience gained during Orlando Pride’s championship run the previous year. With one NWSL title already on her resume, she entered 2025 focused on consistency and impact at her new club.
Looking ahead, her combination of European top-flight experience and NWSL-winning pedigree positions her as a key figure in Houston’s midfield. Continued development and regular minutes will shape her trajectory as she builds toward future international opportunities with Sweden.