It was her first-ever Chelsea hat-trick and that joy was compounded when she was awarded the Swedish Forward of the Year award at the end of 2025. There was one person in particular who took great pride in her recent achievements.

In an interview we conducted earlier this year, the winger described her father as her ‘number one supporter and number one role model’, and when she flew home to Stockholm after the match with Liverpool, he was awaiting her with a very special sign that read ‘Miss Hat-Trick’.

When we sat down with Johanna at the winter training camp in Portugal, she explained that his appearance – and the sign – were a complete surprise.

‘No, I had no idea,’ she said. ‘He really was interested in getting to know when I was going to arrive in Stockholm, and he was texting me like, "Okay, are you on your way?" I was thinking, "What is this?"

‘He always comes and greets me normally. But I had no idea that he was going to show up with that sign he made himself. It was so cute! He was super proud. You could tell on his face. I'm so happy I have that support from home.

‘My family put in so much work for me to succeed and to be where I am today. I wouldn't be anything without them.

‘It was an amazing feeling to win the Forward of the Year award. I feel super proud because there are so many good forwards in Sweden, so it’s very special to get that recognition.

‘I felt good last year. We had an amazing Euros. Unfortunately, we didn’t go all the way, but it's always nice to receive something for all the hard work and everything you put in.’

While the end of 2025 was full of celebration for Rytting Kaneryd, the attacker is by no means resting on her laurels as we head into a brand new year.

With that in mind, she has adapted her style to become more ruthless in terms of taking shots on goal and will be looking to score even more in the second half of the season.

‘There’s even more to come from me in terms of goals, for sure,’ said the winger. ‘Last season, I played more than I've been playing so far this season, so I think being more efficient is important, and I feel like I'm getting there.

‘I feel I'm more direct in the way I play. I'm just enjoying playing football right now, and when I get the opportunity to score or pass for an assist, I take it. I feel good about it, but I'm never satisfied. I always want to strive for more.

‘I’ve always been a player who looks for the extra pass, and maybe I don't take the shot myself, but the coaches have been very clear that we need to take the opportunity when it's given, because in football, it's about details. You have to make a decision really quickly. You can't wait a second because the opportunity will be over.

'For me, it's getting into the habit of taking my chances when they come. It’s best for the team. If I score and it helps the team to win, it's beneficial for everyone. It’s a mindset, really.'

Rytting Kaneryd has the bit between her teeth and is looking to continue the forward momentum she has built as the games become decisive after the winter break.

‘We know that the important games start in the second half of the season,’ she continued. ‘I think we all know, we're playing Arsenal, we're playing Man City, we’re playing really good teams, and I think for us, it's about being consistent in our performance and also being efficient.

‘That's something we really need to work hard for. We can create a lot of chances during a game, but it's about scoring goals. That's how we win football games, it’s about finding the right balance. We're super, super motivated. I look forward so much to playing in these big games. I have a good feeling.’