Gais Clinches Historic European Qualification with Third-Place Allsvenskan Finish
Gais achieves first European competition qualification since 1989 by finishing third in 2025 Allsvenskan season, with key contributions from Ibrahim Diabaté and celebrations across the club.
- • Gais finished third in the 2025 Allsvenskan, securing European Conference League qualification for 2026.
- • Ibrahim Diabaté scored 17 goals this season, tying for top scorer.
- • The decisive 1-1 draw against Öster ensured Gais’s spot, aided by Djurgården and IFK Göteborg's goalless draw.
- • Players received a bonus for their achievement, reflecting the team's significant progress under coach Fredrik Holmberg.
Key details
Gais secured a remarkable third-place finish in the 2025 Allsvenskan season, earning qualification for the 2026 European Conference League—their first return to European competition since 1989. Their 1-1 draw against Öster at Gamla Ullevi was enough to seal this achievement, aided by a 0-0 stalemate between Djurgården and IFK Göteborg. Ibrahim Diabaté scored the first half goal for Gais, marking his 17th of the season and tying him as league top scorer alongside Nahir Besara and August Priske. Öster’s late equalizer kept them above Degerfors in the relegation battle due to goal difference, although they will miss defender Mattis Adolfsson in their crucial next match due to suspension.
Head coach Fredrik Holmberg expressed immense joy, calling the accomplishment "completely incredible," and players and fans celebrated passionately. Club chief Magnus Sköldmark highlighted how the team surpassed experts' expectations with resilience and belief, moving from a sixth-place finish in 2024 to a top-three spot in 2025. Players will receive a European qualification bonus, with Amin Boudri humorously planning to spend his on accessories. Discussions about Holmberg’s future continue, as his contract has one year remaining and rumors link him to Malmö FF. Despite a modest bonus, players view the financial reward as a symbol of their breakthrough season’s success.