Magdalena Eriksson Breaks New Ground as Bayern Munich Women’s Player and Men’s Team Scout

Magdalena Eriksson, a centre-back for Bayern Munich’s women’s side, has been appointed to the men’s scouting department while continuing her playing career. The club approached her in 2023 after director of football Bianca Rech recommended her. Following six months of training over the summer, Eriksson began working from Bayern’s Säbener Straße office at the start of the new season, receiving assignments that include writing scouting reports and recommending players.

The Guardian

Scouting departments within women’s clubs have traditionally been scarce because limited resources are directed toward immediate needs. Increased investment and a growing talent pool have prompted Bayern to expand scouting across both the women’s and men’s sides, creating a pathway for active players to contribute to talent identification.

The Guardian

• Magdalena Eriksson – active centre-back and new scout for Bayern Munich men’s team.

The Guardian

• Nils Schmadtke – head of scouting for Bayern Munich men’s side, who advocated Eriksson’s appointment.

The Guardian

• Bianca Rech – director of football for Bayern Munich women’s team, who facilitated the connection.

The Guardian

• Pernille Harder – Eriksson’s fiancé and former professional player, who informally assists her scouting work.

The Guardian

Eriksson’s six-month training involved evaluating player profiles, drafting reports, and learning Bayern’s scouting methodology. She now oversees the South American market, tracking emerging talent across leagues and receiving target suggestions from senior staff. While she evaluates all outfield positions, goalkeeper scouting is handled by a specialist. Eriksson also watches Bayern men’s matches to assess how prospective players might fit the club’s system.

The Guardian

• Six months of formal scouting training completed.

The Guardian

• Assigned responsibility for the South American talent pool.

The Guardian

• Covers scouting for all outfield positions; goalkeeper scouting delegated elsewhere.

The Guardian

Bayern Munich has stressed that Eriksson’s playing duties remain primary and that her scouting role will not detract from her performance on the pitch. The club’s scouting head, Nils Schmadtke, emphasized that Eriksson’s perspective as an active player offers a distinct advantage, irrespective of gender.

The Guardian

• “We know you’re going to offer such a good perspective. Yes, you are a woman and you’re from women’s football, but mainly you are an active football player and active football players always have a different perspective.” — Nils Schmadtke, Head of Scouting, Bayern Munich

The Guardian

• “She’s a bit of a consultant.” — Magdalena Eriksson (referring to Pernille Harder)

The Guardian

Eriksson’s appointment is presented as a step toward breaking gender barriers in professional football. Club officials and Eriksson herself argue that a player’s on-field experience offers valuable insight for scouting, and that integrating women’s football expertise can enrich talent evaluation across both men’s and women’s programs.

The Guardian

Eriksson will continue balancing her centre-back responsibilities with scouting duties throughout the season, focusing on South American prospects while maintaining her role on the women’s team.

The Guardian