GAIS midfielder Kevin Holmén scored an early goal in the Swedish Cup quarterfinal against AIK on March 14, 2026, but the celebration proved too wild for his hearing aid. According to reports, the 24-year-old player lost his hearing device during the jubilant celebration of his 4th-minute goal and had to play the entire first half holding it in his hand.
Holmén, who was born without a right ear and has severely impaired hearing in his left ear, typically plays football with a hearing aid. However, teammate Henry Sletsjö reportedly knocked the device loose during the enthusiastic celebration. "Henry Sletsjö hit it. He was completely crazy," Holmén was quoted as saying.
Henry Sletsjö hit it. He was completely crazy
The player managed to retrieve the hearing aid from the pitch but couldn't reattach it during the match due to sweat and the intensity of play. He reportedly ran with the device in his hand throughout the first half before finally reattaching it during halftime. Despite the inconvenience, Holmén contributed significantly to GAIS's 3-2 victory, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
The win secured GAIS's place in the Swedish Cup semifinal for the first time since 1987. Holmén noted that the loud atmosphere helped compensate for his temporary hearing impairment, saying he could still hear teammates clearly as everyone had to speak louder.
he could still hear teammates clearly as everyone had to speak louder