Everything you need to know about Norwegian midfield maestro Martin Odegaard.
Martin Odegaard is a Norwegian professional footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Arsenal and the Norway national team. Born on December 17, 1998, in Drammen, Norway, Odegaard began his footballing journey at a young age, displaying exceptional talent and technical ability.
Odegaard started playing football at a young age, joining the local club Drammen Strong at just four years of age. He quickly progressed through the youth ranks, and by the age of eight, he joined the academy of Stromsgodset, a Norwegian professional football club.
Odegaard made his first-team debut for Stromsgodset at the age of 15, becoming the youngest player ever to play in Norway's top division.
Odegaard's performances in the Norwegian top division quickly caught the attention of European football's biggest clubs. In January 2015, at the age of 16, he signed for Real Madrid, one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world. Odegaard's signing was seen as a coup for Real Madrid, and he was expected to become one of the world's best players.
Despite his potential, Odegaard found it difficult to break into the Real Madrid first team. He was loaned out to various clubs to gain experience, including Heerenveen and Vitesse in the Netherlands, and Real Sociedad in Spain. It was during his loan spell at Real Sociedad that Odegaard really started to shine. He played a key role in helping the club qualify for the Europa League and was named the team's Player of the Season.
Odegaard is an attacking midfielder who is known for his technical ability and creative flair. He is comfortable on the ball, has excellent vision, and is a great passer. Odegaard is also a good dribbler and is capable of beating players with his quick feet. He is a versatile player who can play in a central or wide attacking midfield position.
Odegaard signed for Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021, and he made an immediate impact at the London club. He quickly established himself as a key player in the Arsenal team, impressing fans and pundits with his performances. Odegaard scored his first Arsenal goal in a 3-1 win over Olympiacos in the Europa League, and he has continued to play a vital role in the team's midfield. So much so that the move was made permanent in August 2021.
Odegaard has represented the Norwegian national team since the age of 15, making him the youngest player ever to play for them. He has since become a regular, playing in crucial matches and helping the team qualify for major tournaments. Odegaard played a key role in Norway's Euro 2020 qualifying campaign, scoring two goals and providing four assists.
Odegaard has already achieved a lot in his young career. He has played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe and has impressed fans and pundits alike with his technical ability and creative flair. Odegaard's move to Arsenal has been a success so far, and he looks set to continue making a significant impact on the club's fortunes.
Here are 13 fun facts about Odegaard you need to know…!
GettyBorn to become a footballer ⚽
Odegaard was tipped for greatness from a young age owing to his impressive quality with the ball. The Norwegian international is considered one of Europe's hottest properties owing to his ability with the ball at his feet.
Odegaard was born in Drammen, the port city of Norway, on December 1998 and was able to don the famous red jersey of Norway at age 15.
The current Arsenal captain made his debut for Norway in a goalless draw against the United Arab Emirates in 2014 as he showed glimpses of greatness in the fixture.
The midfielder bagged his first goal for the country in a stalemate against Romania in the qualifying rounds of Euro 2020. The current Norway captain has 47 appearances under his belt and would look to guide the team in red to glory someday.
AdvertisementFather and Son Odegaard joined Real Madrid at the same time 👨👦
Odegaard's father, Hans Erik Odegaard, had a less illustrious career than his son, but despite that, the father-son duo joined Real Madrid at the same time. In January 2015, the senior Odegaard was able to schedule a move to Spain as a Real Madrid youth coach while Martin was admitted as a football player.
Despite not enjoying massive success in his playing career, Hans Erik Odegaard was a shrewd negotiator as he was able to pen down a silk-stocking deal with Los Blancos. Martin's father was scheduled to earn more than French legend Zinedine Zidane, who was the coach of Real Madrid's reserve team.
While his father was making big money as a coach, Odegaard was taking his first steps as he had impressed the scouts in Spain's capital before securing a move at an early age.
GettyOdegaard's unusual contract at Heerenveen 👀
Odegaard had quite an unusual clause at Heerenveen doing his loan spell from Real Madrid. After failing to impress in the Spanish capital and finding fewer starts under newly appointed coach Zidane, the Norway international decided to switch ships and joined Dutch club Heerenveen.
The Dutch outfit was the first club on his loan journey as he joined them in 2017 and was often seen starting for the club despite not playing well sometimes.
This was due to a clause in Odegaard's contract that suggested that Heerenveen would pay Real Madrid €40,000 every time their loanee was available for selection but was dropped on the bench.
So instead of shelling out 40,000 to Los Blancos, the Blue and Whites deployed Odegaard in their starting XI on a regular basis.
The Eredivisie club didn't want to be indebted to Madrid and would bring the youngster for a few minutes to avoid losses.
GettyBarca tried to lure Odegaard before he joined Real Madrid
According to multiple reports, Barcelona was in contention to sign the Norweigan before Real Madrid came knocking.
Odegaard joined Real Madrid at the age of 15, but the midfielder was scouted by Barcelona while Odegaard was operating in Norway.
The young magician had reportedly trained with the Blaugrana for multiple weeks and was offered to join the Spanish heavyweights in January 2016.
"Barcelonainvited us to La Masia,"Karlsentold Cadena SER. "We were talking to [Andoni] Zubizarreta and he also invited us to watch a game at the Camp Nou.
"I think it was Barcelona-Ajax, so it was a very special night.
"Barcelonaare a great club, but Martin [Odegaard] and his father took into account many things before making a decision.
Unfortunately the Spanish heavyweights were sanctioned with a transfer ban in 2016 which led to Odegaard joining arch-rivals Real Madrid.