Norwegian footballers have made and continue to make a significant impact in the Premier League as well as in other major European leagues and tournaments. A plethora of Norwegian football stars, including Haaland, has dazzled fans with their exceptional talents. Of course, apart from Erling Haaland, the prolific striker currently playing for Man City, Norwegian football has produced many other legendary players. Regardless of their number, these players have always delighted fans with their performances. Let's explore the "10 the best Norway soccer players" with Wintips admin right away.
Top 10 best Norway soccer players all of time
1. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is 50 years old, has been unemployed since he was dismissed by Manchester United midway through the 2021/22 season. The Norwegian manager spent three years at Old Trafford as the head coach after the departure of José Mourinho. During his tenure, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer led Manchester United to the Europa League final and guided the team to a second-place finish in the Premier League.
Solskjaer faced skepticism from pundits and rival fans, who believed he was appointed Man United's manager due to his legendary status at Old Trafford as a player. On December 25th, the Mirror (UK) reported that since being sacked by Manchester United in November 2021, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been preparing to return to a managerial role with a club in Turkey.
2. Ronny Johnsen - One of the best Norway soccer players
The Norwegian center-back Ronny Johnsen joined Manchester United in the summer of 1996 alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He quickly became an integral part of the team during his early years under manager Alex Ferguson. Johnsen adapted quickly to life at Old Trafford and became one of the key players in United's defense. He was known for his consistent performances, intelligent play, and composure in organizing a solid defensive line.
After leaving Manchester United in 2002, Johnsen continued his career at Aston Villa and later joined Newcastle United. Although he could not replicate the same level of success as he had at Old Trafford, he remained an important part of the teams he played for. Johnsen eventually retired in 2008, ending a successful career that left a lasting legacy in the history of Manchester United and Norwegian football.
3. Alf-Inge Haaland - One of the best Norway soccer players
Alf-Inge Haaland's illustrious career was tragically cut short due to a horrific tackle by Roy Keane during the Manchester derby in 2001. Haaland's name still resonates with some football fans, as he suffered a career-ending injury during the infamous Manchester derby.
The incident occurred during a match in the 1997/1998 season when Alf-Inge Haaland, playing for Leeds United, collided with Roy Keane inside the penalty area. Keane suffered a torn cruciate ligament and writhed in pain on the ground, while Haaland accused him of faking the injury and mocked the former Manchester United captain.
4. Erling Haaland
As the era of Messi and Ronaldo nears its end, Erling Haaland is widely regarded as one of their potential successors. At 23, Haaland demonstrated his immense potential last season by scoring 52 goals for Man City and winning the Silver Ball award.
From a young age, Haaland was involved in athletic training. His father wanted him to try out different sports before choosing the sport that suited him best. Haaland experimented with javelin throwing, sprinting, and even skiing. Ultimately, he chose to follow in his father's footsteps and become a professional footballer.
5. Martin Ødegaard - One of the best Norway soccer players
Martin Ødegaard is an attacking midfielder who currently plays for Arsenal FC and the Norwegian national team. Born on December 17, 1998, in Drammen, Norway, Ødegaard began his football journey at a young age, showcasing exceptional talent from an early age. Ødegaard joined his local club, Drammen Strong, at the age of 4. By the time he turned 8, he had moved to the Strømsgodset Academy, a professional football club in Norway.
At 15, Odegaard made his debut for Stromsgodset's first team, becoming the youngest player ever to play in the Norwegian Premier League. At 15, he also made his debut for the Norwegian national team, becoming the youngest player ever to do so.
Despite being just 24, Odegaard has already enjoyed a successful career. He has played for prominent clubs across Europe and impressed with his technical ability and creativity with the ball. His decision to join Arsenal represents a significant step in his career path.
6. Brede Hangeland - One of the best Norway soccer players
Brede Paulsen Hangeland, born on June 20, 1981, is a former Norwegian footballer who played as a central defender. He began his career with Viking, where he won the Norwegian Cup in 2001. In 2006, he moved to FC Copenhagen and won two Danish Superliga titles with the club.
From 2008 to 2014, he played for Fulham, helping the team reach the UEFA Europa League final in 2010. However, after the club was relegated in 2014, he was released and subsequently joined Crystal Palace. Hangeland played for the Norwegian national team from 2002 to 2014. He was captain of the team from 2008 until his resignation. In total, he played 91 matches and scored 4 goals.
7. Joshua King
Joshua King is one of the few Norwegian footballers to gain international recognition, having played for Bournemouth in the Premier League and as a forward for the Norwegian national team. His career began at Manchester United in 2008, and he was loaned out to teams such as Hull City, Preston North End, Mönchengladbach, and Blackburn Rovers.
King is the second-highest-scoring Norwegian forward in Premier League history and is considered one of Norway's greatest players of all time. As a forward for Bournemouth, he delivered consistent performances.
8. John Arne Riise - One of the best Norway soccer players
Riise, a former professional footballer, played for Liverpool, Fulham, Monaco, Roma, and the Norwegian national team, primarily as a left-back and occasionally as a left winger. He is widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in Liverpool’s history in the Premier League.
During his time at Liverpool, Riise played in seven Premier League seasons before moving to AS Roma at the end of the 2008–09 season. Statistics show that he played in 234 matches and scored 21 goals. In 2011, Riise left AS Roma and returned to England, joining Fulham to continue competing in the Premier League.
9. Henning Berg - One of the best Norway soccer players
Before joining Manchester United, Berg was a key defender for Blackburn Rovers and helped them win the Premier League title in the 1994–95 season. He later won another Premier League title with Manchester United. Although not known for his goal-scoring ability, he made significant appearances for both teams and contributed to their successes.
In 1995, Berg played for Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League and later won the title with Manchester United in 1999 and 2000. With these achievements, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest Norwegian players of all time.
10. Erik Thorstvedt
Erik Thorstvedt, a former Norwegian goalkeeper, made a lasting impact on football both as a player and in his post-retirement endeavors. His career spanned multiple European clubs, showcasing his talent and versatility as a goalkeeper. Thorstvedt's journey began with Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience.
He then moved to IFK Gothenburg, where he further established himself as a reliable shot-stopper. However, it was during his time at Viking that Thorstvedt truly rose to prominence. His commanding presence between the posts earned him recognition and widespread acclaim, making him a fan favorite at the club.
Conclusion
The above list showcases outstanding Norwegian players, compiled from various sources. If you are interested in following matches of the Norwegian national team or Norwegian players in European leagues, stay tuned for the latest updates on Asia's leading bookmaker website.
See also: What are the best Swiss football players in history?
