Despite the country’s love for various sports activities, football remains the most popular sport in Norway. Alongside neighboring Scandinavian countries Sweden and Denmark, Norway serves as an excellent stepping stone for young players aspiring to move to top European clubs. Norway has qualified for the FIFA World Cup only twice (1994 and 1998), both times being eliminated in the group stage. Some famous Norwegian footballers include Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, John Arne Riise, John Carew, and Tore Andre Flo. In this article, bestsoccertips.com brings you the top 10 best Norway soccer players in 2024.
Top 10 Best Norwegian Football Players:
1. Erling Haaland
It’s no surprise that leading this list is Manchester City’s forward Erling Haaland. He is arguably the best striker in the world right now. The Norwegian sensation is known for his incredible speed, raw power, and lethal finishing ability. He has already established himself as one of the best forwards globally and could become a Norwegian football legend upon retirement.
Haaland previously starred for Molde, RB Salzburg, and Borussia Dortmund. Erling has represented Norway at various youth levels. At the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2019, he won the Golden Boot by scoring a record-breaking 9 goals in a match. Haaland made his senior international debut in September 2019 and has since scored 21 goals in 23 appearances.
2. Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard currently captains Norway and plays for Arsenal. He began his professional career very early, making his debut at the age of 15 in 2014. Consequently, he set the record for the youngest player – and later the youngest scorer – in Norway’s top division. In 2015, Odegaard signed with Real Madrid for an initial transfer fee of 4 million euros, becoming the youngest player in Madrid’s history.
He struggled to assert himself in Real’s first team and was loaned out several times before permanently joining Arsenal in 2021 for an initial transfer fee of £29 million (35 million euros). He was appointed Arsenal captain in 2022. Odegaard made his senior international debut for Norway in 2014 at the age of 15, setting the record as Norway’s youngest-ever player. Furthermore, he is the youngest player to feature in a UEFA European Championship qualifying match. He assumed the full captaincy of Norway in March 2021. Odegaard has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world with his talent and skills.
3. Mohamed Elyounoussi
After moving to Southampton from Swiss club Basel, where the giant Mohammed Elyounoussi has been associated since 2018, his career has undergone colorful and successful journeys. During his time at Southampton, Elyounoussi had the opportunity to showcase his talent on English soil before being loaned to Celtic from 2019 to 2021.
At Celtic, Elyounoussi was not only an important player but also an indispensable part of the team’s journey to prestigious titles. He contributed significantly to winning the Scottish Premiership title, along with triumphs in the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup, contributing to the club’s reputation and creating memorable moments for fans.
Not only shining at the club level, but Elyounoussi also has an impressive international career with the Norwegian national team. He began representing the national team in 2014 and has become one of the most experienced and admired players in his homeland. Elyounoussi’s success is not only his pride but also joy and inspiration for football fans both domestically and internationally.
4. Alexander Sorloth
Alexander Sorloth, the forward for Real Sociedad in this season, is attracting attention with his excellence in the role he undertakes. He is on loan from RB Leipzig, a Bundesliga club, to join Real Sociedad’s journey in La Liga. Sorloth carries the bloodline of a football family, with his father being a former player for Rosenborg and Norway’s national team, Goran Sorloth. With family background and support from his parents, Sorloth has developed into a promising and talented player.
Famous not only for his talent on the field but also for his strong presence on social media, Sorloth made an impressive milestone on Instagram in May 2021. His post surpassed 3.5 million comments, becoming the most commented post by an athlete on Instagram to date, demonstrating the influence and interest of the online community in him. On the field, Sorloth has shone with the Norwegian national team, participating in 45 matches and scoring 15 goals. With Real Sociedad, he plays an undeniable role, scoring 10 goals across all competitions, contributing significantly to the team’s success. At 27, Sorloth is an integral part of Real Sociedad’s tactical scheme and is a source of inspiration for teammates as well as fans.
5. Joshua King
Joshua King, who began his career at Manchester United after signing from Vålerenga in 2008, has experienced a turbulent and successful journey in the football world. After loan spells at clubs such as Preston North End, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Hull City, and Blackburn Rovers, he permanently joined Blackburn in January 2013 before moving to Bournemouth in May 2015.
With a desire for new challenges, King joined Everton in February 2021, marking his return to the top flight. However, his journey did not stop there as he later moved to Watford before signing for Fenerbahce in Turkey, where he continued to showcase his talent and stability.
On the international stage, Joshua King has also contributed to Norway’s success. After representing Norway at various youth levels, he made his senior international debut against Iceland in 2012, where he scored his first goal for the national team against Cyprus later that year. As of now, Joshua King has accumulated 20 goals in 62 appearances for the Norwegian national team, demonstrating his importance and effectiveness on the international football stage.
6. Sander Berge
Sander Berge, a talented midfielder, currently plays for Sheffield United in the Championship. In 2020, he caused a shock by signing with Sheffield United, a Premier League club at the time, becoming the club’s record signing. This contract extends for 4 and a half years, showing the club’s long-term commitment and belief in Berge’s talent.
Berge began his international career with the Norwegian national team in 2017 and has since made 32 appearances. His excellence on the field not only brings joy to the national team but also serves as inspiration for fans and teammates. With his fighting spirit and talent, Berge has become an integral part of Norway’s national squad.
7. Marcus Pedersen
Marcus Pedersen, a talented right-back, is contributing to the success of Dutch club Feyenoord. Joining in 2021, he quickly asserted his position and became one of the standout players for the team. In the past Eredivisie season, Pedersen made significant contributions to the team’s achievements, helping Feyenoord finish third in the standings.
Notably, Pedersen was part of Feyenoord’s journey to the UEFA Conference League final in 2022. His excellence not only makes the club proud but also inspires teammates and fans.
In addition to considerable defensive skills, Pedersen is also known for his good footwork and ability to dribble past opponents. He excels in delivering accurate crosses, creating opportunities for teammates and overwhelming opposing defenses.
On the international front, Pedersen made his debut for the Norwegian national football team in 2021 and has made 16 appearances to date. His progression in both club and international arenas demonstrates his talent and great potential.
8. Kristofer Ajer
Kristofer Ajer, one of Norway’s talented players, is currently part of the Premier League club Brentford. Before joining Brentford, he had significant stints at Start, one of Norway’s top clubs, and Celtic, where he also spent time on loan at Kilmarnock.
At Celtic, Ajer contributed to the team’s major successes, winning 3 Scottish Premiership titles, 3 Scottish Cups, and 3 Scottish League Cups. His versatility is evident in his transition from midfield at Start to defense at Celtic, perhaps due to his impressive height.
In July 2021, Ajer completed his move to Brentford on a 5-year contract, with the transfer fee undisclosed. The move to Brentford opens up a new challenge and opportunity for his career development in a new arena.
On the international stage, Ajer made his debut for the Norwegian national team in 2018 and has accumulated 27 appearances to date. His stability and talent are crucial to the national team, and his career is evolving and maturing.
9. Hugo Vetlesen
Hugo Vetlesen, a talented midfielder, joined the Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt in 2020 and has since become one of the standout players for the team. He has made significant contributions to the club’s success, helping them clinch consecutive championships in 2020 and 2021.
Especially, Bodø/Glimt has also gained global recognition in recent seasons due to their impressive performances in European competitions. With Vetlesen’s excellence along with his teammates, the team has attracted attention and accolades from the football community worldwide.
In a crucial match in April 2022, Vetlesen scored the decisive goal with a header, helping Bodø/Glimt secure a shocking 2-1 victory against Italy’s top team, Roma, in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals. This goal not only showcased Vetlesen’s determination and talent but also endeared him to the fans.
In 2022, Vetlesen was honored with the Eliteserien Player of the Year award, the highest accolade for the top players in Norway. This is clear evidence of his development and individual success in Bodø/Glimt colors and is also a source of pride for the team and the fans.
10. Rune Jarstein
Rune Jarstein, the talented goalkeeper of the Norwegian national team, has brought stability and experience to Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga since joining in 2014. With a long-term commitment and impressive performances, he has become an indispensable part of the team.
On the international stage, Jarstein made his debut for the national team in 2007 and quickly established himself as Norway’s number one choice from 2013 onwards. With 72 appearances to date, he is one of the most dedicated and admired players in Norwegian football history.
Jarstein’s stability and skills are not only a major morale booster for the national team but also an important factor in helping Hertha Berlin maintain its position in German football. At the age of 38, Jarstein continues to demonstrate professionalism and contribute to the success of both the club and the Norwegian national team.
Conclude
In conclusion, the best Norway soccer players exemplify the nation’s footballing excellence, showcasing remarkable skill, determination, and a deep-rooted passion for the sport. With their outstanding performances both domestically and on the international stage, these players have left an indelible mark on Norwegian football history and continue to inspire future generations of athletes. Their contributions to the game serve as a testament to Norway’s rich footballing heritage and its ongoing commitment to sporting success.
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