10 fun facts about Martin Ødegaard

Martin Odegaard is a talented Norwegian footballer who plays as a midfielder and captain for Arsenal in the Premier League as well as the Norway national team.

Recognized as one of the top midfielders globally, he is praised for his exceptional technique, dribbling skills, vision, and passing range. Ødegaard kicked off his professional club career at just 15 years old in 2014 with Strømsgodset, where he became the youngest goalscorer in Tippeligaen history.

He later moved to Real Madrid in 2015 for an initial €4 million fee, setting a new record as the youngest player in the club’s history. Following limited playing time, Ødegaard went on loan to Heerenveen, Vitesse, and Real Sociedad in the Eredivisie and La Liga between 2017 and 2019, winning the Copa del Rey with Real Sociedad in 2019.

In 2021, he made a permanent switch to Arsenal for an initial £30 million (€35 million) and had a successful first full season, leading to his appointment as captain in 2022. Ødegaard made his senior international debut for Norway at the age of 15 in 2014, setting records as the youngest senior player for Norway and the youngest player to feature in a UEFA European Championship qualifying match.

He took over as the full captain of the Norwegian national team in March 2021. Below are some interesting facts about Ødegaard.

1. He made his international debut aged 15

In contrast to most players who progress through various age groups before making their senior debut, Odegaard showcased his talent on the international stage at a remarkably young age.

His journey began with a game against the United Arab Emirates, where he played the entire match, resulting in a goalless draw. This achievement made him the youngest player to represent Norway at the senior level, at just 15 years and 253 days old.

Shortly after, he continued to make waves by making his competitive debut against Bulgaria. At the age of 15 years and 300 days, Odegaard broke a 29-year record held by Sigurdur Jonsson as the youngest player to ever participate in a European Championship qualifier.

2. Martin and his dad joined Real Madrid at the same time

Hans Erik Odegaard, the father of Odegaard, had a less remarkable professional journey compared to his son. However, both the father and son embarked on their Real Madrid journey simultaneously.

In January 2015, Hans Erik Odegaard secured a position as a youth coach for Real Madrid, while Martin was accepted into the team as a football player.

3. Youngest player to join Real Madrid

Odegaard made his senior debut for Real a month after turning 16. In May 2015, he came off the bench to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who had just scored a hat-trick in a 7-3 victory over Getafe in LaLiga.

This cameo appearance, under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, made Odegaard the youngest debutant in Real’s history at the age of 16 years and 157 days, a record that still stands.

4. Idolises Messi

Odegaard has likely refrained from discussing it since his transfer to Madrid, but as per a former youth coach from his home country, he held great admiration for the star player of his parent club’s biggest adversaries.

Harald Johannessen reveals that the new Arsenal player grew up idolizing Lionel Messi, the Barcelona and Argentina forward. He said, “Martin Odegaard was always looking at Messi, I remember that. He loves Messi, so that was a little bit strange – he loves Messi and he goes to Real Madrid.”

5. Often on a loan move

Odegaard had attracted interest from top clubs all over Europe before ultimately choosing to join the Bernabeu. However, he has yet to make a significant impact with the 13-time European champions.

Joining Arsenal on a temporary basis is undoubtedly the most high-profile move he has made, following previous loan spells at Dutch clubs Heerenveen and Vitesse Arnhem, as well as a stint in LaLiga with Real Sociedad.

During his time in the Basque region, he displayed a lot of potential, and now he has a bigger stage to prove himself and live up to the expectations that have surrounded his young career.

6. Odegaard supports Liverpool

After gaining immense attention and admiration, Odegaard found himself being pursued by the top clubs in Europe. Both Manchester United and Bayern Munich extended invitations for him to join them, but it was Liverpool that truly captivated his interest so he trained with them.

7. He admires Rafael Nadal

Odegaard frequently vocalizes his deep admiration for Rafael Nadal, the renowned Spanish tennis sensation. Odegaard consistently refers to Nadal as his most beloved athlete, attributing his unwavering determination, strong work ethic, and exceptional sportsmanship as the driving forces behind his admiration.

He has equally attended numerous matches of the Spanish tennis maestro, including the prestigious French Open. Despite their contrasting sports, the duo shares a remarkable mutual admiration for one another.

8. Multilingual

Odegaard effortlessly communicates in three languages – Norwegian, Spanish, and English. Throughout his career, he has showcased his skills in Norway, England, and Spain, proving that language is never an obstacle for him.

9. Loves sushi

Odegaard has a strong preference for sushi. In various interviews, the Norwegian footballer has expressed his love for this delectable dish and even revealed his passion for making sushi at home.

Odegaard’s fondness for sushi may stem from its nutritious and fresh components, as well as its widespread popularity in countries like Japan, Spain, and England, where he has pursued his football career.

10. Adidas ambassador

Adidas, a well-known international sports brand known for its high-quality products and innovative advancements, has formed a partnership with Odegaard. This partnership allows Adidas to utilize Odegaard’s significant popularity and impact on fans. As part of this sponsorship agreement, Odegaard will promote Adidas products through social media, interviews, press conferences, and public events.