Martin Ødegaard facts for kids

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Martin Ødegaard
Personal information
Ødegaard with Arsenal in 2022
Date of birth	(1998-12-17) 17 December 1998 (age 26)
Place of birth	Drammen, Norway
Height	1.78 m
Playing position	Midfielder
Club information
Current club	Arsenal
Number	8
Youth career
2005–2009	Drammen Strong
2009–2014	Strømsgodset
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps^†	(Gls)^†
2013	Strømsgodset 3	11	(4)
2013–2014	Strømsgodset 2	5	(1)
2014–2015	Strømsgodset	23	(5)
2015–2017	Real Madrid Castilla	58	(5)
2015–2021	Real Madrid	8	(0)
2017–2018	→ Heerenveen (loan)	38	(2)
2018–2019	→ Vitesse (loan)	31	(8)
2019–2020	→ Real Sociedad (loan)	31	(4)
2021	→ Arsenal (loan)	14	(1)
2021–	Arsenal	123	(31)
National team^‡
2013	Norway U15	2	(0)
2013–2014	Norway U16	6	(0)
2014	Norway U17	4	(0)
2014–2018	Norway U21	18	(5)
2014–	Norway	61	(3)
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 19:52, 18 January 2025 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 23:01, 9 September 2024 (UTC)

Martin Ødegaard (born 17 December 1998) is a Norwegian professional footballer. He plays as a midfielder and is the captain for both Premier League club Arsenal and the Norway national team. Many people think he is one of the best midfielders in the world. He is known for his amazing technique, dribbling skills, and great passing.

Ødegaard started his senior club career very young, at just 15 years old in 2014, playing for Strømsgodset in Norway. He became the youngest goalscorer in the Tippeligaen league. In 2015, he signed with Real Madrid, a huge club in Spain. He became their youngest player ever.

After playing for Real Madrid, Ødegaard went on loan to different clubs. He played for Eredivisie clubs Heerenveen and Vitesse in the Netherlands. He also played for La Liga club Real Sociedad in Spain. With Real Sociedad, he helped them win the Copa del Rey in 2019.

In 2021, he joined Arsenal in England, first on loan, then permanently. In 2022, he was made the captain of Arsenal. He has won the Arsenal Player of the Season award twice in a row, showing how important he is to the team.

Ødegaard also made his debut for the Norway national team at 15 years old in 2014. This made him the youngest player to ever play for Norway's senior team. He also became the youngest player to play in a UEFA European Championship qualifying match. In March 2021, he became the full captain of the Norway team.

Martin Ødegaard's Early Life

Martin Ødegaard was born on 17 December 1998, in Drammen, Norway. He started playing football at a local club called Drammen Strong. His father, Hans Erik Ødegaard, was also a footballer and helped start a football section at the club. He became Martin's coach.

When Martin was six, his parents and others invested money to put artificial turf on their local gravel field. This was very important for his development, as he spent countless hours practicing there. Drammen Strong later received gifts of money from football awards and from Strømsgodset Toppfotball when Martin was sold to Real Madrid. This showed how much he helped his first club.

Martin Ødegaard's Club Career

Starting His Football Journey

In 2009, Ødegaard joined the youth team of Strømsgodset. He trained and played with boys who were older than him. The Norwegian Football Federation also helps young talented players. Ødegaard played his first games for the Buskerud team in January 2010, when he was just 11. The other players were two to three years older. His coach noticed how well he handled things and made smart choices.

For three years, he trained weekly with this team. He often played as a left back. This helped him get many touches on the ball. It also made him play against stronger players. When attacking, he was given freedom. This was because he could "see solutions and spaces" that coaches didn't even think about.

In 2011, at age 12, he impressed a former football manager, Lars Tjærnås. This happened during a tournament for under-16s. Tjærnås said it was clear they were seeing "something out of the ordinary."

Playing for Strømsgodset

Ødegaard started training with the Strømsgodset first team in 2012, when he was 13. He played his first game for the senior team that year in a friendly match. He also visited big clubs like Bayern Munich and Manchester United for short training sessions. In 2013, at 14, he played for Strømsgodset's junior team and their third team.

In January 2014, it was decided that 15-year-old Ødegaard would be part of Strømsgodset's first team. He trained with them and also with Mjøndalen IF, where his father was a coach. This helped him train more often.

He made his league debut for Strømsgodset on 13 April 2014. He was 15 years and 118 days old. This made him the youngest player ever in the Tippeligaen league. On 5 May, he signed a professional contract. Eleven days later, he scored his first professional goal. He became the youngest goalscorer in the league's history. He also played in a European match on 16 July.

By late July, people were talking about him joining the Norwegian national team. He was involved in all three goals in one match, scoring one and assisting another. John Arne Riise, a famous Norwegian player, said Ødegaard should be called up. Ødegaard himself said he would play if asked.

In a match on 15 August, Ødegaard made three assists. He scored two goals in a game for the first time on 19 October. Strømsgodset finished fourth in the league. Ødegaard scored 5 goals and made 7 assists in 23 league games. In December 2014, he trained with Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and visited Arsenal.

Joining Real Madrid

Early Years at Real Madrid (2015–2017)

On 21 January 2015, Real Madrid signed Ødegaard from Strømsgodset. He had trained with their senior team earlier that month. The transfer fee was around €3 to €4 million. Real Madrid said Ødegaard would train with both the main team and their reserve team, Real Madrid Castilla. Zinedine Zidane was the manager of Real Madrid Castilla at that time.

He played his first unofficial game for the reserves on 4 February. His official debut for Castilla was on 8 February. On 21 February, he scored his first goal for the club.

In April, Ødegaard was temporarily not playing for Castilla. This was because it was hard for him to train with the first team and play for the reserves. The language barrier was also a challenge. The main team's manager, Carlo Ancelotti, asked fans to be patient.

On 23 May, he made his debut for Real Madrid. He came on as a substitute for Cristiano Ronaldo. He was 16 years and 157 days old. This made him the youngest player to ever play for Real Madrid.

Ødegaard played regularly for Castilla during the 2015–16 season. He helped the team finish at the top of their group. On 30 November 2016, he made his first start for Real Madrid. He played the whole game in a cup match.

Loan Spells in Netherlands and Spain (2017–2020)

On 10 January 2017, Ødegaard joined Dutch club SC Heerenveen on an 18-month loan. He made his debut four days later. His start at Heerenveen was a bit slow. He scored his first goal for them on 18 May.

In the 2017–18 season, Ødegaard became a regular starter. He scored his first regular-season goal for Heerenveen on 18 November 2017.

On 21 August 2018, Real Madrid loaned Ødegaard again. This time, he joined another Dutch club, SBV Vitesse. He had a great season there, scoring 11 goals and making 12 assists. Fans also voted him as the club's player of the year.

On 5 July 2019, he was loaned to Real Sociedad in Spain for one season. On 25 August, he scored his first goal in La Liga. On 14 September, he scored his second goal against Atletico Madrid. He was named the best player of that match. He also made his first assist with a great pass. In September 2019, Ødegaard was named La Liga Player of the Month.

Ødegaard with Real Madrid in 2020

In February 2020, he scored against Real Madrid. This helped his loan club knock his parent club out of the 2019–20 Copa del Rey (a cup competition). Real Sociedad reached the final of the competition. They also qualified for the 2020–21 UEFA Europa League. This was a very successful season for Ødegaard.

After his loan, Real Madrid called him back in 2020. Ødegaard started their first game of the 2020–21 La Liga season. On 25 November, he made his Champions League debut for Real Madrid.

Moving to Arsenal

Loan Spell (2020–21)

Ødegaard wanted to play more games. So, on 27 January 2021, he joined English club Arsenal on loan. He liked Arsenal's plans and their style of play. He felt it was a club that suited him well. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, was excited to have him.

Three days after joining, he made his debut against Manchester United. On 14 February, he made his first league start for Arsenal. On 11 March, Ødegaard scored his first goal for Arsenal. It was a great shot from 20 yards. This goal was later voted Arsenal's Goal of the Month. On 14 March, he scored his first Premier League goal against Tottenham Hotspur. He was voted Arsenal's Player of the Month for March 2021.

Permanent Transfer and Captaincy (2021–Present)

Ødegaard (left) playing for Arsenal in 2021

On 20 August 2021, Arsenal signed Ødegaard permanently. The deal was worth about €35 million. He signed a four-year contract. He made his first appearance of the season in a match against Manchester City. He scored his first goal of the season with a free kick against Burnley. He ended the month with three goals and three assists. He was nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award.

Before the 2022–23 season, Ødegaard was named the new captain for Arsenal. He played his first game as captain against Crystal Palace. On 21 August 2022, Ødegaard scored two goals against Bournemouth. On 12 November, he scored two more goals against Wolves. This helped Arsenal stay at the top of the league.

On Boxing Day, Ødegaard made two assists in Arsenal's win over West Ham. He won the Premier League Player of the Month award for November/December 2022. He was the first Arsenal player to win it since September 2019. On 15 January 2023, his goal helped Arsenal beat Tottenham Hotspur. On 13 March, he won the Premier League Player of the Year award at the London Football Awards. On 2 May, he scored two goals against Chelsea.

Ødegaard (right) playing for Arsenal at the 2023 MLS All-Star Game

At the end of the season, Ødegaard was voted Arsenal Player of the Season. He was also nominated for other big awards. He was named in the PFA Team of the Year.

On 21 August 2023, Ødegaard scored a penalty goal against Crystal Palace. On 20 September, he scored his first Champions League goal. This was in a 4–0 win over PSV Eindhoven. It was Arsenal's first Champions League game since 2017.

On 22 September, Ødegaard signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal. He said it was an "easy decision" and that he had found a place to call home.

On 11 February 2024, in a big win against West Ham, Ødegaard had an amazing game. He made over 100 passes, created many chances, and assisted two goals. On 12 March, he helped Arsenal reach the Champions League quarter-finals. This was the first time in 14 years. On 23 April, he was key in a 5–0 win against Chelsea. He assisted two goals. He ended the season creating the most chances from open play in the Premier League. Ødegaard won Arsenal's Player of the Season award for the second time in a row.

Martin Ødegaard's International Career

Playing for Norway's Youth Teams

Martin Ødegaard played for the Norway national under-15 team in September 2013. He played in two matches against Sweden, which Norway won.

In January 2014, Ødegaard played for the Norway national under-16 team. He played all 90 minutes in three matches.

He was then moved up to the Norway national under-17 team in February 2014. He came on as a substitute and helped his team win. He started in three more matches for the under-17 team.

In September 2014, he was chosen for the Norway national under-21 team. He played the full match against Portugal. He was named Man of the Match, even though Norway lost.

Playing for Norway's Senior Team

Ødegaard on his competitive debut for Norway in 2014

On 19 August 2014, Ødegaard was called up to the senior Norway team. He played the whole game in a draw against the United Arab Emirates on 27 August. He was 15 years and 253 days old. This made him the youngest player ever to play for Norway's senior team.

On 30 September 2014, he was called up for UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying matches. He made his competitive debut in a match against Bulgaria. He was 15 years and 300 days old. This made him the youngest player to ever play in a European Championship qualifier.

On 29 March 2015, Ødegaard became the youngest player to start a European Championship qualifier. He was 16 years and 101 days old. On 8 June, he was the best player in a friendly draw against Sweden.

After not playing for the national team for 18 months, Ødegaard was called back in November 2017. On 7 June 2019, he scored his first goal for Norway against Romania. The game ended in a 2–2 draw.

In March 2021, Ødegaard was made the captain of the national team by the new manager, Ståle Solbakken.

Martin Ødegaard's Style of Play

Ødegaard is known as a "modern" playmaker. He has a great touch on the ball, excellent technique, and amazing dribbling skills. He also has fantastic vision and can make precise passes. He is very good at taking free kicks and set pieces.

Because he is left-footed and very creative, he is often compared to famous attacking midfielders like Mesut Özil and Guti. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised his football intelligence. He can find open spaces on the field. Arteta also noted his incredible work-rate. Ødegaard is a hardworking player who helps his team win the ball back. He covers a lot of ground during games.

When he was younger, Ødegaard was seen as a footballing prodigy. A 2014 article described him as a quick-footed midfielder with natural balance and good shooting power. His manager at Strømsgodset compared him to David Silva and Lionel Messi. In September 2014, his teammate Morten Gamst Pedersen called Ødegaard the most talented player he had ever seen. He said Ødegaard's knowledge of the game and technical skills were fantastic.

His father, Hans Erik Ødegaard, explained that they worked a lot on his first and second touch. This helped him keep the ball close to his feet. It allowed him to change direction quickly. This meant he could get away from stronger players even if he was physically weaker.

After he signed for Real Madrid at 16, people praised his strong mindset. He was described as "level-headed and mature." He also did well in school. Some experts warned that he needed time to develop. Ødegaard himself said, "If you get carried away now, you won't get far in 10 years." He believed his best years were still ahead.

In 2023, many publications listed Ødegaard as one of the best midfielders in the world. They recognized his technique, dribbling, vision, and passing range.

Martin Ødegaard's Personal Life

Martin Ødegaard's father, Hans Erik Ødegaard, was also a footballer. He played as a midfielder for Strømsgodset. Martin was still in school when he started his professional career. He has since finished his required education in Norway. As a boy, Ødegaard admired Lionel Messi. He is also good friends with fellow Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland. They met when they were on the U-21 national team.

Ødegaard grew up in a Christian family. He has said that his religious faith is an important part of his life. In 2015, Time magazine named him one of the 30 most influential teenagers. People often praise how well he speaks to the media. He is in a relationship with Norwegian dancer Helene Spilling. In November 2024, they got married. Their first child, a son, was born on 1 December 2024. Besides Norwegian, Ødegaard also speaks English, Spanish, and some Dutch.

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club	Season	League			National cup		League cup		Europe		Other		Total
Club	Season	Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Strømsgodset 3	2013	Norwegian Fourth Division	11	4	—		—		—		—		11	4
Strømsgodset 2	2013	Norwegian Second Division	2	0	—		—		—		—		2	0
	2014	Norwegian Second Division	3	1	—		—		—		—		3	1
	Total		5	1	—		—		—		—		5	1
Strømsgodset	2014	Tippeligaen	23	5	1	0	—		1	0	—		25	5
Real Madrid Castilla	2014–15	Segunda División B	11	1	—		—		—		—		11	1
	2015–16	Segunda División B	34	1	—		—		—		4	0	38	1
	2016–17	Segunda División B	13	3	—		—		—		—		13	3
	Total		58	5	—		—		—		4	0	62	5
Real Madrid	2014–15	La Liga	1	0	0	0	—		0	0	0	0	1	0
	2016–17	La Liga	0	0	1	0	—		0	0	0	0	1	0
	2020–21	La Liga	7	0	0	0	—		2	0	0	0	9	0
	Total		8	0	1	0	—		2	0	0	0	11	0
Heerenveen (loan)	2016–17	Eredivisie	14	0	1	0	—		—		2	1	17	1
	2017–18	Eredivisie	24	2	2	0	—		—		0	0	26	2
	Total		38	2	3	0	—		—		2	1	43	3
Vitesse (loan)	2018–19	Eredivisie	31	8	4	2	—		—		4	1	39	11
Real Sociedad (loan)	2019–20	La Liga	31	4	5	3	—		—		—		36	7
Arsenal (loan)	2020–21	Premier League	14	1	—		—		6	1	—		20	2
Arsenal	2021–22	Premier League	36	7	1	0	3	0	—		—		40	7
	2022–23	Premier League	37	15	1	0	0	0	7	0	—		45	15
	2023–24	Premier League	35	8	1	0	2	1	9	2	1	0	48	11
	2024–25	Premier League	15	1	1	0	2	0	4	1	—		22	2
	Arsenal total		137	32	4	0	7	1	26	4	1	0	175	37
Career total			342	61	18	5	7	1	29	4	11	2	407	73

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team	Year	Apps	Goals
Norway	2014	3	0
	2015	5	0
	2016	1	0
	2017	1	0
	2018	4	0
	2019	8	1
	2020	3	0
	2021	12	0
	2022	10	1
	2023	8	1
	2024	6	0
Total		61	3

Scores and results list Norway's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Ødegaard goal.

List of international goals scored by Martin Ødegaard
No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	7 June 2019	Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway	17	Romania	2–0	2–2	UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying
2	25 March 2022	Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway	38	Slovakia	2–0	2–0	Friendly
3	12 September 2023	Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway	53	Georgia	2–0	2–1	UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying