Who are the 10 best Norwegian soccer players in the world currently?

Who are the 10 best Norwegian soccer players in the world currently?

Sospeter Itolondo
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:28 PM
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Ranked as the 43rd-best team in the world, Norway boasts some world-class footballers. However, they have been unlucky in the past competitions but hope to pick themselves up. So, who is the most famous Norwegian soccer player? Read on to find out more about Norwegian soccer players.

Top 10 Norwegian soccer players
Norways Martin Ødegaard during Sunday's football match in the Nations League, division B, group 4, between Sweden and Norway at the Stadium Friends Arena in Solna. Photo: Reinaldo Ubilla
Source: Getty Images

The country has only qualified for two FIFA World Cup campaigns in its history, exiting both in the group stages. Despite football being the most popular sport in the country, they have not faired so well. However, there is hope, given their current talent pool with players such as Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. Here are some of the best Norwegian soccer players in 2023.

Top 10 Norwegian soccer players

Norway is considered to be entering its golden era with its crop of incredible players coming up. They already boast of Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Here are some of the best and most famous Norwegian soccer players:

10. Rune Jarstein

Born on the 29th of September 1984, Norway's number-one plays for the Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin. He has been at the club since 2014. The 38-year-old, as of March 2023, made his international debut in 2007 and became Norway's number 1 in 2013. He has played over 72 games for the country.

famous Norwegian soccer players
Rune Jarstein of Hertha Berlin during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Nottingham Forest and Hertha Berlin at Pirelli Stadium on July 20, 2022, in Burton-upon-Trent, England. Photo: Marc Atkins
Source: Getty Images

9. Hugo Vetlesen

The star was born on the 29th of February 2000 and is one of the youngest in the squad. He plays as a midfielder for the Norwegian team Bodo/Glimt, leading the team to back-to-back league titles. He is one of the club's best players and is well remembered for his contribution against Jose Mourinho's Roma in the UEFA conference league.

best Norwegian soccer players of all time
Hugo Vetlesen of Bodo/Glimt during the UEFA Conference League Quarter-Finals leg 2 match between AS Roma and Bodo/Glimt at Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy on 14 April 2022. Photo: Giuseppe Maffia
Source: Getty Images

8. Kristofer Ajer

He plays as a centre-back for Premier League show-stoppers Brentford. The star was born on the 17th of April 1998 and is 25 years old as of March 2023. He started his career as a midfielder at Start but later switched to defence.

best Norwegian soccer players ever
Kristoffer Ajer during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and AFC Bournemouth at Brentford Community Stadium on January 14, 2023, in Brentford, United Kingdom. Photo: David Horton
Source: Getty Images

His change of position on the field has been attributed to his massive height. He made his debut for Norway in 2018 and has played 27 games so far for the team.

7. Marcus Pedersen

The right-back was born on the 16th of July 2000 and currently plays for Feyenoord from the Netherlands. He has been instrumental in the club's top performances, such as their first-ever final appearance in the UEFA Conference League. He debuted for the Norwegian national team in 2021 with 16 appearances under his belt.

best Norwegian soccer players in 2023
Marcus Pedersen runs with the ball during the Eredivisie match between Fortuna Sittard and Feyenoord at the Fortuna Sittard Stadion on February 26, 2023, in Sittard, Netherlands. Photo: Joris Verwijst
Source: Getty Images

6. Sander Berge

The star was born on the 14th of February 1998 and currently plays for Championship side Sheffield United. He plays as a midfielder and is best known for his physicality and excellent passing techniques. He was the record signing for the club in 2020. He made his debut for Norway in 2017, making 32 appearances.

Who is the best player in Norway football?
Sander Berge during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 2, 2021, in London, United Kingdom. Photo; James Williamson
Source: Getty Images

5. Joshua King

The former Manchester United star was born on the 15th of January 1992. He is currently a forward for Turkish giants Fenerbahce after a stint at Watford. He made his debut for Norway in 2012 and has made another 62 appearances scoring 20 goals while at it.

who is the most famous Norwegian soccer player?
Joshua King controls the ball during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 match against Sevilla FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on March 9, 2023, in Seville, Spain. Photo: Manu Reino
Source: Getty Images

4. Alexander Sorloth

The striker plays for Real Sociedad while on loan from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig. He was born on the 5th of December 1995. He debuted for Norway in 2016 and has 15 goals in 45 appearances so far.

Which is the most successful team in Norway?
Alexander Sorloth with the ball during the LaLiga Santander match between RCD Mallorca and Real Sociedad at Visit Mallorca Estadi on March 12, 2023, in Mallorca, Spain. Photo: Cristian Trujillo
Source: Getty Images

The star holds the world record for the most comments on an Instagram post by an Athlete. His post garnered 3.5 million comments.

3. Mohamed Elyounoussi

The Southampton guy made his national debut in 2014. He plays as a forward or as a winger. His experience helps a lot in the team, especially in high-pressure situations. He was born on the 4th of August 1994.

Norwegian soccer players
Mohamed Elyounoussi of Southampton looks on during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Southampton FC at Goodison Park on January 14, 2023, in Liverpool, England. Photo: Lewis Storey
Source: Getty Images

2. Martin Odegaard

The breakout Arsenal star was born on the 17th of December 1998. At some point, he was part of the Real Madrid squad but did not make it to the first team. Despite being young, the star is the current captain of the Norwegian National Team and Arsenal.

best Norwegian soccer players
Martin Odegaard of Norway looks dejected during the UEFA Nations League League B Group 4 match between Sweden and Norway at Friends Arena on June 5, 2022, in Solna, Sweden. Photo: Annelie Cracchiolo
Source: Getty Images

He plays as a midfielder and has the potential to become one of the best Norwegian soccer players of all time.

1. Erling Haaland

Who is the best player in Norway football? It is Erling Haaland. He nearly beat Lionel Messi's five goals in a Champions League knockout game record before being subbed off in the 60th minute against RB Leipzig.

Norwegian soccer players
Erling Haaland of Norway celebrates with his team after his goal during the UEFA Nations League match against Sweden at Friends Arena on June 5, 2022, in Solna, Sweden. Photo: Annelie Cracchiolo
Source: Getty Images

The Manchester City star has been a sensation since his days at Borussia Dortmund and continues terrorising Premier League defenders. The star is on track to break many scoring records set in the top league in the world at just 22. He was born on the 21st of July 2000.

He debuted in September 2019, scoring 21 goals in 23 games, an impressive record. One fascinating fact is that he once scored nine goals in one game in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2019, which led him to win the golden boot. He is praised for his speed, agility and clinical finishes. He is on track to being one of the best Norwegian soccer players ever.

Which is the most successful team in Norway?

Rosenborg is the most successful team in Norway. The team has a record of 26 Eliteserien titles and 12 Norwegian Football Cups, which is impressive. It remains the only club representing the country in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.

best Norwegian soccer players
Tore Reginiussen during the UEFA Europa League group D match between Sporting CP and Rosenborg BK at Estadio Jose Alvalade on October 24, 2019, in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo: Carlos Rodrigues
Source: Getty Images

Norway does not come to mind when the best footballing nations are mentioned, but that is about to change, given their current crop of Norwegian soccer players. Their talent pool has excellent names such as Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard and many others who have taken Europe by storm. They have only appeared in the World Cup twice and hope for more. Haaland is their current best player, with Odegaard coming a close second. Both play in the English Premier League.

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