Martin Odegaard (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Martin Odegaard’s journey to football stardom began in his hometown of Drammen, Norway, where he was inspired by his father’s professional career and nurtured by a deep passion for the game.
From the moment he could walk, Martin Odegaard was kicking a ball. His father, Hans Erik Odegaard, a professional footballer himself, played a pivotal role in sparking his love for the game. Hans, who spent 10 years at Stromsgodset, made 200 appearances and featured in two Norwegian Cup finals. Watching his dad play was Martin’s first exposure to the sport, and it wasn’t long before he started dreaming of following in his footsteps.
“My father was obviously a big inspiration for me. He was a professional himself, and I trained a lot with him, so that’s where my interest in football came from,” Martin recalls.
The young Odegaard benefited not only from his father’s experience but also from ideal timing. A new artificial pitch was built near their home when he was just six, providing the perfect environment for endless hours of practice. He began playing for the local club Drammen Strong, where football quickly became the center of his life.
Martin’s rapid development led him to join Stromsgodset’s youth ranks at the age of 10. By 12, he was already making waves in national youth tournaments. A year later, he made his first-team debut in a friendly against Mjondalen, where his father was an assistant coach.
From child prodigy to Real Madrid
In 2015, at just 16 years old, Odegaard made a high-profile move to Real Madrid. His father joined Madrid’s coaching staff, but balancing their dual roles as father/coach and son/player wasn’t always easy. “Sometimes that could be annoying because he wasn’t actually my coach anymore!” Martin admits, laughing. Still, he acknowledges that his father’s advice was invaluable, especially when it came to work ethic and dedication.
“The main thing I learned from him was the work ethic – to always work hard and train more than everyone else. I always had this idea that I wanted to be the best,” he explains.
The Arsenal chapter
After stints on loan across Europe, Odegaard made a permanent move to Arsenal in 2021, where he has since flourished. Now the club’s captain, he relishes the responsibility of being a role model for younger players and fans alike.
“I’m aware that people are watching what you do and how you do it, and of course you have a responsibility there. I just want to be myself,” he says. Despite the increased scrutiny, Martin remains grounded, focusing on leading by example both on and off the pitch.
A father-son dynamic evolves
Meanwhile, his father Hans has embarked on his own coaching journey, currently managing Sandefjord in Norway’s top division. Though they don’t see each other as often, they stay in touch, with Hans occasionally asking Martin about training methods at Arsenal. “Maybe he wants some secrets from what we do!” Martin jokes.
At just 24, Odegaard already boasts over 100 appearances for Arsenal and 49 caps for Norway. His path from a football-obsessed toddler in Drammen to captain of one of Europe’s top clubs is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and love for the game.