Martin Ødegaard is a name synonymous with vision, creativity, and leadership on the football field. From his remarkable early debut to captaining both Arsenal and the Norwegian national team, Ødegaard’s journey is one of persistence, skill, and constant growth. Let’s take a deep dive into everything there is to know about this Norwegian maestro.
Martin Ødegaard’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Martin Ødegaard |
| Nickname | Marti, Ode |
| Date of Birth | December 17, 1998 |
| Age (as of Nov 2025) | 26 years |
| Birthplace | Drammen, Norway |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | Norwegian |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Academics | trained through Norwegian football academies |
| Turned Pro | 2014 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $25-28 million |
| Salary | Approx. £7 million/year |
| Relationship Status | In relationship (rumored, private status) |
| Spouse | No confirmed spouse |
| Children | No known children |
| Instagram Profile | @odegaard.98 |
Early Career
Martin Ødegaard’s early career began at his hometown club Strømsgodset, where his extraordinary dribbling, passing, and maturity quickly grabbed Norway’s attention. After debuting in Tippeligaen at just 15 years old, he became the youngest player to appear and score in the league, showcasing his flair and ambition. Scouts from Europe’s giants soon flocked to watch him, and it wasn’t long before he was making headlines worldwide.
Professional Career
After rising through Strømsgodset, Martin Ødegaard joined Real Madrid in 2015 at only 16, instantly becoming the youngest player to appear for the club in La Liga. Though much of his initial Madrid career involved development and loan spells—first at Heerenveen, then Vitesse, and later Real Sociedad—each loan saw him evolve, impressing with his technical ability and football intelligence.
He eventually returned to Madrid, but it was at Arsenal, where he transferred initially on loan in 2021 and permanently later that year, that Ødegaard’s influence flourished. Rising to captaincy under Mikel Arteta, he became the heart of Arsenal’s midfield, leading with vision, work ethic, and consistent performances. He also captains Norway, underlining his key leadership both at club and international level.
Martin Ødegaard’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Martin Ødegaard’s net worth is estimated to be between $25-28 million. This sum includes his football contracts, performance bonuses, and endorsement deals, reflecting his prominent role both on and off the pitch.
Contract
In September 2023, Martin Ødegaard signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, securing his stay at the club until the summer of 2028. While the official numbers are confidential, reports indicate his deal sees him earning a base salary of around £7 million annually, with potential bonuses for appearances, goals, assists, and club achievements. His contract also includes performance incentives and image rights agreements, ensuring he’s one of Arsenal’s top earners.
Career Earnings
| Year | Club | Estimated Salary (€) |
| 2014-2015 | Strømsgodset | €50,000 |
| 2015-2021 | Real Madrid/Loans | €2,000,000/year avg |
| 2021-2023 | Arsenal | €4,000,000/year |
| 2023-2025 | Arsenal (new deal) | €8,000,000/year |
| Total | €26,150,000+ |
Endorsements
- Nike: Multi-year boot and gear sponsorship
- EA Sports: Featured appearances for FIFA video game promotions
- Norwegian Football Federation campaigns
- Appearances in European sports partnerships (including UEFA and club-branded events)
- Social media promotional deals with Scandinavian lifestyle and fitness brands
Career Records
| Competition | Notable Opponent | Key Record/Outcome |
| La Liga (Real Madrid) | Barcelona | Youngest Real Madrid player v. Barcelona |
| Eredivisie (Vitesse) | Ajax | Scored against Ajax, stand-out performance |
| Premier League | Manchester United | Scored and captained Arsenal in 2023-24 win |
| Premier League | Tottenham | Multiple NLD goals, key performances |
| Europa League | Villarreal | Key assist/goal contributions in semifinals |
| World Cup Qualifiers | Holland, Spain | Acts as Norway’s captain, leading by example |
FAQs
1. Who is Martin Ødegaard and what is his current role?
Martin Ødegaard is a Norwegian professional footballer born on December 17, 1998, in Drammen, Norway. He plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Arsenal, where he serves as the team’s captain. He is also the captain of the Norway national team. Known for his exceptional vision, passing ability, and technical proficiency, he is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world.
2. What age records did Martin Ødegaard set early in his career?
Ødegaard holds multiple records for being the youngest player in several contexts. He became the youngest player ever to play in the Norwegian Tippeligaen at 15 years and 118 days old on April 13, 2014. He also became the youngest goalscorer in Tippeligaen history shortly after. At Real Madrid, he became the club’s youngest debutant at 16 years and 157 days old on May 23, 2015, replacing Cristiano Ronaldo in the match. Additionally, he became the youngest player ever to represent Norway at senior level at 15 years and 253 days old.
3. What is Martin Ødegaard’s career history with different clubs?
Ødegaard began his career at Drammen Strong before joining Strømsgodset’s youth academy in 2009. He made his senior debut for Strømsgodset in 2014 and transferred to Real Madrid in 2015. Due to limited first-team opportunities at Madrid, he went on successive loan spells to SC Heerenveen (2017-2018), Vitesse Arnhem (2018-2019), and Real Sociedad (2019-2021). He joined Arsenal on loan in January 2021 and signed permanently in August 2021 for approximately £30 million. He was appointed Arsenal captain in July 2022.
4. What are Martin Ødegaard’s key strengths as a player?
Ødegaard’s primary strengths include exceptional technical proficiency with precise left-foot passing, advanced spatial awareness, and intelligent positioning. He demonstrates strong ball control and the ability to navigate tight spaces while maintaining possession under pressure. His pressing intensity is notably high for a creative player, and he has demonstrated excellent set-piece execution. He completes approximately 87% of his passes with high accuracy in the final third and maintains strong endurance, covering around 11.2 kilometers per match.
5. What weaknesses or areas for improvement does Martin Ødegaard have?
Ødegaard’s main limitations include a heavy reliance on his left foot, which can make his play predictable. He lacks significant physical presence and aerial threat compared to other elite midfielders. His defensive contribution fluctuates under sustained pressure, with approximately 0.8 interceptions per game indicating room for growth in defensive zones. Additionally, he shows some hesitancy in taking shots from advanced positions, preferring to create for teammates, and his conversion rate on direct free kicks shows variability.
6. What major trophies and awards has Martin Ødegaard won?
Ødegaard won the Copa del Rey with Real Sociedad in the 2019-20 season. He was named the English FA Community Shield winner with Arsenal in 2023-24 and has participated in the Champions League and Europa League. He received the 2022 Kniksens Hederspris, a lifetime achievement award from the Norwegian Professional Football League, at just 23 years old. He was also named Norway’s Footballer of the Year in 2019 and was selected for the PFA Team of the Year during his time at Arsenal.
7. When was Martin Ødegaard appointed as Arsenal captain?
Martin Ødegaard was appointed as Arsenal’s permanent captain on July 29, 2022, at just 23 years old. He became Arsenal’s first permanent captain since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, making him the 13th permanent Arsenal captain of the Premier League era. Prior to this appointment, he was already serving as captain of the Norway national team, a role he assumed in March 2021 at age 22.
8. What is Martin Ødegaard’s current contract and salary at Arsenal?
Martin Ødegaard signed a five-year contract extension with Arsenal in September 2023, keeping him at the club until June 2028. Under his current contract terms, he earns approximately £240,000 per week, or approximately £12.48 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid players at the club. This represents a significant increase from his initial £110,000 weekly wage when he first joined Arsenal in 2021.
9. What injury has Martin Ødegaard dealt with during his career?
Ødegaard was diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy (inflammation of the patellar tendon below the kneecap) in his right knee in June 2020 while on loan at Real Sociedad. He had been dealing with the injury since October 2019 and continued playing through the pain. This condition, also known as “jumper’s knee,” is relatively common in football but can become chronic if not properly managed. Despite the setback, he recovered and continued his professional career.
10. What is Martin Ødegaard’s family background and personal life?
Martin Ødegaard was born in Drammen, Norway, to Hans Erik Ødegaard, a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. His father significantly influenced his early football development and coached him during his youth at Drammen Strong. Ødegaard was raised in a Christian household where religious values shaped his character. He is multilingual, speaking Norwegian, English, Spanish, and Dutch. In December 2024, he became a father, welcoming his first son, which marks a new personal milestone in his life.