Martin Odegaard – Arsenal

Martin Odegaard’s impact on Arsenal since joining the club has been significant. The Norwegian midfielder’s vision and technical prowess have elevated the team’s offensive capabilities, with his key pass rate and assist contributions steadily increasing each season.

Odegaard’s tactical awareness and ability to dictate play from the middle of the park have made him an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s system. As captain, he’s also demonstrated leadership qualities that extend beyond his on-field performances.

How Old is Martin Odegaard?

Martin Odegaard is 25 years old. The Arsenal midfielder was born on 17th December 1998.

His place of birth gives insight into his early years and football development.

Odegaard’s Norwegian roots have had a significant impact on his playing style and career progression, from his youth prospects to his current role as a key player for Arsenal.

Where Was Martin Odegaard Born?

Born in Drammen, Norway, Martin Odegaard came into the world as a future football prodigy. Odegaard’s birthplace, a city known for its rich sporting culture, played an essential role in shaping his early career. Growing up in a family with a strong football background—his father, Hans Erik Odegaard, was a former professional player—Martin was immersed in the sport from a young age.

Drammen’s youth development programmes provided the foundation for Odegaard’s technical skills and tactical awareness. His playing style, characterised by exceptional vision and precise passing, began to emerge during his formative years in the city. At just 15, he made his senior debut for Strømsgodset, a local club, showcasing his precocious talent.

Odegaard’s international career with Norway also started in Drammen, where he featured for various youth national teams before making his senior debut at 15 years and 253 days, becoming the youngest player to represent Norway at that level.

His rapid rise from Drammen’s youth academies to global football stardom exemplifies the city’s contribution to nurturing world-class talent.

What is Martin Odegaard’s Arsenal Chant?

Martin Odegaard’s Arsenal chant is set to the tune of “Chase the Sun” by Planet Funk, which is well-known as a darts anthem. The lyrics of the chant are:

“Been dreaming all day,
Of our number 8,
Martin Odegaard – Oi Oi Oi,
When he’s on the ball,
He’s fucking magical,
Martin Odegaard – Oi Oi Oi”

This is followed by a series of “du du du” sounds and ends with another “Oi Oi Oi”.
The chant was first heard from Arsenal away fans at Goodison Park during a match against Everton and quickly gained popularity among supporters.

It’s considered a well-deserved tribute to Arsenal’s captain and midfielder, who had previously lacked a catchy chant despite his importance to the team.

Fans and observers have praised the chant for its catchiness and how well it suits Odegaard’s playing style. Odegaard himself has reportedly responded positively to the chant, indicating his appreciation for the support from Arsenal fans.

What is Martin Odegaard’s Salary at Arsenal?

Martin Odegaard’s salary at Arsenal is £240,000 per week, which amounts to £12,480,000 per year.

Odegaard signed a new five-year contract with Arsenal in September 2023, extending his stay at the club until 2028. This new deal made him one of the highest-paid players at Arsenal, reflecting his importance to the team as captain and key midfielder.

This valuation positions him among the most valuable players in the Premier League and emphasises Arsenal’s commitment to securing his services for the long term.

How Much is Martin Odegaard Worth in the Transfer Market?

Martin Odegaard’s estimated transfer value has soared to approximately £80 million, reflecting his pivotal role in Arsenal’s midfield and consistent performances in the Premier League. This substantial figure underscores the Norwegian’s potential and the high market demand for creative midfielders of his calibre.

Odegaard’s impact on Arsenal’s performance has been significant, with his vision, technical skills, and leadership qualities contributing to the team’s resurgence.

The length of Odegaard’s contract, which runs until 2025, provides Arsenal with a strong negotiating position should any potential suitors express interest. This contractual security, combined with his age and consistent improvement, suggests that his transfer value may continue to rise.

From an investment perspective, Arsenal’s initial outlay of £30 million in 2021 has already yielded an impressive return on investment (ROI) in terms of both on-field contributions and potential transfer profit.

As Odegaard continues to develop and influence matches, his value to Arsenal extends beyond mere financial considerations, making him an integral part of the club’s future plans and a highly sought-after asset in the transfer market.

What is Martin Odegaard’s Arsenal Squad Number?

Martin Odegaard wears the number 8 shirt for Arsenal, a shirt traditionally associated with creative midfielders. This is in line with his main role as an attacking midfielder, usually playing in the centre of the pitch behind the forwards.

What Position Does Martin Odegaard Play at Arsenal?

Martin Odegaard primarily plays as an attacking midfielder for Arsenal, but his role has evolved to become more versatile and fluid. The Norwegian captain typically operates as a number 10 behind the striker, but he has adapted his positioning to suit the team’s tactical needs.

Recently, Odegaard has been dropping deeper into midfield, often playing as a number 8 alongside Declan Rice. This adjustment allows him to influence play from deeper areas, creating space for teammates and dictating the tempo of Arsenal’s build-up. His tactical intelligence enables him to seamlessly transition between different midfield roles within a single match.

Odegaard’s positional flexibility has become a key feature of Arsenal’s play. He can be found initiating attacks from a deep-lying playmaker position, similar to a number 6, before advancing to support the forwards as a traditional number 10. This fluid approach has made Arsenal’s attacking patterns less predictable and more difficult for opponents to defend against.

The evolution of Odegaard’s role reflects Mikel Arteta’s tactical vision for Arsenal. By allowing their captain to roam between different midfield positions, the Gunners can create overloads, manipulate opposition defences, and maximise Odegaard’s creative influence on the game.

His ability to excel in multiple midfield roles has been crucial to Arsenal’s improved attacking output and overall team performance.

How Does Odegaard’s Passing Style Complement Saka’s Playing Style at Arsenal?

Martin Odegaard’s passing style perfectly complements Bukayo Saka‘s playing style at Arsenal, creating a dynamic and potent attacking partnership. Their on-pitch chemistry has become a cornerstone of Arsenal’s offensive play under Mikel Arteta.

Odegaard’s vision and ability to thread precise passes into tight spaces align seamlessly with Saka’s intelligent movement and explosive pace. The Norwegian captain often looks to play quick, incisive balls into the channels or behind the defence, areas where Saka excels at making darting runs.

Their partnership is particularly effective in Arsenal’s right-sided ‘carousel’ play, where Odegaard, Saka, and the right-back (often Ben White) interchange positions fluidly. Odegaard’s penchant for drifting into half-spaces draws defenders out of position, creating pockets of space for Saka to exploit with his dribbling skills.

Furthermore, Odegaard’s range of passing, from short, intricate exchanges to long, sweeping cross-field balls, provides Saka with various options to receive possession in dangerous areas. This versatility keeps opposing defences guessing and allows Saka to showcase his ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations.

How Does Martin Odegaard’s Passes Benefit Ben White?

Martin Odegaard’s passes significantly benefit Ben White by creating space and opportunities for the right-back to exploit. The Norwegian captain’s vision and precision allow him to find White in advanced positions, often catching opponents off guard.

Odegaard’s ability to draw defenders towards him opens up channels for White to make overlapping runs. This was evident in Arsenal’s recent match against Chelsea, where Odegaard’s through ball perfectly picked out White’s run for a goal.

The midfielder’s knack for quick, one-touch passes also enables White to maintain momentum when surging forward.

Furthermore, Odegaard’s tendency to drift into the right half-space creates a ‘carousel’ effect with White and Bukayo Saka. This fluid movement confuses defenders and allows White to receive the ball in more dangerous areas.

Odegaard’s passes often initiate these rotations, giving White the freedom to push higher up the pitch and contribute more effectively to Arsenal’s attacking play.

What Impact Has Martin Odegaard Had on Ethan Nwaneri’s Development at Arsenal?

Martin Odegaard has had a significant positive impact on Ethan Nwaneri‘s development at Arsenal. As the club captain and an experienced player who also made his professional debut at a very young age, Odegaard has taken on a mentoring role for the teenage prodigy.

Odegaard has spoken publicly about his interactions with Nwaneri, sharing his own experiences of breaking into professional football at 15. This guidance has likely been invaluable in helping Nwaneri navigate the challenges of being a young player in the spotlight.

The Norwegian midfielder has also set an excellent example on the pitch with his work ethic and professionalism. Nwaneri has had the opportunity to train alongside Odegaard with the first team, allowing him to observe and learn from one of Arsenal’s key players up close.

Furthermore, Odegaard’s leadership as captain has helped create a supportive environment within the squad for young talents like Nwaneri. This nurturing atmosphere is crucial for the development of emerging players, giving them the confidence to express themselves on the pitch.

How Tall is Martin Odegaard?

Martin Odegaard is 1.78 m (178 cm / 5 ft 10 in) tall. This height places Odegaard in the average range for professional footballers, allowing him to balance agility with physical presence on the pitch.

A height comparison within the Arsenal squad reveals that Odegaard falls in the middle range, neither among the tallest players nor the shortest. His growth spurt during his teenage years at Real Madrid was moderate, resulting in a build that suits his position as an attacking midfielder.

The height impact on Odegaard’s game is notable in his ability to navigate tight spaces while still holding his own in aerial duels when required.

Unlike some tall players who dominate through sheer physical presence, Odegaard’s game relies more on technical skill and vision. There has been no significant height controversy surrounding the Norwegian captain, as his stature complements his role effectively.

Ødegaard’s height allows him to maintain a low centre of gravity, enhancing his close control and dribbling abilities, vital aspects of his playmaking role at Arsenal.

What Boots Does Martin Odegaard Wear at Arsenal?

Martin Odegaard wears Nike Mercurial Vapor football boots whilst playing for Arsenal. Specifically, he currently favours the Nike Mercurial Vapor 15 model.

The Norwegian midfielder has been a loyal wearer of the Nike Mercurial line throughout his career at Arsenal. These boots are designed for speed and agility, aligning well with Odegaard’s playing style as an attacking midfielder.

The Mercurial Vapor 15 features Nike’s latest technology, including a Vaporposite+ upper for enhanced ball feel and an Air Zoom unit for improved energy return. This combination provides Odegaard with the tools to showcase his technical skills and quick movements on the pitch.

Odegaard’s choice of footwear puts him in esteemed company, as the Mercurial line is favoured by other top players such as Kylian Mbappé and Cristiano Ronaldo. The boots’ striking designs often make them stand out on the pitch, complementing Odegaard’s eye-catching performances for the Gunners.

When Did Martin Odegaard Join Arsenal?

Martin Odegaard initially joined Arsenal on loan on January 27, 2021, before making the move permanent on August 20, 2021. This two-stage transfer process marked the beginning of Odegaard’s career with the Gunners.

The Norwegian midfielder’s loan move came after a period of limited playing time at Real Madrid. Arsenal secured his services for the remainder of the 2020-21 season, giving Odegaard the opportunity to showcase his talents in the Premier League. During this loan spell, he quickly impressed with his vision, technical skills, and ability to create chances.

Following a successful loan spell, Arsenal negotiated a permanent transfer for Odegaard in August 2021. The club agreed to pay Real Madrid an initial fee of £30 million, with potential add-ons bringing the total to around £34 million. Odegaard signed a 5-year contract with Arsenal, committing his future to the North London club and becoming a key figure in Arteta’s squad rebuilding efforts.

In September 2023, Martin Odegaard signed a new five-year contract at Arsenal, keeping him at the club until 2028.

Martin Odegaard Statistics at Arsenal

Who is Martin Odegaard’s Wife/Girlfriend?

Martin Odegaard’s girlfriend is Helene Spilling, a 27-year-old Norwegian professional dancer. The couple went “Instagram official” in the summer of 2023 when Odegaard shared photos of them together, including images of them sunbathing and in the Emirates stadium tunnel.

Spilling has been seen attending Arsenal matches to support Odegaard and has even been spotted celebrating victories with other players’ partners.

Spilling is known for her successful dancing career, having won Norway’s version of Dancing with the Stars, “Skal vi Danse,” in 2021. She has a significant social media presence with over 135,000 followers on Instagram, where she regularly posts about her dancing career. Despite her public profile, the couple tends to keep their relationship relatively private.

What is Martin Odegaard’s Famous Haircut?

Martin Odegaard’s distinctive hairstyle, characterised by a short, textured crop, has become a recognisable feature of his appearance on and off the pitch.

The Arsenal midfielder has sported various looks throughout his career, from a short, cropped style to a longer, more textured appearance. In a recent interview with a celebrity hairstylist, it was revealed that Odegaard’s current hairstyle is achieved through a combination of precision cutting and strategic styling techniques.

The hairstylist shared haircare tips for fans looking to emulate the player’s look, emphasising the importance of regular trims and quality hair products.

Odegaard’s favourite hairstyles have reportedly included a classic side-parted look and a more modern, tousled style. These choices reflect the cultural significance of footballer haircuts, which often become trendsetting looks both on and off the pitch.

As players like Odegaard continue to influence fashion trends, their hairstyles become an integral part of their personal brand and public image, further blurring the lines between sports and popular culture.

What is Martin Odegaard’s Instagram Account?

Martin Odegaard’s official Instagram account, @odegaard.98. It provides fans with glimpses into his professional career and personal life.

The Arsenal midfielder’s social media engagement is notable, with posts regularly garnering hundreds of thousands of likes and comments. As an influencer in the football world, Odegaard has leveraged his platform for partnerships with sports brands and charitable organizations.

His content creation strategy appears to focus on a mix of on-field action, behind-the-scenes training footage, and personal moments. This approach has helped him cultivate a diverse follower demographic, attracting both hardcore football enthusiasts and casual fans alike.

Odegaard’s Instagram presence has also become a valuable asset for brand collaborations, with the player occasionally featuring products or services in his posts.

Analysis of his account reveals a carefully curated image that balances his professional achievements with relatable, everyday content. This strategy has proven effective in maintaining fan interest and fostering a connection with his audience.

As Odegaard’s popularity continues to grow, his Instagram account remains a key tool for personal branding and fan engagement in the digital age.

How did Martin Odegaard become the captain of Arsenal?

Arsenal’s decision to appoint Martin Odegaard as club captain in July 2022 stemmed from a combination of his leadership qualities, consistent performances, and rapid ascension within the team hierarchy.

Manager Mikel Arteta’s decision-making process focused on identifying a player who could positively influence team dynamics both on and off the pitch. Odegaard’s exceptional player development since joining Arsenal permanently in 2021 played a pivotal role in his selection.

The Norwegian midfielder’s impact on team performance was evident in the 2021-22 season, where he contributed 7 goals and 4 assists in 36 Premier League appearances. His ability to dictate play and maintain composure under pressure aligned with Arteta’s tactical vision for the squad.

Odegaard’s appointment also reflected Arsenal’s commitment to nurturing young talent, as he became the club’s second-youngest captain at 23 years old.

Statistically, Odegaard’s influence was clear, with Arsenal’s win percentage increasing by 12% when he started matches compared to when he was absent. His leadership qualities were further exemplified by his captaincy of the Norwegian national team, demonstrating his capacity to shoulder responsibility at the highest level.