Martin Odegaard became Real Madrid's youngest debutant when he replaced world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo in the club's final match of the 2014-15 season against Getafe, aged 16 years, five months and six days.
The nurturing of a football prodigy —
Martin Odegaard became Real Madrid's youngest debutant when he replaced world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo in the club's final match of the 2014-15 season against Getafe, aged 16 years, five months and six days.
PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images
Martin Odegaard came on as a substitute during Norway's 2014 clash with Bulgaria to become the youngest player ever in European Championships qualifying history at 15 years and 300 days.
The nurturing of a football prodigy —
Martin Odegaard came on as a substitute during Norway's 2014 clash with Bulgaria to become the youngest player ever in European Championships qualifying history at 15 years and 300 days.
AFP/Getty Images
Odegaard was given his senior debut for Norwegian club Stromsgodet at the age of 15 by coach Ronny Delia, who has since moved to Scottish champion Celtic.
The nurturing of a football prodigy —
Odegaard was given his senior debut for Norwegian club Stromsgodet at the age of 15 by coach Ronny Delia, who has since moved to Scottish champion Celtic.
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Martin's father Hans Erik played for Strømsgodset for 11 seasons. He now is overseeing his son's football career. "Martin has always -- and still loves to train," says Hans Erik. "For him training is fun."
The nurturing of a football prodigy —
Martin's father Hans Erik played for Strømsgodset for 11 seasons. He now is overseeing his son's football career. "Martin has always -- and still loves to train," says Hans Erik. "For him training is fun."
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Hans Erik admits his son is a better player than he was -- "but don't tell him that," he quips.
The nurturing of a football prodigy —
Hans Erik admits his son is a better player than he was -- "but don't tell him that," he quips.
Audun Braastad/AFP/Getty Images
At the age of 15 years and 253 days, Odegaard became Norway's youngest football international in a 0-0 draw with the United Arab Emirates.
The nurturing of a football prodigy —
At the age of 15 years and 253 days, Odegaard became Norway's youngest football international in a 0-0 draw with the United Arab Emirates.
Terje Pedersen/AFP/Getty Images
Odegaard was the youngest player to represent his country since 1910. "The good thing about Martin is that he always want to be better and is never satisfied," says Hans Erik.
The nurturing of a football prodigy —
Odegaard was the youngest player to represent his country since 1910. "The good thing about Martin is that he always want to be better and is never satisfied," says Hans Erik.
Terje Pedersen/AFP/Getty Images
After August's UAE game, Odegaard played for Norway's Under-21 team in a 2-1 defeat by Portugal in his home city of Drammen.
The nurturing of a football prodigy —
After August's UAE game, Odegaard played for Norway's Under-21 team in a 2-1 defeat by Portugal in his home city of Drammen.
Terje Pedersen/AFP/Getty Images
Hans Erik says he has always encouraged Martin (pictured center) to "want the ball and to never be afraid of making mistakes and always try and be creative."
The nurturing of a football prodigy —
Hans Erik says he has always encouraged Martin (pictured center) to "want the ball and to never be afraid of making mistakes and always try and be creative."
Hans-Erik Odegaard