The 16-year-old boy Martin Odegaard who went from playing football in Norway to earning £40,000 per week alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid to being Arsenal captain

Martin Ødegaard’s journey from a schoolboy to a football star is remarkable. Just 12 months ago, he was a 15-year-old balancing his secondary school studies with playing for his local football team in Norway. Now, at 16, he has signed with Real Madrid, joining superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

Martin Odegaard, 16, has signed for Real Madrid, but just months ago he was fitting his secondary school studies around playing for his local team in Norway

 

 

Odegaard holds his shirt after being unveiled as a Real Madrid player, where he will be paid £40,000 a week

 

Odegaard's proud family were at the signing at the Bernabeu stadium as he was announced as a Real Madrid player

 

 

Schoolboy to football star: Martin Odegaard, pictured with his brother, rose through the academy of his local team in Norway but now plays for the European champions

In 2014, Ødegaard made headlines as the youngest player to represent Norway in a top-tier league match at just 15 years and 117 days old. His talent quickly attracted attention from prestigious clubs, leading to training stints with Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

Aged 15 years and 117 days, the attacking midfielder made history by becoming the youngest player to take to the field in a Norwegian premier league match

Upon signing with Real Madrid for £40,000 a week, Ødegaard’s family attended the unveiling at the Bernabeu Stadium, celebrating his achievement. He expressed his goal to develop and become the best player he can be while acknowledging the supportive environment at Real Madrid.

Despite his newfound fame and fortune, Ødegaard remains grounded, focusing on his development and contributing to the team’s success. His potential is recognized by teammates, including Ronaldo, who praised his talent and future prospects.

This young midfielder is on the path to becoming a significant player in European football, with many eyes watching his progress.