"He died for 7 minutes": The tragic and triumphant family story powering Norway’s World Cup run

26.06.26 FT World Cup

Norway

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France

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Norway boss Ståle Solbakken celebrated a historic World Cup knockout spot in North America this week after a dramatic victory.

A touching moment in the stands

Following Norway’s thrilling 3-2 triumph over Senegal, manager Ståle Solbakken bypassed the standard technical area handshakes to climb straight into the stadium rafters.

He locked his wife, Anniken, in a deeply emotional embrace. The moving scene quickly caught the attention of fans worldwide serving as a powerful public testament to a family that has endured unimaginable hardships behind closed doors.

Seven minutes of darkness

The true depth of Solbakken's post-match celebration is rooted in a miraculous survival story. Back in 2001 during his playing career with FC Copenhagen, the former midfielder suffered a catastrophic cardiac arrest on the training pitch.

His heart completely stopped for nearly 7 minute prompting on- site medical staff to declare him clinically dead.

Solbakken later recalled seeing a beautiful, bright blue light at the end of a dark tunnel before emergency responders miraculously revived his pulse. The health crisis forced his immediate retirement from playing but it also instilled a profound appreciation for life.

While the initial trauma led him to selflessly offer his wife a separation to spare her from future grief, the couple remained completely unified. Over the last 24 year, they have raised a family while quietly supporting their 25 year old son, Markus who also plays professional football, through his own ongoing battle with a severe illness.

Leading the underdogs without fear

This deeply personal philosophy of embracing every single moment has become the ultimate catalyst for Erling Haaland and the rest of the Norwegian squad.

Making their first World Cup appearance in 28 long years, the team has played with absolute freedom and zero fear under their manager's guidance. After securing a convincing 4-1 win over Jordan and following it up with the hard fought victory against Senegal, Norway has already guaranteed a historic spot in the tournament's Round of 32.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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