Jan Åge Fjørtoft
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Jan Åge Fjørtoft[1] | ||
Date of birth | [2] | 10 January 1967||
Place of birth | Gursken, Møre og Romsdal, Norway | ||
Height | 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)[3] | ||
Position(s) | Centre forward | ||
Youth career | |||
Gursken | |||
1982–1983 | IL Hødd | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
1984–1985 | IL Hødd | 39 | (34) |
1986–1987 |
HamKam | 44 | (17) |
1988–1989 | Lillestrøm | 33 | (20) |
1989–1993 | Rapid Wien | 129 | (63) |
1993–1995 | Swindon Town | 72 | (27) |
1995–1997 | Middlesbrough | 41 | (10) |
1997–1998 | Sheffield United | 34 | (19) |
1998 | Barnsley | 34 | (9) |
1998–2001 | Eintracht Frankfurt | 52 | (14) |
2001 | Stabæk | 15 | (6) |
2002 | Lillestrøm | 4 | (0) |
Total | 497 | (219) | |
International career | |||
1984 | Norway U19 | 6 | (5) |
1985–1987 | Norway U21 | 14 | (6) |
1986–1996 | Norway | 71 | (20) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
Jan Åge Fjørtoft (born 10 January 1967) is a Norwegian former professional
Club career
Fjørtoft started his senior career at Hødd (2. league Norway) as a 17-year-old, scoring 9 league goals in 17 matches in the 1984 season. In the 1985 season, he scored 25 league goals in 22 games.
After starting in Norway with Hødd, HamKam and
Fjørtoft continued to score frequently during the 1994–95 season and helped Swindon reach the
Meanwhile, Fjørtoft was a regular player for Middlesbrough as soon as he joined the club, and helped them finish the season as First Division champions. Due to a restructuring of the league, they were the only team to gain automatic promotion to the Premiership in 1995. He was a regular player throughout the 1995–96 campaign and, as the Norwegian partnered Brazilian playmaker Juninho, Boro finished in a respectable 12th place; although they had occupied fourth place in late autumn, a disastrous run of form coinciding with an injury crisis during mid-season sabotaged their hopes of European qualification or a title challenge. Fjørtoft had scored six goals from 26 Premier League games.[8]
However, the arrival of Italian
After the Blades lost to
Fjørtoft's next stop came in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt, where he spent three years (25 November 1998 – 31 May 2001). He became a cult hero for the club, scoring a decisive 89th-minute goal in the final game of the 1998–99 season, saying to himself melancholically: "probably the best goal this season", keeping Eintracht up.[10] He returned home to Norway with Stabæk, and finished his career with Lillestrøm in 2002, retiring at the age of 35.
International career
Between 1986 and 1996, Fjørtoft collected 71
Post-playing career
After retiring from professional football, Jan Åge Fjørtoft transitioned into various roles within the football industry and beyond, including broadcasting, front office, strategic consultancy, government advisory, ambassador roles, philanthropy and educational initiatives, and podcasting. In 2004, he assumed the Director of Football position at Lillestrøm (LSK), where he served for four and a half years until the end of the 2008 season. This included two cup final appearances (lost in 2005, won in 2007), three consecutive top-four league finishes, and a Royal League final appearance.
Media Career
While playing in England, Jan Åge Fjørtoft was a guest and worked regularly for Sky as they were developing a new way of presenting football on TV. Both at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2002, Jan Åge worked as a pundit for NRK in Norway. After he retired in 2002, he signed with NRK, becoming the first full-time pundit on Norwegian TV. During this period, he also pursued his coaching badges, stating, "Not because I want to be a coach, but because I want to systematize what I have learned and experienced throughout my career. Whatever path I choose, this sort of education will help me." While undertaking the position of Director of Football at Lillestrøm Sportsklubb, he concurrently joined Viaplay in 2004. Serving as both host and pundit, he contributed to their Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, and World Cup broadcasts. Presently, he maintains an active role at Viaplay, as a senior pitch-side reporter for their Premier League broadcasts.
During the 2021/2022 season, he produced a documentary titled "Haaland – The Big Decision," providing an intimate portrayal of Erling Haaland's journey, particularly during his transition from Borussia Dortmund. The documentary, which followed Erling in his private moments, was released after Erling signed with Manchester City.
Fjørtoft has been a constant presence in the media landscape since 2002, contributing to various TV channels such as Viaplay, Sky Germany, ESPN, and ServusTV in various punditry roles. In 2011–14, he worked as a football pundit on Sky Germany. He later became a pundit on ESPN FC[11] and according to a January 2022 segment he did, he believes his goal scoring statistics on Wikipedia are incorrect and wishes them to be corrected.[12] He also shares his insights through columns, notably for Bild Zeitung in Germany. In collaboration with his son, Markus Fjørtoft, he runs "The German Fussball Podcast."
Strategic Consultant and Advisor
Jan Åge Fjørtoft runs his own Strategic Communication Company, offering consultation to companies and CEOs in Norway and internationally. His strategic insights were sought after by the Norwegian Olympic, the Confederation of Sport, and WADA, where he served as a Strategic Advisor from 2016 to 2019.
His advisory roles extended to The Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sport, where he notably served as a close advisor to Secretary General Inge Andersen during the preparation and execution of the Youth Olympic Games in Norway.
From 2016 to 2019, he served as a Strategic Advisor alongside Rune Andersen for the vice president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA),
A noteworthy achievement during this period was a collaborative effort with Helleland, conceptualizing and executing an Anti-Doping Conference at the White House in Washington D.C. This event witnessed the participation of nine governments and athletes from around the world.
Since 2008, Fjørtoft has served as an advisor to the Norwegian Football Association, actively participating in the "Handshake for Peace" initiative from its inception when the founder, Kjetil Siem, conceived the idea. In April 2014 Fjørtoft was named Team manager of the National Team, working close with the national coach, Per-Mathias Høgmo.
Government Advisor and Ambassador
In 2015, Fjørtoft was appointed by the Minister for Sport of Norway to lead a Strategic Group advising the government on optimal sport utilization for society. He delivered the group's findings in 2017. Serving as Eintracht Frankfurt's Ambassador in Germany, Fjørtoft, in collaboration with the club, founded the Norway-Forum in 2021, fostering stronger ties between the Frankfurt region and Norway.
Philanthropy and Educational Initiatives
Beyond professional engagements, Jan Åge Fjørtoft is dedicated to promoting sports accessibility. Since 1990, he has run sports schools, ensuring the last five years have been free for pupils. His commitment extends globally, with schools organized not only in Norway but also in England and Scotland. He chaired MTG's foundation "MTG United for Peace" and later held a similar role at Millicom. Additionally, from 2008 onwards, he advised the Norwegian Football Association, playing a vital role in the "Handshake for Peace" initiative.
Personal life
Fjørtoft's son, Markus, was a professional footballer.[13]
Career statistics
Club
Club | Season | League | National cup | League cup | Europe | Other | Total | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
Ham-Kam | 1986[14][15] | 1. divisjon
|
22 | 7 | 3 | 6 | – | – | – | 25 | 13 | |||
1987[14][15] | 1. divisjon | 22 | 10 | 6 | 5 | – | – | 2[a] | 0 | 30 | 15 | |||
Total | 44 | 17 | 9 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 55 | 28 | ||
Lillestrøm | 1988[14] | 1. divisjon | 22 | 14 | 3 | 2 | – | – | – | 25 | 16 | |||
1989[14] | 1. divisjon | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | – | 0 | 0 | – | 14 | 8 | |||
Total | 33 | 20 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 39 | 24 | ||
Rapid Wien | 1989–90[16] | Austrian Bundesliga | 34 | 17 | 5 | 3 | – | 6 | 3 | – | 45 | 23 | ||
1990–91[16] | Austrian Bundesliga | 33 | 17 | 5 | 4 | – | 2 | 0 | – | 40 | 21 | |||
1991–92[16] | Austrian Bundesliga | 34 | 16 | 3 | 6 | – | – | – | 37 | 22 | ||||
1992–93[16] | Austrian Bundesliga | 28 | 13 | 4 | 4 | – | 2 | 2 | – | 34 | 19 | |||
Total | 129 | 63 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 156 | 85 | ||
Swindon Town | 1993–94[7] | Premier League | 36 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | – | 39 | 13 | ||
1994–95[7] | First Division | 36 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 9 | – | 2[b] | 0 | 48 | 25 | ||
Total | 72 | 27 | 4 | 2 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 87 | 38 | ||
Middlesbrough | 1994–95[17] | First Division | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 8 | 3 | ||
1995–96[17] | Premier League | 28 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | – | – | 34 | 8 | |||
1996–97[17][18] | Premier League | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | – | 8 | 2 | |||
Total | 41 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 50 | 13 | ||
Sheffield United | 1996–97[18] | First Division | 17 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 3[c] | 1 | 20 | 11 | |
1997–98[18][19] | First Division | 17 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | – | – | 22 | 12 | |||
Total | 34 | 19 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 42 | 23 | ||
Barnsley | 1997–98[18] | Premier League | 15 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 15 | 6 | ||
1998–99[18] | First Division | 19 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 4 | – | – | 25 | 7 | |||
Total | 34 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 13 | ||
Eintracht Frankfurt | 1998–99[20] | Bundesliga | 17 | 6 | 0 | 0 | – | – | – | 17 | 6 | |||
1999–00[20] | Bundesliga | 21 | 5 | 1 | 2 | – | – | – | 22 | 7 | ||||
2000–01[20] | Bundesliga | 14 | 3 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | 15 | 4 | ||||
Total | 52 | 14 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 54 | 17 | ||
Stabæk | 2001[14]
|
Tippeligaen
|
15 | 6 | 3 | 2 | – | – | – | 18 | 8 | |||
Lillestrøm | 2002[14]
|
Tippeligaen | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | – | 7 | 0 | ||
career total | 458 | 185 | 48 | 42 | 25 | 16 | 10 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 548 | 249 |
- ^ Appearances in Playoffs
- ^ Appearances in Anglo-Italian Cup
- ^ Appearances in 1997 Football League play-offs
International
National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
---|---|---|---|
Norway | 1986 | 1 | 0 |
1987 | 2 | 0 | |
1988 | 4 | 2 | |
1989 | 10 | 3 | |
1990 | 9 | 3 | |
1991 | 6 | 2 | |
1992 | 4 | 0 | |
1993 | 9 | 5 | |
1994 | 11 | 1 | |
1995 | 11 | 4 | |
1996 | 4 | 0 | |
Total | 71 | 20 |
- Scores and results list Norway's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Fjørtoft goal[22]
No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 28 July 1988 | Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway | Brazil | 1–0 | 1–1 | Friendly
|
2 | 14 September 1988 | Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway | Scotland | 1–1 | 1–2 | 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier |
3 | 31 May 1989 | Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway | Austria | 2–0 | 4–1 | Friendly |
4 | 14 June 1989 | Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway | Yugoslavia | 1–2 | 1–2 | 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier |
5 | 25 October 1989 | Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium, Kuwait City, Kuwait | Kuwait | 2–2 | 2–2 | Friendly |
6 | 7 February 1990 | Ta' Qali National Stadium, Attard , Malta |
Malta | 1–0 | 1–1 | Rothmans tournament
|
7 | 31 October 1990 | Bislett Stadion , Oslo, Norway |
Cameroon | 4–0 | 6–1 | Friendly |
8 | 5–0 | |||||
9 | 23 May 1991 | Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway | Romania | 1–0 | 1–0 | Friendly |
10 | 25 September 1991 | Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway | Czechoslovakia | 2–2 | 2–3 | Friendly |
11 | 30 March 1993 | Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar | Qatar | 3–0 | 6–1 | Friendly |
12 | 4–0 | |||||
13 | 5–0 | |||||
14 | 28 April 1993 | Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway | Turkey | 2–0 | 3–1 | 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifier
|
15 | 13 October 1993 | Stadion Miejski, Poznań , Poland |
Poland | 2–0 | 3–0 | 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifier |
16 | 14 December 1994 | Ta' Qali National Stadium, Attard, Malta | Malta | 1–0 | 1–0 | UEFA Euro 1996 qualifier |
17 | 26 April 1995 | Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway | Luxembourg | 2–0 | 5–0 | UEFAEuro 1996 qualifier |
18 | 25 May 1995 | Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway | Ghana | 2–1 | 3–2 | Friendly |
19 | 3–1 | |||||
20 | 7 June 1995 | Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway | Malta | 1–0 | 2–0 | UEFA Euro 1996 qualifier |
Honours
Lillestrøm
Middlesbrough
- 1994–95
Individual
- 1. divisjon top scorer: 1988
- Player of the year in Austria (Krone-Fußballerwahl): 1989
- Football League First Division Team of the Year: 1994–95
References
- ^ "Jan Åge Fjørtoft" (in Norwegian). Norwegian Football Federation. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
- Store norske leksikon. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
- ^ "Jan Åge Fjørtoft: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
- ^ "Jan Åge Fjørtoft: 'I almost get tears when I talk about my first Swindon goal'". Guardian. 5 January 2022. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
- ^ Slot, Owen (6 February 1994). "The age of Fjortoft". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 13 July 2009.
- ^ "World Cup Connections: Jan Åage Fjørtoft". Swindon Town F.C. 15 June 2010. Archived from the original on 5 October 2011. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
- ^ a b c "Fjørtoft's Swindon Profile". Swindon Town. Archived from the original on 19 September 2012. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
- ^ "Jan-Aage Fjortoft". sporting-heroes.net. Archived from the original on 20 December 2010. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
- ^ Turnbull, Simon (27 January 1997). "Hednesford held at bay". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012. Retrieved 23 March 2010.
- ^ "1999-2000" (in German). Eintracht Frankfurt. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
- ^ "Real Madrid must give Martin Odegaard time to develop - Jan Aage Fjortoft". ESPN. 13 August 2018.
- ^ "Will Mikel Arteta's treatment of Aubameyang & Ozil haunt him? | ESPN FC Extra Time - YouTube". YouTube.
- ^ "Hamilton Accies: Markus Fjortoft, son of Jan Age, to sign in summer". BBC Sport. 18 April 2019. Archived from the original on 20 April 2019. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
- ^ NFF. Archived from the originalon 18 January 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
- ^ HamKam. Archived from the originalon 3 September 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
- ^ a b c d "Jan Age FJÖRTOFT" (in German). Rapid Wien. Archived from the original on 8 August 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
- ^ a b c "Jan-Aage Fjortoft". 11v11.com. Archived from the original on 30 November 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
- ^ a b c d e "Jan-Aage Fjortoft". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 16 November 2006. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
- ^ "Jan Åge Fjørtoft". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
- ^ a b c "Jan-Aage Fjörtoft". Fussballdaten.de (in German). Archived from the original on 6 October 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
- ^ Søfting, Thomas. "Jan Åge Fjørtoft". Archived from the original on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 19 July 2013.
- ^ "Jan Fjørtoft". EU-Football.info. Archived from the original on 9 September 2013. Retrieved 19 July 2013.
External links
- Jan Åge Fjørtoft – UEFA competition record (archive)
- Jan Åge Fjørtoft – FIFA competition record (archived)