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Arsenal FC 2025-26 Premier League

Martin Ødegaard 2025-26

Martin Ødegaard was the most hyped teenager in European football when Real Madrid signed him at 16 — a Norwegian prodigy who had the world at his feet. Years of loans and fragmented development followed, before Arsenal and Mikel Arteta gave him the platform to fulfil everything promised. Now the Gunners’ captain, Ødegaard is the player without whom Arsenal simply cannot function — and the World Cup 2026 auditions are intensifying.

Norwegian
Nationality
Central Mid
Position
Arsenal FC
Club
#8
Shirt Number

The Martin Ødegaard Story

The Prodigy Who Waited

Ødegaard signed for Real Madrid at 16 to enormous fanfare — but the path to becoming a Bernab\u00e9u regular was blocked. Loan spells at Heerenveen, Vitesse, Real Sociedad and Arsenal (temporary) built the player that Arteta eventually signed permanently in 2021. Every setback sharpened the hunger that now drives Arsenal’s title ambitions.

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Arsenal’s Creative Heart

When Ødegaard plays, Arsenal flow. When he doesn’t — due to the injuries that have punctuated his Arsenal career — they labour. His ability to find space between the lines, his first touch under pressure, and his vision for the final pass make him the fulcrum of Arteta’s high-press system. The stats back it: Arsenal’s expected goals, pass completion, and shot volume all dip noticeably in his absence.

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Norway’s World Cup Dream

Norway’s World Cup 2026 qualification campaign has been dramatic — and Ødegaard has been their captain through every twist. Alongside Erling Haaland, Norway possess two of the world’s best players, making them dangerous opponents for any side. Whether Norway qualify or not, Ødegaard’s international legacy is already assured — the greatest Norwegian footballer since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Martin Ødegaard Highlights

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Anthony Gordon’s lightning wing play 😮‍💨
ARSENAL

Anthony Gordon’s lightning wing play 😮‍💨

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Analysis & Opinion

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Ødegaard & Arsenal News

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BBC·None

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David Squires on … Max Dowman, Arsenal’s great release and Chelsea’s Tierney totem

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The Guardian·None

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The Guardian·None

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<p>Robyn Cowen is joined by Jonathan Wilson, Lucy Ward, and Dan Bardell as Arsenal extend their lead at the top …

The Guardian·None

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<p>West Ham draw shows City trying to create a sense of who they are, but Arsenal know their identity even …

The Guardian·None

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<p>The leaders haven’t won the title in more than 20 years. Yet very few neutrals are excited about seeing them …

The Guardian·None

Revealed: The three VAR mistakes that have benefitted Arsenal in their Premier League title bid

Premier League leaders Arsenal have been beneficiaries of three VAR mistakes on penalty decisions this season.

Daily Mail·None

It's time to show Mikel Arteta the respect he is due. The Arsenal manager's gamble to throw on 16-year-old Max Dowman paid off handsomely and shows he is not a leader hamstrung by caution, writes OLIVER HOLT

I've not always been a fan of Mikel Arteta, the manager. In earlier years his touchline histrionics were absurd. But …

Daily Mail·None

Thierry Henry suggests football fans don't want Arsenal to win the league despite their 'underdog' status - as Jamie Carragher claims something about the Gunners 'may rub people up the wrong way'

Thierry Henry suggested that the neutral fan does not want Arsenal to win the league despite Mikel Arteta's side appearing …

Daily Mail·None

Take it to the Max! Mikel Arteta says 16-year-old wonderkid Dowman can help his Arsenal team-mates throw off the shackles as they bid for historic Quadruple

The teen sensation produced a dazzling cameo against Everton on Saturday, helping set up the first goal for Viktor Gyokeres …

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Max Dowman's dad attacks 'verging on fraud' coach of his 16-year-old wonderkid son who 'put out the cones' but is now giving media interviews about how he helped make him an Arsenal star

Max Dowman's dad has launched a scathing attack on a football coach who previously worked with the Arsenal wonderkid.

Daily Mail·None

Thierry Henry issues stark warning to Arsenal over Max Dowman's future despite claiming teen starlet's performance against Everton gave him 'goosebumps'

Thierry Henry was full of high praise for Max Dowman in the wake of his impressive showing against Everton on …

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Fabregas is currently one of the highest-rated young managers in Europe, having taken over as Como boss in July 2024. …

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Arsenal wonderboy Max Dowman, 16, faces being LEFT OUT of their Premier League title charge to focus on his GCSEs - despite his record-breaking goal, claims Wayne Rooney

Dowman, 16, stole the headlines on Saturday after he led the Gunners to a crucial 2-0 win over Everton to …

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Wayne Rooney reveals the shockingly low wages he earned when he broke the Premier League's goal record aged just 16 with iconic goal against Arsenal

Rooney announced himself to the world with his first Premier League goal aged 16 - a stunning winner for Everton …

Daily Mail·None

Revealed: How new Arsenal hero Max Dowman dazzled team-mates in training and humiliated players twice his age, his family's role in his meteoric rise - and the England star who has taken him under his wing

ISAAN KHAN: In the early months of last season, the Gunners tried to keep a low profile around a precocious …

Daily Mail·None

Everton vow to take action after striker - who releases a second statement - claims club's fans 'ATTACKED' his friends in Arsenal away end: Shocking footage posted by Thierno Barry shows clashes between supporters as police launch investigation

Barry was named as a substitute for the Toffees' cash with the Premier League leaders, coming on in the second-half …

Daily Mail·None

John Terry compares Arsenal star Max Dowman to Lionel Messi - and says Chelsea players should have told referee Paul Tierney to 'f*** off' over huddle row

John Terry has heaped praise on Max Dowman after the Arsenal wonderkid became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.

Daily Mail·None