Born: 1969
Biography:
Hege Riise is a Norwegian football coach and former midfield player who is known as one of the best footballers of her generation. Born on July 18, 1969, Riise had an illustrious career, winning numerous titles and accolades with both club and country.
Riise’s passion for football began at a young age. She started playing the sport at the age of six and played in a boys’ team until she was 14. Her talent and dedication quickly became evident, and she caught the attention of football clubs in Norway.
In 1992, Riise achieved her first major success by winning the Norwegian Cup competition with Setskog-Høland. This victory served as a stepping stone for her career, and it wasn’t long before she attracted international attention.
In late 1995, Riise, along with four other Norwegians, joined the Nikko Securities Dream Ladies football club in Japan. During her time with Nikko, Riise’s skills flourished, and she played a key role in the team’s success. In 1996, Nikko won both the Japanese league and cup competitions, and they followed it up with another cup victory in 1997.
After her successful stint in Japan, Riise returned to Norway and rejoined Setskog-Høland. She then went on to play for Asker FK in 2000, where she once again won the cup competition. Riise’s talent didn’t go unnoticed overseas, and in the same year, she was drafted by the Carolina Courage in the Women’s United Soccer Association 2000 Foreign Draft.
Riise’s time with the Carolina Courage was marked by exceptional performances and leadership qualities. She was named the team’s Most Valuable Player two times, and in 2002, she led the Courage to victory in the WUSA Founders Cup. Unfortunately, her involvement was cut short by an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
In 2003, Riise received one of the highest honors in Norwegian football when the Norwegian Football Association named her the best female Norwegian footballer ever. Her contributions to the sport, both at home and abroad, solidified her status as a football icon.
Returning to Norway in 2005, Riise joined Team Strømmen of Oslo and took on the role of playing assistant trainer in 2006. She played her final top-level match with Team Strømmen on October 28, 2006, at the age of 37, before retiring from football as a player.
Riise’s international career was equally impressive. She made her debut with the Norwegian national team in 1990 and quickly became a key figure in their success. In 1993, Riise played a crucial role in Norway’s triumph in the UEFA Women’s Championship.
Two years later, Riise achieved the pinnacle of her international career by winning the Women’s World Cup with Norway. Her outstanding performances throughout the tournament earned her the prestigious Golden Ball award. Riise’s biggest achievement on the international stage came at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, where she won the gold medal with Norway. This made her one of only three women in the world to win the Olympics, the World Cup, and the European Championship.
Riise retired from international football in September 2004 with an impressive record of 188 caps and 58 goals. Her impact on the national team and her contributions to the sport as a whole are immeasurable.
Hege Riise’s dedication, skill, and passion for football have left an indelible mark on the sport. As a player, she achieved remarkable success on both the club and international level, becoming a true inspiration for future generations of female footballers.
Awards:
– FIFA Women’s World Cup winner
– Olympic Games gold medalist
– UEFA Women’s Euro winner