Norway’s footballing darlings, Bodo/Glimt, are on the cusp of making history, aiming to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. At the heart of their remarkable journey is Hakon Evjen, a midfielder whose family legacy is deeply intertwined with the club. From their humble beginnings to becoming national champions and now challenging Europe’s elite, Bodo/Glimt’s story is one of unwavering team spirit and a clear vision, championed by players like Evjen who embody the club’s unique identity.
This small club, located far above the Arctic Circle, has defied expectations with an incredible rise in recent years. Their success is built on a strong collective approach and a philosophy of continuous improvement, proving that unity and passion can overcome geographical and financial limitations on the grandest stage.
👨👩👧👦 A Legacy of Loyalty
Hakon Evjen’s connection to Bodo/Glimt runs deep, echoing a family tradition. His father, Andreas, was a former club captain, having played over 150 games in the team’s yellow and black colours. This strong family tie played a significant role in Hakon’s career choices. “When I was 15 or 16, there were other clubs I could have gone to,” Evjen shared. “But my father played here, had great contacts in Bodo/Glimt, it only made sense to play here.” This early decision laid the groundwork for his success, including celebrating an Eliteserien title with his hometown club.
✨ The Bodo/Glimt Formula for Success
Many describe Bodo/Glimt as a truly unique club. Hailing from a town of just 55,000 people, 200 km above the Arctic Circle, they are undoubtedly underdogs in the global football landscape. Yet, in just seven years, they transformed from a team battling relegation to winning four titles in five years, even reaching a Europa League semi-final by defeating European giants. Their secret? “Everybody is on the same page; it’s a tightly knit group from players all the way to club management. It’s always about progression, continuous improvement,” Evjen explained. He added, “We don’t even think much about the result, but rather about how we play each game.” A key figure behind this transformation is coach Kjetil Knudsen, who instilled this winning mentality and united the squad.
❤️ Returning Home for European Dreams
Like several other Bodo/Glimt players, Hakon Evjen briefly ventured outside Norway’s Eliteserien. At just 20, he moved to AZ in the Dutch Eredivisie. While his time there was affected by the COVID pandemic, it offered valuable experience. “I learned a lot about the culture and the league,” he recalled, noting the Eredivisie’s focus on developing young talents and its freedom of play. However, the call of home was strong. “It was a no-brainer for me to come home,” he quickly added. “I really enjoy the football here, exactly like I did when I was younger. The opportunity to play in Europe was a big factor too, and now we will hopefully have the chance to play the Champions League as well.”
⚔️ The Final Challenge: Sturm Graz
Now, only Austrian champions Sturm Graz stand between Bodo/Glimt and their dream of reaching UEFA’s premier club competition. Evjen is well aware of the challenge ahead. “When I saw the teams we could have been drawn against, I thought Sturm Graz were one of the toughest opponents,” he admitted. He respects their quality, highlighting their achievement of beating Salzburg to the Austrian title two years in a row. “I think we are the underdog in this tie, actually, and we’ll need to be at our absolute best to be able to make it to the Champions League,” Evjen concluded, setting the stage for a compelling showdown.
