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Maria Thorisdottir
Maria Thorisdottir
Maria Thorisdottir
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Maria Thorisdottir (Icelandic: Maria Þórisdóttir, [ˈmaːrija ˈθouːrɪsˌtouhtɪr]; born 5 June 1993) is a Norwegian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Klepp and the Norway national team.[2] Prior to fully focusing on football, she also played handball in the Eliteserien for Sola and Stabæk.[3][4]

Key Information

Club career

[edit]

Klepp

[edit]

Thorisdottir began her career at Norwegian first division team Klepp IL. Originally a midfielder or striker within the Klepp youth system, she first transitioned to centre-back while with the youth national team.[4] She made her senior debut as a 66th-minute substitute on 5 April 2010 in a 0–0 draw with Amazon Grimstad.[5] She scored her first goal for the club on 29 August 2010, a 90th-minute consolation goal in a 3–1 defeat to Arna-Bjørnar.[6]

In September 2012 Thorisdottir decided to retire from football due to injury, most notably citing her struggle with patellar tendinitis.[7] During this spell she began playing handball, signing for Stabæk in June 2013.[8]

In 2014, Thorisdottir made the decision to return to football and began training with Klepp again. Two years since her last appearance she made her comeback on 6 August 2014, starting in a 1–0 Norwegian Cup victory over Arna-Bjørnar.[9] In August 2015 Thorisdottir was sidelined again, this time with a torn ankle ligament. Close to a return, Thorisdottir suffered a further setback when doctors picked up a rare and complicated issue with the foot that would be "potentially career-threatening" if left untreated.[10] She underwent surgery in November 2015, keeping her out for the 2016 season.[7][11]

A perpetual mid-table team during her tenure, Klepp earned their highest finish position in 12 seasons when Thorisdottir returned in 2017, ending the season in fourth-place in her final season with the club.[12]

Chelsea

[edit]

In September 2017, Thorisdottir left Klepp to sign a two-year contract with English FA WSL team Chelsea.[13] She made her first appearance for the club on 24 September 2017 in a 6–0 WSL win over Bristol City. In her first season with the club Thorisdottir made 10 league appearances as Chelsea won the 2017–18 FA WSL title.[14] She also made three appearances in the FA Cup including as a substitute in the final as Chelsea beat Arsenal 3–1.[15]

In her second season at Chelsea, Thorisdottir scored her first goal for the club on 12 September 2018 in a UEFA Champions League Round of 32 5–0 victory over SFK 2000 Sarajevo.[16] In October 2018, she suffered a concussion during a game which kept her out until May 2019.[17] In June 2019, she renewed her contract with Chelsea until the summer of 2021.[18][19]

Manchester United

[edit]

On 22 January 2021, Thorisdottir signed for Manchester United from Chelsea on a two-and-a-half-year contract with an option to extend for a further year.[20][21] Two weeks later, she made her debut in a 2–0 league defeat to Reading.[22]

Brighton & Hove Albion

[edit]

On 30 August 2023, Brighton & Hove Albion announced the signing of Thorisdottir.[23]

On 5 May 2025, it was announced that Thorisdottir would be leaving Brighton when her contract expires in June 2025.[24]

Marseille

[edit]

On 18 August 2025, it was announced that Thorisdottir had signed for Marseille.[25]

International career

[edit]

Youth

[edit]

Thorisdottir went through all Norwegian junior teams beginning in 2008 at under-15 level. She was part of the under-17 team during 2009 UEFA Women's Under-17 Championship qualification and was called up to the finals in Nyon, Switzerland where Norway finished in fourth place.[26] A year later, she was again part of the under-17s as Norway proceeded to the second round of 2010 UEFA Women's Under-17 Championship qualification before losing out to Germany.

At under-19 level Thorisdottir was part of the team at the 2011 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship, reaching the tournament final before losing 8–1 to Germany.[27] The tournament also acted as qualification for the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, only the second time Norway had qualified. Thorisdottir was part of the squad in Japan, making three appearances as Norway reached the quarter-finals before meeting Germany again and losing 4–0.[28] Following the tournament, Thorisdottir announced her retirement from football due to injuries.[7] Having reignited her club career with Klepp, she made a return to international football three years later, receiving a call-up to the under-23 team for the La Manga U23 invitational against Japan and the United States in February 2015.[29]

Senior

[edit]

On 16 February 2015, Thorisdottir was called-up to the senior team for the first time as part of the 2015 Algarve Cup squad.[30] On 6 March 2015, just four days after appearing for the under-23 team in La Manga, Thorisdottir made her senior international debut starting in a 1–0 victory over Iceland.[31] She had earlier been approached to play for Iceland but turned it down in the hope of making the Norwegian team.[32][33] Despite this she described how special it was to debut against the country of her father's birth that she visited every summer to stay with her grandparents.[34]

On 14 May 2015, she was named to the squad for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.[35] After sitting out the opening group game, she made her World Cup debut in a 1–1 draw with Germany.[36] Norway progressed from the group stage before being eliminated by England in the Round of 16.[37] Despite missing the entire qualification campaign with injuries, Thorisdottir was named in the squad for UEFA Women's Euro 2017.[38] Having at least reached the semi-finals in the past four editions, Norway surprisingly crashed out bottom of the group having lost all three games, the first time they had failed to pick up any points at the tournament.[39] Thorisdottir played the full 90 minutes in group games against both eventual finalist Denmark and Netherlands. In January 2018, she scored her first senior international goal in a 3–0 friendly win over Scotland.[40] Having stayed fit enough to start all 8 of Norway's 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification matches in which the team topped a group including the Netherlands, Thorisdottir was named to the final tournament squad in May 2019.[41] She played every minute of all five of Norway's games in France before they were once again eliminated by England, this time at the quarter-final stage.[42][43]

Thorisdottir was part of the squad that was called up to the UEFA Women's Euro 2022.[44]

Personal life

[edit]

Thorisdottir was born in Norway to a Norwegian mother and an Icelandic father, Þórir Hergeirsson,[45] appointed coach of the Norway women's national handball team in 2009.[29][46] Her father's extended family lives in Iceland.[34]

During her childhood, she was part of a juggling group and performed with different companies.[47]

Thorisdottir got a golden retriever called Theo in 2015 and has regularly commented on the positive impact owning a dog has had on her mental health, especially during the two-year spell she had battling frequent injuries.[48][49]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of 5 May 2025[50][51]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental[c] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Klepp 2010 Toppserien 17 1 0 0 — — 17 1
2011 14 4 1 0 — — 15 4
2012 7 1 0 0 — — 7 1
2013 0 0 0 0 — — 0 0
2014 5 0 1 0 — — 6 0
2015 14 1 2 1 — — 16 2
2016 0 0 0 0 — — 0 0
2017 14 1 3 0 — — 17 1
Total 71 8 7 1 — — 78 9
Chelsea 2017–18 FA WSL 10 0 3 0 4 0 7 0 24 0
2018–19 5 0 0 0 3 0 2 1 10 1
2019–20 5 1 0 0 3 0 — 8 1
2020–21 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 5 0
Total 22 1 3 0 12 0 10 1 47 2
Manchester United 2020–21 WSL 6 0 2 0 0 0 — 8 0
2021–22 20 1 2 0 5 0 — 27 1
2022–23 5 0 1 0 4 0 — 10 0
Total 31 1 5 0 9 0 — 45 1
Brighton & Hove Albion 2023–24 WSL 20 0 2 0 4 0 — 26 0
2024–25 13 0 2 0 1 0 — 16 0
Total 33 0 4 0 5 0 — 42 0
Career total 157 10 19 1 26 0 10 1 212 12
  1. ^ Includes NM Kvinner and FA Cup
  2. ^ Includes FA Women's League Cup
  3. ^ Includes Champions League

International

[edit]
As of match played 16 July 2024
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Norway 2015 8 0
2016 0 0
2017 12 0
2018 11 1
2019 10 1
2020 5 0
2021 8 1
2022 10 0
2023 3 0
2024 4 0
Total 71 3
Scores and results list Norway's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Thorisdottir goal.
List of international goals scored by Maria Thorisdottir
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 19 January 2018 La Manga Stadium, La Manga, Spain  Scotland 3–0 3–0 Friendly
2 4 October 2019 Borisov Arena, Barysaw, Belarus  Belarus 3–1 7–1 Euro 2022 qualifying
3 25 November 2021 Arena Kombëtare, Tirana, Albania  Albania 3–0 7–0 2023 World Cup qualification

Honours

[edit]

Chelsea

Manchester United

  • Women's FA Cup runner-up: 2023

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Maria Thorisdottir

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Maria Thorisdottir is a Norwegian professional footballer who plays as a defender for in the and the women's national team. Born on 5 June 1993 in , , she has established herself as a versatile and experienced centre-back with a career spanning domestic leagues in , , and . Thorisdottir began her professional career with Klepp IL in the before moving to in 2017 to join Chelsea, where she spent three and a half seasons and contributed to multiple domestic successes. During her time at Chelsea, she made 49 appearances across all competitions and helped the team win two titles (2017–18 and 2019–20), one (2017–18), one (2019–20), and one Community Shield (2019). She then transferred to Manchester United in January 2021, where she played 45 matches over two and a half years, before moving to & Albion in 2023 for two seasons, accumulating 42 appearances in the . In 2025, she signed with in but departed after a brief period to join on loan in September 2025. On the international stage, Thorisdottir has represented at every youth level and earned 71 senior caps as of August 2025, including captaining the team on occasion. She has participated in two Women's World Cups (2019 and 2023) and three Women's Euro tournaments (2017, 2022, and 2025), contributing to Norway's defensive efforts in major competitions. Standing at 1.70 meters (5 ft 7 in) and known for her right-footed play, she brings leadership and aerial strength to her positions.

Early life

Family background

Maria Thorisdottir was born on 5 June 1993 in , , to a Norwegian mother, Kirsten Gaard, and an Icelandic father, Þórir Hergeirsson. Her father, Þórir Hergeirsson, is a prominent coach who led the from 2009 to 2024, guiding them to multiple major titles including Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2020, as well as European championships in 2014 and 2016. Thorisdottir grew up in a sports-oriented family in , where athletic involvement was central; her parents supported her early interest in football alongside her siblings. She has two younger siblings: a brother, Mathias Thorisson, and a sister, Sunniva Thorisdottir, both of whom have been involved in sports, reflecting the family's emphasis on athletic achievement.

Youth sports involvement

Maria Thorisdottir grew up in a small farming town near , , where she began playing football and at a young age, balancing both sports through her youth years. Influenced by her family—her father is Icelandic and a former coach for the Norwegian women's national team—she developed a strong athletic foundation, attending a sports school that intensified her training regimen. She initially played as a or striker in football before transitioning to defense, while also competing in as a centre back. Thorisdottir pursued both sports professionally until age 18, training extensively with local clubs and national youth programs, which amounted to a demanding schedule combining school, football sessions with Klepp IL, and handball practices. Football took priority early on, as she was selected for Norway's youth national ahead of the handball equivalent, leading her to represent the country starting at under-15 level in 2008. She progressed through all Norwegian junior teams, including under-17 in 2009 and under-19, where she featured prominently. Her sister, Sunniva Thorisdottir, similarly excelled in youth handball, highlighting the family's sporting environment. A key highlight came in 2011 when Thorisdottir helped reach the final of the in , where they finished as runners-up after losing to 1–8; she also celebrated domestic success with Klepp's under-19 team, winning the Norwegian Junior Championship (NM J19) that year. In , she competed at youth levels for clubs like Sola before entering the , though specific youth accolades remain less documented compared to her football path. By her late teens, the dual commitment began to wane due to physical demands and injuries, setting the stage for her full focus on football.

Club career

Klepp

Maria Thorisdottir began her senior club career with Klepp IL in the Norwegian Toppserien, the country's top women's football division, after progressing through the club's youth ranks. Born in nearby Stavanger, she established herself as a promising defender early on, debuting professionally around 2010 and contributing to the team's midfield and defensive efforts. Initially favoring the holding midfielder role, she showcased versatility in a competitive league environment. In 2012, Thorisdottir paused her football career for two years to pursue at the elite level in , effectively retiring from the sport temporarily. She returned to Klepp in , motivated by an Icelandic coach's encouragement during a chance encounter, and reintegrated into the squad without prior plans to resume playing. By her final season, she had shifted to centre-back, a position that became central to her professional identity. This period marked her maturation as a player amid ongoing injury challenges that would later define parts of her career. Thorisdottir's standout 2017 season with Klepp solidified her reputation, as she started all 14 league matches, logging 1,204 minutes and scoring once while helping the team secure a fourth-place finish. Her domestic form complemented strong showings for at the 2017 Women's Euro, where she appeared in group-stage games, paving the way for her move to Chelsea in September 2017.

Chelsea

Thorisdottir joined Chelsea from Norwegian club Klepp IL in September 2017 on a free transfer. As a versatile defender capable of playing in midfield, she quickly integrated into the squad under manager . She made her debut on the right of a back three in the FA Women's Super League opener against Bristol City on 17 September 2017, contributing to a 6-0 victory. In her debut 2017/18 season, Thorisdottir made 26 appearances across all competitions, establishing herself as a reliable squad member. She played a key role in Chelsea's successful campaign, which culminated in a domestic Double: the team won the title and the , defeating 3-1 in the cup final. Her contributions helped solidify Chelsea's defense during a season that marked the club's growing dominance in English women's football. The following 2018/19 season saw Thorisdottir score her first goal for Chelsea in the qualifying round. On 12 September 2018, she netted in a 5-0 group stage win over SFK 2000 Sarajevo, finishing from close range in the 36th minute. However, her progress was interrupted by injury; in October 2018, she suffered a during a league match against , which sidelined her for several months. Thorisdottir returned for the 2019/20 , where early in the campaign she made an immediate impact by scoring the winning goal against on 13 October 2019. Coming off the bench, she unleashed a 25-yard strike into the top corner in the 85th minute, securing a 2-1 victory in the London derby and ending Arsenal's perfect start to the . This goal, her second for the club, highlighted her ability to influence games from midfield. However, later that month in October 2019, she faced another setback, fracturing her ankle in training and requiring surgery, which kept her out until February 2020. Over three-and-a-half years at Chelsea, Thorisdottir made 49 appearances, starting 31, and scored two goals while contributing to multiple trophy successes, including the 2020 . Her time at the club ended in January 2021 when she transferred to Manchester United for an undisclosed fee, with Hayes praising her as a "great asset" to the team.

Manchester United

Thorisdottir joined Manchester United from Chelsea on 22 January 2021, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with an option for an additional year. The Norwegian defender, known for her versatility in playing within a back three or four, brought experience from over 40 appearances with Chelsea and was praised by manager for her leadership qualities and defensive strength. She expressed excitement about contributing to the team's push for success at the prestigious club. During the 2021–22 season, Thorisdottir established herself as a regular starter, making 20 league appearances and accumulating over 1,600 minutes on the pitch. Her contributions helped Manchester United finish second in the WSL, their highest league position at the time, while she also featured in cup competitions, contributing to a total of around 30 appearances across all fronts that season. A highlight was her first and only goal for the club, scored as a substitute in a 3–1 league win against Leicester City on 12 September 2021, heading in a corner to secure victory in the second half. The following 2022–23 season saw limited involvement due to , with just five league appearances before a mid-foot sustained against on 26 March 2023 ended her campaign prematurely. This long-term issue also ruled her out of the with . Despite the setback, her earlier efforts had again supported United's second-place WSL finish. Over her tenure, Thorisdottir made 45 appearances in total for Manchester United, scoring one goal, and was noted for her professionalism by manager . On 30 August 2023, Thorisdottir departed for Brighton & Hove Albion on a permanent transfer, reflecting on the "amazing experience" and cherished memories from her time at .

Brighton & Hove Albion

Thorisdottir joined Brighton & Hove Albion from Manchester United on 30 August 2023, signing on undisclosed terms subject to regulatory processes. The 30-year-old Norwegian defender brought extensive experience, having previously won two titles and the with Chelsea, along with over 60 caps for the national team, including appearances at the 2015 and 2019 Women's World Cups and the 2017 and 2022 Women's Euro tournaments. Head coach highlighted her addition as a boost to the squad's depth, stating that Thorisdottir's "wealth of experience both domestically and internationally" would aid the team's ambitions in the WSL. During her tenure, Thorisdottir established herself as a consistent presence in Brighton's defense, primarily as a center-back—a role she had rarely occupied earlier in her career. In the 2023-24 WSL season, she started all 19 league matches, contributing to the team's defensive solidity amid a transitional campaign. The following season, she made 13 starts in 14 appearances before an injury sidelined her temporarily, though she returned for key fixtures, including a January 2025 match against Manchester United. Across all competitions, she featured in 42 games without scoring, drawing on her versatility to help stabilize the backline. One notable moment came in a December 2023 WSL draw against Leicester City, where, after trailing 2-0 until the 82nd minute, Thorisdottir delivered a motivational post-match message to her teammates, urging greater belief and clinical finishing to turn games around. Thorisdottir expressed enthusiasm for the club's project under Phillips, noting in early 2024 that she felt "important" and able to "express [herself] fully" for the first time in her career, despite past challenges like eight years of cumulative injury absences. Her leadership extended off the pitch, as she embraced the Seagulls' growing ambitions in the WSL. On 5 May 2025, announced that Thorisdottir would depart at the end of her contract in June, alongside four other players, after contributing to over 200 collective appearances for the club. Incoming Dario Vidosic praised the group as "fine servants of the club," crediting their support during his first season.

Thorisdottir signed with as a on August 18, 2025, joining the women's team from & Albion on an undisclosed contract length. The 32-year-old Norwegian defender was brought in to bolster the backline with her experience from top European clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United. Her tenure at Marseille proved extremely brief and tumultuous. Just two days after signing, on August 20, 2025, during a pre-season friendly against Spanish club in , , a mass brawl erupted among players following a disputed offside call on Marseille's second goal. The altercation escalated tensions, leading the referee to abandon the match early and issue a red card to Marseille's coach, Frédéric Gonçalves. Thorisdottir, visibly shaken by the incident, left the team's training camp in immediately and returned to to reassess her future. The chaos at the club, including the brawl and subsequent dismissal of coach on August 27, 2025, prompted Thorisdottir to terminate her contract. She departed on September 6, 2025, without making a single competitive appearance, and rejoined Norwegian side Brann as a . This short stint highlighted ongoing instability within Marseille's women's program during the 2025-26 season.

Brann

Maria Thórisdóttir signed with on 8 September 2025, joining the Norwegian club on a short-term contract valid until the end of the 2025 season to bolster the team's defensive depth ahead of a demanding autumn schedule that included commitments in the , qualifiers, and the NM Cup semifinals. The 32-year-old center-back, who had spent the previous seasons in with clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Brighton & Hove Albion, brought extensive experience from 71 caps with the national team and recent stints abroad, including a brief period at earlier in 2025. Thórisdóttir expressed enthusiasm about the move, noting Brann's "extremely exciting football" and her desire to contribute to the team during the crucial phase. Head coach Lars Johan Myklebust highlighted her international pedigree as vital for the club's ambitions in multiple competitions. Thórisdóttir made her debut for Brann on 14 September 2025 in a Toppserien match against Stabæk, marking her return to Norwegian football after nearly a decade abroad. She quickly integrated into the squad, starting in several key fixtures during the league's closing stages, including matches against Hammarby on 16 October, Kolbotn on 19 October, Rosenborg on 1 November, and Stabæk again on 7 November. Over the course of her brief tenure, she appeared in four Toppserien matches, accumulating 127 minutes on the pitch without recording a goal or assist, primarily serving in her familiar role as a center-back to provide stability in defense. Although named to the squad for UEFA Women's Europa Cup games, such as the 1-1 draw against Hammarby on 16 October, she remained an unused substitute in European competition. Thórisdóttir's arrival coincided with Brann's successful push for the title, which the club clinched on 1 November 2025 following a victory over Rosenborg, securing their status as Norwegian champions for the year. Her experience helped reinforce the backline during the title-deciding run, contributing to Brann's defensive solidity in the final matches. The team prepared for an official championship celebration on 15 November 2025, with Thórisdóttir's role underscoring her value in the squad's triumphant campaign despite the limited duration of her contract.

International career

Youth

Maria Thorisdottir began her involvement in organized football during her early teens, joining the youth academy of Klepp IL, a club in Norway's league system, where she initially played as a holding . Parallel to her football development, Thorisdottir pursued at a professional level, balancing both sports alongside attendance at a specialized ; this dual commitment resulted in an intensive training regimen until she turned 18. Her selection for Norway's national football teams prioritized football initially, as opportunities in handball came later. Thorisdottir represented across all youth international levels, debuting for the under-15 team in 2008 and advancing through the under-17, under-19, under-20, and under-23 squads by 2015. A pivotal moment came in 2011 at the European Women's Under-19 Championship in , where she featured as a defensive for , who advanced to the final before losing 8–1 to . Her performances were praised for providing stability in front of the defense, enabling attacking freedom for teammates while demonstrating strong ground coverage, accurate distribution, and vocal leadership on the pitch. During her youth tenure with the national teams, Thorisdottir transitioned from midfield to centre-back, a positional shift that shaped her professional role. In 2012, at age 18, she paused football for two years to concentrate on handball but returned in 2014, recommitting to the sport after recognizing it as her primary passion.

Senior

Thorisdottir made her senior international debut for on 6 March 2015, starting in a 1–0 victory over at the in . She earned selection for the shortly thereafter, appearing in all three of Norway's group stage matches as the team advanced to the round of 16 before a 2–1 defeat to . Her early international exposure highlighted her as a reliable centre-back, contributing to a defensive unit that conceded just two goals in the group phase. Thorisdottir solidified her role in the squad leading into , where she featured in two group stage games despite the team's surprising group exit without a win. She scored her first international goal on 19 January 2018, in a 4–0 friendly win over . By the in , she had become a mainstay, playing every minute of 's four matches en route to the quarter-finals, where they fell 3–0 to ; her partnership with club teammate provided defensive stability in a tournament where topped their group. At in , Thorisdottir started Norway's opening 4–1 group win over but Norway suffered an 8–0 loss to hosts , contributing to their group stage elimination. She reached a personal milestone of 50 caps in September 2021 during a qualifier. Injuries, including a foot issue that sidelined her for the 2023 World Cup, tested her resilience, but she returned to the fold for qualifying campaigns. She was included in the squad for , where advanced to the quarter-finals before losing 1–2 to , though Thorisdottir did not feature in any matches. As of August 2025, Thorisdottir has amassed 71 caps and three international goals for , participating in two World Cups (2015, 2019) and two European Championships (2017, 2022). Her career reflects a progression from debutant to defensive leader, often praised for her physicality and duel-winning ability in high-stakes fixtures.

Personal life

Injuries and recovery

Throughout her career, Maria Thorisdottir has faced significant challenges from recurrent injuries, accumulating approximately eight years sidelined in total. These setbacks began during her time playing both and football and continued across multiple clubs, testing her resilience but also contributing to her personal growth. One of her earliest major issues was a problem in her left knee, stemming from overload during her career around 2012–2014, which has persisted intermittently. This was followed by a severe in her foot in 2015, complicated by stress fractures, that kept her out for two full years until 2017 and nearly ended her professional aspirations. During this prolonged absence, Thorisdottir focused on rebuilding her physical and mental strength, using the time to deepen her understanding of her body's limits and enhance her overall resilience. At Chelsea, injuries continued to disrupt her progress. In October 2018, she suffered a during a match against , resulting in an extended period away from the pitch. Just over a year later, in October 2019, Thorisdottir fractured her ankle during training ahead of a Women's Super League game against United; she underwent successful surgery shortly after and was ruled out for the remainder of 2019, including Norway's international qualifier on November 8. She returned to action in February 2020, marking a gradual reintegration into team training and matches. While with Manchester United, Thorisdottir encountered another long-term setback in March 2023, sustaining a midfoot injury in the 64th minute of an quarter-final victory over on March 19. This forced her to miss the rest of the 2022–23 season and Norway's participation in the , where the team faced , , and the in the group stage. Thorisdottir expressed determination to return stronger the following season, emphasizing a positive during rehabilitation. More recently, in November 2024, she dealt with a calf injury that sidelined her from November 15, 2024, until mid-January 2025, lasting about 63 days. Despite these challenges, Thorisdottir has credited her injury experiences with fostering greater mental fortitude, allowing her to approach recoveries with a proactive focus on long-term career sustainability.

Heritage and interests

Maria Thorisdottir was born on 5 June 1993 in , , to a Norwegian and an Icelandic father, Þórir Hergeirsson, a prominent coach born in Selfoss, , who has led the to multiple international titles, including Olympic gold in 2024. Her paternal heritage connects her to , where her father's extended family resides, though she was raised in the area and began her youth career in the nearby small farm town of Klepp in southwestern , a region known for its rural, close-knit communities. This upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of rootedness, as she has described herself as a "very home person" who values staying close to family and familiar surroundings—evident in her September 2025 loan move back to in . Thorisdottir's early life was immersed in sports, reflecting her mixed Scandinavian heritage and the athletic emphasis in both Norwegian and Icelandic cultures. She played both and football until age 18, then pursued professionally for two years from 2012 to 2014, before shifting her focus entirely to football due to her greater enjoyment of the sport's training routines. Beyond athletics, she pursued higher education alongside her professional career, earning a (MBA) with distinction from Longford International College between 2020 and 2022, demonstrating her interest in and long-term career outside football. In her personal life, Thorisdottir maintains a low-key centered on and pets; she owns a named , acquired in 2015, whom she credits as a source of companionship during her demanding schedule. She has voiced a strong attachment to Norwegian culinary traditions, expressing disappointment with English food—particularly —during her time playing in the , preferring the flavors of her homeland. Her interests also include relaxation through viewing, balancing the intensity of professional sports with quiet downtime at home.

Career statistics

Club

As of 14 November 2025.
ClubSeasonLeagueTotal
AppsGoalsAppsGoals
Klepp2010171——
2011144——
201271——
201450——
2015141——
2017141——
Total718
Chelsea2017–18100
2018–1950
2019–2051
2020–2120
Total221492
Manchester United2020–2160
2021–22201
2022–2350
Total311451
Brighton & Hove Albion2023–24200
2024–25130
Total330420
Marseille2025–260000
Brann (loan)20255050
Career total162101413

International

Senior

As of 14 November 2025.
YearCapsGoals
201580
201600
2017120
2018111
2019101
202050
202181
2022100
202330
202440
202500
Total713

Youth

Over 50 appearances across youth levels (U15 to U23), including 6 goals at U16 level. Participated in 2009 (semi-finals) and 2011 (runners-up).

Honours

Club

Klepp IL
  • Norwegian Junior Championship (J19): 2009, 2011
Chelsea

International

No senior international honours. Youth
  • UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship runner-up: 2011

References

  1. https://www.uefa.com/womenseuropacup/clubs/players/250004032--maria-thorisdottir/
  2. https://www.om.fr/en/news/4805/women/100537-maria-thorisdottir-joins-les-marseillaises
  3. https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/maria-thorisdottir-moves-on
  4. https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-women-defender-maria-thorisdottir-joins-wsl-side-brighton-and-hove-albion-on-permanent-deal
  5. https://m.aiscore.com/player-maria-thorisdottir/34kgmipemwf0ko9
  6. https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/219987/maria-thorisdottir
  7. https://bildbyran.no/fotball/VG0168/210916VG133/
  8. https://www.stregspiller.com/norway-on-top/
  9. https://equalizersoccer.com/2022/01/18/five-coaches-to-watch-womens-soccer-2022/
  10. https://www.jbl.no/slik-feiret-maria-thorisdottir-den-store-dagen/s/5-103-917922
  11. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/37029/13056251/maria-thorisdottir-exclusive-brighton-defender-on-journey-from-handball-and-eight-years-of-injury-to-seagulls-importance
  12. https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2022/jun/29/womens-euro-2022-your-complete-guide-to-all-368-players
  13. https://en.as.com/soccer/norway-squad-for-womens-euro-2022-player-profiles-hegerberg-graham-hansen-n/
  14. https://www.uefa.com/womensunder19/news/01f2-0e123793ab1d-5d6da6b008ca-1000--hegland-it-s-norway-s-turn-this-time/
  15. https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/media-article/Thorisdottir-signs-for-Albion-from-Manchester-United
  16. https://fbref.com/en/players/8ee86892/Maria-Thorisdottir
  17. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/41178716
  18. https://www.chelseafc.com/en/womens-trophy-cabinet
  19. https://www.uefa.com/womenschampionsleague/match/2025459--sarajevo-vs-chelsea/
  20. https://www.chelseafc.com/en/match/chelsea-women-vs-arsenal-women-english-womens-super-league-2019-10-13
  21. https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-women-complete-the-signing-of-maria-thorisdottir
  22. https://fbref.com/en/players/8ee86892/matchlogs/2021-2022/summary/Maria-Thorisdottir-Match-Logs
  23. https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/wsl-match-report-leicester-city-women-v-man-utd-women-12-september-2021
  24. https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/united-women-announce-season-ending-injury-for-maria-thorisdottir
  25. https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/219987/maria-thorisdottir
  26. https://www.fotmob.com/players/213888/maria-thorisdottir
  27. https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/23982505.maria-thorisdottir-said-brighton-colleagues-wsl/
  28. https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/media-article/five-players-to-bid-farewell
  29. https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/marseille-ex-man-utd-chelsea-defender-considering-leaving-women-team-just-days-after-signing-following-mass-brawl/bltb5f2b4f7a94f8407
  30. https://tribuna.com/en/news/2025-08-21-friendly-match-of-marseille-women-against-spanish-club-ends-in-brawl/
  31. https://frenchfootballweekly.com/2025/09/09/two-summer-recruits-are-already-leaving-om/
  32. https://www.brann.no/nyheter/styrker-forsvaret-for-travel-host
  33. https://www.brann.no/lag/sk-brann-kvinner/spillere/maria-thorisdottir
  34. https://www.brann.no/nyheter/dette-er-laget-som-starter-mot-hammarby
  35. https://www.brann.no/nyheter/disse-elleve-starter-borte-mot-kolbotn
  36. https://www.brann.no/nyheter/dette-er-laget-som-starter-mot-rosenborg
  37. https://www.brann.no/nyheter/seier-pa-nadderud
  38. https://www.uefa.com/womensunder19/news/01f2-0e123b4e8355-d4409956ab6a-1000--ten-to-watch-from-women-s-u19-finals-in-italy/
  39. https://www.ourgamemag.com/2019/06/08/france-2019-1v1s-maria-thorisdottir/
  40. https://inside.fifa.com/news/thorisdottir-chasing-english-redemption
  41. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/maria-thorisdottir/frauen-wm/4/
  42. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/player/details/380652-maria-thorisdottir
  43. https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/road-to-the-world-cup--maria-thorisdottir-
  44. https://theprideoflondon.com/2019/06/13/chelsea-maria-thorisdottir-maren-mjelde-norway-france-womens-world-cup/
  45. https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-duo-vilde-boe-risa-and-maria-thorisdottir-help-norway-start-euro-2022-with-win
  46. https://www.englandfootball.com/england/womens-senior-team/fixtures-results/2022/england-v-norway-match-page-UEFA-womens-euro-2022-finals-group-A-11-july-2022
  47. https://www.instagram.com/p/CT6_PFWh5HD/
  48. https://supersport.com/football/fifa-womens-world-cup/news/f8cdf304-8f1b-4db5-863a-7cb6dfe0f11e/norway-defender-thorisdottir-to-miss-world-cup
  49. https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/teams/players/250004032--maria-thorisdottir/
  50. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50226845
  51. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4351985/2023/03/27/maria-thorisdottir-manchester-united-injury/
  52. https://www.flashscore.com/player/thorisdottir-maria/ryFZvXjp/injury-history/
  53. https://norwaysummit.no/speakers/thorir-hergeirsson
  54. https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2023/08/15/off-the-pitch-with-maria-thorisdottir/
  55. https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/getting-to-know-chelsea-women--maria-thorisdottir
  56. https://m.facebook.com/onceuponatimescandinavianfootball/photos/-ironically-maria-thorisdottir-made-her-debut-for-the-norwegian-national-team-ag/1396731881495209/
  57. https://uk.linkedin.com/in/maria-thorisdottir-26030b204
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