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Martin Olsson
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Martin Olsson
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Martin Tony Waikwa Olsson (born 17 May 1988) is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a left back for Malmö FF.

Key Information

Olsson signed for Blackburn Rovers from Högaborgs BK in January 2006. In 2013, Premier League side Norwich City signed him for an undisclosed fee. In January 2017, he left Norwich to join Swansea until 2019. In 2020, he signed with Allsvenskan club Helsingborgs IF in his native Sweden before moving on to represent both BK Häcken and Malmö FF.

A full international since 2010, Olsson has won more than 50 caps for the Sweden national team and has represented his country at UEFA Euro 2012 and 2016 as well as the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Club career

[edit]

Blackburn Rovers

[edit]

Olsson began his playing career in Sweden by playing for Högaborgs BK, where former national star Henrik Larsson began his career. Olsson was working his way through the youth setup at the club in 2005–06. His talent attracted the attention of football clubs in Europe and in January 2006 Premier League club Blackburn Rovers signed him for their youth academy.[citation needed]

He made his Blackburn debut in the UEFA Cup qualifier in the 2007–08 season as a late substitution for Stephen Warnock.[4][5]

He made his Premier League debut against Derby County in a 2–1 victory on 30 December 2007, coming on as an 84th-minute substitute for Morten Gamst Pedersen at Pride Park, in front of a crowd of 30,048 spectators and the referee was Peter Walton. He was voted Blackburn's Young Player of the Year for the season 2007–08.[citation needed]

In May 2008, Olsson signed a new four-year contract, keeping him at Blackburn until June 2012.[citation needed]

On 24 September 2008, Olsson scored his first Blackburn goal, scoring the winning goal in a League Cup tie against Everton. The goal turned out to be the only goal of the match. On 20 January 2010, he scored a spectacular overhead kick in a 6–4 League Cup semi-final defeat against Aston Villa in the 63rd minute at Villa Park.[6]

On 23 November 2009, Olsson was sent off for two yellow card offences on Tottenham Hotspur winger Aaron Lennon. He scored his first Premier League goal on 10 February against Hull City at Ewood Park in a 1–0 victory. Olsson made his 25th league appearance at home to Birmingham City on 24 March 2010 in a 2–1 win. On 28 March 2010, when he made his 40th appearance for Blackburn against Burnley in the East Lancashire derby at Turf Moor in the 1–0 victory, he caused controversy when he looked like he had dived inside Burnley's penalty area, consequently by winning a penalty after taking the ball round Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen. Subsequently, the penalty was scored by David Dunn.[7] On 29 March 2010, Olsson admitted to the dive, Rovers manager, Sam Allardyce defended Olsson by saying he was his man of the match and created havoc and chaos in and around the eighteen yard box all match.[8]

In June 2010, Olsson signed a new five-year deal at Blackburn Rovers that would keep him at the club until summer 2015.[9] At the start of the 2010–11 season, Olsson acquired the number three jersey by manager Sam Allardyce, which he had for most of pre-season. He featured in Rovers' opening 2010–11 Premier League match against Everton at Ewood Park on 14 August 2010, playing the full 90 minutes on the left-wing in a 1–0 victory. He scored his first league goal for Blackburn against Liverpool inside 32 minutes on 5 January 2011 in a 3–1 victory at Ewood Park. On 12 February 2011, Olsson made his 50th Premier League appearance for the club when he started at left-back against Newcastle United playing the full 90 minutes in a 0–0 draw. On 30 April 2011, he scored with a left-foot shot on 20 minutes against local rivals Bolton Wanderers at home. On 22 May, Olsson started and played the full 90 minutes against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 3–2 win at Molineux which kept both teams up for another season in the Premier League. At the end of the season, he made 32 appearances for Rovers in total and scored two goals in all competitions.[citation needed]

Now considered a key player, Olsson started off the season at left back covering for Gaël Givet who himself was covering for various injuries at centre back. Olsson provided an assist in a 4–3 victory over Arsenal. After running from the halfway line to the by-line, he pulled back a cross for Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny to score an own goal. After helping Sweden qualify for UEFA Euro 2012, Olsson returned from international duty to put in a Man of the Match performance on the left wing against Queens Park Rangers in a 1–1 draw at Loftus Road. At the end of the season, Olsson made 31 appearances in all competitions for Rovers as they were relegated after finishing in 19th place in the Premier League with just 31 points to their name.[10][11]

After picking up a minor injury in pre-season, Olsson made his comeback as an unused substitute on 28 August, against Milton Keynes Dons at Stadium mk in a 2–1 defeat as Blackburn were knocked out in the second round of the League Cup.[citation needed]

Norwich City

[edit]

On 10 July 2013, Olsson was signed by Premier League side Norwich City for an undisclosed fee.[12] He signed a four-year deal at Carrow Road.[13] He scored his first goal for the club against Bury in the League Cup on 27 August 2013.[14] Olsson made 37 appearances in all competitions but could not prevent his new team from relegation in his return to Premier League football.[15][16]

On the opening day of the 2014–15 season, Olsson was sent off for two bookable offences in a 1–0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Championship. He was later charged with improper conduct by the FA for allegedly making physical contact with referee Simon Hooper.[17] On 18 August, Olsson's ban was extended by a further three matches after the FA found him guilty of improper conduct, which Norwich announced they would not contend. He was also fined £3,000.[18] He returned from suspension for the match away at Cardiff City where, with Norwich two goals down, he scored the first goal in a comeback that saw Norwich win the match 4–2.[19] From then on, he would be a permanent feature in the Norwich team, appearing in 42 of the 46 league matches, as the team finished third in the league to qualify for the Championship play-offs. Olsson played in all three matches including the 2–0 victory over Middlesbrough in the final at Wembley Stadium, which saw Norwich return to the Premier League at the first attempt.[20][21]

Olsson would however make fewer appearances in the 2015–16 Premier League season, only appearing in 24 of the 38 league matches, including four appearances as a substitute, with Robbie Brady often being preferred at left-back. He would however score a dramatic winner on 2 April 2016 against Newcastle United. With the match 2–2 going into stoppage time, Olsson scored with a long-distance shot to give Norwich a 3–2 win.[22] The win was ultimately in vain however, as Norwich were relegated to the Championship again at the end of the season. The relegation was confirmed after Sunderland won 3–0 against Everton where the Canaries were four points off safety.[23]

For the 2016–17 season, Olsson was given the number 3 shirt[24] and would once more be a regular in the side, appearing in 19 of the first 26 league matches. He scored another goal for Norwich, the first in a 3–1 win over Burton Albion,[25] and also receive another red card two minutes into a match against Queens Park Rangers when he handled to prevent a goal. Although QPR missed the resulting penalty, Norwich ultimately lost the match 2–1.[26] His last appearance for Norwich was in a 2–2 draw against Southampton in the FA Cup.[27]

Swansea City

[edit]

On 17 January 2017, it was announced that Olsson had signed for Premier League club Swansea City for around £4 million.[28] Olsson scored his first goal on 12 February 2017 in a match against reigning champions Leicester City[29] in a 2–0 victory for the Welsh club.[30]

Olsson became a first team regular in the 2017–18 season, making a total of 36 appearances,[31] but could not prevent the club with relegation at the end of that season.[32] This meant that Olsson was set for a fourth Premier League relegation, same as Robert Green and former Norwich teammate Sébastien Bassong, but one off the current record holders Hermann Hreiðarsson and Nathan Blake.[33]

The club confirmed on 18 May 2019 that he will be released upon expiry of his contract.[34]

Helsingborgs IF

[edit]

Olsson signed for Helsingborgs IF on a one-year contract ahead of the 2020 Allsvenskan season and played in 25 league games as Helsingborg was relegated to Superettan.[35]

Häcken BK

[edit]

After Helsingborg's relegation to Superettan, Olsson left the club to sign for the Allsvenskan club BK Häcken.[36] He made 10 Allsvenskan appearances for the club during the 2021 season before being bought by the reigning Swedish Champions Malmö FF.[37]

Malmö FF

[edit]

On 12 August 2021, Malmö FF announced the signing of Olsson.[38]

On 19 January 2023, Malmö's manager Henrik Rydström announced that Olsson had been partially suspended from training and the team's match squad due to repeated late arrival for meetings and training sessions.[39]

On 3 March 2024, during the final game of the Swedish Cup group stage, Varberg forward Yusuf Abdulazeez was shown a second yellow and subsequently a red card after a tackle on Derek Cornelius. In the commotion that ensued, Olsson punched Robin Tranberg in the jaw and was instantly shown a red card. A police report was filed against Olsson but Malmö Police dismissed it shortly after.[40] Following the incident, the Swedish Football Association punished Olsson with a five match suspension until April 22, 2024.[41]

International career

[edit]
Olsson playing for Sweden in 2015

Olsson has played several matches for Sweden's under 18 and under 21 national squads.[42][43]

He was selected to be part of the senior 23-man squad that would face Bosnia and Herzegovina on 29 May and Belarus on 2 June 2010.[44] Against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Olsson put Sweden back in front from close range in the 68th minute, two minutes after coming on as a substitute, and added his second in the 82nd from Marcus Berg's center.[45][46][47] On 6 September 2011, he made his first start for the national team, playing at left back, and scored Sweden's third goal in the 81st minute of the 5–0 victory over San Marino after a clever reverse pass by Zlatan Ibrahimović in a Group E Euro 2012 qualifying fixture. In May 2012, Olsson was named in the 23-man squad to compete for Sweden at UEFA Euro 2012 and was given the number 5 shirt.[citation needed]

In May 2018 he was named in Sweden's 23 man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.[48]

Personal life

[edit]

Olsson was born in Gävle, Sweden,[49] to a Swedish father and Kenyan mother.[50] He has a twin brother, Marcus, who also is a professional footballer. His brother-in-law is former Dallas Mavericks basketball player Dirk Nowitzki, who is married to Martin's sister Jessica Olsson.[51]

His agent used to be the former Sweden international player Stefan Schwarz. Controversial agent Rune Hauge has also worked for Olsson, after being introduced to him by former Blackburn Rovers teammate Morten Gamst Pedersen.[52]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 29 January 2025[53]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Blackburn Rovers 2007–08[54] Premier League 2 0 0 0 1 0 1[a] 0 4 0
2008–09[55] Premier League 9 0 3 0 3 1 — 15 1
2009–10[56] Premier League 21 1 1 0 5 1 — 27 2
2010–11[57] Premier League 29 2 1 0 2 0 — 32 2
2011–12[10] Premier League 27 0 1 0 3 0 — 31 0
2012–13[58] Championship 29 0 4 0 0 0 — 33 0
Total 117 3 10 0 14 2 1 0 142 5
Norwich City 2013–14[16] Premier League 34 0 1 0 2 1 — 37 1
2014–15[20] Championship 42 1 0 0 0 0 3[b] 0 45 1
2015–16[59] Premier League 24 1 1 0 2 0 — 27 1
2016–17[60] Championship 19 1 1 0 0 0 — 20 1
Total 119 3 3 0 4 1 3 0 129 4
Swansea City 2016–17[60] Premier League 15 2 0 0 0 0 — 15 2
2017–18[31] Premier League 36 0 4 0 3 0 — 43 0
2018–19 Championship 17 0 4 0 3 0 — 24 0
Total 68 2 8 0 6 0 0 0 82 2
Helsingborg 2020 Allsvenskan 25 0 0 0 — — 25 0
Häcken 2021 Allsvenskan 10 1 1 0 — 1[c] 1 12 2
Malmö FF 2021 Allsvenskan 13 0 0 0 — 6[d] 0 19 0
2022 Allsvenskan 16 0 6 0 — 9[e] 1 31 1
2023 Allsvenskan 20 1 4 0 — — 24 1
2024 Allsvenskan 15 0 1 0 — 2[f] 0 18 0
Total 64 1 11 0 0 0 17 1 92 2
Career total 391 9 33 0 24 3 28 2 482 15
  1. ^ Appearance in UEFA Cup
  2. ^ Appearances in Championship play-offs
  3. ^ Appearance in UEFA Conference League
  4. ^ Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  5. ^ Appearances in UEFA Champions League and Europa League
  6. ^ Appearance in UEFA Conference League

International

[edit]
As of match played 20 June 2023[61]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Sweden 2010 1 2
2011 6 2
2012 7 0
2013 8 1
2014 4 0
2015 7 0
2016 7 0
2017 1 0
2018 7 0
2019 0 0
2020 3 0
2021 3 0
2022 1 0
2023 1 0
Total 56 5
As of match played 20 June 2023[61]
Scores and results list Sweden's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Olsson goal.
List of international goals scored by Martin Olsson
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 29 May 2010 Råsunda Stadium, Solna, Sweden 1  Bosnia and Herzegovina 2–1 4–2 Friendly
2 3–1
3 6 September 2011 Stadio Olimpico, Serravalle, San Marino 4  San Marino 3–0 5–0 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
4 7 October 2011 Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland 5  Finland 2–1 2–1 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
5 11 October 2013 Friends Arena, Solna, Sweden 19  Austria 1–1 2–1 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours

[edit]

Norwich City

Malmö FF

Individual

References

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

Martin Olsson

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Martin Tony Waikwa Olsson (born 17 May 1988) is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a left-back for club . Olsson began his career in Sweden with Högaborgs BK before moving to in 2006 to join Blackburn Rovers, where he made over 100 appearances in the and between 2007 and 2013. He later played for City (2013–2017), achieving promotion to the in 2015, and City (2017–2020), accumulating 197 appearances and 6 goals across his English career. Returning to Sweden in 2020, Olsson featured for and before joining in 2021, where he has won the title in 2021, 2023, and 2024. A full international since 2010, he earned 56 caps and scored 5 goals for the national team, participating in , , and the .

Early life

Family background

Martin Tony Waikwa Olsson was born on 17 May 1988 in , , to a Swedish father and a Kenyan mother, giving him a multicultural heritage that blended Scandinavian and East African influences. He has an identical twin brother, , who is also a professional footballer with experience in English clubs like Blackburn Rovers and Derby County, as well as Swedish teams such as . The family includes a sister, Jessica Olsson, who is married to former NBA player , further highlighting their connections to international sports figures. Olsson spent his early childhood in , a northern Swedish city known for its cold climate, where the average winter temperature hovers around -4 degrees , before the family relocated south to the Hogaborgs area near when he and Marcus were four years old. This move was motivated by opportunities in youth football, exposing the twins to a more vibrant local scene that shaped their initial passion for the ; they grew up playing competitively in their backyard, fostering a that honed their skills from a young age. Living near football icon in Hogaborgs provided additional inspiration, as the twins idolized the Swedish legend who resided across the street, igniting their dreams of a professional career. The family's mixed heritage played a significant role in Olsson's upbringing, with regular visits to — including trips to , , and —instilling a sense of pride in his maternal roots alongside his Swedish identity. Despite facing challenges as children of immigrant heritage in , the Olssons emphasized resilience and opportunity, with strong parental support encouraging the twins' athletic pursuits from an early age. This environment of encouragement and cultural duality not only nurtured their love for football but also contributed to their personal growth, turning potential obstacles into motivations for success.

Youth career

Martin Olsson began his football development in his hometown of Helsingborg, Sweden, joining the youth ranks of Högaborgs BK, the same club that launched the career of Swedish legend . Alongside his twin brother Marcus, who shared a similar passion for the game, Olsson started playing competitively there during his early teenage years, focusing on building foundational skills in a local environment that emphasized technical proficiency and team play. This period at Högaborgs allowed him to develop as a versatile player, initially honing his abilities on the wing before transitioning toward a defensive role. In early 2006, at the age of 17, Olsson's talent caught the attention of English scouts, leading to a move to Rovers' youth academy on transfer deadline day in . He signed from Högaborgs BK and quickly adapted to the more physical and fast-paced style of English football, with the club's under-18 and reserve teams. During his initial months, Olsson featured regularly in reserve matches, where he demonstrated strong defensive positioning and crossing ability as a left-back, helping the team in competitive fixtures within the Premier Reserve League. Olsson's progress in Blackburn's youth setup culminated in notable recognition during the 2007–08 season, when he was named the club's Young Player of the Year for his impressive performances across youth and reserve levels. This accolade highlighted his contributions to the reserve team's successes, including key wins that showcased his growing maturity and potential ahead of opportunities in the senior squad.

Club career

Blackburn Rovers

Martin Olsson joined Blackburn Rovers' youth setup from Högaborgs BK in Sweden in January 2006. He made his senior debut for the club on 30 August 2007, coming on as a late substitute for in a 2–0 UEFA Cup second qualifying round second-leg victory over Finnish side MyPa at . His first Premier League appearance followed on 30 December 2007, as a substitute in a 2–1 win against Derby County. Olsson scored his first professional goal for on 24 September 2008, netting the winner in a 1–0 third-round victory over Everton with a low drive in the 10th minute. That summer, in May 2008, he signed a new four-year contract extension with the club, committing until 2012. By the 2009–10 season, he had established himself as a regular starter at left-back, making 32 league appearances and contributing two goals across all competitions. A highlight of his time came on 20 January 2010 during the League Cup semi-final second leg at Aston Villa, where Olsson scored a spectacular overhead kick in the 63rd minute to reduce the deficit in a thrilling 6–4 loss (7–4 aggregate). In June 2010, he penned another extension, a five-year deal keeping him at the club until 2015. Blackburn suffered relegation from the at the end of the 2011–12 season after finishing 19th. In the subsequent 2012–13 campaign, Olsson played a pivotal role in the team's survival push, featuring in 40 league matches and scoring once as Rovers secured an 11th-place finish. Over his full spell from 2006 to 2013, he amassed 117 league appearances and three goals for the club.

Norwich City

Martin Olsson transferred to Norwich City from Blackburn Rovers on 10 July 2013, signing a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee reported to be approximately €2.90 million (around £2.5 million at the time). Having gained experience during his six seasons at , Olsson quickly adapted to life at , making his debut in a 1–0 away win over Queens Park Rangers later that month. In his debut 2013–14 season, Olsson established himself as a key player, appearing in 37 matches across all competitions and providing defensive solidity while contributing offensively with one assist in the Premier League. Despite Norwich's ultimately unsuccessful battle against relegation—finishing 18th and dropping to the Championship—Olsson was praised as one of the team's more consistent performers amid a turbulent campaign. Over his four seasons with the Canaries, he made 119 appearances and scored 3 goals, often deployed versatilely as a left-back or left winger, which allowed him to support attacks with his pace and crossing ability. Olsson's standout contributions came during the 2014–15 Championship season, where he played a pivotal role in Norwich's promotion push, culminating in the play-off final at . In the 2–0 victory over on 25 May 2015, Olsson initiated the sequence for the opening goal by intercepting a pass, leading to Cameron Jerome's finish and securing Norwich's return to the . His form that year included 42 appearances, 1 goal, and 5 assists, highlighting his importance to the squad. However, Olsson's involvement decreased in the 2016–17 season due to a combination of injuries and increased competition for places, limiting him to 19 appearances and 1 goal before his departure in January 2017.

Swansea City

Martin Olsson joined Swansea City from Norwich City on 17 January 2017 for a reported fee of around £4 million, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract to provide cover at left-back. He quickly became a first-team regular, making 15 league appearances and scoring two goals in the 2016–17 Premier League season, both of which contributed to Swansea's efforts to avoid relegation that year. His first goal for the club came on 12 February 2017 in a 2–0 home win over Leicester City, a strike assisted by Gylfi Sigurðsson that helped secure a vital victory against fellow strugglers. Olsson's second goal arrived on 4 March 2017 during a 3–2 comeback victory against Burnley at the Liberty Stadium, where his powerful long-range effort leveled the score at 2–2 before Fernando Llorente's late winner confirmed the points. These contributions, alongside his defensive work, played a key role in Swansea finishing 15th and staying in the Premier League by a six-point margin. In the 2017–18 season, Olsson featured in 36 league matches as a mainstay in the backline, providing defensive solidity with his tackling and crossing ability while occasionally contributing to attacking forays from the left flank. Despite his consistent performances, Swansea struggled overall and were relegated to the following a 2–1 defeat to Stoke City on 13 May 2018, ending their seven-year stay in the top flight. Following relegation, Olsson remained with for the 2018–19 campaign but saw his playing time reduced to 17 league appearances due to increased competition for the left-back position. His expired at the end of the season in June 2019, after which he departed the club on a free transfer, having made 68 league appearances and scored 2 goals in total during his 2.5-year spell. Throughout his time at , Olsson was valued for bolstering the defense during precarious campaigns and adding occasional threat from set pieces and overlaps.

Helsingborgs IF

After being a since the expiration of his contract with Swansea City in June 2019, Martin Olsson returned to his boyhood club , signing a short-term deal on 2 April 2020 that initially ran until 30 June 2020. During this period, he remained unattached, training with clubs such as Cardiff City before signing with . The agreement was extended on 1 2020 to cover the remainder of the season, allowing him to contribute through the campaign's conclusion. Olsson, who had amassed over 300 appearances in the and during his time with Rovers, City, and City, provided defensive stability and leadership to a side facing significant challenges. He featured in 25 matches that season, primarily as a left-back, but did not score any goals. endured a tough year, ultimately finishing 15th in the table and suffering relegation to the . In the wake of the demotion, Olsson chose to pursue opportunities at a higher level, departing the club as a in January 2021.

BK Häcken

Following Helsingborgs IF's relegation to Superettan at the end of the 2020 season, Martin Olsson signed a one-year contract with Allsvenskan club BK Häcken on a free transfer on 30 January 2021. During the 2021 Allsvenskan season, Olsson made 14 appearances for Häcken, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist while accumulating 899 minutes on the pitch before his departure in August. His role was somewhat limited by ongoing injury issues, including a sprain that sidelined him for 79 days and a broken fibula earlier in the 2020/21 campaign, as well as competition for the left-back position within the squad. Despite these challenges, Olsson contributed to Häcken's strong campaign, which culminated in a third-place finish in the league standings and qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League. Olsson left after just over half a season when the club sold him to reigning champions on 12 August 2021 for a reported fee of approximately 5 million SEK, including bonuses, marking a transitional move back to a more prominent Swedish side.

Malmö FF

Martin Olsson joined from on 12 August 2021 for a transfer fee of €500,000, marking his return to top-tier Swedish football after stints abroad. He quickly integrated into the squad, making his debut shortly after the move and contributing to the team's defensive stability as a left-back. By late 2025, Olsson had accumulated over 100 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 3 goals. Olsson played a key role in Malmö FF's domestic successes during his tenure, including the titles in 2021—where he featured in 10 league matches during the partial season after his arrival—2023, and 2024. His experience helped anchor the backline in crucial games, contributing to the club's dominance in the Swedish top flight. Additionally, he was part of the squads that won the in 2022 and 2024, providing veteran leadership in cup campaigns that culminated in triumphs over strong domestic opponents. Despite his contributions, Olsson faced disciplinary challenges, including a five-match suspension in 2024 following a red card for punching Varbergs BoIS player Robin Tranberg in the face during a quarter-final on 3 March. The incident, which occurred amid a heated on-pitch altercation, led to his ban until 22 April, sidelining him during a critical phase of the season. In 2025, at age 37, Olsson continued as a veteran left-back in the , making 6 appearances in the (scoring 1 goal) with limited minutes due to squad depth. He adapted to a mentorship role, guiding younger defenders while participating in FF's European campaigns from 2022 to 2025, including Champions League qualifiers in 2022 and 2024, and Europa League group stages in 2023 and 2024, where his tactical acumen supported the team's progression efforts.

International career

National team debut

Martin Olsson received his first call-up to the national team in May 2010 under Erik Hamrén, following strong performances as a left-back for Rovers in the English . He made his debut on 29 May 2010 in a friendly match against at in , entering as a 66th-minute substitute. During the game, Olsson scored twice—first in the 68th minute to restore Sweden's lead at 3–2, and again in stoppage time to secure a 4–2 victory—marking an impactful international bow. Olsson retained his place for the subsequent friendly against on 2 June 2010 in , where he started and contributed to a 1–0 win, helping maintain a clean sheet. Early in his international career, he primarily featured as a substitute or in a wing-back role, showcasing his versatility and attacking contributions from the left flank. His club form at , including regular starts in the 2009–10 , was instrumental in earning these opportunities. Over the following years, Olsson became a consistent presence in Hamrén's through the , accumulating 54 caps and scoring 5 goals by the end of 2023. His early milestones established him as a reliable option for 's left-sided defense, with selections reflecting his reliability in both defensive duties and forward surges.

Major tournaments

Olsson represented at three major international tournaments, contributing as a versatile left back during the group's campaigns. At in and , he started all three group stage matches for , facing on 11 June (1–2 loss), on 15 June (2–3 loss), and on 19 June (0–2 loss). finished last in Group D with zero points and no goals conceded from set pieces, failing to advance to the knockout rounds. Olsson also featured at in , playing the full 90 minutes in each of 's three group stage fixtures: a 1–1 draw against the on 13 June, a 0–1 defeat to on 17 June, and a 0–1 loss to on 22 June. ended third in Group E with three points, resulting in an early exit from the tournament. In the in , Olsson made two substitute appearances totaling 35 minutes. He entered in the 82nd minute of the 2–1 group stage win over on 23 June and in the 82nd minute of the round-of-16 clash against on 3 July, which won 1–0 to advance. In stoppage time of the latter match, Olsson was fouled by Michael Lang outside the penalty area; the referee initially awarded a penalty but VAR intervened to change it to a , and Lang was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Olsson earned his final cap on 20 June 2023, appearing as a starter in Sweden's 0–2 defeat to . This match was part of Sweden's campaign, which they ultimately failed to advance from. At age 35, he received no further call-ups thereafter, attributed to his advancing age and fluctuating club form.

Personal life

Family

Martin Olsson shares a close bond with his identical twin brother, , who is also a footballer and has earned two caps for the national team while playing for clubs including Derby County. Born just one minute apart on May 17, 1988, the brothers grew up together in , , fostering a competitive sibling relationship centered around their shared passion for football. Olsson's family heritage reflects a blend of Swedish and Kenyan roots, with his father being Swedish and his mother, Maggie Waikwa, Kenyan; she passed away several years ago. This multicultural background has shaped his identity, making him eligible to represent either nation internationally, though he chose Sweden, influenced by his upbringing. The family's Kenyan ties extend to relatives who remain connected, providing a sense of pride in their dual heritage that has informed Olsson's personal decisions, including relocations tied to his career. Details about Olsson's marriage and children are not publicly disclosed, reflecting his preference for privacy in personal matters. His family has provided consistent support throughout his career transitions, from early moves in Sweden to international stints, emphasizing the role of familial encouragement in navigating these changes.

Notable connections

Martin Olsson is the brother-in-law of retired NBA superstar , whose marriage to Olsson's sister Jessica in created a notable cross-sport family tie between Swedish football and German-American . The connection gained public attention during the , when faced in the group stage; Nowitzki, a German native, publicly supported the Swedish team due to his family links, turning the match into a lighthearted "family affair" as described by media outlets. This relationship has extended to shared interests in sports fandom, with Nowitzki becoming an avid supporter of Swansea City during Olsson's tenure there from 2017 to 2019, often citing his brother-in-law as a key influence on his enthusiasm. While no direct joint efforts between Olsson and Nowitzki have been documented, the couple's initial meeting at a 2010 charity auction for the Sports for Education and (SEED) project in —a Senegal-based nonprofit focused on aiding underprivileged youth through programs—highlights the philanthropic backdrop to their family network, which Olsson has occasionally referenced in interviews as part of his broader support system.

Career statistics

Club

Martin Olsson's club career statistics span multiple leagues and competitions, totaling 486 appearances, 14 goals, and 37 assists as of 18 2025. The following table details his performance aggregated by club across all competitions:
ClubAppearancesGoalsAssists
2506
1222
Blackburn Rovers142413
Swansea City7522
Norwich City12949
10325
Total4861437
These figures encompass domestic leagues, cups (such as the , , and ), and European competitions where applicable. Key breakdowns by major competitions highlight his contributions in top-tier leagues: in the , he recorded 197 appearances, 6 goals, and 7 assists; in the , 107 appearances, 2 goals, and 7 assists; and in the , 105 appearances with 3 goals and 9 assists, mainly during stints with and earlier Swedish clubs. Notable notes include a loan spell from Blackburn Rovers to in January 2010, during which he featured in matches, and inclusions of cup performances across his career, such as appearances in the and .

International

Olsson made his debut for the national team in 2010 and concluded his international career in 2023, accumulating 56 appearances and 5 goals over that period, with approximately 3,500 minutes played. The following table summarizes his appearances and goals by year:
YearAppearancesGoals
201012
201152
201270
201381
201440
201570
201670
201710
201870
201910
202030
202130
202210
202310
Total565
A breakdown by competition type is as follows:
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
Friendlies152
Qualifiers233
Major Tournaments80
Total565
In major tournaments, Olsson featured in with 3 appearances and 0 goals, with 3 appearances and 0 goals, and the with 2 appearances and 0 goals.

Honours

Club honours

During his professional career, Martin Olsson has collected several team honours with Malmö FF and Norwich City, while securing none with his earlier clubs Blackburn Rovers, Swansea City, Helsingborgs IF, or BK Häcken.

Malmö FF

  • Allsvenskan: 2021, 2023, 2024
  • Svenska Cupen: 2021–22, 2023–24

Norwich City

  • EFL Championship play-offs: 2015

Earlier clubs

Olsson won no major honours during his time at Rovers (2006–2013), City (2017–2019), (2020), or (2020–2021).

Individual awards

In 2013, Martin Olsson was named Swedish Defender of the Year at the Fotbollsgalan, the annual Swedish football awards ceremony held in , recognizing his standout performances as a left-back for City in the and his contributions to the national team. That same year, Olsson received the Stora Grabbars Märke from the , an honorary distinction awarded based on a points system for appearances in major international matches, honoring his longevity and service to the national team.

References

  1. https://www.transfermarkt.us/martin-olsson/profil/spieler/38073
  2. https://fbref.com/en/players/2f72f79e/Martin-Olsson
  3. https://www.365scores.com/football/player/martin-olsson-4112
  4. https://ethnicelebs.com/martin-olsson
  5. https://www.transfermarkt.us/marcus-olsson/profil/spieler/72264
  6. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/martin-olsson-uncovered-story-family-14558592
  7. https://diasporamessenger.com/2025/04/jessica-olssons-twin-brothers-martin-and-marcus-olsson/
  8. https://kids.kiddle.co/Martin_Olsson
  9. https://www.swanseacity.com/news/spotlight-martin-olsson
  10. http://www.ex-canaries.co.uk/players/olsson.htm
  11. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/23260899
  12. https://vitalfootball.co.uk/the-versatile-martin-olsson/
  13. https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/2248913.blackburn-rovers-young-gun-targets-first-team/
  14. https://www.swanseacity.com/news/norwich-city-and-sweden-left-back-martin-olsson-completes-swansea-city-transfer
  15. https://pt.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/301336--blackburn-vs-mypa/lineups/
  16. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/blackburn-rovers/martin-olsson-8739/league-appearances_a33625/
  17. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/7626815.stm
  18. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/may/06/blackburn.premierleague
  19. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jan/20/carling-cup-aston-villa-blackburn
  20. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/blackburn_rovers/8749542.stm
  21. https://www.transfermarkt.com/norwich-city/startseite/verein/1123/saison_id/2013
  22. https://fbref.com/en/players/2f72f79e/matchlogs/2013-2014/summary/Martin-Olsson-Match-Logs
  23. https://www.wembleystadium.com/events/10s/2015/championship-play-off-final
  24. https://fbref.com/en/players/2f72f79e/matchlogs/2014-2015/summary/Martin-Olsson-Match-Logs
  25. https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city/alex-neil-counting-the-cost-of-norwich-city-s-walking-wounded-1-4536356/
  26. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/38636893
  27. https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/830820771060674560
  28. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39086673
  29. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44020155
  30. https://www.transfermarkt.us/free-agent-olsson-signs-for-helsingborgs-if-quot-was-a-pretty-easy-decision-quot-/view/news/358012
  31. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/olsson-cardiff-swansea-west-brom-18042310
  32. https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/zGveX1/klart-hif-forlanger-med-martin-olsson
  33. https://www.transfermarkt.us/martin-olsson/transfers/spieler/38073
  34. https://www.transfermarkt.us/martin-olsson/verletzungen/spieler/38073
  35. http://bkhacken.se/nyhet/bk-hacken-saljer-martin-olsson
  36. https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/ALRGBj/bekraftat-martin-olsson-klar-for-malmo-ff
  37. https://www.fotmob.com/players/25667/martin-olsson
  38. https://www.mff.se/en/team/men/players/martin-olsson/
  39. https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/9zyPy5/beskedet-martin-olsson-far-lang-avstangning
  40. https://www.svt.se/sport/fotboll/skallning-bakom-tumult-i-cupen-martin-olsson-utvisad-efter-slag-i-ansiktet
  41. https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/8172970.blackburn-rovers-olsson-sweden-squad/
  42. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7e19487a34-d7676a7f5e8f-1000--olsson-ready-for-dream-england-meeting/
  43. https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-30459667.html
  44. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/martin-olsson/em/4/
  45. https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2018/jul/03/sweden-v-switzerland-world-cup-2018-live
  46. https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/match/2036369--austria-vs-sweden/lineups/
  47. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/38597/Martin_Olsson.html
  48. https://www.teamkenya.co.ke/news/2916-kenyan-sports-personalities-who-renounced-their-citizenship
  49. https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/why-germany-showdown-will-be-a-family-affair-for-swede-olsson-idUSKBN1JG1U8/
  50. https://www.swanseacity.com/news/nba-star-dirk-nowitzki-swansea-city-fan
  51. https://andscape.com/features/the-color-of-love-dirk-nowitzki-opens-up-on-his-interracial-marriage/
  52. https://www.transfermarkt.com/martin-olsson/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/38073
  53. https://www.premierleague.com/players/2867/Martin-Olsson/overview
  54. https://www.aiscore.com/en/player-%25E3%2582%25AA%25E3%2583%25AB%25E3%2582%25BD%25E3%2583%25B3%2C-%25E3%2583%259E%25E3%2583%25AB%25E3%2583%2586%25E3%2582%25A3%25E3%2583%25B3/ndqmlixo9ofokve/trophies
  55. https://fotbollsallsvenskan.se/en/winners-allsvenskan.asp
  56. https://www.365scores.com/football/league/svenska-cupen-124/history
  57. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/32776552
  58. https://www.transfermarkt.us/blackburn-rovers/erfolge/verein/164
  59. https://www.transfermarkt.us/swansea-city/erfolge/verein/2288
  60. https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/3jPVrL/har-ar-alla-vinnare
  61. https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/sverige/tv-nilla-fischer-och-martin-olsson-basta-backar/
  62. https://www.svenskfotboll.se/landslag/herr/historik-herr/stora-grabbar/
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