# Ole Gunnar Solskjær

> Norwegian association football manager

**Wikidata**: [Q18976](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18976)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ole_Gunnar_Solskjær)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ole-gunnar-solskjr

## Summary
Ole Gunnar Solskjær is a Norwegian association football manager and former player, born in 1973, best known for his iconic role as a striker for Manchester United and his subsequent tenure as the club's head coach. He is widely recognized for scoring the winning goal in the 1999 UEFA Champions League final and for his remarkable return as manager in 2018, leading the team to multiple top-flight finishes.

## Biography
- Born: 26 February 1973, Norway
- Nationality: Norwegian
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Scoring crucial goals for Manchester United and managing the club from 2018 to 2021
- Employer(s): Manchester United (player and manager), Cardiff City (manager), Molde FK (manager)
- Field(s): Association football (player and manager)

## Contributions
Ole Gunnar Solskjær made his name as a prolific striker for Manchester United, where he scored 179 goals in 366 appearances from 1995 to 2007. His most famous contribution was scoring the dramatic 93rd-minute winner in the 1999 UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich, completing Manchester United’s historic treble. As a manager, he returned to the club in December 2018, initially as caretaker, before being appointed permanently in March 2019. Under his leadership, Manchester United reached the Europa League final in 2020 and maintained a competitive position in the Premier League until his departure in November 2021.

## FAQs
### What is Ole Gunnar Solskjær most famous for?
Ole Gunnar Solskjær is most famous for his last-minute goal in the 1999 Champions League final, which secured Manchester United’s second European title in that competition and completed their historic treble. He also gained recognition as a manager for leading Manchester United through a transitional period post-Sir Alex Ferguson.

### Where has Ole Gunnar Solskjær worked?
As a player, Solskjær spent his entire career at Manchester United. As a manager, he worked at Cardiff City (2014–2015) and Molde FK (2010–2014, 2018–2019) before returning to Manchester United in 2018 as manager.

### What awards has Ole Gunnar Solskjær received?
He has received several honors, including the Kniksen of the Year award, the Kniksen's Honorary Award, and the Peer Gynt Literary Award. He was also named Manchester United's Player of the Year in 1999.

### What was Ole Gunnar Solskjær's role at Manchester United?
At Manchester United, Solskjær was a striker known for his clutch performances and loyalty to the club. As manager, he led the team from 2018 to 2021, achieving a top-six finish in the Premier League and reaching the Europa League final in 2020.

## Why They Matter
Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s legacy as both a player and manager has left an indelible mark on Manchester United and Norwegian football. As a player, his timely goals, especially in the 1999 Champions League final, helped define one of the most successful eras in United’s history. As a manager, he brought renewed energy and tactical flexibility, guiding the club through a challenging post-Ferguson era. His influence extends beyond statistics, embodying the club's values of resilience and determination.

## Notable For
- Scoring the 1999 Champions League final-winning goal
- Being nicknamed "The Baby-faced Assassin"
- Managing Manchester United from 2018 to 2021
- Winning the Kniksen of the Year and Kniksen's Honorary Award
- Playing and managing roles at Molde FK and Cardiff City
- Being a symbol of Manchester United's golden era under Sir Alex Ferguson

## Body
### Early Life and Playing Career
Ole Gunnar Solskjær was born on 26 February 1973 in Norway. He began his professional football career with Clausenengen FK before joining Manchester United in 1995. At United, he became known for his ability to score crucial goals, earning the nickname "The Baby-faced Assassin." His most iconic moment came in the 1999 Champions League final, where he scored the winning goal in stoppage time against Bayern Munich, securing United’s second European Cup.

### Managerial Career
Solskjær transitioned to management after retiring as a player. He first managed Molde FK from 2010 to 2014, where he won two league titles. He then took over at Cardiff City in 2014 but was dismissed after just nine months due to poor results. In 2018, he returned to manage the club again, leading them to a Europa League final in 2020. His tenure at Manchester United ended in November 2021 after a series of inconsistent performances and criticism from fans and media.

### Awards and Recognition
Solskjær received several awards during his career, including:
- Kniksen of the Year
- Kniksen's Honorary Award
- Peer Gynt Literary Award
- Manchester United Player of the Year (1999)

### Legacy and Influence
Solskjær's legacy is deeply tied to Manchester United’s identity. As a player, he represented loyalty, precision, and the club’s winning culture. As a manager, he attempted to restore that same spirit during a turbulent period. His influence is evident in the way he is remembered by fans and peers alike — not just for his goals, but for his embodiment of the club’s values.

### Personal and Professional Identity
Ole Gunnar Solskjær is a Norwegian national and has been recognized in various databases and identifiers, including:
- Wikidata ID: Q13377524
- VIAF ID: 24129416
- ISNI: 0000000043143483
- Library of Congress Authority: nb2008002933
- Freebase ID: /m/01bm50
- FIFA Player ID: 157001
- UEFA Player ID: 3394
- Norwegian Football Association ID: 182012
- Nationality: Norway

### Digital Presence and Recognition
Solskjær is widely documented across digital platforms and databases:
- Wikipedia: Ole_Gunnar_Solskjær
- Twitter: olegs26_ole
- LinkedIn: ole-gunnar-solskjaer-0
- IMDb: nm1403539
- Wikidata Description: Norwegian association football manager (born 1973)

### Career Statistics and Achievements
- Goals: 179 for Manchester United
- Appearances: 366 for Manchester United
- Major trophy-winning goal: 1999 Champions League final
- Managerial record: Led Manchester United to Europa League final (2020)
- Awards: Kniksen of the Year, Kniksen's Honorary Award, Peer Gynt Literary Award

Ole Gunnar Solskjær remains a pivotal figure in football history, representing both the pinnacle of individual brilliance and the enduring spirit of one of the world’s most storied clubs.

## References

1. [100 år med Festiviteten](https://docplayer.me/17859331-100-ar-med-festiviteten.html)
2. Argentine Soccer Database
3. Transfermarkt
4. Tildelinger av ordener og medaljer
5. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
6. FBref
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies
9. UEFA.com
10. FIFA.com
11. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgimD6zJxKg&list=TLPQMDMwMjIwMjF70WFZsVvpQw&index=2&ab_channel=SkySportsFootball)
12. Library of Congress Control Number
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. [Ole Gunnar Solskjær er ferdig i Besiktas: –⁠ En skammens kveld. VG](https://www.vg.no/sport/i/PpMw3e/ole-gunnar-solskjaer-er-ferdig-i-besiktas-ikke-noen-bombe)
15. [Solskjaer sacked by Besiktas after Conference loss. British Broadcasting Corporation](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/ce83xln99wlo)