Harald Brattbakk, Norwegian footballer and pilot

Harald Martin Brattbakk, born on 1 February 1971, is a distinguished Norwegian former professional footballer renowned for his prolific goal-scoring abilities as a striker. His illustrious career spanned several top-tier clubs, both in Norway and abroad, leaving an indelible mark on Norwegian football history before embarking on a unique post-playing career as a pilot.

A Dominant Striker in Norwegian Football

Brattbakk's name is synonymous with goal-scoring in the Norwegian top division, historically known as the Tippeligaen and now as the Eliteserien. Throughout his career, he consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to find the back of the net, particularly during his highly successful stints with Rosenborg BK, Norway's most successful football club, where he became a cornerstone of their dominant era in the 1990s and early 2000s.

His remarkable consistency saw him achieve the distinction of being the all-time leading scorer in the Norwegian top flight for a significant period. He accumulated an impressive total of 166 goals across 255 matches, a testament to his relentless attacking prowess and clinical finishing. This extraordinary record cemented his legacy as one of the most feared and effective strikers in Norwegian football history.

A Record-Breaker and a Standard-Setter

For many years, Harald Martin Brattbakk held the coveted title of the Norwegian top division's all-time record goalscorer. This achievement highlighted his consistent performance and longevity at the highest level of domestic football. However, his record of 166 goals was eventually surpassed on 29 May 2011 by fellow Norwegian striker Sigurd Rushfeldt, who achieved this feat while playing for Tromsø IL against Sogndal Fotball. Despite being overtaken, Brattbakk's legacy as a prolific scorer and a benchmark for strikers in Norway remains firmly intact, with his name frequently appearing in discussions of the league's greatest ever players.

Ventures Abroad and International Representation

While primarily celebrated for his domestic achievements, Brattbakk also tested his skills beyond Norway. He had notable spells with Scottish giants Celtic FC and Danish side FC Copenhagen. His time at Celtic, though perhaps not as prolific as his spells in Norway, saw him contribute to the club's successes, including winning the Scottish Premier League title in the 1997-98 season, famously breaking Rangers' nine-in-a-row championship streak. He also represented the Norwegian national team, earning 17 caps and scoring 5 goals, further underscoring his standing as a respected professional footballer on the international stage.

A Remarkable Post-Playing Career: From Footballer to Pilot

Following his distinguished football career, Harald Martin Brattbakk made a remarkable and somewhat unconventional transition into a completely different professional field. He pursued extensive training and qualified as a commercial pilot, ultimately joining Norwegian Air Shuttle, one of Scandinavia's largest airlines. This significant career change underscores his dedication and ability to excel in diverse demanding environments, demonstrating a fascinating pivot from the high-pressure world of professional sports to the meticulous precision and responsibility required in aviation. His journey from the football pitch to the cockpit serves as an inspiring example of a successful and unique life path after professional sports.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harald Martin Brattbakk

Who is Harald Martin Brattbakk?

Harald Martin Brattbakk is a former Norwegian professional footballer, born on 1 February 1971, best known for his exceptional goal-scoring record as a striker in the Norwegian top division and his subsequent career as a commercial pilot.

What position did Harald Martin Brattbakk play?

He primarily played as a striker, a forward position focused on scoring goals.

What was Harald Martin Brattbakk's goal-scoring record in the Norwegian top division?

He scored an impressive 166 goals in 255 matches in the Norwegian top division (Tippeligaen/Eliteserien), making him the all-time leading scorer for a significant period.

Who surpassed Harald Martin Brattbakk's goal-scoring record?

His record was surpassed by fellow Norwegian striker Sigurd Rushfeldt on 29 May 2011.

Which major football clubs did Harald Martin Brattbakk play for?

Key clubs in his career include Rosenborg BK in Norway, Celtic FC in Scotland, and FC Copenhagen in Denmark.

Did Harald Martin Brattbakk play for his national team?

Yes, he earned 17 caps for the Norwegian national football team, scoring 5 goals.

What did Harald Martin Brattbakk do after retiring from football?

After retiring from professional football, he pursued a new career and became a commercial pilot, notably working for Norwegian Air Shuttle.