The 5 Biggest Norwegian Football Clubs of All-Time

The 5 Biggest Norwegian Football Clubs of All-Time

Few football fans outside Scandinavia truly grasp the rich history of Norwegian football.

While recent seasons have seen clubs like Bodø/Glimt and Molde making waves in European competition, the country’s domestic game has produced a mix of enduring giants and clubs with turbulent trajectories.

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Evaluating the “biggest” teams in Norway involves a balance of historical success, fanbase, influence, and European pedigree.

Here Are The 5 Biggest Norwegian Football Clubs of All-Time

5. Vålerenga

• Founded: 29 July 1913

• Nickname(s): Enga Bohemene (The Bohemians), De kongeblå (The Royal Blues)

• Major Honours: 5 League titles

Hailing from Oslo, Vålerenga may have faced setbacks, including relegation in 2023, but their ability to rebound underlines the buoyancy that has defined the club.

A five-time league champion with multiple top-three finishes, they have also made 14 appearances in European competitions. Memorable runs include reaching the quarter-finals of the 1997-98 Cup Winners’ Cup and advancing to the third round of the 2003-04 UEFA Cup.

While their continental record may not match the very best, Vålerenga’s consistent presence in the Eliteserien and ability to challenge at the top make them a key pillar of Norwegian football.

4. Viking Stavanger

• Founded: 10 August 1899

• Nickname(s): De mørkeblå (The dark blues)

• Major Honours: 8 League titles

Viking Stavanger ranks highly not merely for historical league success but also for its passionate fanbase and European exploits. Eight league titles punctuate the club’s history, though relegation in 2017 reminded supporters that even giants can face adversity.

Viking’s European highlights remain vivid as victories over Sporting in the 1999-2000 campaign, Celtic in the 2001-02 campaign, and Chelsea in the following season attest to their continental credentials.

Their consistency in attendance and domestic competitiveness secures their place among the greatest football clubs in Norway.

3. Molde

• Founded: 19 June 1911

• Nickname(s): Blå-hvit (Blue-White)

• Major Honours: 5 League titles

Molde has emerged as a powerhouse in the 21st century, particularly notable for nurturing talents like Erling Haaland and giving Ole Gunnar Solskjær his early platform.

While their trophy haul may be modest compared to some historic rivals, Molde’s dominance in recent decades is undeniable, with five league titles since 2012 and six Norwegian Cups (five since 2002).

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Their European ventures include Europa League last-16 participation in 2020-21 and a Conference League playoff in 2022-23. Molde’s modern relevance and consistent top-tier finishes make them a formidable force in Norwegian football.

2. Bodø/Glimt

• Founded: 19 September 1916

• Nickname(s): Glimt (Gleam), Superlaget (The Super Team)

• Major Honours: 4 League titles

Few clubs have experienced a meteoric rise like Bodø/Glimt. Historically a lower-tier team, the club has transformed into a national powerhouse over the last decade.

League titles in 2020, 2021, and 2023, combined with runners-up finishes in 2019 and 2022, highlight their domestic dominance. Bodø/Glimt’s European performances have also turned heads, including Conference League quarter-final appearances and a near-upset against Ajax in 2023-24.

Their supporters are known as the Yellow Horde, and their recent achievements have cemented their reputation as one of Norway’s most exciting and competitive teams.

1. Rosenborg

• Founded: 19 May 1917

• Nickname(s): Troillongan ("The Troll Children")

• Major Honours: 26 League titles

Rosenborg sits comfortably at the pinnacle of Norwegian football. With 26 league titles, including a streak from 2015 to 2018, and regular appearances in European competitions, their influence transcends national borders.

Even amid a recent dip in dominance, Rosenborg remains competitive and retains a global profile unmatched by any other Norwegian side. They have been the country’s standard-bearer in continental tournaments for decades, making them the most recognisable and historically significant football institution in Norway.