Norwich City, along with the wider football community, is mourning the loss of Age Hareide, the former defender and manager, who passed away this week at the age of 72. This heartbreaking news follows the revelation last month that Hareide had been battling a brain tumour, a condition disclosed by his family in July. Read more about Norwich City Spread Festive Cheer at Local Hospice.
Bendik Hareide, Age’s son, shared the poignant news with Norwegian media outlet VG, stating, “Dad passed away last night – at home with his family around him. He has now played his last game. We are eternally grateful for all the love we have received during his illness.”
Tributes have poured in for Hareide, including heartfelt messages from former Norwich City midfielder Alex Tettey and Glen Riddersholm, who served as the club’s assistant head coach. Riddersholm took to social media to remember Hareide as “a great personality and skilled coach. Age Hareide, rest in peace.”
Reflecting on his relationship with Hareide, Tettey expressed deep gratitude for the impact Hareide had on his career. Hareide signed Tettey during his tenure at Rosenborg, which ultimately led to Tettey’s departure from Norwich in 2021. Furthermore, Hareide was instrumental in giving Tettey his international debut for Norway in 2007. Tettey shared his feelings on social media: “You brought me up into the A-stable at Rosenborg as a 17-year-old to the journey to the national team, and back to Rosenborg. I said 'yes' to everything from you. Thanks for everything Age. Massive as a coach and a human.” Read more about McLean Hails Medical Team After Swift Recovery.
Hareide enjoyed a distinguished career that spanned both playing and management, with significant roles at clubs such as Molde, Brøndby, and Rosenborg, as well as serving as head coach for the national teams of Norway and Denmark. Throughout his career, he managed over 600 professional matches, earning widespread respect and admiration within the sport.
He joined Norwich City in 1982 on loan from Manchester City, quickly becoming a pivotal figure in the squad during their promotion campaign. Over two seasons at Carrow Road, Hareide made 54 appearances and later described his time with the Canaries as “one of the happiest spells in his career.” He was even linked with a potential return to the club in a coaching capacity after the departures of managers Nigel Worthington and Peter Grant.
As Norwich City reflects on Hareide's invaluable contributions to the club and the wider football community, his legacy as both a player and a manager will endure for years to come.