Biography
Who is Birkir Bjarnason?
Early life and beginnings
Birkir Bjarnason was born in Akureyri, Iceland. He spent his early childhood there before relocating with his family to Norway in 1999. It was in Norway that he began developing his skills, initially joining the youth setup at Figgjo. His professional path truly started when he moved to the club Viking in the summer of 2005. By the 2006 season, he had established himself as a regular starter for the team.
During his time with Viking, the young midfielder played a critical role in helping the squad avoid relegation. He continued to gain experience and confidence, eventually helping the team secure a third-place finish in 2007 under the guidance of trainer Uwe Rösler. His development during these years in the Norwegian league laid the foundation for his future move to larger European competitions.
Club career across Europe
Following his initial success in Norway, Birkir started on a wide-ranging career across several European leagues. In 2012, he signed a five-year contract with the Belgian side Standard Liège. However, he soon moved to Italy, joining Pescara on loan before the club made the transfer permanent in 2013. He also spent time with Sampdoria during the 2013-14 season, making 14 appearances in Serie A.
In 2015, Birkir signed a three-year deal with Swiss club FC Basel. Under manager Urs Fischer, he experienced significant success, winning the Swiss Super League championship during the 2015-16 season. His tenure in Switzerland was productive, as he played 72 total games and scored 17 goals across all competitions, including appearances in the Champions League and Europa League.
International achievements
Birkir Bjarnason is a historic figure for the Iceland national team, holding the all-time record for appearances with 113 caps. He progressed through the youth ranks, playing for the U-17, U-19, and U-21 squads before making his senior team debut in 2010. His international career was defined by his longevity and his ability to perform on the biggest stages.
One of his most well-known moments came during UEFA Euro 2016. In the team's opening group match against Portugal, he scored Iceland's first-ever goal in a major tournament, securing an equalizer. Later that summer, he was part of the squad that famously defeated England 2-1 in the round of 16. Also, he represented his country in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, cementing his legacy as a key player for Iceland.
Personal stats and details
Standing at 184 centimeters tall, Birkir played primarily as a central midfielder throughout his career. His sister is Björg Bjarnadóttir. He has played for a diverse range of teams, including Viking FK, Standard Liège, FK Bodø/Glimt, FC Basel, U.C. Sampdoria, and Delfino Pescara 1936. His career spanned nearly two decades, characterized by frequent moves between different European leagues and a consistent presence in the Icelandic national setup.
Birthday and age
Birkir Bjarnason was born on May 27, 1988, which makes Birkir 38 years old today. That birthday falls under the Gemini sign. Birkir shares the date with 60 other famous people.
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