07 July,2026 09:27 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
A screengrab of Stale Solbakken kissing wife Anniken in the stands
Norway manager Stale Solbakken has won plenty of plaudits for guiding his team to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, but not many know about the role his wife Anniken has played throughout their tough journey over the years.
In 2001, Solbakken, then playing for FC Copenhagen, suffered a cardiac arrest during a training session and was declared clinically dead for seven minutes before being brought back to life in a hospital with Anniken by his side. He had a congenital heart issue which he wasn't aware off and a pacemaker had to be fitted. The incident forced Solbakken to quit playing professionally and take up coaching instead.
In many interviews in the build-up to this World Cup, Solbakken has spoken about how Anniken has been a rock in his life and during his near-death experience. The couple are known to be very private, but after Norway beat Senegal 3-2 in a group-stage match recently, Solbakken rushed into the stands and kissed Anniken. The viral moment broke the internet with fans thanking Anniken for being Solbakken's silent supporter across the last 30 years.
