Ståle Solbakken is married to Anniken Solbakken, and they have three children: Sondre, Markus, and Ida.
Ståle Solbakken, the Norwegian national football team coach, has been married to Anniken Solbakken for nearly three decades. They met when Anniken was 18, and she has been a steadfast support throughout his career, often described by Ståle as “the boss of the family” for her role in keeping the household together during his demanding football career
. Anniken works as a senior advisor in Hamar, connecting retirees with businesses, reflecting her empathetic and organized nature
The Solbakkens have three children:
Sondre Solbakken (28) is the eldest and became a father in 2023 to a daughter named Eva, making Ståle a grandfather, though he prefers to be called “Beste” rather than “bestefar”
Markus Solbakken (25) is a professional footballer playing for Danish club AGF. In early 2026, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a challenge the family has faced together with resilience and support
Ida Solbakken (21) is the youngest, often referred to as Ståle’s “Danish daughter” due to her long-term residence in Copenhagen for studies. She works in the medical field and maintains a close relationship with her siblings
Family Challenges and Resilience
The Solbakken family has endured significant challenges. In 2001, Ståle suffered a cardiac arrest during his playing career, remaining clinically dead for several minutes. Anniken, then in her early twenties, managed the crisis while caring for their two young children, demonstrating remarkable strength
. More recently, Markus’ MS diagnosis has been a source of emotional strain, but the family continues to support each other through these difficulties
The family occasionally appears in public, most recently during Norway’s 2026 World Cup victory over Senegal, when Ståle ran into the stands to kiss Anniken, a moment that went viral worldwide
. Despite his public profile, Anniken maintains a private life, and the family generally keeps personal matters out of the media spotlight
Through triumphs and trials, the Solbakkens remain a tight-knit and resilient family, balancing Ståle’s high-profile football career with strong family bonds and mutual support
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Solbakken family World Cup story
Solbakken career earnings
Anniken Solbakken public appearances
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