Why does Martin Odegaard place his hands over his ears after scoring a goal for Arsenal?
PLAYERS often celebrate goals with unique gestures that reflect their personalities and sentiments, turning each goal into a personal statement of triumph and individuality.
With the Premier League back in full swing, it’s the perfect time to see how players like Odegaard are making their mark on the game.
Who is Martin Odegaard?
Martin Odegaard, born on December 17, 1998, in Drammen, Norway, is a professional footballer.
He plays as a midfielder and captains both Arsenal in the Premier League and the Norway national team.
His career began at age 15 with Strømsgodset, where he became the youngest player in Norway’s top division, Tippeligaen, and its youngest goalscorer.
In 2015, he signed with Real Madrid, where he initially struggled for consistent playing time.
He spent several seasons on loan at clubs including Heerenveen, Vitesse, and Real Sociedad, where he won the Copa del Rey in 2019.
Odegaard joined Arsenal on loan in January 2021 and made a strong impression, leading to a permanent transfer later in the year.
He was appointed Arsenal captain in 2022 and has since been a key player, earning awards such as Arsenal Player of the Season for 2022–23 and being named in the Premier League Team of the Year.
Internationally, Odegaard made his senior debut for Norway at just 15 years old, becoming the youngest player to represent the country.
He was later named Norway’s national team captain in March 2021.
Why does Martin Odegaard place his hands over his ears after scoring a goal?
Martin Odegaard’s celebration with his hands over his ears is a response to criticism he received, particularly from Jamie Carragher.
After Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool earlier in the 2023/24 season, Carragher criticised Odegaard for his celebratory actions.
He suggested he was overdoing it and should move on quickly from the moment.
His gesture of placing his hands over his ears can be seen as a symbolic way of blocking out outside criticism and noise, showing that he is unfazed by the negative feedback and is focused on his performance and feelings.
It’s a way for him to assert his individuality and confidence despite external opinions.
When inquired about the meaning behind Odegaard’s distinctive celebration, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told reporters: “I don’t know. I didn’t notice that he made that gesture.
“But he was really happy in the dressing room with the way he played again today.
“I think he was exceptional.
“I don’t think he needs to send any message.
“He needs to be himself and he needs to do what he feels.
“And if he feels to do something, do it and deal with the consequences because some people are going to like it and some people won’t.”
This unique celebration follows a trend among his Arsenal colleagues, who each have their distinct ways of marking their achievements.
For instance, Gabriel Jesus often mimics holding a ‘phone’ to his ear, adding a playful touch to his celebrations.
Kai Havertz, on the other hand, cups his ears after scoring and Bukayo Saka celebrates by holding the corner flag.
Each player’s celebration style adds a personal touch to their on-field success and reflects their individuality.
How many goals has Martin Odegaard scored for Arsenal?
As of August 2024, Martin Odegaard has scored 31 goals in 123 Premier League appearances for Arsenal.
His goal-scoring record highlights his significant contribution to the team, showcasing his ability to impact matches as a midfielder.