Overview
- In March 2001 Ståle Solbakken collapsed during a FC Copenhagen training session and his heart stopped for about seven minutes before he was revived.
- Team doctor Frank Odgaard performed chest compressions at the scene and Solbakken was taken to hospital, placed on life support and kept in a coma for roughly 26 hours.
- Doctors diagnosed a heart defect, fitted Solbakken with a pacemaker and he retired from playing at age 33 before beginning a managerial career.
- Solbakken won multiple Danish league titles with FC Copenhagen, was appointed Norway coach in 2020, weathered early calls for his dismissal and then guided the team through Nations League promotion and an unbeaten World Cup qualifying run.
- A recent minor incident in which his pacemaker vibrated at a press briefing, reportedly triggered by microphones, caused no new health emergency and his survival and family support remain central to the team’s narrative as they prepare to play England.