Stabæk Fotball

Stabæk Fotball, a professional football club from Bærum, just outside Oslo, has been a fixture in Norwegian football since its founding in 1912. The club's name is an old spelling of Stabekk, the area where it was born. Today, they play in the Norwegian first division, the country's second tier, and call Nye Nadderud Stadium home after a three-year stint at the Telenor Arena. Kjell André Thu took over as head coach in December 2024.

A club with a rich history, Stabæk has experienced both the highs of top-flight football and the challenges of relegation. Their most successful period came in the late 2000s, when they clinched the league title in 2008 and won the Norwegian Cup in 1998. Known for their blue and yellow colors, the team has a loyal following in Bærum and continues to develop young talent. Under Thu's guidance, they aim to climb back to the Eliteserien and restore their status among Norway's elite. The club's blend of local roots and professional ambition makes them a compelling presence in Norwegian football. [edit]

Stabæk Fotball traces its roots to March 16, 1912, when the club was founded in the Stabekk area of Bærum. The name itself is an older spelling of Stabekk, a nod to the neighborhood that gave the club its identity. For decades, the team played in the lower divisions, but the 1990s marked a turning point. In 1998, Stabæk won the Norwegian Cup, beating Vålerenga in the final, and finished as league runners-up that same year. The club's golden era arrived in 2008, when they secured their first and only Eliteserien title, finishing ahead of Rosenborg and Viking. That championship season featured a squad built on a strong academy and savvy signings, and it earned them a spot in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers the following year.

The years since have been a rollercoaster. Relegation in 2011 and again in 2016 tested the club's resilience, but each time they bounced back, often relying on homegrown talent. A brief move to Telenor Arena from 2009 to 2011 gave the team a modern venue, but they returned to Nadderud, which was rebuilt and renamed Nye Nadderud. The club has also made its mark in European competitions, including a memorable run to the group stage of the Europa League in 2012. Through it all, Stabæk has remained a vital part of the Bærum community, with a youth academy that consistently produces players for the national team and top European leagues. [edit]