A corrective surgery to his left foot became necessary before Mohammed Abdellaoue could begin his professional football career, addressing the fact that he was born with only four toes. This initial hurdle did not prevent him from advancing from youth squads to top-flight international play throughout a professional tenure defined by high-scoring stints in Norway and Germany.
Early Development and Breakthrough
Born in Oslo in 1985, Abdellaoue spent his formative years playing for Hasle-Løren and Skeid. Following his debut for the Skeid first team on 9 June 2003, he established himself as a prolific striker, tallying 42 league goals over five seasons and twice earning top scorer honors for the club. His performance at this level led to his 2007 transfer to Vålerenga.
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At Vålerenga, he secured a Norwegian Cup victory in 2008, contributing two goals to the 4–1 final win against Stabæk. During his tenure, he achieved nine league goals in his opening season. These results coincided with his promotion to the Norway national team, where he earned his first cap in an August 2008 friendly against the Republic of Ireland.
German Bundesliga Years
In August 2010, Abdellaoue joined Hannover 96 for a transfer fee between €1.2 and €1.4 million. His first Bundesliga season yielded 10 goals. In 2011, he recorded his first Bundesliga hat-trick against Werder Bremen. He transferred to VfB Stuttgart in 2013 for approximately €4 million, though his time there was impacted by a goal-drought and subsequent assignment to the reserve squad.
Retirement and Post-Football Life
Following a return to Vålerenga in 2015, Abdellaoue concluded his playing career in December 2017 due to persistent knee problems. His career recognition includes the Kniksen Award for striker of the year in 2010 and the Kniksen of the Year title in 2011. Since 2020, he has worked as a school employee in the Grorud Valley in Oslo.
Fast facts
- Born: 1985, Oslo
- Citizenship: Norway
- Education: Bjerke Upper Secondary School
- Honours: Kniksen of the Year 2011
- International Debut: 20 August 2008
- Religion: Islam
- Occupations: Association football player, futsal player
Questions readers ask
Why did Mohammed Abdellaoue retire from professional football?
He retired in December 2017 due to recurring knee injuries.
What major awards did he receive during his career?
He received the Kniksen Award for striker of the year in 2010 and the Kniksen of the Year award in 2011.
Achievements
- Educated at Bjerke Upper Secondary School
- Worked as association football player and futsal player
