All over the world there are people who dream about becoming professional football players.

They hope to play for their favourite club or even their country. For most, these dreams are just that, dreams.

For 16-year-old Martin Ødegaard, his dream has become a reality. Ødegaard made his debut for legendary Spanish football club Real Madrid. He was 16 years and 157 days old when he replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in the 58^th minute on the 23rd May 2015. This officially makes him Real Madrid’s youngest ever player.

Ødegaard started his career at Drammen Strong, with much support from his father who was a famous footballer as well. This is where it is said he developed his talent, spending a lot of time honing his skills on a brand new football pitch his parents and others had paid for in donation to the club.

As his potential grew, he began training with Strømsgodset,  at the age of 13. A year later he was playing with their junior team, which was normally for players aged 17-19.

It wasn’t until 2014 that the 15 year old “wonderkid” was called up to play for the first team. He was unable to train with the team seeing as he was still in full-time education, so he trained with Mjøndalen IF twice a week, where his father was a coach.

After an impressive performance in a league match, there was much discussion across Norway about Ødegaard joining the national first team. He had been included in the U15-U21 teams, where he showcased the talent everybody knew he possessed. But it wasn’t until he was 15 years and 253 days old (only!?!) until he made his debut for Norway.

On January 21^st 2015, Strømsgodset reached an agreement with Real Madrid to sell young Martin for approximately €3 million. It was agreed that Ødegaard would train with the first team and the reserves — Real Madrid Castilla — who are currently managed by Zinedine Zidane.

Ødegaard’s career at Real has started slowly. But perhaps it is wrong to expect too much from a 16-year-old future star who is no doubt overwhelmed by his new surroundings. Carlo Ancelotti, the former Real Madrid manager, had backed Ødegaard and asked the fans to remain patient while he settles at the club.

Ødegaard’s playing style has been linked to that of David Silva or Lionel Messi. However, many say that comparing the young Norwegian to Messi is silly, as he needs time to develop his own skills and particular way of playing. He is sure to be a star of the future.