Jone Samuelsen - Football Career

Football Career

Samuelsen started his professional career with F.K. Haugesund in the Norwegian first division in 2001, and he was a regular in the Haugesund side throughout 2002 and 2003, during which time he also captained the Norwegian Under-19 international side. He played alongside another talented midfielder, Christian Grindheim.

He was brought to Viking during the 2003 season for more than NOK 2 million (£200,000), the second highest transfer fee ever paid by the club at the time. At Viking he was an instant hit, and he was called up to the Under-21 international squad on several occasions, even playing against the Brazilian U-21 squad among others where he had the responsibility to man-mark Kaká. However, the 2004 and 2005 seasons were less successful as he failed to secure a regular place in the side under Roy Hodgson. However, Vikings former coach Tom Prahl showed faith in him, and Samuelsen was a regular in the team lineup during the 2006 season.

He was also the captain of the U-19 team, and collected the 2002–03 U19 fairplay award on behalf of his country.

He signed for Odd Grenland early in January 2010, for about 100.000 NOK, most of that being paid by ODD Grenlands fan club Oddrane. Because of his hard working style he quickly became a fan favorite.

Samuelsen came to international attention when he scored a header from his own half (into an open goal) in a game against Tromsø IL on 25 September 2011. The club also has plans to nominate his goal to the Guinness book of world records. It was measured at 57.3 metres by the local police days after the game, and re-measured to 58.13 metres a few days later. On 30 October, Ryujiro Ueda scored the only goal for his team Fagiono Okoyama against Yokohama FC with his head from his own half. The distance of (immideately measured to) 58.6 metres was thought to be a new record, but it was measured later on to 57.8 metres, giving Samuelsen the record.