Who is Alexander Sørloth?

Alexander Sørloth’s story is one of perseverance, growth, and reinvention. Born on December 5, 1995, in Trondheim, Norway, he has risen from the Norwegian domestic scene to become one of Europe’s most intriguing striker talents – combining physical dominance with a knack for scoring big goals on football’s biggest stages.

Over the past decade, Sørloth has shaped a career that’s taken him across seven countries, into elite leagues such as La Liga and the Bundesliga, and onto the international stage as a key figure for the Norway national team. His journey encapsulates the ups and downs of modern football – early promise, periods in the wilderness, and a steady ascent toward recognition and success.

Early Life and Footballing Roots

Alexander Sørloth’s footballing journey began in his hometown where he developed through the youth ranks of Strindheim IL and later Rosenborg BK, Norway’s most successful club. Tall from an early age and blessed with natural athleticism, he quickly drew attention for his potent combination of height, technique, and power.

Sørloth made his senior debut for Rosenborg’s senior team in 2013, impressing observers even in limited playing time. A loan to Bodø/Glimt in 2015 proved transformative: he scored 13 goals in 26 matches, including a breathtaking six‑goal performance in a single game – a rare feat that broadcasted his scoring talent far beyond Norway’s borders.

That prolific stint helped lay the foundation for what has since been a kaleidoscopic professional journey.

Professional Odyssey: Netherlands, Denmark and Early European Steps

The next chapter of Sørloth’s career took him abroad:

FC Groningen (Netherlands, 2015–2017)

His first move outside Norway came with FC Groningen in the Dutch Eredivisie. Sørloth adapted to a higher standard of football, developing his all‑round game despite a modest goal return.

FC Midtjylland (Denmark, 2017–2018)

A move to FC Midtjylland revitalised his scoring momentum; Sørloth became a key player in a competitive league and helped Midtjylland secure the Danish Superliga title in 2017–18. His performances earned wider European attention.

Challenges and Triumphs: Crystal Palace and Loan Spells

In January 2018, Sørloth joined Crystal Palace in the English Premier League for a reported £9 million — a significant transfer that few Norwegian forwards had achieved at the time. However, the adaptation to English football proved difficult; he recorded just one goal in all competitions and struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter.

Rather than dwindle, Sørloth rebounded through a series of loan moves:

KAA Gent (Belgium): A steady period that restored confidence.
Trabzonspor (Turkey): A breakout — he scored 24 goals and won the Turkish Cup, finishing as the Süper Lig’s top scorer in 2019–20.

This Turkish chapter became a defining one. Sørloth’s clinical finishing and powerful aerial presence made him among the most feared forwards in the league, and he announced himself as a serious scoring threat in European football.

RB Leipzig and La Liga Emergence

In 2020, German club RB Leipzig secured Sørloth’s services. While he had moments of promise, his time in the Bundesliga was mixed, leading to a loan move to Real Sociedad (La Liga) later that same year. During two seasons at Sociedad, Sørloth’s work rate and goal contributions became key to the team’s tactical setup, showcasing his ability to operate in Spain’s technical and fast‑paced style of play.

He then joined Villarreal CF in 2023, where his scoring explosiveness became unmistakable. In the 2023–24 La Liga campaign, Sørloth netted 23 goals, including an unforgettable four‑goal haul in a 4–4 draw against Real Madrid, sparking global buzz.

These performances put him on the radar of several European giants and set the stage for the most transformative move of his career to date.

Atlético Madrid Era (2024–Present): Record‑Setting Scorer

In August 2024, Alexander Sørloth signed a four‑year contract with Atlético Madrid — a major step into one of Europe’s highest‑profile environments. The €32 million transfer represented both recognition of his La Liga prowess and a new challenge under Diego Simeone, one of modern football’s most demanding coaches.

Historic Performances

Sørloth’s impact at Atlético has been profound:

First La Liga season (2024–25): He finished as his club’s top scorer with 20 goals, a remarkable return that proved he could lead the line even in a tactically stringent side.
May 10, 2025: Sørloth made history by scoring a La Liga record‑fast hat‑trick in just minutes, helping Atlético to a 4–0 victory over Real Sociedad. His goals came at lightning speed, showcasing his sharp instincts and elite finishing ability.

2025–2026 Season & Champions League

During the 2025–26 season, Sørloth continued to deliver for Atlético both domestically and in Europe:

In UEFA Champions League action, he scored multiple pivotal goals — including a hat‑trick in a 4–1 win over Club Brugge, a performance that helped secure Atlético’s progression to the knockout stages.
In La Liga regular competition, he produced key contributions across matches such as a double vs. Espanyol in February 2026, where he scored twice to anchor Atlético’s 4–2 comeback victory.

Statistically, his Champions League season in 2025/26 to date has been impressive — with five goals in nine appearances, averaging a goal every two matches and contributing to Atlético’s attacking framework with movement, hold‑up play, and aerial dominance.

International Career: Norway’s Inspirational Captain

Sørloth’s contributions to the Norway national team have been equally significant.

A senior international since 2016, he has worked alongside top Norwegian talents – most notably Erling Haaland – to elevate Norway’s competitive credentials. As of late 2025, he has accumulated 68 caps and scored 26 goals for his country, featuring prominently in crucial UEFA World Cup qualification campaigns.

One highlight came in June 2025, when Norway secured a resounding 3–0 victory over Italy in World Cup qualifying – a match that underscored Norway’s defensive discipline and attacking balance (even though Sørloth did not score, his tactical presence was key).

His international role reflects a broader leadership dimension: transitioning from a promising young striker into a seasoned goal‑getter and mentor figure for Norway’s emerging generation of forwards.

Playing Style and Attributes

Standing 1.95 m tall, Alexander Sørloth’s physical presence is unmistakable. But he is much more than a traditional target man. His game blends size with technical intelligence:

Aerial dominance: Sørloth is a threat on crosses and set pieces, often winning battles against multiple defenders.
Movement and timing: He combines intelligent runs with clinical finishing – whether with his head or either foot.
Hold‑up play and link‑up: His ability to bring teammates into play makes him effective in systems that rely on built‑up attacks as well as direct balls.
Versatility: While primarily a central striker, he can drift wide, drop deep or play across the front line when tactical plans demand.

According to analytical data for 2025/26, Sørloth has posted strong campaign numbers – averaging nearly 0.55 goals per 90 minutes in La Liga, ranking in the upper echelon of forwards in Europe’s top leagues. His expected goals (xG) per match also remain high, underscoring his efficiency in front of goal.

Challenges, Criticism, and Transfer Speculation

No career is without adversity. During the 2025 summer transfer window, rumours circulated about potential moves away from Atlético, with clubs such as SSC Napoli reportedly showing interest. Some observers argued Sørloth sought more guaranteed starting minutes or a different role than what coach Simeone currently deploys.

Such speculation reflects the complicated dynamics between a player’s ambitions and club strategy. Yet, rather than detracting from his talent, these discussions underscore his value – both as a scorer and as a coveted tactical asset.

Legacy and Future Outlook

At 30 years old in 2026, Alexander Sørloth sits at an exciting phase of his career. He has already laid a substantial legacy – from teenage prodigy to record‑breaking La Liga marksman and international stalwart.

Several future trajectories are possible:

Continued success at Atlético Madrid: As a central figure in a top European club, he can further cement his standing among elite forwards.
Potential transfer to another European heavyweight: Should clubs renew their interest, Atlético faces the task of balancing team continuity with player ambitions.
Norwegian national team leadership: With Norway poised for increased visibility in major tournaments, Sørloth will likely remain a pivotal figure.