Farewell Åge: A Tribute to His Impact on Sports

The Danish men’s national football team has taken to social media, extending heartfelt tributes to the late Åge Hareide, whose legacy continues to resonate within the sport. This sentiment has also been echoed across various Danish newspapers.

“Thank you for your dedication, your warmth, and everything you contributed to Danish football and the men’s national team,” reads a poignant Facebook message from the team.

Under Hareide’s guidance, Denmark reached the World Cup quarterfinals in Russia in 2018, a significant achievement that showcased his ability to foster strong, competitive teams. He also led the nation into the European Championship tournament held in 2021, adding to his impressive coaching resume.

Christian Eriksen, who played under Hareide during his time at Tottenham, is among those offering tribute on social media, using his Instagram profile to express deep gratitude for the coach’s impact.

“He Meant So Much to Me”

In a touching statement relayed through spokesperson Martin Borre, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel also weighed in, sharing his condolences with Hareide’s family.

“I’m at a loss for words. Åge has had an incredible impact on me, and I am grateful for the chance to have played for him,” Schmeichel told NRK.

Schmeichel reflected on the remarkable team spirit Hareide cultivated during his tenure. “Everyone was eager to give their all for Denmark, for their teammates, and for the coach; we went years undefeated,” he remarked with a sense of pride.

“Most importantly, Åge was a genuinely good person,” he continued. “He treated everyone with respect, believing that to get the best from people, you must first treat them well. This philosophy truly shone through in his coaching.”

Danish publication Politiken aptly noted, “The passion was unmistakable; Åge Hareide loved football.”

Prominent Danish tabloids, including Ekstrabladet and Berlingske Tidende, have dedicated substantial coverage to honor the coaching legend’s life and contributions.

BT has even set up a live studio segment inviting readers to share their memories of the 72-year-old coach. “So sad to hear this news; he was fantastic for Danish football for many years. Rest in peace, Åge Hareide,” commented one heartfelt reader response.

The club Brøndby, where Hareide served as head coach in the early 2000s and won league titles, has also expressed its respects online.

A Coaching Icon Remembered

The news of Åge Hareide’s passing has reverberated beyond Denmark, reaching Sweden where he previously coached several teams, including Örgryte, Helsingborgs IF, and Malmö FF.

During his inaugural season with Malmö FF in 2014, he adeptly guided the team to league success and into the Champions League group stage.

Aftonbladet described Hareide as an “iconic football coach,” drawing attention to the impact he made on Swedish football. Emil Forsberg, a prominent Swedish player who flourished under Hareide at Malmö, praised him as a “great person.”

Most recently, Hareide had been at the helm of the Icelandic national team, coaching from 2023 to 2024. The Icelandic public broadcaster RUV noted his role in nurturing young talent in the national squad, helping them to grow and develop into skilled players.

The world of football has lost a visionary coach, but his influence will certainly endure in the hearts and minds of many.