Vålerenga Fotball remembers King Harald V as a warm supporter of the club and sport's societal value. This is highlighted in a tribute which shows the king's close bond with the club.
The king, called the 'sports king' by many, was an enthusiastic spectator for many years. His genuine interest in sports strengthened the sense of community and sport's place in the Norwegian national soul. A powerful image from the summer shows a moved King Harald with national team manager Ståle Solbakken. Vålerenga has always had a special relationship with him and dreams of winning his trophy.
Six years ago, King Harald V visited Vålerenga at Intility Arena. Several hundred hopefuls had gathered to wish His Majesty a warm welcome to the 'club for everyone'. It is a day Vålerenga will never forget. The king was received by Mayor Marianne Borgen, Tuva Ørbech Sørheim (chair of Vålerenga Fotball Elite), Rune Hansen (chair of Vålerenga Fotball), and Åge Petter Christiansen (chair of Vålerenga Kultur- og idrettspark).
From the main entrance, the tour went down to the players' lounge. Waiting there were the captains of the women's and men's teams, Stine Ballisager Pedersen and Jonatan Tollås Nation. Vålerenga legend Terje 'Henger'n' Hellerud was also present. During the visit, the king met both players and club staff. He heard about how Vålerenga works for inclusion, community, and a warmer Oslo.
The visit illustrates that King Harald V's glowing commitment to sports was about much more than medals and major Norwegian sporting moments. The king was very concerned with the societal value that sports represent. He described sports as the most important arena for inclusion. Svein Graff said: "Kong Haralds genuine interesse for idrett gjorde han til selve idrettskongen."
The king's speech in Dronningparken reached the entire nation. He was the whole of Norway's grandfather and a monument. His famous statement, "Nordmenn er jenter som er glad i jenter, gutter som er glad i gutter, og jenter og gutter som er glad i hverandre," captured this spirit. Vålerenga is, and remains, the club for everyone.
The memory of the king's visit and his values lives on in the club as it prepares for its next match. Vålerenga's next Eliteserien assignment is an away fixture against Sarpsborg 08 FF on September 7, 2026.
The work on inclusion and community continues as a central part of the club's identity. This is reflected in its daily operations and the goal of creating a lasting positive impact in Oslo. For fans wanting to look deeper into the club's structure, the squad overview offers detailed insight. King Harald V's legacy reminds us that sport's true victory lies in the unity it creates.
