Aalesunds FK (AaFK) is a Norwegian football club based in Ålesund, a city on the western coast of Norway. The club was founded in 1914 and has spent much of its history fluctuating between the top two divisions of Norwegian football.
History & Achievements
- Founded: 1914
- Nicknamed: "Tangotrøyene" (The Tango Shirts) due to their orange and blue kit colors.
- League Performance: The club has competed both in the Eliteserien (Norwegian top division) and the OBOS-ligaen (second tier) throughout its history.
- First Promotion to Eliteserien: 2002, marking the beginning of their emergence as a competitive top-tier side.
Trophies & Honours
- Norwegian Cup (NM Cupen): 🏆 2 titles
- 2009 – Defeated Molde FK in the final.
- 2011 – Defeated SK Brann in the final.
- The club’s cup victories have been its biggest achievements, granting them opportunities to compete in European competitions.
Best Performances
Domestic Success
- Best Eliteserien Finish: 4th place in 2010, which remains their highest league position.
- Norwegian Cup Wins (2009 & 2011), leading to Europa League qualification.
European Competitions
- UEFA Europa League Appearances:
- Participated in 2011-12 & 2012-13 seasons, reaching the third qualifying round before being eliminated.
- One of the club’s most memorable European matches was against AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) in 2012.
Notable Players & Coaches
Key Players
- Jonathan Parr – Norwegian full-back who later played in the English Championship for Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town.
- Leke James – Nigerian forward known for his goal-scoring ability.
- Demar Phillips – Jamaican international who played a key role in the club’s success.
- Jo Nymo Matland – A crucial left-back during their cup-winning seasons.
Notable Coaches
- Kjetil Rekdal – Led Aalesund to their first Norwegian Cup victory in 2009.
- Jan Jönsson – Managed the team during one of their more competitive Eliteserien campaigns.
Current Status
- Recent Performance: The club has been alternating between Eliteserien and OBOS-ligaen, struggling to maintain consistent top-flight status.
- 2023 Season: Aalesunds FK was relegated from Eliteserien, meaning they will play in the second tier (OBOS-ligaen) in 2024.
- Future Goals: The club aims to return to Eliteserien and establish themselves as a stable top-tier side once again.
Stadium – Color Line Stadion
- Opened: 2005
- Capacity: 10,778 spectators
- Location: Ålesund, Norway
- Surface: Artificial turf
- The stadium provides an intense atmosphere, with strong local support from the passionate fanbase, particularly from the "Stormen" supporter group.
Aalesunds FK is a historic Norwegian club that has experienced both success and struggles in recent years. With two Norwegian Cup wins (2009 & 2011) and participation in European competitions, the club has established itself as an important name in Norwegian football. However, frequent relegations and promotions indicate inconsistency. With their modern Color Line Stadion and strong fanbase, Aalesunds FK will aim to return to Eliteserien and regain their competitive status.
pic: transfermarkt
