AGF’s Markus Solbakken Diagnosed with MS, Vows to Return Next Season

Son of Norway Coach Stale Solbakken diagnosed with MS

The 25-year-old is training fully with AGF and says “It won’t affect my career. I’m ready for the next season” after doctors confirmed his optic nerve should fully recover.

Despite vision issues during high heart rates, Solbakken plans to return to competitive matches after the summer break...

AGF Aarhus midfielder Markus Solbakken has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The Norwegian initially worried his career might be over, but he’s confronted the situation head-on and plans to return to the pitch after the summer break.

The ordeal started suddenly for the promising midfielder this February. He woke up one morning to find he could barely see out of his left eye. “It was black and blurry. I lost about sixty percent of my vision. At first, I tried to hide it, but when I couldn't hit the ball at all during table tennis after training, I realized something was seriously wrong,“ Solbakken openly told TV http://2.no. He went to the doctor right away and had a brain MRI, which revealed optic nerve inflammation linked to multiple sclerosis.

The unexpected diagnosis hit hard, leaving him overwhelmed with despair. As the son of Norway national team coach Ståle Solbakken, he immediately feared the worst for his career. “I have to admit, when they told me, I was lying curled up on the couch at home, crying. I was terrified and thought my football career was completely over,” the 25-year-old admitted. The emotional weight was so heavy that he couldn’t bring himself to tell his parents for several days.

The diagnosis hit the entire family hard. His father, Stale, said the days of medical tests were draining and filled with fear, but he also spoke about his son’s resilience. “It was an extraordinary situation for us. But Markus is simply unique. Not once did he call me to say he couldn't handle it anymore. His positive attitude is worth its weight in gold during these tough times,“ said the emotional Norway coach.

Markus Solbakken (25) har fått diagnosen MS.

Møtte han nylig i Aarhus, der han sterkt preget åpnet opp om marerittet han har vært gjennom.

– Jeg må innrømme at i det jeg fikk beskjeden, så lå jeg i fosterstilling på sofaen og gråt, sier han.https://t.co/JgWbuRgQRV

— Eirik Nesset Hjelvik (@EirikNH) May 15, 2026

Even with the serious diagnosis, there’s reason for optimism for the talented midfielder. Solbakken isn’t playing competitive matches right now since his vision still deteriorates uncomfortably when his heart rate rises, but he’s back training fully with the squad.

Doctors have cleared him to keep playing professionally and expect his optic nerve to recover completely. “It won't affect my career. The doctors said I can keep playing football. I'm ready for the next season,” he declared confidently.