PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andreas Rædergård Schjelderup |
| Date of Birth | 1 June 2004 (Age: 22) |
| Place of Birth | Bodø, Norway |
| Nationality | Norwegian |
| Height | 1.76 m / 5 ft 9 in |
| Weight | 73 kg / 161 lbs |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder / Left Winger |
| Preferred Foot | — |
| Squad Number | #21 (Benfica), #21 (Norway) |
| Current Club | Benfica |
| Previous Clubs | FC Nordsjælland |
| International Caps | 18 |
| International Goals | 2 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | — |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens fell into stunned silence. July 11, 2026. Norway and England, locked in a World Cup quarter-final that would define a generation of Norwegian football. The match was scoreless, and England had dominated possession. Then came the moment that would etch Andreas Schjelderup’s name into Norwegian footballing history.
In the 36th minute, Schjelderup—making just his second start of the tournament—received the ball on the left flank. With a moment of individual brilliance, he fired a shot that caromed off the right post and into the net, stunning the England team and sending the Norwegian contingent into delirium. Martin Ødegaard provided the assist as Schjelderup celebrated by stretching his arms wide, looking at the crowd as his teammates lifted him onto their shoulders.
The goal was not merely a World Cup strike—it was a statement. Norway, a nation that had never advanced this far in the World Cup, was leading the three-time champions. Schjelderup, the 22-year-old from Bodø, had announced himself on the greatest stage of all.
While England would ultimately rally through Jude Bellingham’s brace, winning 2-1 in extra time, Schjelderup’s performance had already cemented his status as one of the tournament’s emerging stars. He had set up both of Erling Haaland’s goals in Norway’s Round of 16 victory over Brazil, and his quarter-final strike against England was the culmination of a tournament that saw him record three assists—placing him among the World Cup’s top assist providers.
Origins
Andreas Rædergård Schjelderup was born on June 1, 2004, in Bodø, a city on Norway’s northern coast. His footballing journey began in the Norwegian system, where his talent was evident from a young age.
His breakthrough came when he joined the youth setup of FC Nordsjælland in Denmark, a club renowned for its development of young talent. The move to Denmark would prove pivotal in shaping his career, providing the platform for his rise through the professional ranks.
The European Forge
FC Nordsjælland (2020-2023):
Schjelderup’s senior career began at FC Nordsjælland, where he made his debut in the Danish Superliga at just 16 years old in the 2020-21 season. In his debut campaign, he made 16 league appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists across 984 minutes.
The 2021-22 season saw his role expand significantly. He featured in 22 Superliga appearances, scoring 4 goals and playing 1,357 minutes, including 16 starts. His development continued at pace.
The 2022-23 season was his true breakout campaign. Schjelderup made 17 league appearances for Nordsjælland before his mid-season transfer, scoring 10 goals in 1,243 minutes. His performances in the Danish top flight had caught the attention of clubs across Europe, and his goal-scoring output from wide areas was exceptional for a player of his age.
Benfica (2023-Present):
In January 2023, Schjelderup made the move to Portuguese giants Benfica, signing with one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs. His arrival in Lisbon was marked by immediate success—he was part of the Benfica squad that won the Primeira Liga title in the 2022-23 season.
His first full season at Benfica (2023-24) saw him remain on loan at Nordsjælland for the Danish season before returning to Portugal. The 2024-25 campaign marked his gradual integration into the Benfica first team. He made 20 Primeira Liga appearances (3 starts), scoring 1 goal and providing 3 assists in 524 minutes. He also featured in 7 Champions League matches, assisting in the competition for the first time.
The 2025-26 season was Schjelderup’s definitive breakthrough at Benfica. He established himself as a regular starter, making 28 Primeira Liga appearances (20 starts), scoring 7 goals and providing 5 assists in 1,723 minutes. He was a key contributor in the UEFA Champions League as well, featuring in 7 matches and scoring 2 goals, including a brace against Real Madrid in the league phase.
Across all competitions in 2025-26, Schjelderup made 58 appearances, scoring 12 goals and registering 11 assists. He won the Portuguese League Cup in 2025 with Benfica, adding to his trophy collection.
The Anatomy of His Game
Andreas Schjelderup is a dynamic attacking midfielder and left winger defined by his technical ability, creativity, and goalscoring threat. Standing at 1.76 meters, he is a player who combines agility with intelligence on the ball.
In Possession:
Schjelderup is a creative force in the final third. His close control and dribbling ability make him a constant threat in wide areas. His vision is exceptional—he recorded three assists in six World Cup appearances in 2026, placing him among the tournament’s top assist providers. His goal-scoring output is significant for a player operating primarily from wide positions; in the 2025-26 season, he averaged 0.37 goals per 90 minutes in the Primeira Liga.
His passing accuracy has improved with experience. In the 2025-26 Primeira Liga season, he recorded an 81.2% pass completion rate. At the World Cup, his passing accuracy was even higher at 83.3%, demonstrating his composure on the biggest stage.
Out of Possession:
Schjelderup’s defensive contributions are growing. His work rate off the ball has been noted as an area of development, but his positioning and pressing have improved as he has gained experience at Benfica. His physical attributes—standing at 176cm and 73kg—allow him to compete physically while maintaining his agility.
Psychological Edge:
Schjelderup’s mental resilience is evident in his development trajectory. From making his debut at 16 in Denmark to performing at a World Cup quarter-final at 22, he has consistently risen to the challenges presented to him. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations—setting up both of Haaland’s goals against Brazil and scoring the opener against England in the World Cup quarter-final—demonstrates a player who thrives under pressure.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps (Starts/Subs) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Pass% | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primeira Liga | 28 (20/8) | 1,735 | 7 | 5 | 79.5% | 7.02 |
| UEFA Champions League | 7 (5/2) | 422 | 2 | 0 | 78.9% | 6.80 |
| FIFA Club World Cup | 3 (2/1) | 129 | 1 | 0 | 71.1% | 6.81 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 6 (2/4) | 251 | 1 | 3 | 83.3% | 6.85 |
| World Cup Qualifying | 5 (2/3) | 167 | 0 | 1 | 92.3% | 6.59 |
| TOTAL | 49 | 2,704 | 11 | 9 | — | — |
TABLE B: Career (League)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | Nordsjælland | Danish Superliga | 16 | 3 | 2 |
| 2021-22 | Nordsjælland | Danish Superliga | 22 | 4 | 0 |
| 2022-23 | Nordsjælland | Danish Superliga | 17 | 10 | 0 |
| 2022-23 | Benfica | Primeira Liga | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023-24 | Nordsjælland | Danish Superliga | 26 | 9 | 6 |
| 2024-25 | Benfica | Primeira Liga | 20 | 1 | 3 |
| 2025-26 | Benfica | Primeira Liga | 28 | 7 | 5 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 130 | 34 | 16 |
TABLE C: International Record (2024-2026)
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friendlies | 7 | 3 | 307 | 1 | 1 |
| World Cup Qualifying | 5 | 2 | 167 | 0 | 1 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 6 | 2 | 252 | 1 | 3 |
| TOTAL | 18 | 7 | 726 | 2 | 5 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | Senior Debut | Nordsjælland, Danish Superliga at age 16 |
| 2022-23 | Breakthrough Season | 10 goals in 17 appearances for Nordsjælland |
| 2023 | Move to Benfica | Signed for Portuguese giants |
| 2023 | Primeira Liga Winner | Benfica league title |
| 2024 | Norway Debut | Senior international debut |
| 2025 | Portuguese League Cup Winner | Benfica’s League Cup triumph |
| 2025-26 | Benfica Breakthrough | 28 league appearances, 7 goals |
| 2026 | World Cup Quarter-Finalist | First World Cup appearance, 3 assists |
| 2026 | World Cup Quarter-Final Goal | Scored vs England |
What these figures reveal
is a player whose career has been characterized by consistent progression and a remarkable ability to contribute goals and assists from wide areas. Schjelderup has accumulated over 130 league appearances by the age of 22, scoring 34 goals and providing 16 assists. His performance at the 2026 World Cup—1 goal and 3 assists in 6 appearances—demonstrates his ability to perform at the highest level.
The Present Tense
Andreas Schjelderup is 22 years old and at the beginning of what promises to be a stellar career. He is a Benfica regular, a Norwegian international, and a World Cup performer.
The Benfica Story:
Schjelderup joined Benfica in January 2023 and has developed steadily into a key contributor. The 2025-26 season was his breakout campaign—28 Primeira Liga appearances, 7 goals, and 5 assists. He has also made significant contributions in European competitions, scoring against Real Madrid in the Champions League. His trophy haul includes a Primeira Liga title (2022-23) and a Portuguese League Cup (2025).
The World Cup Campaign:
Schjelderup was a key figure in Norway’s historic World Cup run. He featured in all six matches, scoring Norway’s only goal in the quarter-final against England. He recorded three assists in the tournament, placing him among the top assist providers, and his contributions against Brazil in the Round of 16—setting up both of Erling Haaland’s goals—were pivotal in Norway’s progression.
International Record:
Schjelderup has earned 18 caps for Norway and scored 2 goals since his debut in 2024. He has been a regular presence in the national team setup, contributing 5 assists across his international career.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Andreas Schjelderup is defined by his rapid rise from the Danish Superliga to the World Cup stage. Born in Bodø on Norway’s northern coast, he moved to Denmark as a teenager to pursue his footballing dream.
His move to Benfica at just 18 years old represented a significant step—joining one of the most successful clubs in European football. The transition has been managed with patience, with Schjelderup gradually earning his place in the first team after initial difficulties securing playing time.
His partnership with Erling Haaland on the international stage has been a defining feature of Norway’s attack. Schjelderup’s creativity has complemented Haaland’s goalscoring, with the two forming a formidable partnership. Schjelderup’s performance against Brazil—setting up both Haaland goals—epitomized this connection.
The Verdict from the Camp
FIFA, top assist providers at World Cup 2026:
Schjelderup was ranked among the tournament’s top assist providers with 3 assists.
TASS, reporting on Norway's quarter-final:
“Andreas Schjelderup netted the ball for Norway” in the 36th minute against England.
Fox Sports, analyzing the quarter-final:
“Schjelderup, making just his second start of the tournament, fired a shot that caromed off the right post and into the net to stun an England team that had dominated possession to that point.”
ESPN, on Schjelderup's World Cup impact:
“Schjelderup, who set up both of Erling Haaland’s goals in Norway’s round of 16 win over Brazil, celebrated by stretching his arms wide and looking at the crowd as his teammates lifted him onto their shoulders.”
Where Next?
Andreas Schjelderup is 22 years old and entering the prime of his career. He is established at Benfica, a Norwegian international, and a World Cup performer.
For Norway, he represents the future. His performances at the 2026 World Cup have demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level. With a partnership developing with Erling Haaland, Schjelderup will be central to Norway’s ambitions in future tournaments, including the 2030 World Cup.
For Benfica, he is a key attacking player. His 2025-26 season—28 league appearances, 7 goals, 5 assists—has established him as a regular starter. His contributions in European competitions, including goals against Real Madrid, demonstrate his ability to perform on the continental stage.
His career trajectory is remarkable—from a 16-year-old debutant in Denmark to a World Cup quarter-final scorer at 22. He has earned his place through consistent improvement, and his future appears bright.
The boy from Bodø who made his debut in the Danish Superliga has become a Benfica regular, a Norwegian international, and a World Cup scorer. Andreas Schjelderup’s journey is a story of talent, determination, and the pursuit of excellence on football’s greatest stage.
