| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Markus Garborg Fjørtoft | ||
| Date of birth | (1994-01-12)12 January 1994 (age 31) | ||
| Place of birth | Swindon, England | ||
| Height | 1.94 m (6 ft 4 in) | ||
| Position | Defender | ||
| Youth career | |||
| –2013 | Bærum SK | ||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2014–2017 | Duke Blue Devils | 74 | (7) |
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2013 | Bærum SK | 1 | (0) |
| 2017 | New York Red Bulls U-23 | 13 | (0) |
| 2018–2019 | Southern United | 14 | (0) |
| 2019–2020 | Hamilton Academical | 9 | (0) |
| 2020–2021 | Greenock Morton | 23 | (3) |
| 2021–2022 | Ayr United | 25 | (2) |
| Total | 85 | (5) | |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 23:20, 10 December 2021 (UTC) | |||
Markus Garborg Fjørtoft (born 12 January 1994) is a former professional footballer who played as a defender in various countries, including Norway, the USA, New Zealand, and Scotland. Starting his career at the local club,Bærum SK, he later secured a scholarship to Duke University, where he obtained both his bachelor's and master's degrees. His college journey eventually led to his selection bySeattle Sounders FC in the2018 MLS Draft. He retired on 10 August 2022, after leavingAyr United to pursue new opportunities.
He is the son of former Norwegian internationalJan Åge Fjørtoft.[1]
Markus is actively involved in various ventures. During his football career, Fjørtoft co-hosted the podcast BroPod, along with fellow footballerCiaran McKenna. The podcast centered around conversations with individuals from the realms of sports, media, finance, and politics. Guests included world-renowned journalists, broadcasters, club owners, agents, CEOs, and Ballon d'Or winners. He also worked as a marketing and fan engagement consultant. He currently works at thePFA, co-hosts The German Fussball Podcast withJan Åge Fjørtoft, and runs his own Sports & Entertainment company, TwentyOne.
Fjørtoft progressed through the ranks at Bærum SK, being part of the talented '94 generation alongside players likeMarius Lundemo,Daniel Granli,Simen Juklerød,Chris Wingate, andBorger Thomas. After making his official debut during Bærum SK's promotion season in 2013, he secured a soccer scholarship atDuke University.
Fjørtoft played four years ofcollege soccer atDuke University between 2014 and 2017. He made a total of 74 appearances, scoring 7 and tallying 2 assists in his time at Duke.[2] His achievements include being named to the All-ACC Freshman Team (2014), earning Team Rookie of the Year (2014) and Team Defensive MVP titles in consecutive years (2015 & 2016). He further established his standing by receiving Team MVP in 2017 and regional accolades such as All-ACC 3rd Team (2017) and All-South 2nd Team (2017).
In the 2017 season, Fjørtoft assumed the role of captain, leading Duke to a respectable 13-4-3 record. However, despite their success, the team faced a challenging defeat on penalties in the Sweet 16 of theNCAA Division I men's soccer tournament.
On 19 January 2018, Fjørtoft was selected in the second round (45th overall) in the2018 MLS SuperDraft bySeattle Sounders FC.[3]
In September 2018, Fjørtoft signed withSouthern United FC of New Zealand in theISPS Handa Premiership.[1] He signed a one-year contract for Scottish clubHamilton Academical in theScottish Premiership in April 2019, starting from July 2019.[4] He extended his contract for another year in January 2020.
In September 2020, Fjørtoft was signed byDavid Hopkin and joinedScottish Championship sideGreenock Morton on a permanent deal.[5] After a tumultuous season that saw three different managers at the helm, Morton secured their position in the Scottish Championship through the relegation playoffs. Fjortoft concluded the season with three goals, notably scoring a 121st-minute equalizer againstMotherwell in theScottish Cup.
On 27 May 2021, it was announced that he had joinedAyr United for the 2021–22 season, marking the second time he was signed by David Hopkin. He left Ayr United at the end of the season, after the team secured their spot in theScottish Championship on the last day of the season. On 10 August 2022, Fjørtoft announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 28.[6]
Fjørtoft leadsPFA's strategic content initiatives.[7]
He also hosts "The German Fussball Podcast" and the "PFA Conversations" podcast. Interviews includeCesc Fabregas,Granit Xhaka,Erling Haaland,Ruud van Nistelrooy,John Terry,Jack Wilshere,David Dein,Gary Pallister,Les Ferdinand,Leah Williamson, andVivianne Miedema.
He serves as a commentator and pundit for both English and Scottish football, contributing to renowned platforms such as BBC Scotland and BBC Wiltshire.
Fjortoft participated as a contestant on "Familiens Ære," a sports game show aired onNRK. Alongside his father, he engaged in a competition that challenged six renowned sports families, evaluating their physical and mental prowess while putting their relationships to the test.[8]