Knattspyrnufélagið Víkingur, commonly referred to as Víkingur Reykjavík (to distinguish them from Víkingur Ólafsvík) and internationally known as Vikingur F.C., is a professional Icelandic sports club based in the Fossvogur neighbourhood of Reykjavík. It is one of the oldest sports clubs in Iceland, founded on 21 April 1908. Originally founded as a football club, it is now a multi-sport club that also operates divisions in handball, tennis, table tennis, karate and skiing. All sports include both male and female teams.
 | ||||
| Full name | Knattspyrnufélagið Víkingur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Víkingur, Vikes (Víkingar) | |||
| Founded | 21 April 1908 | |||
| Ground | Víkingsvöllur | |||
| Capacity | 1,450[1] | |||
| Club chairman | Björn Einarsson | |||
| FC chairman | Heimir Gunnlaugsson | |||
| Manager | Arnar Gunnlaugsson | |||
| League | Besta deild karla | |||
| 2024 | Besta deild karla, 2nd of 12 | |||
| Website | http://www.vikingur.is | |||
| ||||
Its men's football team currently plays in the top-tier Besta deildin and has won seven national championship titles and five Cup titles.
Víkingur's handball department is one of the more successful ones in Iceland, with its men's team having won seven national championships and the women's handball team having won three national championships.
Crest and colours
editClub crest
editÞorbjörn Þórðarson, who was the chairman of the Vikingur in the period of 1943–44, designed the original Víkingur badge.[2]
In the foreground of Vikingur's original crest is a brownish 19th century leather ball framed with white badges and has red and black stripes in the background.[3]
Team outfit
editThe Vikings have played in red and black striped outfits since the club's early years.[4]
Home ground
editVíkin
editFacilities and home ground are located at Víkin since 1984 when a football pitch was first laid there. The club residence followed in 1988 and indoor facilities were built in 1991, significantly improving the overall facilities.[5] Víkin is located in the district of Fossvogur (Háaleiti & Bústaðir), on the east side of Reykjavík.[6]
The sports venue was constructed in 2004 and completed in 2005. Víkingsvöllur holds around 2000 spectators.
Youth training
editThe youth training program at Víkin is notable for its contribution to the Iceland national senior and youth teams, providing in recent years players such as Kári Árnason, Sölvi Ottesen, Kolbeinn Sigþórsson, Aron Elís Þrándarson and Óttar Magnús Karlsson.
Club history
editThe Founding Fathers of Víkingur (1908)
editVíkingur Reykjavik was founded on the 21 April 1908 with the purpose of financing a ball purchase for a group of boys in a Reykjavik neighborhood to play football.
The club's inaugural meeting, with 32 boys present, was held in the basement of Túngata 12 in Reykjavik.
The founding fathers of Víkingur Reykjavik Football Club were:
- Axel Andrésson (12 years old) who initially chaired the board of directors.
- Emil Thoroddsen (9 years old) who served as a secretary.
- Davíð Jóhannesson (11 years old) who took on the role of treasurer.
- Páll Andrésson and Þórður Albertsson.[7]
The Unbeaten Decade (1908–1918)
editIn the first 10 years of Vikingur's history, the team failed to win in only a single match. In that period Vikingur scored 58 goals and conceded 16.
However, the team did not win a single title in that time due to them not yet having a regular senior side to play in the Icelandic Championship.[8]
First Championship Titles (1918–1947)
editThe Viking's first match in the Championship took place on 9 June 1918 – when the team ensured a 5–0 victory over their rivals Valur.[9]
Two years later the club won its first Championship title. The second Championship title came in 1924.[10]
During the first 40 years of Vikingur's history, the club did not to have any actual club facilities.
Residence at Suðurgata (1947–1950)
editVikingur's first residence was a former "Iglo officers club" in Camp Tripoli at Suðurgata which the club took on lease in the years between 1946 and 1950 by promises of being slotted an area of land south of University of Iceland at Vatnsmýri.
The residence at Camp Tripoli proved to be a true lever for the club for a period of time, since in Víkingur's first decades, meetings were held in various places in Reykjavik and the club did not have any sporting facilities.
Vikingur was later assigned an area of land in conjunction with Íþróttafélag Reykjavíkur at Vatnsmýri.[11]
Hæðargarður & First Cup Win (1950–1975)
editFollowing the years at Suðurgata, Víkingur continued its search for a suitable club location since the given area at Vatnsmýri was considered too small for the club.
In 1953, building constructions began for a new club house at Hæðargarður in the district of Bústaða- og smáíbúðahverfi Reykjavíkur, which at the time was being organized. However, despite the new club house, the club's working environment was poor as there were no sporting facilities or home pitch. Training continued to take place in various settings in Reykjavik.
Víkingur's first Icelandic Cup title in men's football came in the year 1971, when the team was victorious in the final over rivals UBK Kópavogur, 1–0.[12]
Growth in Fossvogur (since 1976)
editIt wasn't until the year 1976 that Víkingur got assigned an area of land in Fossvogur and began to build up its residence and sporting facilities.
In general, the main service area of the club is demarcated by Fossvogsdalur, Kringlumýrarbraut, Miklabraut and Reykjanesbraut.
Much work was done to prepare the grounds in Fossvogur during the years of 1981,1982 and 1983 when the Vikingur team clinched the first consecutive football Championship- and Super Cup titles in the club's history. A couple of years later, in 1984, footballers could start training at Víkin. Construction of the indoor facilities were completed in 1991, the same year as Víkingur retained its latest Championship title.[13] Construction began in 2004 on the sports venue at Víkin and was inaugurated in 2005. Víkin seats around 1,200 spectators. In the 2015 season, the men's football team will take part in the UEFA Europa League, having reached the club's highest league position of 4th place since winning the Championship in 1991.
League history
editMen's football
edit- 1918–56: Division 1
- 1957–69: Division 2
- 1970: Division 1
- 1971: Division 2
- 1972: Division 1
- 1973: Division 2
- 1974–85: Division 1
- 1986–87: Division 2
- 1988–93: Division 1
- 1994: Division 2
- 1995: Division 1
- 1996–98: Division 2
- 1999: Division 1
- 2000–03: Division 2
- 2004: Division 1
- 2005: Division 2
- 2006–07: Division 1
- 2008–10: Division 2
- 2011: Division 1
- 2012–13: Division 2
- 2014–: Division 1
After a period of struggle and re-organization at Víkin in the 2012 season, the Víkingur team won promotion to the football Championship.
Aron Elís Þrándarson was chosen both as the 'most promising' and 'best' player in the league.
Having regained their place in the football Championship in 2013, the team finished 4th place, achieving the club's highest league position since 1991.
Víkingur men's team played their first Europa League qualifiers since 1992, and admit a 2–3 defeat on aggregate against Slovenian team FC Koper.
Arnþór Ingi Kristinsson scored both of Víkingur's goals in the away clash against FC Koper. Ólafur Þórðarson parted ways with the club.
Only lacking the temporal difference to challenge for a spot in the Europa League qualification the team's fate was a mid-table finish.
Óttar Magnús Karlsson was the standout player in the team as he was chosen 'most promising player' in the league.
The season turned sharply by Miloš Milojević surprise resignation from the gaffers position early in the season.
This event cued the return to home of the then retired multiple championship winner and fans favourite Logi Ólafsson, who steered them to a safe mid-table finish.
Memorable for lively supporters match day experiences at Víkin, the 2018 early season performance was however highly affected by sloppy pitch conditions.
Acclaimed Iceland International Sölvi Geir Ottesen made his return to Víkin - now alternatively known as the 'Homeground of Happiness'.
At the end of the season Logi Ólafsson moved back into retirement passing the managerial position to his assistant and former International Arnar Gunnlaugsson.
Players
editMen's Football - Current Squad
edit- As of 29 July 2024
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
Men's Football - Out on loan
editNote: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
Managerial history – men's football
edit
20th centuryedit
|
21st centuryedit
|
Notable former players
editFollowing players have represented Víkingur and either made at least 100 league appearances for the club, or made at least 10 appearances for their national team.
Player records
editMen's football - Most appearances
editIn the current squad, Halldór Smári is the most capped player for Víkingur with 301 matches followed by Dofri Snorrason with 186.
David Örn Atlason has 142 matches and Sölvi Geir Ottesen has 84 matches to his name. (May 2019)[14]
|
European record
editMen's football - European Clashes
edit| Season | Competition | Round | Club | Home | Away | Agg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972–73 | European Cup Winners' Cup | 1R |  Legia Warsaw
|
0–2 | 0–9 | 0–11 |
| 1981–82 | UEFA Cup | 1R |  Bordeaux
|
0–4 | 0–4 | 0–8 |
| 1982–83 | European Cup | 1R |  Real Sociedad
|
0–1 | 2–3 | 2–4[16] |
| 1983–84 | European Cup | 1R |  Rába ETO Győr
|
0–2 | 1–2 | 1–4[17] |
| 1992–93 | UEFA Champions League | 1R |  CSKA Moscow
|
0–1 | 2–4 | 2–5[18] |
| 2015–16 | UEFA Europa League | 1Q |  Koper
|
0–1 | 2–2 | 2–3[19] |
| 2020–21 | UEFA Europa League | 1Q | Olimpija Ljubljana
|
— | 1–2 (a.e.t.) | — |
| 2022–23 | UEFA Champions League | PR |  FCI Levadia
|
6–1 | ||
 Inter Club d'Escaldes
|
1–0 | |||||
| 1Q |  Malmö FF
|
3–3 | 2–3 | 5–6 | ||
| UEFA Europa Conference League | 2Q |  The New Saints
|
2–0 | 0−0 | 2−0 | |
| 3Q | Lech Poznań
|
1–0 | 1–4 (a.e.t.) | 2–4 | ||
| 2023–24 | UEFA Europa Conference League | 1Q |  Riga
|
1–0 | 0–2 | 1–2 |
| 2024–25 | UEFA Champions League | 1Q |  Shamrock Rovers
|
0−0 | 1–2 | 1–2 |
| UEFA Conference League | 2Q |  Egnatia
|
0–1 | 2–0 | 2–1 | |
| 3Q | Flora
|
1−1 | 2–1 | 3–2 | ||
| PO | UE Santa Coloma
|
5–0 | 0−0 | 5–0 | ||
| League phase |  LASK
|
— | ||||
| Djurgårdens IF
|
— | |||||
 Omonia
|
— | 0–4 | ||||
 Cercle Brugge
|
3–1 | — | ||||
 Borac Banja Luka
|
2–0 | — | ||||
 Noah
|
— | |||||
UEFA Club Ranking
edit| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 169 |  Jablonec |
8.210 |
| 170 | Slovan Liberec |
8.210 |
| 171 |  Víkingur Reykjavik |
8.000 |
| 172 |  Ballkani |
8.000 |
| 173 | Fehérvár |
8.000 |
Achievements & club honours
editMen's football
editLeague
edit- Icelandic League Championships (7): 1920, 1924, 1981, 1982, 1991, 2021, 2023
- First Division Championships (5) (tier 2): 1969, 1971, 1973, 1987, 2010
Cup
edit- Icelandic Cup (5): 1971, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
- Icelandic Super Cup (4): 1982, 1983, 2022, 2024
Men's handball
editLeague
edit- Icelandic League Championships (7): 1975, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1987
- First Division Championships(Tier 2) (5): 1961, 1966, 1969, 1997, 1999
Cup
edit- Icelandic Cup Championships(6): 1978, 1979, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986
Women's handball
editLeague
edit- Icelandic League Championships (3): 1991, 1992, 1993
Cup
edit- Icelandic Cup Championships (2): 1992, 1994
Supporters
editClub anthem
editIn celebration of the club's centennial anniversary in 2008, Vikingur supporters club held a competition for a new club anthem to be played at home games.[22]
The winning song, Vikingur – 100 years, or simply: Við viljum sigur í dag Víkingar! was composed and performed by Stefán Magnússon and Freyr Eyjólfsson[23]
Shirt sponsors
edit| Year | Kit Manufacturer | Shirt Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| 1918–90 | NA | NA |
| 1991–93 | Adidas | Bahco |
| 1994–01 | Lotto | Kaupthing |
| 2002–05 | Lotto | Kaupthing |
| 2006–09 | Prostar | Kaupthing |
| 2010–13 | Puma | TVG Zimsen |
| 2014–15 | Nike | TVG Zimsen |
| 2016–2021 | Macron | TVG Zimsen |
| 2022– | Macron | Húsasmiðjan |
Staff & board 2023
editMen's football
edit- Manager: Arnar Gunnlaugsson
- Assistant Coach: Sölvi Geir Ottesen
- Strength Coach: Guðjón Örn Ingólfsson
- GK Coach: Hajrudin Čardaklija
- Physio: Rúnar Pálmarsson
- Kit Manager: Þórir Ingvarsson
- Managing Director: Haraldur V. Haraldsson
- Sports Director: Kári Árnason
- Stadium Manager: Örn I. Jóhannsson
- Chairman: Heimir Gunnlaugsson
- Vice chairman: Sverrir Geirdal
- Project Manager: Benedikt Sveinsson
- Boardmember: Hrannar Már Gunnarsson
- gjaldgeri: Valdimar sigurðursson
- Boardmember: Tryggvi Björnsson
- Boardmember: Guðjón Guðmundsson
- Head of youth development: Elías Hlynur Lárusson
References
edit- ^ Stadiums (2015) KSÍ.
http://www.ksi.is/mannvirki/knattspyrnuvellir/?vollur=102 Archived 13 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine - ^ Sögubrot (2015) Vikingur.is
Weblink: http://www.vikingur.is/forsiea/soegubrot/formenn-vikings Archived 2016-03-15 at the Wayback Machine - ^ Víkingur Crest (2015) Wikipedia.file:Knattspyrnufélagið Víkingur.png
- ^ Football clubs (2015) KSÍ.
http://www.ksi.is/um-ksi/adildarfelog/adildarfelag/?Felag=103 Archived 24 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine - ^ Official website of Knattspyrnufélagið Víkingur (2015) Sögubrot. Weblink: http://www.vikingur.is/forsiea/soegubrot/stiklae-a-storu Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Stadiums (2015). KSÍ.
Weblink: http://www.ksi.is/mannvirki/knattspyrnuvellir/?vollur=102 Archived 13 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine - ^ Knattspyrnufélagið Víkingur: Skjalaskrá (2009). Borgarskjalasafn.
Weblink: http://www.borgarskjalasafn.is/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-4323/6668_read-1008/start-k/6630_view-2789/ Archived 8 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine - ^ "Stiklað á stóru". Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
- ^ Jónsson, Ágúst Ingi (1983). Áfram Víkingur (1st ed.).
- ^ Sögubrot (2015) Vikingur.is
Weblink: http://www.vikingur.is/forsiea/soegubrot/stiklae-a-storu Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine - ^ Sögubrot (2015) Vikingur.is
Weblink: http://www.vikingur.is/forsiea/soegubrot/stiklae-a-storu Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine - ^ Sögubrot (2015) Vikingur.is
http://www.vikingur.is/forsiea/soegubrot/stiklae-a-storu Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine - ^ Stefna Víkings (2015) Víkingur.is
Weblink: http://www.vikingur.is/Media/PDF/Stefna_Vikings_i_barnaogungl_thjalfun_2011.pdf Archived 23 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine - ^ Atgeirinn (1/2019 p.16) Víkingur.is
https://vikingur.is/images/NYHEIMASIDA2016/2019/knattspyrna/atgeirinn/Atgeirinn_-_12019.pdf Archived 24 April 2019 at the Wayback Machine - ^ Most Appearances for Víkingur (2016). Víkingur News Letter (p.17): Víkingur.is.
Weblink: http://vikingur.is/images/frettabref/vifrbr.pdf Archived 10 December 2020 at the Wayback Machine - ^ Víkingur goals: Jóhann Þorvarðarson & Sverrir Herbertsson.
Weblink: http://www.sharkscores.com/Comparison/Default.aspx?id=453781 Archived 2015-04-12 at the Wayback Machine - ^ Víkingur goal: Magnús Þorvaldsson.
Weblink: http://www.footballdatabase.eu/football.coupe.gyor.vikingur-reykjavik.35099.en.html Archived 13 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine - ^ Víkingur goals: Atli Einarsson & Guðmundur Steinsson.
Weblink: http://www.footballdatabase.eu/football.coupe.vikingur-reykjavik.cska-moscou.34014.en.html Archived 13 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine - ^ Víkingur goals: Arnþór Ingi Kristinsson x2.
Weblink: http://www.footballdatabase.eu/football.coupe.fc-koper.vikingur-reykjavik.180819.en.html Archived 24 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine - ^ "UEFA Club Coefficient Ranking". RankingandPrize.Com. n.d. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ^ "Víkingur Reykjavík UEFA Ranking". RankingandPrize.Com. n.d. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ^ Vikingur's Centennial Club Anthem Competition (2008). Víkingur's supporters club: Víkingur.net.
Weblink: http://vikingur.net/web/?page=news_story&id=1425 Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine - ^ Vikingur 100 years – winning song (2008). Víkingur's supporters club: Víkingur.net.
Weblink: http://www.vikingur.net/mp3/vikingslag.mp3 Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine
External links
edit- Official Website
- Vikingur's Supporters Club
- Club Newsletter Archived 4 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine
- Official Facebook Page
- Football Association of Iceland
- Vikingsvöllur stadium
- Vikings Football Podcast
- Old Football Shirts - Víkingur
- IcelandFootball.net Profile
- Soccerway Profile
- FC Tables - Statistics
