Overview

Birkir Bjarnason (born 27 May 1988 in Akureyri, Iceland) is an Icelandic professional footballer who primarily operates as a central midfielder. Known in his homeland by the nickname Thor, he has built a career as a combative, goal-capable midfielder with experience in several European leagues. He has represented both club and country for well over a decade and has been valued for his leadership on the pitch.

Club career

Bjarnason began his career in Iceland and moved abroad early, taking opportunities in Norway, Belgium, Italy and Switzerland. His club history includes spells with Scandinavian sides and several clubs in continental Europe:

While at Basel he was part of the squad that won the Swiss Super League, a notable domestic title in his club career. Throughout these moves he developed a reputation for reliability and the ability to contribute important goals from midfield.

International career

Bjarnason is a long-serving member of the Iceland national team. He gained particular international recognition at UEFA Euro 2016, where he scored Iceland’s first goal at a major international tournament — a header on 14 June 2016 against Portugal that helped the side earn a draw. That tournament marked a breakthrough for Icelandic football on the global stage and Bjarnason was one of the team’s experienced figures during the campaign.

Style of play and strengths

Bjarnason is typically deployed in the centre of midfield and combines physical strength with an eye for goal. He is known for long-range shooting, aerial ability on set pieces, and a work-rate that suits both defensive duties and late runs into the box. Managers have used him in roles that demand leadership, organization and occasional offensive thrusts from deep positions.

Honours and legacy

Among his honours, the Swiss league title with Basel stands out. Beyond trophies, Bjarnason’s legacy is tied to Iceland’s most successful modern era: a generation of players who transformed public perception of Icelandic football by competing credibly at major international tournaments. His nickname, commitment on the field, and that landmark Euro 2016 goal remain recurring points in profiles of his career.

For further reading on clubs, competitions and Iceland’s national team history see links embedded above for club profiles and tournament context.