Atli Eðvaldsson — Icelandic footballer and manager

Playing career

Atli's playing career included success in Iceland's top divisions and periods abroad in European leagues. Across his club career he won the Icelandic championship three times and claimed the Icelandic Cup on four occasions. As a midfielder he was valued for his tactical understanding and consistent performances, which made him a regular presence for his teams over many seasons.

International appearances

On the international stage Atli represented Iceland with distinction. He earned 70 caps for the national team between 1976 and 1991, appearing in qualifiers and friendlies across a 15-year span. His longevity and experience made him a respected figure within Icelandic football and a regular selection through several national-team cycles.

Managerial career and achievements

Following his playing days, Atli moved into coaching and became a high-profile manager in Iceland. In 1999 he led Knattspyrnufélag Reykjavíkur (commonly abbreviated KR) to the club's first national championship in 31 years, an achievement that reinforced his reputation as a capable leader. He later served as head coach of the Icelandic national team from 1999 to 2003, overseeing the squad through a range of competitive fixtures and development phases.

Honours and notable facts

• Three-time Icelandic league champion (as player).
• Four-time Icelandic Cup winner (as player).
• 70 international caps for Iceland (1976–1991).
• Manager who brought KR a long-awaited title in 1999.

For further basic career details see an online profile: Atli Eðvaldsson profile. For a summary of his international record and statistics consult a specialized database: career statistics.

Legacy and final years

Atli remained a respected figure in Icelandic football because of his contributions as both player and coach. In December 2018 it became public that he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer two years earlier; coverage at the time noted the difficult personal battle he and his family faced. He died on 2 September 2019 at the age of 62. Contemporary reports and tributes to his life and career were widely shared in Icelandic media and by former colleagues; more information on those accounts can be found here: news and tributes.