On the evening of July 12, 2025, a tragic accident in central London sent shockwaves through the football world and beyond, as a 51-year-old man, identified as Hans Erik Ødegaard, the father of Arsenal’s star midfielder and captain Martin Ødegaard, was struck by a vehicle that ran a red light at a busy intersection near Regent Street. The incident, which occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. BST, left Hans Erik critically injured, with emergency services reeling from both his identity and the severity of his condition. As news of the accident spread, fans, teammates, and global media expressed profound grief, while unverified reports about Hans Erik’s state—described as “unlike anything medics had seen”—sparked intense speculation and heartbreak. The tragedy has cast a shadow over Arsenal’s ongoing season and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the crash, leaving millions in mourning for a man deeply tied to one of football’s brightest talents.

Hans Erik Ødegaard, a former professional footballer and youth coach in Norway, has been a pivotal figure in his son’s rise to stardom. Known for his role in nurturing Martin’s talent at Strømsgodset and supporting his career through moves to Real Madrid and Arsenal, Hans Erik is a beloved figure in the football community. The accident occurred as he was crossing the street during a visit to London, reportedly to attend Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League match against Tottenham. According to a preliminary report from the Metropolitan Police, a 29-year-old driver in a black SUV ran a red light, striking Hans Erik and sending him crashing onto the pavement. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with bystanders rushing to assist as the driver fled before being apprehended nearby. The police have since charged the suspect with reckless driving and leaving the scene, with investigations ongoing to determine if substances or distractions played a role.

Emergency services arriving at the scene were initially unaware of the victim’s identity, focusing on stabilizing the severely injured man. Paramedics noted that Hans Erik was conscious but in critical condition, suffering from multiple fractures, internal injuries, and severe head trauma. A source from the London Ambulance Service, speaking anonymously to The Sun on July 13, described the situation as “heart-wrenching,” noting that medics were stunned when identification revealed the victim as the father of Arsenal’s captain. What shocked them further was Hans Erik’s condition, which the source described as “unlike anything we’ve encountered in a pedestrian accident.” Unverified reports circulating on X suggested that he remained responsive, repeatedly asking about his family, particularly Martin, despite the gravity of his injuries. This detail, though unconfirmed, has amplified the emotional weight of the tragedy, with fans on social media sharing messages like, “He’s fighting for his son even now—heartbreaking.”

The football world has rallied around Martin Ødegaard, who has not publicly commented but is reportedly at his father’s bedside in a London hospital. Arsenal Football Club issued a statement on July 13, expressing “deep sadness” and requesting privacy for the Ødegaard family. Manager Mikel Arteta, speaking after a training session, called Hans Erik “a cornerstone of Martin’s journey” and urged fans to “send love and strength.” Teammates, including Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, posted tributes on X, with Saka writing, “Praying for you and your dad, Martin. We’re all with you.” The hashtag #StayStrongHansErik trended globally, amassing over 1.5 million posts by July 14, reflecting the widespread admiration for the Ødegaard family and their contributions to football.

Speculation about Hans Erik’s condition has fueled intense discussion, with some X posts claiming he faces a “long and uncertain recovery” due to the extent of his injuries. Fact-checking outlets like Snopes have cautioned against unverified details, noting that early reports about the accident’s specifics, including the driver’s motives, remain under investigation. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that CCTV footage and witness statements are being reviewed, with early indications suggesting the driver may have been distracted. The incident has also reignited debates about road safety in London, with Mayor Sadiq Khan pledging to review traffic light systems in high-traffic areas. Meanwhile, the Ødegaard family’s silence, beyond Arsenal’s statement, has left room for both hope and fear, as fans cling to reports of Hans Erik’s resilience.

As Arsenal prepares for their next match, the emotional toll on Martin Ødegaard, who has led the team to a strong second-place standing in the 2024-25 Premier League season, is undeniable. The club has not confirmed whether he will play against Tottenham, with Arteta emphasizing that “family comes first.” The tragedy of Hans Erik Ødegaard’s accident, compounded by the shocking details of his condition, has united the football community in grief and solidarity, reminding the world of the fragility of life and the bonds that transcend the pitch.