Arne Larsen Økland

Arne Larsen Økland (born 31 May 1954) is a Norwegian former footballer who played as a striker for Vard Haugesund, Bryne, Bayer Leverkusen and Racing Club de Paris. He was capped 54 times for Norway, scoring 13 goals and he is regarded as one of the best Norwegian players of his generation. He later coached Bryne and Viking.

Club career Økland was born in Bømlo Municipality and began his career at the local club Bremnes before he moved to Vard Haugesund ahead of the 1972 season. In 1976 the club played their sole season in the Norwegian top division and Økland scored 11 goals, and made his international debut the same year. Despite Økland's efforts, Vard were relegated at the end of the season, and he then transferred to Bryne. With Økland as one of the key players, the newly promoted Bryne survived relegation in 1977, finished fourth in 1979 and second in 1980. In the summer of 1980, he was signed by West German side Bayer Leverkusen.

Økland enjoyed a successful three-year spell at Leverkusen. Just a few months into his stay at the club, he scored a hat-trick in a 3–0 win against Bayern Munich. Økland was in fact credited with a fourth goal late in the game as the ball went through a hole in the side netting, but Økland famously told the referee that it wasn't a goal. In his three years at Leverkusen, Økland played 101 Bundesliga matches and scored 43 goals. In 1983, Økland moved to the French team Racing Club de Paris, where he spent two seasons before returning to Bryne.

In his second spell at Bryne, Økland helped the club win the only major trophy in their history; the Norwegian Cup in 1987. After this victory, Økland retired.

Økland is married to Liv Brit Økland, and they have three children; Ståle Økland, Silvia Ø. Greff and Martin Økland.