Morten Thorsby

Morten Thorsby (born 5 May 1996) is a Norwegian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for club Cremonese and the Norway national team.

Club career Stabæk Thorsby started his youth career in IL Heming but joined FK Lyn in 2009. While playing in Lyn he was drafted into the boys-15 national team. In 2012, he joined the youth ranks of Stabæk.

He made his first team debut in the 2013 1. Divisjon, as a substitute in four matches.

Sampdoria On 11 January 2019, Thorsby signed a four-year pre-contract with Serie A side Sampdoria. The contract will run through the 2023 season. He joined the club on 1 July 2019. He made his debut on 4 November in the 1–0 away win against SPAL, in which he played the full match. After that game he slowly rose in the team's hierarchy, becoming a starter in midfield alongside Albin Ekdal. On 21 June 2020, he scored his first goal for Sampdoria scoring the 2–1 consolation goal in the away defeat to Inter Milan.

The following year, he was confirmed as a starter alongside Ekdal,

Union Berlin On 19 July 2022, German club Union Berlin announced Thorsby's signing.

Genoa On 1 August 2023, Union Berlin sent Thorsby on a season-long loan to Serie A side Genoa, with a conditional obligation to buy at the end of that period.

Cremonese On 2 February 2026, Thorsby moved to Cremonese, also in Serie A.

International career On 21 May 2026, Thorsby was included in the 26-man squad selected by Norway national team manager Ståle Solbakken for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Personal life Thorsby is known for his commitment to environmentalism and is an advocate for stronger actions on climate change. He established the We Play Green foundation to encourage the football community to adopt environmentally friendly initiatives, and has met with municipal and national leaders in Italy while at Sampdoria in support of improved climate policy. In August 2021, he switched his shirt number to 2 to raise awareness of climate change. The digit represents the target of the internationally-adopted Paris Agreement of keeping global warming "well below" 2 °C above pre-industrial times, in order to avoid dangerous levels of climate change. He was named 'Young Athlete of The Year' at The BBC Green Sport Awards 2022.

Career statistics Club + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals

2013 1. divisjon

2014 Tippeligaen

2015–16 Eredivisie