Martin Odegaard, at the age of 15, was juggling his secondary school studies with his local football team’s practices in Norway just a year ago.

Only months ago, Martin Odegaard, now 16, was managing his education alongside playing for his hometown team in Norway while recently signing for Real Madrid.

Odegaard proudly held his Real Madrid shirt during his unveiling as a player, where he will earn a weekly salary of £40,000.

His family, filled with pride, accompanied him at the signing ceremony at the Bernabeu stadium, where he was officially announced as a Real Madrid player.

From being a schoolboy to becoming a football star, Martin Odegaard emerged through the ranks of his local team’s academy in Norway and now plays for the reigning European champions.

In 2014, Odegaard had an incredible year, transitioning from a regular schoolboy to the youngest player ever to represent his country. This week, he agreed to a lucrative £40,000-a-week contract with Real Madrid.

Growing up in a devout Christian family in the small community of Drammen, Odegaard often expressed his religious views on Twitter during his teenage years.

He was able to balance his studies with football because he was part of the youth team of his local club, Strømsgodset, where his father had previously played.

At the age of thirteen, Odegaard started training with the adult team, which competes in the Norwegian Premier League, as he consistently outperformed players his own age.

Prominent European clubs quickly recognized his talent, and Odegaard had training stints with Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

At just 15 years and 117 days old, he made history by becoming the youngest player to appear in a Norwegian Premier League match. Shortly after signing his first professional contract, he broke another record by becoming the league’s youngest goal scorer.

Odegaard has also earned three caps for the Norwegian national team, including a 2016 European Championship qualifier against Bulgaria.

During his press conference in Madrid, Odegaard answered questions exclusively in Norwegian. His father, who was also signed as a coach, will join him at the Spanish club.

The young Norwegian sensation celebrated his achievements, including his rise from a schoolboy to a professional footballer, and is now ready to play alongside renowned players like Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid.