Arild Berg

Career

Arild Berg was born into a famous football family, the son of Harald Berg and younger brother of Ørjan and Runar Berg, all of whom played for Norway and abroad. He debuted for Bodø/Glimt in 1993 and joined the senior squad the following year. Despite being seen as one of Norway’s finest prospects, possibly even more gifted than his brothers, he never played for Norway’s youth or under-21 teams. He retired after the 1995 season, explaining he wanted more freedom in his daily routine. In 1997, he turned down Rosenborg BK to sign with the lower-tier FK Gevir Bodø. He returned to Bodø/Glimt for the 1998, 1999, and 2000 seasons, playing 110 league matches before falling ill and leaving. A difficult transfer to Lyn in 2002 followed, but he could not train much. Lyn’s sponsor, Atle Brynestad, funded his treatments. Doctors initially suspected mercury poisoning, later diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome. Berg remained with Lyn through the 2004 season without playing a single game and barely training. His condition led doctors to advise him to cut all ties with football; he later said even watching matches on TV caused him severe stress. On 22 June 2019, Berg died at age 43. His family’s statement read, “Arild chose to leave us,” confirming his death was a suicide.