Torbjørn Heggem has returned to training with Bologna following a successful World Cup campaign with the Norway national team. He resumes work at Casteldebole this week with a new responsibility as defensive leader following Lucumi's departure.
He became a central figure in Norway's historic World Cup run. The team, built around icon Erling Haaland, reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup before a dramatic 2-1 defeat to England on July 11th. Heggem actually scored a goal in that match that could have been the winner, but it was disallowed for an earlier push by Haaland. Norway currently sits in a strong third place in their qualifying group for the 2028 World Cup, with four wins and one draw from their first five matches.
Back in club football, Heggem must prove he can lead the defensive line alone. The season before the World Cup, he had a solid first half for Bologna, but his form dipped after many matches in Serie A and the Europa League. The World Cup journey has put him back in the spotlight. He is now the natural heir to Lucumi's position as central defensive leader, which requires a different type of leadership than the supporting role he previously held. Bologna coach Tedesco will rely on him to organize the new German-inspired defense.
Heggem was the starting centre-back throughout Norway's surprising World Cup journey. His family, including girlfriend Karianne, followed him step-by-step from the stands. After the loss to England, he wrote on Instagram: "We were so close. Thank you for all the support we received; it was an adventure that will be remembered forever." The thanks were directed at the Norwegian fans and their iconic 'Viking Row'. Even many Italian supporters under the Two Towers in Bologna rowed with the Norwegians, hoping the national team could go all the way. Heggem had hardly expected such a prominent role on the world stage.
For Norway, the focus has now shifted to qualifying for the 2028 World Cup. For Heggem personally, it's about confirming his status. "My future is in Bologna," he said during his World Cup stay in the USA. From today, he is back on the pitch to do the most difficult thing in sport: to deliver at the same level. His goal is clear: to lead Bologna's new defense against new challenges in Serie A. With a strong end to last season and a World Cup under his belt, he has all the prerequisites.
Bologna has a young and promising squad. On our squad overview you can see the entire player roster that Heggem must now lead from the back. The task is significant, but the experience from a top international tournament has undoubtedly prepared him.
