Swedish football coach Rikard Norling has made a career decision driven by family commitments, signing with Örebro SK for the 2026 season. The 54-year-old coach, who has won Swedish championships with both Malmö FF and AIK, revealed for the first time that he has a child with special needs, which has become the primary factor in his career choices.
According to reports, Norling decided to join Örebro SK not just for the sporting challenge of helping the club recover from difficult times, but to remain close to his home in Strängnäs. "For ten, twelve years ago I decided to stop moving for football. The geographical aspect is completely decisive for me. I cannot, will not, leave Strängnäs," Norling told Expressen.
For ten, twelve years ago I decided to stop moving for football. The geographical aspect is completely decisive for me. I cannot, will not, leave Strängnäs,
The coach explained that he has four children, one of whom requires lifelong care. "Normally a child lives at home, then flies out, maybe studies in the USA or in Linköping, creates their own life. That won't be the case for us. I have a responsibility, and that responsibility will be lifelong," he said.
Norling, who previously coached FC Stockholm in Ettan Norra after his stint with Norwegian club SK Brann, described the emotional weight of his situation. "It cuts me. I cry just thinking about it," he told Expressen Sport. This marks the first time Norling has spoken publicly about his family circumstances, hoping his story might inspire others facing similar challenges in the football industry.
Normally a child lives at home, then flies out, maybe studies in the USA or in Linköping, creates their own life. That won't be the case for us. I have a responsibility, and that responsibility will be lifelong,
It cuts me. I cry just thinking about it,