HOW the Faroe Islands became a footballing force

The Faroe Islands, home to 52,000 people, have long been the butt of footballing jokes. But they've recently vastly improved their fortunes, winning promotion to the UEFA Nation's League C. Bielefeld striker and one of the country's most successful players, Jóan Símun Edmundsson is leading the charge. DW Kick off! finds out how Edmundsson made it to the Bundesliga and how the Faroe Islands have revitalized their football program.
Report by: Max Merrill
Camera: Bjørg Mohr Anderssen
Editing: Andreas Hyronimus
▸ subscribe: goo.gl/Y799RK
▸ help us create subtitles: goo.gl/fz2L61
▸ our channel: / dwkickoff
More football stories here:
Facebook: / dw.kickoff
Twitter: / dw_sports
Website: dw.com/sports

[@ouie-fl4qo]

i remember i used Faroe Islands in fifa 14 world cup mode as a joke and got to the knockout stages

[@dwkickoff]

Clearly a preview of what's to come in 2022!

[@profkluk]

When I was a kid I made it with Fiji Islands all the way through qualification to the World Cup title in FIFA 98. Such a great game with such a cool soundtrack.

[@zidanehd2564]

@@dwkickoff lmao

[@SomalieDXB]

@@profkluk Chambawamba!!! What a game!

[@lukasbosina301]

@@profkluk I did the same with Vanuatu. And I will never forget Song 2 👍

[@HanOle12]

When the norwegian league got delayed at the start of Covid-19, the norwegian TV-channels started broadcasting the Faroe league as if it was Premier League and the Faroe players said that it was amazing and gave them a reason to perform better than they did before.

[@lalalajuice]

Oh that's so sweet of Norway. Thank you for supporting us. We love our neighbor's 😊😊

[@cmenomore8119]

Really that’s a cool story

[@Realbillball]

Yeah, that was kind of cool. I watched quite a few games and decided to go there myself when this covid shit is over.

[@lucerofci]

This shows that passion is the main factor in football and not necessarily about numbers

[@arellmathias1904]

India should learn from this😏

[@lucerofci]

@@arellmathias1904 any developing football should do learn from this. All the best to Indian football.

[@arellmathias1904]

@@lucerofci thank you. We will surely play good football in upcoming years✊

[@MrCrs9225]

@@arellmathias1904 and the United States

[@prosperity3633]

Yes sir

[@jensarinbjorn]

As someone from Iceland I love seeing the Faroes succeed. If the Faroes were to qualify for a tournament believe me Icelanders would celebrate and watch just like the Faroese did when we were in the Euros and WC. Góða eydnu kæru frændur!!

[@lalalajuice]

Takk fyri, vinurin. 😊😊❤

[@thorbs44]

Denmark, iceland and Faroe Islands will root for each other at tournaments. Only love for our northern brothers

[@Ben-tx1qz]

I think everyone does tbh

[@whatever1661]

@@lalalajuice your islands are so beautiful. Love it here

[@widialkmaarzaanstreek7291]

Mantap guys.

[@martyn7988]

Gunnar Nielsen made one appearance for Manchester City in the premier league. Only Faroese player to play in the Premier League.

[@sveinbjrnv7291]

Ednundsson was close to as he played in championship for Newcastle on loan then moving to Newcastle full time in the premier League but didn't play an official game in the premier

[@snuggstcg]

He played for my local side wrexham briefly. Watched him a couple times, was a good keeper to be fair to him!

[@loseyourself6881]

I'm from Greece and I still remember the humiliation we got losing 2 times from Faroe Islands

[@filippos2909]

We didn't lose two games.. We inspired a nation!! ;)

[@RaulEdu33]

There's nothing better than an underdog upsetting a major competition. Hope they make the Euros one day ⚽💪🏻

[@nathan225]

Only when it’s your team that loses against the underdog

[@runethfc]

They nearly beat us (Denmark)

[@rokurbararsonjespersen8941]

I am from the Faroe Islands and love watching the national team and Jóan Símun Edmundsson

[@dwkickoff]

Greetings from Berlin to the Faroe Islands!

[@ag4vikingur770]

🇫🇴 gang

[@BertJK]

@@ag4vikingur770 🐸

[@tonemetteelstrmgunnerd114]

Gilli Rólantsson

[@wonjubhoy]

I am from Scotland. Your team played so well against Scotland tonight and you didn't deserve to lose.

[@Domi214]

I went to the Faroe Islands in 2019 and even visited a football game of NSÍ Runavík. I still often think about this very extraordinary place.

[@selestroyt]

Are the players very good?

[@lewatoaofair2522]

Today: Iceland Tomorrow: Faroe Islands?

[@os7184]

No way

[@kornaes]

and Finland

[@os7184]

@U J in the football scene no

[@CitizenNerd]

@U J acually its more like 1100 yrs ish..

[@hognigk96]

Aldrei

[@davedahal2065]

The quality of the video is sublime. Great Job.

[@dwkickoff]

Thanks Dave!

[@farheenaamir5627]

It always is isn't it

[@helenanysted1610]

I’m from the Faroe Islands, this is such a good video. I played football for about 7 years of my life. Thank you for this video😊

[@dwkickoff]

Thank you Helena for watching!

[@mytelecasterworld3336]

i'm South African/Spanish livin' in Australia and, don't know why, i've been dreamin' a lot of The Faroe Islands since a couple of weeks ago....didn't know much about these islands so i've been watchin' videos of the Faroe since i had those dreams just to know what's goin' on in my head when I sleep.....i'm connected to that land in a pretty weird way...maybe, who knows, i was Faroese in other life...and you were half Saffa half Spanish in other life...why not???...not takin' jokes any further, got to say you're my first approach to a Faroese person, from the eerie and mystical land i've been dreamin' these days...that's the reason I'm here...well, enjoy your country to the bone, life's a breeze and it is right to give it a punch.....i may visit the islands someday....greetings from south queensland, australia...g'day...adios...

[@whatever1661]

Just visiting now and its breathtaking beautiful here.

[@zombieguyproducion]

The Faroese national team does have a lot of promise. I would say it's probably one of the best of the "Small European nations" today. It's really fun to watch the lift in the Nordic country overall. Finland is on the up, Norway is on the up, Faroes is on the up. It's not only Sweden and Denmark carrying the Nordic football dreams anymore!

[@gamehardy]

I am happy too, our backs are hurting 🇸🇪🇸🇪 haha but being real i love to see it i always support my Nordic countries unless its against us then i want a Swift eazy win :)

[@hawkinsstern5356]

This is why UEFA Continental qualifying rounds are the most fun to watch. You get top teams from randome corners of UEFA competing for their biggest games of the season.

[@DavidL1150]

i always and since i was little, i have seen national team matches from all over the continent, i am proud to be european and being consistent with that feeling i like to watch any match of any european national team (except one haha). without despising anyone who says that they are bad teams and that you should not waste time watching these matches because they are very bad teams and you will get bored watching them, especially people who are only or almost 100% interested in football of clubs, but if they are interested later, see a Euro or a world cup (hypocresy).

[@hawkinsstern5356]

@@DavidL1150 I understand what good soccer is, but I like the obscure as well. It's an opportunity to see teams ive only read about

[@rafaelsaltori6691]

The development of this country is something unbeliavable. It's just tremendous what they can do with so tiny resources. They brought decent facilities and made football a passion in the islands, then they started building talent... the path for success.

[@joshyd7327]

with 50000 people you will never get far against population and therefore soccer powerhouses like brazil and France but with their situation, it is incredible what they have done.

[@maxsamakin7639]

If they can keep that passion for football that high up,they can get to the European Championship,hopefully

[@dwkickoff]

Fingers crossed! Do you see the Faroe Islands qualifying for the Euros any time soon?

[@marcelkutzler2686]

@@dwkickoff it's a tough quest due to the quality of european national teams. I guess it depends on the group they're in for the next qualifiers. And it depends on luck a bit. But who knows? Maybe Faroe is going to be the new Iceland soon

[@AthanasiosJapan]

Great video DW! I still remember the shock in Greece, after losing two games against them. They fully deserved the winning points in both games. Never underestimate your opponent! Country population is not a decisive factor, when thinking about football strength. Infrastructure is the key!

[@antonhyperz8128]

This shows that Football is more than just a game.

[@CitizenNerd]

not sure why this landed on my recommended page but im glad i saw this. we are indeed growing...lets hope we keep getting better and a little bit more lucky ;)

[@anttiharju3739]

Best wishes from your friends in Finland! I wish your team best of luck in the future!

[@lalalajuice]

Thank you friends in Finland ❤ We wish you the best too 😊😊

[@davidparkes1917]

Another really fascinating and interesting video. Would love to see a series on here about clubs from these smaller nations/territories. HB ended up as champions, with NSÍ finishing second. The other European spot will go to KÍ, B36 or Víkingur most likely (the cup is at the quarter final stage). Great video again DW, perfect way to get what will be a long day started👌🏾👌🏾

[@KG.10111.]

Nothing personal just another banger fire vids from DW®️

[@sukrantbhat7691]

DW are a class apart, these videos are top notch!

[@dwkickoff]

Thank you! Spread the word!

[@luisescamadonhamue4117]

A country of 50,000 people living better than a country with 20,000,000.

[@kondreman]

Hey, are you from Mozambique?

[@hagi3983]

@@kondreman 😂😂😂😂

[@kasperknutsen8283]

Its because they're from viking origns, they are smart.

[@sipsimies1588]

I mean of course thats how it is

[@PapiTunki]

Heck, my country is the 4th population in the world but still can't qualify for the world cup

[@inquisitive871]

Faroe Islands has the most nobel laureates per capita.

[@blanktfolkeparti9903]

I think you are confusing them with Iceland...Who from the Faroe Islands has won a nobel price?

[@turmzfo]

@@blanktfolkeparti9903 Niels R. Finsen (born on the islands) won one in 1903 and is the only laureate on the islands.

[@sbongadlamini388]

Can you do a video on Madagascar and the Comoros islands...those 2 national teams were jokes in African football 10 years ago but today they are top 2 in their qualification groups for AFCON 2021

[@dwkickoff]

Thanks for the idea sbonga dlamini! We'll think about it

[@apalakbhattacharyya1681]

DW Kick off ,Thank You for throwing light on these.... Carry on with great work🖤

[@1onewayonly]

the processing, editing and finishing of this report is classic! thank you kick off team for your tremendous job

[@os7184]

That man score the 0-1 in 2014 against us

[@Darwinek]

How did the Greek media react to that result?

[@os7184]

@@Darwinek the greek media(and greek fans ) where shatered

[@os7184]

@@Darwinek and we all where in a state of uncertainty anger and dispair

[@andreaskosmidis4648]

@@os7184 Yeah its unbelivable that we lost to faroe islands twice

[@os7184]

@@andreaskosmidis4648 και στα ελληνικα αν το πεις δεν τρεχει και κατι

[@nabilalhami1681]

First Iceland and now Faroe Islands. Rise of another micronation in football.

[@cactitiger]

Iceland isn’t a micro nation(sorry I’m nit picky)

[@martinandreaskruse4446]

@@cactitiger Pretty micro...350.000 people.

[@martinandreaskruse4446]

@@cactitiger But yeah, in the english term "micronation" being "small, self-proclaimed entities that claim to be independent sovereign states but which are not acknowledged as such by any recognised sovereign state, or by any supranational organization", you are right. I think the term used by Nabil, was more micro in the sense of micro population wise.

[@LegendNinja41]

@@martinandreaskruse4446 I mean by that definition, Iceland perhaps is, even though i myself would never say so. As far as i know Iceland doesn't have a Military, so it is not really independet/sovreign but relies on bigger powers in that field.

[@martinandreaskruse4446]

@@LegendNinja41 Military or not, does not mean it's not independent or sovereign. Iceland is a Nation. Faroe Islands a self-governed nation (not capital n) within the Kingdom of Denmark.

[@elmerwilber3308]

These types of stories are great!

[@blueheart8786]

DW Kick off Rocks! Superb how you make these little stories so greatly interesting. Love from the Faroe Islands

[@dwkickoff]

Thanks a lot Blue Heart! Love from Berlin

[@marem3038]

The island I should be living in,would love to play football everyday.

[@kasperknutsen8283]

Foreigners would ruin their country.

[@kasperknutsen8283]

Leave them be mate

[@DavidL1150]

Good video, I hope the Faroe Islands, as well as other national teams from “small” European countries, continue to progress in their quality.

[@ayoobfakhri1137]

DW videos are awesome! 👌🏼

[@ssskjold]

Looking forward to the matches between Denmark and the Faroe Islands in the World cup Qualification. I remember Joan from his time in Vejle back in 2015. He did fantastic in a difficult period for the club.

[@SionTJobbins]

Faroe are inspiration in football, retaining and using their own unique language, almost independent, self-sufficient. Really are so much stronger and better than many nations several times bigger than them. So much respect for the Faroese from Wales. The Welsh FA is using our national team to promote the Welsh language and our history to our own fans and also to the international audience. Faroe Islands are an inspiration - don't stop being Faroese - always be proud of your language and who you are.

[@AlexAustralis]

Looking at the European WC Qualifying groups that were recently announced, if there was ever a group that the Faroese could qualify through, I think they got it. Would absolutely love to see them playing at the next world cup.

[@MuseFanPL]

Great music choice with these Eivør's songs. It definitely adds some additional Faroese flavour

[@Zeagods-CyberShadow]

It really does

[@MTVSomaliChannel]

Just few years back, choosing Faroe Islands meant you was a super pro gamer. Guess it came true.

[@NordicStadiums]

You can come a long way with a big heart and and a lot of passion and detemination! I simply lover the Faroes and cant wait to get back there again!

[@dwkickoff]

Guess you live close by, Nordic Stadiums?

[@NordicStadiums]

@@dwkickoffYou are right! I live in Norway, so both the nature and language have some similarities with were I come from. Fantastic friendly and open people!

[@dwkickoff]

Lucky you!

[@aggelos8256]

Yes, good doc. Quality

[@aggelos8256]

I liked my own comment and shitted nyself in the process

[@kane3825]

Respecy for B36 Torshavn, knocked our Tallinn Levadia off from europa league, crazy headers from one short bulky guy.

[@molusio9775]

Foroe and luxemburg are catching the eye lately,well done

[@pturjohannesen2886]

Im from the Faroe Islands and play for B36

[@littlebrayutd]

Class, love the underdogs

[@kitabeyisengimezar]

Football means everything. That's it.

[@devileezy]

well, this is my lunch video. you're competing with tifo and copa to be my meals at work company

[@dwkickoff]

Sounds like we're in good company. Enjoy!

[@everytatti]

Are you me? because that is literally me every day :-)

[@ayoobfakhri1137]

Same here lol! That's such a healthy competition xD

[@devileezy]

@@ayoobfakhri1137 true! by far the best football related channels in youtube

[@haaspaas2]

This is why the nation's league is a very important competition. Meaningful national football for smaller nations.

[@ReneKoll1]

I have made it my mission to make one or more clubs in the video game "SEGA Football Manager 22", clubs from the Faroe Islands, as strong as possible. In FM 2017 I managed to win the European Cup for the first time in 2036 with Giza Hoyvík. 😀 After this win, I tried to build another Faroese team, but this time only with Faroese players. I was only successful in international business in 2056. And meanwhile the AI ​​of the national team was able to qualify for European and World Championships almost regularly. I'm so proud of Faroe Islands football! 😀

[@Positivelifeacademy]

Faroe Islands is so nice... Malta where unlucky this year against them tho

[@oin4934]

Im from the faroe islands i live in the town right next to where Jóan símun was from

[@johnnyc613]

Good for him !!

[@LegendNinja41]

With the way Tournaments are getting bigger, both World Cup and European Championships, it's just the matter of time before the Faroes will quality. But i'm not saying this meaning that they will blow it so up that eventually everyone will qualify, just that the bar is getting a bit lower but also the Faroes getting better, they are already better then most countries who have under 1 million inhabitants.

[@eat-myshorts]

I hope philippines will become a football force someday

[@babyvroh365]

Visayas and Mindanao football are gaining more attention and potential players...

[@hieutruong7456]

The entirety of Faroe Island population wouldn’t even fill up Emirates stadium. Mental

[@shanewright2772]

All of Manchester City's fans can't fill up the Emirates Stadium.

[@georgemacpherson1992]

With everything being nearby people can have a bit of a extra sleep before getting up for work and with no traffic you wouldn’t have to worry about being late home.

[@tirinsplay]

I remember Germany only getting a draw when they played the Faroe Islands at Torsvollur.

[@connoranderson2608]

Slightly unrelated, but the music in the background of the video is from a Faroese artist called Eivør Pálsdóttir. I saw her perform in London a few years ago, was a really great show! I recommend everyone check her music out. As for the Faroese national team, I've been watching their rise since they beat Greece a few years ago and it's really been quite impressive. Similar to Iceland's rise but on a much smaller scale. Hopefully one day they will qualify for a major tournament too.

[@GlennS95]

Ahaha his parents are casual as fuck, I love it

[@EvanSaltare]

You had me at rain 300 days a year.

[@dwkickoff]

thats 65 days without rain!

[@butsparisi6446]

@@dwkickoff 66 this year

[@birolopi]

Its mostly been strong wind this year

[@runidjurhuus3937]

It’s definitely not raining 300 days a year over here (faroes), maybe 200, 250 at most. May to August is around (12-18•) and for the most part not rainy at all

[@jordyncassidy8914]

I’ve scored a goal on that national pitch 😂, love the Faroe Islands ❤

[@dwkickoff]

Wow! Tell us more...

[@TheRedBaronHP]

@@dwkickoff Not a national pitch

[@Realbillball]

I love this. Football unites.

[@cactitiger]

Interesting as always. Hello form the USA.

[@dwkickoff]

Thanks, L 8! And hello back

[@Darwinek]

What should be mentioned here that there is also an increasing number of foreign players in the Faroese League. That's how cool Faroe Islands are.

[@dwkickoff]

Thanks Darwinek! You‘re right, that is an interesting aspect. Let’s see if we can meet one of them one day

[@gilbertgrape8219]

n here in the us we still getting kicked off fields everyday let us play man 😭

[@DOLamba]

Don't forget that Leicester won the Premier League because of Faroe Islands. If Faroe Islands hadn't beaten Greece (twice), they wouldn't have fired Claudio Ranieri and he then wouldn't have been hired by Leicester and won the title. You're welcome, Leicester. ;)

[@dwkickoff]

Good point, Don! Coaching a club and coaching a national team seem like two very different jobs.

[@lordbendtner6404]

@@dwkickoff he don’t have Greek kante

[@Pdrock2001]

Let me be very clear a 1200 people ' villlage ' in a Nordic country is my dream destination ❤️ .

[@pablolorenzo8232]

The songs of the video are form Elvør, greate Music, Greetings form México

[@wolfgangnomi8837]

Nice to see minnows grow into piranhas that can be competitive!!!

[@user-gg7gg6zq7e]

Malta should be noticed as well🇲🇹

[@harpersferryblues]

Now we have Klaksivik beating League winners like Ferencvárosi, Hacken and Molde in the Champions league qualifying. Perhaps the smallest team to qualify for the Champions league.

[@theodosis136]

They beat Greece 2 times in 2014 and 2015

[@roinsalberg9082]

And greece sacked ranieri after game 2, and went to Leicester city🙂 15.000 Leicester fans sent us a thank you🤘

[@LegendNinja41]

@@roinsalberg9082 ''15.000 Leicester fans sent us a thank you'' Really? that's amazing lol.

[@lionsanjaya5256]

on the future this team will be shocked world . keep struggle🙏

[@akistenberg814]

We are in nations league now

[@javierricardomozoserpa8826]

could be the new iceland

[@joshquinn4964]

*Opens up Football Manager*

[@vikingurtv8533]

I love the Faroe Islands and their passion for football! hence the reason I made this channel on Víkingur!!

[@friedrichnietzsche2557]

New Fm save incoming

[@billbirkett7166]

The Faroese seem like such friendly people.

[@irfanbattlestar]

The sky is the limit for them...

[@ebbeb9827]

Håber Færøerne kommer til EM eller VM en dag

[@Zeagods-CyberShadow]

Det kommer det nok til

[@sonicobsessions947]

Gahd i wish i live there!!!! I kinda live in a big town but nobody even knows football :( and the fields are inside military bases

[@dwkickoff]

Too bad...Which country is that?

[@sonicobsessions947]

Im in Philippines. Yeah we have a football league here but that's for the middle class only. The only way you can play is if you study at the top tier colleges here. But as a kid we have a local football club. A lot of people here loves basketball.

[@dwkickoff]

Yes, true. Have you watched our video on the the Philippines' street dogs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJCkf6CFqZJ-jas

[@sonicobsessions947]

I'm going to watch it now!! The goalkeeper for our national team is now the GK for Birmingham FC

[@philberttay9213]

All started w big gunnar

[@bobbypower5939]

Foul throw in at 2:00

[@MrGrombie]

I don't give af where you're from. A person is a person. WE ALL are capable of greatness. The problem is that so few are willing to put in the hours it takes to become someone worth talking about. It starts with the snickers in the hall, and ends with online gossip. As above, so below.

[@MrGrombie]

That's badass he's promoting his brothers like that for recruiting though. Very commendable.

[@bobbymozza]

I thought this video was going to cover the Faroe Islands winning their Nations League group.

[@chicano_travels]

Title changed !

[@jasonfrancis698]

Still got a long way to go to start Dreaming about Matching the Likes of France, Germany, Spain, England, Italy, Portugal & Netherlands! The Faroe Islands need to think about Matching with the Likes of Iceland, Macedonia, Slovenia, Albania, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, Israel & Moldova!

[@NIKOLAP7]

I am from Macedonia, we have played our first major Tournament ever in the EURO 2020/2021. I knew that we will do very poorly but we did better than Turkey.

[@sid3803]

Without Football life is __ ❤️

[@Bardor_____]

11:38 is me why did i not know that i was in this😱

[@dwkickoff]

You're the girl with the umbrella, right?

[@Bardor_____]

@@dwkickoffNo Im the boy

[@dwkickoff]

Well we guessed so 😁🤣Glad to have you in the video!

[@gghotpot8022]

Faroe Islands > Pep Barcelona

[@ilovejesus3632]

My mother has been a teacher to edmunsson

[@MeowMeowKing]

Take as example Uruguay, Croatia, Serbia small nations with huge football success

[@plinioperrotta7354]

Come on mate! Uruguay is a small country but has 3,5 million people. Faroes Island has only 52.000, it's like a small village. Cant take the example of any of those countries...

[@tim-noelgrevers2702]

@@plinioperrotta7354 yea but Faroe islands play in div 3 of the nations League and haven't ever had a team that played in a European Competition.... Uruguay has won not 1 but 2 world cups and also 2 Olympics in the times it was more important than the WC.... Uruguay is also a regular in the KO's of the WC and they have one of the most successful teams in the world (Peñarol).... Btw they are also the smallest country ever to win a WC the next smallest being Argentina and Spain (both 45 million ppl)

[@riteshmishra5008]

we also need heros

[@WebesJamm]

Guy: Everyone knows... me lying: true.

[@kxng2088]

Didn't Gunnar Nielsen feature for Man City which debunks your theory about the biggest league a Faroes Player has ever featured in

[@dwkickoff]

Yes, Nielsen played a game or so in the Premier League. Also a decent league:)

[@lordbendtner6404]

@@dwkickoff yeah just a decent league

[@magnusmidjord1644]

Hey, the bundesliga is not the biggest league a Faroese player has played in. Gunnar Nielsen played a match for Man City in the Premier League

[@dwkickoff]

also a decent league

[@sammyhamawi6407]

Ajax vs curacao pn the 20th of may in curacao