Born in the land of the ice and snow on 11 March 2000, Elías Rafn Ólafsson turned his back on the Icelandic sagas of yore to write his own. A guard against the posts, Ólafsson stands a towering 2.01 metres (6ft 7in) and weighs in at an impressive 82 kilograms (12st 12lb). He is currently the rear guard for FC Midtjylland, where he wears the number 16 jersey.
This stalwart keeper's current market value is around £1.3 million, according to Transfermarkt.
It was in July 2018, fresh faced and eager, that Ólafsson first found himself in the colours of FC Midtjylland, joining Denmark's Superliga as a greenhorn trainee. Not long after, Ólafsson was dispatched on loan to FC Fredericia, also in Denmark, for the 2020 to 2021 season.
Despite the unfamiliar colours, Ólafsson distinguished himself at FC Fredericia, making 26 first team appearances in his debut season alone. In June 2021, he was recalled from his loan spell to rejoin FC Midtjylland, his custodial skills no doubt missed.
In the Superliga seasons that followed, Ólafsson was a constant presence between the posts, his commanding size and skill, making 14, respectably 8, and an outstanding 22 appearances in the following years. In the current season, he has already chalked up 11 first team appearances, a testament to his reliability.
In a twist of footballing fate, Ólafsson was again loaned, this time to Mafra in Portugal's Segunda Divisão in July 2023. Proving his mettle, he amassed 32 first team appearances before his loan spell's conclusion in June 2024.
On his return to FC Midtjylland, Ólafsson continued to stake his claim as a trusted bulwark, his towering presence undoubtedly a chilling sight for oncoming strikers. The current season is yet again providing ample opportunities for this Icelandic titan to shine.
The challenge of the Europa League Qualifiers and the Europa League proper in 2025 - 2026 has seen Ólafsson face off against Europe's best with steadfast resolve. With four starts and one substitute appearance in the Qualifiers, and four starts in the League, he continues to verify why he's held in such high regard all over the continent.
In addition to his club duties, Ólafsson has also taken the time to represent his homeland, earning international honours for Iceland. It seems that, for now at least, this Icelander's saga continues to go from strength to strength.
