Tomas Totland Bio
Tomas Olai Totland is a Norwegian footballer who plays as a right back for Major League Soccer club St. Louis City. Standing out for his reliable defending and consistent work rate, he has built his career across Norwegian and Swedish football before moving to North America. He also represents Norway at various youth international levels and is recognized as one of the emerging full backs from his national pool.
Early Life and Background
Tomas Olai Totland was born on 28 September 1999. He grew up in Norway in a multicultural household, raised by a Norwegian father and an American mother, which gives him dual citizenship of Norway and the United States. His early football development took place in local youth setups, where he learned the basics of the right back position and built the defensive foundation that would later define his senior career.
From a young age, Totland showed a clear preference for the defensive side of the game. Coaches recognized his reading of the game, his willingness to compete in one-on-one situations, and his comfort on the flank, traits that helped him progress steadily through Norway’s youth system.
Path to Soccer
Totland began his senior career with Fana in 2015, becoming one of the youngest players in the squad and gaining his first taste of regular senior football. The experience allowed him to adjust to the physical demands of men’s football while still developing his game. In the winter of 2017, he made the step up to Sogndal, a club competing in the top tiers of Norwegian football.
To help with his continued growth, Sogndal loaned him back to Fana until the summer of 2017, a move that gave him additional playing time and confidence. By the end of that same year he had also received his first call-ups as a Norway youth international, a clear sign that his development was on the right track.
Tomas Totland Career
Early Career at Fana (2015–2017)
Totland’s senior journey started with Fana in 2015, where he quickly earned a place in the squad as a teenager. The experience at Fana allowed him to understand the rhythms of senior football and sharpened his defensive awareness. During this formative spell, he established himself as a dependable full back with a strong understanding of positional play.
After his time at Fana, Totland transitioned to Sogndal in the winter of 2017, although he was loaned back to his original club until the summer of that year. This arrangement gave him the best of both worlds, training at a higher level while continuing to play regular minutes, a balance that prepared him for the next stage of his career.
Sogndal Breakthrough (2017–2020)
At Sogndal, Totland established himself as a regular in the first team, becoming a steady presence on the right side of the defense. His performances in the Norwegian top flight drew attention for his tackling, his ability to support attacks down the flank, and his discipline in defensive shape. He featured consistently across multiple seasons, gaining the experience needed to compete at the highest domestic level.
By the time he departed in 2020, Totland had grown into a mature full back capable of handling the pace and physicality of the Norwegian league. His time at Sogndal set the stage for his next move to one of Norway’s most established clubs.
Tromsø Era (2021)
In 2021, Totland signed with Tromsø IL, a club with a long history in Norwegian football. That May, he made his Eliteserien debut against Bodø/Glimt, marking his arrival on the biggest stage of Norwegian domestic football. His move to Tromsø allowed him to test himself against some of the most demanding forwards in the league.
Although his time at Tromsø was brief, the experience sharpened his game and gave him valuable top-flight minutes. By the end of 2021, he was ready for a new challenge abroad, which arrived in the form of a Swedish top-flight opportunity.
Häcken Era (2022–2023)
Totland joined Swedish club BK Häcken ahead of the 2022 season, taking a significant step into a new league and country. Competing in the Allsvenskan, he adapted to a faster, more technical style of play, and his defensive reliability helped him earn regular minutes. His performances in Sweden confirmed his ability to succeed outside of Norwegian football.
During his time at Häcken, Totland featured in domestic competitions and contributed to the club’s ambitions. He eventually earned recognition through the club in the form of team honours, adding valuable silverware to his growing resume.
St. Louis City Era (2024–Present)
In December 2023, Totland signed with Major League Soccer expansion side St. Louis City SC, becoming part of the club’s push to establish itself in the league. The move represented a major leap in his career, bringing him to North America and a high-profile project in a growing soccer market. He joined a roster built around ambitious young talent and experienced international players.
Since arriving in Major League Soccer, Totland has continued to operate as a dependable right back, contributing both defensively and in supporting attacks down the flank. His experience across Norwegian and Swedish football has helped him settle into the demands of MLS, and he remains an important part of St. Louis City’s squad as the club builds its identity in the league.
Driving Style and Strengths
Totland is recognized for his calm defending, strong tackling, and intelligent positioning on the right flank. He balances defensive responsibility with a willingness to support attacks, often providing width and crossing opportunities. His ability to adapt to different leagues, from Norwegian football to the Allsvenskan and now MLS, highlights his tactical flexibility and professionalism.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his career milestones, Totland’s Eliteserien debut against Bodø/Glimt in May 2021 stands out as a key moment, marking his arrival in Norway’s top flight. His move to Major League Soccer with St. Louis City in December 2023 was another defining step, as he became part of an expansion club in one of the world’s most-watched leagues.
Tomas Totland Career Wins
Across his career so far, Tomas Olai Totland has built a steady record of contributions as a right back for Fana, Sogndal, Tromsø, BK Häcken, and St. Louis City. While his role is primarily defensive, his consistency and adaptability have been key factors in team success at every stop.
BK Häcken Highlights
During his time at BK Häcken in Sweden, Totland contributed to the club’s domestic efforts and was part of squads that earned team honours. His two seasons at the club offered him valuable experience in the Allsvenskan and added silverware to his early career.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond club football, Totland has represented Norway at various youth international levels, a reflection of his standing within the country’s player development pathway. His progression from Fana through Sogndal, Tromsø, and Häcken to Major League Soccer highlights a career built on steady improvement and consistent performances.
Tomas Totland Family
Family Background and Dual Citizenship
Tomas Olai Totland was born in Norway to a Norwegian father and an American mother, which grants him dual citizenship of Norway and the United States. This family background has helped shape his international outlook and may have influenced his openness to pursuing opportunities abroad.
Personal Life
Totland keeps much of his personal life private and away from the spotlight. His public presence is focused on his career as a professional footballer, and he continues to build his path in Major League Soccer with St. Louis City.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 Major League Soccer season, Tomas Olai Totland is expected to remain a key part of the St. Louis City squad. His experience across multiple European leagues gives him a strong foundation as the club continues to grow. Consistency at right back will likely be central to the team’s defensive plans.
The 2025 campaign offers Totland a chance to build on his first seasons in MLS and further establish himself as one of the league’s reliable defensive options. With a full pre-season behind him and continued familiarity with the league’s demands, he is well positioned to contribute on a weekly basis.
As St. Louis City pushes to climb the standings and compete for playoff positions, Totland’s defensive solidity and his ability to support attacks down the right flank will be valuable assets. His continued development remains an important storyline for both the club and the Norwegian national team pathway.