Robbie Russell is a Ghana-born American right-back who also turns out as a defensive midfield player. He impressed in Norwegian football before joining the country's leading club, Rosenborg BK.

National team

Although he had not play for the United States ahead of the 2005/06 season, Russell was called up by Bruce Arena for a 30-man get-together in January 2004.

Club

Born in Ghana, Russell graduated from Duke University in 2000, where he earned second team All-America honours, and was drafted by the Los Angeles Galaxy. Rather than heading west, though, Russell flew east to Norway, signing for Sogndal IL. He established himself in the 2002 season by playing 24 out of the club's 26 games, a figure he matched the following term. 2004: Started the campaign at the Fosshaugane stadium, but could not refuse when Rosenborg came calling in June 2004. He had to wait for the Norwegian transfer window to open on 1 July before completing his switch to the Lerkendal stadium where he played nine games as the side claimed their 13th successive title. 2005: There was to be no repeat of that success the following year for either player or club as Russell was plagued by injury rendering him helpless to prevent Rosenborg's slide down the table.

Did you know?

Russell once said of his upbringing: "I'm half Ghanaian and half American. My father had a diplomatic role in the government, so I was born in Ghana, then moved to the United States and other places. It influences you because you get used to learning about other cultures and experiencing things that a normal kid growing up only in America doesn't experience."