Former Icelandic Footballer Rurik Gislason Releases New Music

Svanhildur Sif Halldórsdóttir

Svanhildur Sif Halldórsdóttir

The Icelandic footballer turned model Rúrik Gíslason has ventured into another new adventure; music. His debut song titled 'Older' was released this morning on Spotify.

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Former Icelandic footballer Rúrik Gíslason surrounded by icebergs.
Photo: ‘Older’ YouTube video

From Football to Dancing

Rúrik Gíslason gained international fame after playing with the Icelandic National Team at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. However, it wasn’t just his skilful footwork with the ball that grabbed the attention of people; it was his staggering good looks. 

Rúrik Gíslason in an Icelandic football jersey holding a ball.
Photo: Rúrik Gíslason Instagram

During a game against Argentina, Rúrik’s Instagram followers increased by 250,000. Subsequently, he got offered modelling work, followed by acting roles, and an offer to join ‘Let’s Dance’, a celebrity dancing show in Germany.  

The first episode of Let’s Dance will be aired on German network RTL on the 26th of February. Other people of note on the show are Ilse DeLange, who finished second at the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest with her band The Common Linnets, and Auma Obama, a sociologist and half-sister of former US President Barack Obama.

  • See also: Quarantined Fans of Iceland’s Eurovision Entry Daði Freyr Make Their Own Dance Videos

Rúrik announced late last year that he is retiring from football…for now at least. He’s been offered many new opportunities which he would like to explore. He stated in an interview with news outlet visir.is that his passion for football isn’t as strong as it was.

Music with Doctor Victor

The 32-year-old former footballer is joined in his new music venture by Icelandic producer Victor Guðmundsson, better known as Doctor Victor, who was responsible for one of Iceland’s most popular songs of 2019, Sumargleðin.

Doctor Victor is an actual doctor, and he and Rúrik bonded over their career choices. Though different on the surface, both professions require hard work and personal sacrifices. 

The song, Older, captures these elements perfectly. With his baritone vocals, Rúrik sings about reaching achievements, overcoming problems, keeping on, and the importance of having fun in life. 

The message is beautiful, and the melody simple but catching. The song is published by Sony Music Entertainment Denmark and can be found on Spotify and YouTube. 

Icelandic footballer Rúrik Gíslason in front of mountains in his music video
Photo: ‘Older’ YouTube video

The video accompanying the song is also stunning. Alongside footage from the recording studio, it mostly showcases the Icelandic nature, specifically the south coast. You can see the duo in front of Skógafoss waterfall, behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall, on the black sands of Reynisfjara beach, and near a glacier. 

Rúrik seems to be a jack of all trades, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what he does next. Below is the video for Rúrik and Doctor Victor’s new song, ‘Older’.

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