Jón Daði Böðvarsson is an Icelandic footballer known for his dynamic playing style as a midfielder and wing half.
He began his senior career with UMF Selfoss in 2009, scoring 20 goals and helping the team gain promotion to the top flight.
Jón Daði made his debut for the Iceland men's national football team in 2012, marking the start of his international career.
Biography
Early Life
Jón Daði Böðvarsson is an Icelandic footballer known for his versatility on the field, playing primarily as a wing half and midfielder. He hails from a literary family, being the grandson of two prominent Icelandic writers, Þorsteinn frá Hamri and Ásta Sigurðardóttir. This rich cultural background may have influenced his approach to life and sport, blending creativity with athleticism.
Career
Jón Daði began his professional career in 2009 with UMF Selfoss, where he made a significant impact by scoring 20 goals, helping the team secure promotion to the Icelandic top flight. His journey continued as he represented Iceland at various youth levels, including the under-19 and under-21 teams, before making his senior debut for the national team in 2012. He played a crucial role in Iceland's historic qualification for UEFA Euro 2016, where he not only participated in all five matches but also scored a vital goal against Austria, aiding his team's advancement to the knockout stage.
After his time at Selfoss, Jón Daði had stints with several clubs, including Viking FK in Norway, 1. FC Kaiserslautern in Germany, and Wolverhampton Wanderers in England, where he made headlines by becoming the 1,000th player to appear in a league game for the club. His career has seen him transition through various leagues, showcasing his adaptability and skill on the pitch.
Legacy
Jón Daði's contributions to Icelandic football are noteworthy, particularly his involvement in the national team's remarkable journey in international tournaments. He was part of the squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and continues to play professionally, currently with Bolton Wanderers F.C. His legacy is marked not only by his on-field achievements but also by his connection to Icelandic culture and literature, reflecting a unique blend of sports and heritage.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Selfoss
Jón Daði began his senior career during the 2009 season in the Icelandic second tier with Selfoss, scoring 20 as their side were promoted to the Icelandic top flight. After being loaned to the youth ranks of the Danish club Aarhus for four months in 2011, he returned to Selfoss, who had been relegated in the meantime. They scored seventy times during the 2011 season as the club were promoted back to the top flight.
Viking
After netting a further seventy goals back in the top division, Jón Daði moved to the Norwegian side Viking in November 2012.
Kaiserslautern
During three seasons in the Norwegian top flight, he scored 15 times before leaving for German second division side 1. FC Kaiserslautern in January 2016, with whom he had already signed a pre-contract in June 2015 for a three-year deal. He made his Kaiserslautern debut on 5 February 2016 against Union Berlin and scored the first of two goals for the team on 4 March 2016 in a 1–2 defeat at Nürnberg.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
On 2 August 2016, Jón Daði signed for English Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal. He scored his first goal on his debut for the club on 6 August 2016 in a 2–2 draw against Rotherham. His debut simultaneously meant he became the 1,000th player to appear in a league game for the club. Jón Daði scored his second goal for Wolves on 20 August, scoring the final goal in Wolves' 3–1 win against Birmingham City.…
Having already played for Iceland at under-19 and under-21 level, Jón Daði made his full international debut on 14 November 2012 as a substitute in a friendly against Andorra. He scored his first international goal on 9 September 2014 in a 3–0 victory over Turkey during Euro 2016 qualifying. He was selected for UEFA Euro 2016, the first international tournament for which Iceland had ever qualified. Jón Daði started all five matches at the tournament in France and scored in the final group game against Austria which ensured the Icelanders' progress from the group phase. On 27 June 2016, Jón Daði played against England in the UEFA Euro 2016 round of 16 at the Stade de Nice, as Iceland upset England with a 2–1 victory to advance to the quarter-finals. Jón Daði was called up to Iceland's 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on 11 May 2018.
Club
As of match played 29 April 2025
Notes
International
As of matches played 29 March 2022
Scores and results list Iceland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Jón Daði goal.
- Club
- UMF Selfoss (2009–2012)
- Club
- Iceland men's national football team (2012–)
- Club
- Viking FK (2013–2015)
- Club
- 1. FC Kaiserslautern (2016–2016)
- Club
- Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. (2016–2017)
- Club
- Iceland national under-19 football team (2009–2010)
- Club
- Iceland national under-21 football team (2011–2014)
- Club
- Aarhus Gymnastikforening (2011–2011)
- Club
- Reading F.C. (2017–2019)
- Club
- Millwall F.C. (2019–2022)
- League
- 2. Bundesliga
- National team
- Iceland
- Club
- Bolton Wanderers F.C. (2022–)
Legacy
Selfoss 1. deild karla: 2009; runner-up/promotion: 2011 Bolton Wanderers EFL Trophy: 2022–23
Clubs
- Iceland men's national football team2012current
- Bolton Wanderers F.C.2022current
- Iceland national under-19 football team2009–2010
- UMF Selfoss2009–2012
- Aarhus Gymnastikforening2011–2011
- Iceland national under-21 football team2011–2014
- Viking FK2013–2015
- 1. FC Kaiserslautern2016–2016
- Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.2016–2017
- Reading F.C.2017–2019
- Millwall F.C.2019–2022
Played together with
Aaron MooyBolton Wanderers F.C. · 2009–2010
Aaron TshibolaReading F.C. · 2013- Abdisalam IbrahimViking FK · 2016
Abdoulaye FayeBolton Wanderers F.C. · 2005–2007
Abdoulaye MéïtéBolton Wanderers F.C. · 2006–2008
Adam DaghimAarhus Gymnastikforening- Adam EckersleyAarhus Gymnastikforening · 2010–2014
Adam FedericiReading F.C. · 2005–2015- Adam FedericiWolverhampton Wanderers F.C. · 2003–2003
- Adam GemiliReading F.C.
- Adam HammillWolverhampton Wanderers F.C. · 2011–2013
Adam Hloušek1. FC Kaiserslautern · 2011–2011
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Jón Daði Böðvarsson is an Icelandic former professional footballer who played as a striker. Jón Daði is the grandson of two of Iceland's premier writers, Þorsteinn frá Hamri and Ásta Sigurðardóttir.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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