When Kasper Høgh first became known to Norwegian football fans, he was called “party prince” and “fuckboy,” but then the Dane came to Bodø, shirt number 69 was swapped for number 9, and the mouthy interviews were replaced with thanks to God. What happened?
Kasper Waarts Høgh was born in the Danish city of Randers in 2000. That’s also where his football career began before he moved on loan to Valur in Iceland. The young Dane had several caps for youth national teams, but struggled to make it at senior level. Back in Denmark, he spent a season at Hobro IK before moving on to Aalborg, without racking up many appearances or goals.
It wasn’t until Stabæk brought him in on loan, and later bought him in 2023, that things started to click. The Dane arrived with presence both on the pitch and in interviews, and quickly became a key figure. He notched 5 goals in his first 14 matches for a struggling Stabæk side. Just as important as the goals was everything he contributed in duels. He was cocky and a nightmare to play against. After his debut against Odd, he was dubbed “the shag lad from Denmark” by centre-back Sondre Solholm Johansen, based purely on the impression he gave. By August, though, his season was over. A strain injury turned out to be a partial tear in his hip flexor. Without Høgh on the pitch, Stabæk were relegated from Eliteserien. After the season, league champions Bodø/Glimt chose to sign the injured Danish striker. That’s when coach Kjetil Knudsen gave him a clear message:
“The first thing I said to him was, ‘From now on we agree that we’re putting away the cowboy hat,’” he said on the podcast Spiss Vinkel on TV2.
And that’s what happened. The cowboy hat and “bad boy” label were swapped for a halo and Bible reading.
“So I believe in God”
Høgh had always been a Christian, but on a trip home to Denmark he decided to buy a Bible. That became the turning point.
“I think I’ve realized some things about what’s required if you want to get better. I’ve gained a completely different self-awareness about what’s needed, and how much every single day counts if you want to move forward. And I believe in God, and that part has taught me a lot. Also on a human level — about finding comfort and rest within myself. I was a slightly different person when I arrived, you all know that too. I’m extremely grateful for the journey I’ve been on.”
He told Avisa Nordland.
He became more serious in his training, went to church when he had the chance, and stopped talking to the press more than necessary. Today, Høgh has a completely different calm about him, on the pitch as well. He’s often gone through long stretches without scoring, but always finds his scoring form again in the end. So too in the Champions League. No goals and two missed penalties marked the start of the tournament for Glimt’s Danish striker, but in the matches against Manchester City, Atlético Madrid, and Inter, the Dane has been dominant. His iconic goal celebration is always followed by two fingers pointing to the sky. On his Instagram account, it simply says “-8:18-”, referring to Paul’s Letter to the Romans, chapter 8, verse 18:
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Høgh has become part of the leadership group around the captaincy, and after advancing in the Champions League, the expected transfer to English club Norwich fell through. Kasper Høgh is staying on. Better and “more Christian” than ever.
The only thing journalists get out of him these days is thanks to God. Always in English, so the whole world can understand: This is God’s work!
Fotballguden.no 