1. Playing Career
Per-Mathias Høgmo's playing career as a midfielder spanned several Norwegian clubs and included a brief spell in Sweden, culminating in a national cup victory.
1.1. Early Life and Youth Career
Høgmo grew up in Gratangen Municipality, a small community located in southern Troms county, Norway. He began his football journey as a midfielder for his local club, Gratangen IL.
1.2. Club Career
In 1978, Høgmo joined Mjølner, which was the largest club in his home region of Narvik. He spent six seasons with the Narvik-based side before moving to Tromsø in 1984. He then joined Tromsø IL, where he spent the majority of his top-level playing career. During his time with Tromsø IL, he was a key member of the team that won the Norwegian Football Cup in 1986, a significant achievement for the club. Høgmo remained with Tromsø IL until the 1988 season, with the exception of a short period in 1985-86 when he played for the Swedish team IFK Norrköping.
1.3. International Career
Høgmo earned one cap for the Norway national football team. This appearance came on 8 November 1986, in a match against Switzerland, where he came on as a substitute for Vegard Skogheim for the final 15 minutes of the game. In 1991, he also earned one cap for the Sápmi national football team.
2. Managerial Career
Per-Mathias Høgmo's extensive managerial career has seen him lead national teams and numerous professional clubs, demonstrating his tactical acumen and leadership across different levels of football.
2.1. Early Coaching
Høgmo began his coaching career in 1989 as a player-manager for his former club, Gratangen IL. After this initial role, he managed Tromsdalen UIL for two years, from 1990 to 1991. In 1992, he took on his first managerial role with Tromsø IL. He also had a spell as manager for Fossum Idrettsforening from 1993 to 1994.
2.2. Norway Women's National Team
In 1997, Høgmo took over as coach of the Norway women's national football team. His tenure was marked by considerable success, as he guided the team to a fourth-place finish in the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup. The pinnacle of his time with the women's national team was leading them to a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
2.3. Norway Youth National Teams
Between 2000 and 2003, Høgmo was appointed by the Norwegian national federation to coach the U-21 national team. His experience with youth national teams also extended to various other age groups; he managed the U-19 national team in 1993, the U-15 national team in 1994, the U-16 national team in 1995, and the U-17 national team in 1996.
2.4. Club Management
Høgmo has had multiple stints in club management, leaving a significant impact on several teams.
2.4.1. Tromsø IL
Høgmo has managed Tromsø IL on three separate occasions. His first full managerial spell was in 1992. He returned for a second period in 2004, leading the team to a fourth-place finish in the league and securing qualification for the Royal League. His success during this period garnered interest from other clubs. Høgmo's third and longest spell at Tromsø IL began in 2008, succeeding Steinar Nilsen. In his first season, he improved the team's standing from sixth in 2007 to third in the league. While the 2009 season was somewhat more challenging, the team still managed a sixth-place finish. In 2010, Tromsø IL started the season at the top of the league table, and despite a slight dip in form after the summer break, they confirmed their status as one of the best teams in the Norwegian Premier League, finishing third.
2.4.2. Moss FK
Høgmo managed Moss FK from 1995 to 1996. During this period, he led the club to win the Norwegian 1. divisjon title in 1995.
2.4.3. Rosenborg BK
In August 2005, Høgmo was appointed manager of Rosenborg BK, replacing Per Joar Hansen. At the time, Rosenborg was struggling, closer to the relegation zone than the top of the league. Høgmo successfully turned the team's fortunes around, guiding them to a seventh-place finish by the end of the season. The following season proved more difficult; after a slow start, Høgmo took sick leave, citing burnout. His assistant, Knut Tørum, took over and successfully led the team to their 20th league title. On 31 October 2006, Høgmo resigned from his position, stating his intention to withdraw from football to pursue a new career. Prior to joining Rosenborg, Høgmo had been working as a football commentator for the NRK.
2.4.4. Djurgårdens IF
Høgmo took charge of the Swedish club Djurgårdens IF in 2013.
2.4.5. Fredrikstad FK
Høgmo managed Fredrikstad FK from 2017 to 2018. Following this, he also served as the club's Football Director from 2019 to 2020.
2.4.6. BK Häcken
From 2021 to 2023, Høgmo managed BK Häcken in Sweden. This period was highly successful, as he led the team to their first-ever Allsvenskan title in 2022. He further added to their honours by guiding them to a Swedish Cup victory in the 2022-23 season.
2.4.7. Urawa Red Diamonds
In 2024, Høgmo moved to Japan to manage Urawa Red Diamonds. However, his contract was terminated by mutual agreement on 27 August 2024.
2.4.8. Molde FK
Per-Mathias Høgmo is set to return to Norwegian football as the manager of Molde FK, beginning with the 2025 season.
2.5. Norway Senior National Team
On 27 September 2013, Per-Mathias Høgmo was appointed coach of the Norway national football team, replacing Egil Olsen following a World Cup qualifying defeat at home to Switzerland. He remained in charge for three years, resigning on 16 November 2016.
2.6. Other Football Roles
Beyond club and national team management, Høgmo has held various administrative and academic positions within football. Following his resignation from Rosenborg, he was employed by the Norwegian Football Association as a top football manager from December 2006 to December 2008. He also served as the Football Association's Academy Manager in 2020.
2.7. Academic Pursuits
Beyond his practical coaching roles, Høgmo has also engaged in academic pursuits related to football. While managing Tromsø IL, he pursued a PhD in football at the University of Tromsø. He also authored a publication titled "Mental training in football" in 2004.
3. Managerial Statistics
The following table provides a comprehensive statistical record of Per-Mathias Høgmo's official matches as a manager.
| Team | Nat | From | To | Record | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | D | L | Win % | ||||
| Tromsø |  | 1 January 2009 | 31 December 2012 | 53|33|34|44.17 | ||||
| Djurgården |  | 15 May 2013 | 31 December 2013 | 11|7|4|50.00 | ||||
| Norway | 27 September 2013 | 16 November 2016 | 10|7|18|28.57 | |||||
| Fredrikstad | | 1 December 2017 | 17 December 2018 | 15|7|4|57.69 | ||||
| Häcken | | 12 June 2021 | 8 December 2023 | 60|22|27|55.05 | ||||
| Urawa Red Diamonds |  | 8 December 2023 | 27 August 2024 | 10|8|10|35.71 | ||||
| Molde | | 9 January 2025 | present | 1|0|1|50.00 | ||||
| Total | 160|84|98|46.78 | |||||||
4. Honours
Per-Mathias Høgmo has accumulated several significant honours throughout his career as both a player and a manager.
Player
- Norwegian Football Cup: 1986 (with Tromsø IL)
Manager
- Norwegian 1. divisjon: 1995 (with Moss FK)
- 2000 Sydney Olympics: Gold Medal (with Norway women's national football team)
- Allsvenskan: 2022 (with BK Häcken)
- Svenska Cupen: 2022-23 (with BK Häcken)
5. Personal Information
Per-Mathias Høgmo was born on 1 December 1959. He is a Norwegian national, originally from Gratangen Municipality in Troms county.