Mathias Greve

Mathias Greve was born on 11 February 1995 in Langeskov, Kerteminde Municipality, on the eastern part of the island of Funen, Denmark. Greve's introduction to football occurred when he was four years old. During one of his initial training sessions at local club Langeskov IF, an incident where he slipped in a puddle left him disinterested in the sport for the next couple of days. However, his father was persistent in giving football another chance. Sports ran deep in Greve's family, and his relatives played football, handball, and badminton which shaped their daily lives. Greve quickly grew into a talented footballer, and during school recesses he was recognised as someone who could easily dribble past four or five classmates, displaying a finesse that set him apart.

When Greve turned twelve, he joined Odense Boldklub's (OB) academy, the main club on the island of Funen.{{cite web |title=Bump på vejen til succes: I dybden med Mathias Greve |url=https://brondby.com/nyheder/herrer/2021/september/bump-pa-vejen-til-succes-i-dybden-med-mathias-greve |website=Brøndby IF |access-date=13 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813073322/https://brondby.com/nyheder/herrer/2021/september/bump-pa-vejen-til-succes-i-dybden-med-mathias-greve |archive-date=13 August 2023 |language=da |date=1 September 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Wiese |first1=Martha Frederikke |title=En stjerne vender hjem: 'Sådan nogle værdier vil jeg meget gerne støtte' |url=https://kjavis.dk/en-stjerne-vender-hjem-saadan-nogle-vaerdier-vil-jeg-meget-gerne-stoette/ |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=Kjerteminde Avis |date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527230657/https://kjavis.dk/z0f76a1d14fd21a8fb5fd0d03e0fdc3d3cedae52f?wsidchk=13366340 |archive-date=27 May 2023 |language=da-DK}} Despite the move, which confirmed him as one of the most talented players of the region, it was equally important for Greve to evolve beyond the football pitch. Greve talked about his focus on a career beyond football:

{{cquote|I discovered my talent when the youth talent groups started. However, I also placed a high priority on my studies. That was something I had learned at home. Despite not always having it at the forefront of my mind, school was my parents' top priority for me, until football turned professional … It was the classic agreement where I could pursue football as long as my grades were up to par. Honestly, this arrangement suited me well, as I've always enjoyed attending school and learning … I needed to be mentally engaged to become a better footballer. That's why I've pursued some academic studies since turning professional. After taking a gap year following high school, I attempted to study law, but it proved to be quite challenging alongside football.}}

The combination of increased training volume and the 18-kilometer distance from his home in Langeskov to Odense meant that just over a year after joining OB, Greve decided to enroll in an elite sports class at Hjalleseskolen in the southern part of Odense and later move to the city with his family.{{cite news |last1=Nicolaisen |first1=Jens |title=Lige ved for Hjalleseskolen |url=https://fyens.dk/odense/lige-ved-for-hjalleseskolen |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=Fyens Stiftstidende |date=27 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813100630/https://fyens.dk/odense/lige-ved-for-hjalleseskolen |archive-date=13 August 2023 |language=da}} Here, Greve could continue his education, which, after completing his primary schooling, led to earning a high school diploma and later, a degree in financial economics.{{cite news |last1=Fuhr Nielsen |first1=Mikkel |title=Brøndby-profil på slap line: Falk er den bedste |url=https://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/superliga/stort-interview-med-mathias-greve-paa-glatis |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=Tipsbladet |date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306000626/https://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/superliga/stort-interview-med-mathias-greve-paa-glatis |archive-date=6 March 2023 |language=da}}

Greve's initial period at OB saw a promising start followed by a challenging phase. As an under-15 player, he was considered a national talent, but a growth spurt eluded him during the under-17 year, leaving him among the smaller players. However, his eventual growth surge rekindled his talent, as he was able to become more dominant physically, and during his under-19 years, both Greve and OB noticed significant development. This progress led to an offer of a part-time contract that swiftly transitioned to a professional one in April 2014 due to his ability to excel among more experienced players. He was also promoted to the first team ahead of the 2014–15 season.{{cite news |last1=Davidsen |first1=Martin |title=OB forfremmer endnu et talent |url=https://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/superliga/ob-forfremmer-endnu-et-talent |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=Tipsbladet |date=4 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206120730/https://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/superliga/ob-forfremmer-endnu-et-talent |archive-date=6 December 2022 |language=da}} During this period, he has mentioned that he looked up to Rasmus Falk and Emil Larsen, both midfield profiles at the club.

Greve made his professional debut for Striwerne on 25 July 2014. Greve started on the bench, but replaced Darko Bodul in the 78th minute in a 3–1 defeat against Vestsjælland in the Danish Superliga.{{cite web |title=Superligakamp FC Vestsjælland-OB, 25.07.2014 |url=https://superstats.dk/kampe/4506 |website=SuperStats |access-date=13 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312101951/http://www.superstats.dk/kampe/4506 |archive-date=12 March 2016}} On 19 January 2015, he extended his contract until 2018, after having made five appearances for the club.{{cite news |last1=Blond |first1=Mikael |title=OB forlænger med ung offensivspiller |url=https://bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/ob-forlaenger-med-ung-offensivspiller |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=bold.dk |date=19 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813082507/https://bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/ob-forlaenger-med-ung-offensivspiller |archive-date=13 August 2023 |language=da}} Upon extending, he was praised by head coach Ove Pedersen: "He has demonstrated a fantastic attitude, and it's even more impressive as he has delivered results both in practice and matches, even when he has occasionally been sent down to the under-19 squad."{{cite news |last1=Blond |first1=Mikael |title=Ove P: Greve har en fantastisk indstilling |url=https://bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/ove-p-greve-har-en-fantastisk-indstilling |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=bold.dk |date=19 January 2015 |language=da}} Greve experienced in first breakthrough in the second half of the season, starting his first game for OB in a 2–0 away loss against Brøndby on 15 March 2015.{{cite news |last1=Nøhr |first1=Mikkel |title=OB's Greve: Brøndby var bedre end os |url=https://bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/obs-greve-broendby-var-bedre-end-os/ |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=bold.dk |date=16 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813083442/https://bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/obs-greve-broendby-var-bedre-end-os |archive-date=13 August 2023 |language=da}}{{cite web |title=Mathias Greve » Superligaen 2014/2015 |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/mathias-greve/den-superliga-2014-2015/odense-bk/3/ |website=WorldFootball.net |publisher=HEIM:SPIEL |access-date=13 August 2023}} After becoming a more integral part of the team, he scored his first goal for OB on 31 May 2015 in the 79th minute of a 2–2 draw against Hobro in the domestic league.{{cite news |last1=Margren |first1=Sara |title=Greve: Dejlig følelse at få hul på bylden |url=https://bold.dk/fodbold/klubber/ob/nyheder/greve-dejlig-foelelse-at-faa-hul-paa-bylden |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=bold.dk |date=31 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813080316/https://bold.dk/fodbold/klubber/ob/nyheder/greve-dejlig-foelelse-at-faa-hul-paa-bylden |archive-date=13 August 2023 |language=da}}{{cite news |last1=Nøhr |first1=Mikkel |title=OB's Greve: Har grebet chancen i foråret |url=https://bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/obs-greve-har-grebet-chancen-i-foraaret |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=bold.dk |date=3 April 2015 |language=da}}

Greve started the 2015–16 season as a substitute, as players such as Mikkel Desler and Kenneth Zohore were preferred in his position under new head coach Kent Nielsen.{{cite news |last1=Nøhr |first1=Mikkel |title=OB-kant knokler for en startplads |url=https://bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/ob-kant-knokler-for-en-startplads |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=bold.dk |date=28 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813084235/https://bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/ob-kant-knokler-for-en-startplads |archive-date=13 August 2023 |language=da}} However, as the season progressed, he saw his chances increase as he would also receive his first call-up for the Denmark national under-21 team.{{cite news |last1=Davidsen |first1=Martin |title=OB-målscorer efterudtaget til U21-landsholdet |url=https://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/superliga/ob-maalscorer-efterudtaget-til-u21-landsholdet |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=Tipsbladet |date=7 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129004216/https://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/superliga/ob-maalscorer-efterudtaget-til-u21-landsholdet |archive-date=29 January 2016 |language=da}}{{cite news |last1=Blond |first1=Mikael |title=Greve nyder at være en del af OB's projekt |url=https://bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/greve-nyder-at-vaere-en-del-af-obs-projekt |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=bold.dk |date=14 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720222101/http://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/greve-nyder-at-vaere-en-del-af-obs-projekt/ |archive-date=20 July 2016 |language=da}} On 1 November 2015, Greve signed a four-year contract extension keeping him in Odense until 2019.{{cite news |title=OB forlænger med Greve og Thomasen |url=http://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/ob-forlaenger-med-greve-og-thomasen/ |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=bold.dk |date=1 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211161459/http://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/ob-forlaenger-med-greve-og-thomasen/ |archive-date=11 December 2022 |language=da}}

In January 2018, Greve extended his contract with OB until 2021, after having grown into a starter for the club in the previous seasons.{{cite news |last1=Tøfting |first1=Nicolai |title=Mathias Greve forlænger i OB |url=https://bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/mathias-greve-forlaenger-i-ob |access-date=14 August 2023 |work=bold.dk |date=4 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316093524/https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/mathias-greve-forlaenger-i-ob/ |archive-date=16 March 2020 |language=da}} However, in the 2018–19 season, he played less and only made 12 starts in 24 appearances. The limited playing time continued into the 2019–20 season, and in January 2020 he stayed home from OB's training camp in Belek, Turkey, to negotiate with other clubs.{{cite news |last1=Dalgård |first1=Jonas |title=OB bekræfter: Trio søger nye muligheder |url=https://bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/ob-bekraefter-trio-soeger-nye-muligheder |access-date=14 August 2023 |work=bold.dk |date=27 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227163657/https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/ob-bekraefter-trio-soeger-nye-muligheder/ |archive-date=27 December 2021 |language=da}} During his time at the club, he scored 12 goals in 151 total appearances.

On 27 January 2020, Greve joined Randers on a three-year contract and was assigned shirt number 22.{{cite press release |title=Randers FC henter Mathias Greve i OB |url=https://randersfc.dk/randers-fc-henter-mathias-greve-i-ob/ |website=Randers FC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127204346/https://www.randersfc.dk/randers-fc-henter-mathias-greve-i-ob/ |archive-date=27 January 2020 |language=da |date=27 January 2020 |url-status=dead}} He was seen as the replacement at left wing for Saba Lobzhanidze, who had left for MKE Ankaragücü.{{cite news |last1=Risager |first1=Victor |title=Avis: Randers tjener millionbeløb på Saba Lobjanidze |url=https://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/superliga/avis-randers-tjener-millionbeloeb-paa-saba-lobjanidze |access-date=14 August 2023 |work=Tipsbladet |date=31 January 2020 |language=da}}{{cite news |last1=Abildgaard |first1=Lars |title=Fem hurtige til Mathias Greve: – Det ligger indædt i mig at arbejde hårdt for holdet |url=https://amtsavisen.dk/randersfc/fem-hurtige-til-mathias-greve-det-ligger-indaedt-i-mig-at-arbejde-haardt-for-holdet |access-date=14 August 2023 |work=Randers Amtsavis |date=12 June 2020 |language=da}} On 23 February, he made his debut for the club in a 0–0 home draw against his former side OB, replacing Tosin Kehinde in the 66th minute.{{cite web |title=Randers vs. OB – 23 February 2020 |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2020/02/23/denmark/superliga/randers-fc/odense-boldklub/3027028/ |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=14 August 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Abildgaard |first1=Lars |title=Navne og noter før Randers FC-OB: Speciel kamp venter Mathias Greve |url=https://amtsavisen.dk/randersfc/navne-og-noter-foer-randers-fc-ob-speciel-kamp-venter-mathias-greve |access-date=14 August 2023 |work=Randers Amtsavis |date=23 February 2020 |language=da}} He made his first start for Hestene on 1 March, helping his team to a 2–1 away victory against AC Horsens.{{cite web |title=Horsens vs. Randers – 1 March 2020 |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2020/03/01/denmark/superliga/ac-horsens/randers-fc/3027038/ |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=14 August 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Tøfting |first1=Nicolai |title=Mathias Greve får startdebut for Randers FC |url=https://bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/mathias-greve-faar-startdebut-for-randers-fc |access-date=14 August 2023 |work=bold.dk |date=1 March 2020 |language=da}} He scored his first goal on 16 June in a 4–0 win over Hobro after an assist by Simon Piesinger.{{cite web |title=Randers vs. Hobro – 16 June 2020 |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2020/06/16/denmark/superliga/randers-fc/hobro-ik/3277053/ |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=7 October 2021}}{{cite news |title=Randers tromler over Hobro – sikrer overlevelse i Superligaen |url=https://sport.tv2.dk/fodbold/2020-06-16-randers-tromler-over-hobro-sikrer-overlevelse-i-superligaen |work=TV 2 |date=16 June 2020 |language=da-DK}} After six months at Randers, where he had quickly grown into a starter, he shared in an interview with local newspaper Randers Amtsavis that the main contrast between OB and Randers was his ability now to stand out within a physically oriented team:

{{cquote|Switching to a 4–4–2 formation at Randers FC introduced me to a different system compared to my last days at OB. However, the most significant distinction has been the heightened physical emphasis in the gameplay here, as opposed to OB. But I view this as an advantage, as it allows me to contribute something unique to the team, a trait not possessed by many others. They possess other strengths such as power and athleticism, qualities that were more prevalent in OB, where there were more players who shared similarities with my playing style. Now, I can more effectively set myself apart.{{cite news |last1=Dalgård |first1=Jonas |title=Efter OB-farvel: Greve kan skille sig ud i RFC |url=https://bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/efter-ob-farvel-greve-kan-skille-sig-ud-i-rfc |access-date=14 August 2023 |work=bold.dk |date=12 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713012841/https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/efter-ob-farvel-greve-kan-skille-sig-ud-i-rfc/ |archive-date=13 July 2020 |language=da}}}}

Greve had his best season yet in the 2020–21 season, scoring eight goals in 39 total appearances and helping Randers to their second ever Danish Cup win.{{cite news |last1=Kjær |first1=Christian |title=Randers ydmyger SønderjyskE og er pokalmester |url=https://sport.tv2.dk/fodbold/2021-05-13-randers-ydmyger-soenderjyske-og-er-pokalmester |access-date=8 April 2023 |work=TV 2 Sport |date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408141416/https://sport.tv2.dk/fodbold/2021-05-13-randers-ydmyger-soenderjyske-og-er-pokalmester |archive-date=8 April 2023 |language=da-DK}}

After a strong start to the 2021–22 season with two assist and one goal in the first three games of the campaign for Randers, Greve was sold to 2020–21 Danish Superliga champions Brøndby on 4 August 2021, signing a deal until June 2025.[https://brondby.com/nyheder/herrer/2021/august/mathias-greve-ny-mand-i-gult/ MATHIAS GREVE NY MAND I GULT], brondby.com, 4 August 2021 He made his debut against rivals Copenhagen on 8 August in a 4–2 away loss.{{cite news |last1=Nielsen |first1=Ronni Burkal |title=FCK vinder målrigt derby |url=https://sport.tv2.dk/fodbold/2021-08-08-fck-vinder-maalrigt-derby |work=TV 2 |date=8 August 2021 |language=da-DK}}

On 30 August 2024, Greve returned to Randers on a four-year contract.{{cite web |title=Randers FC henter Mathias Greve |url=https://randersfc.dk/nyheder-superliga/2024/august/randers-fc-henter-mathias-greve |website=Randers FC |access-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831160311/https://randersfc.dk/nyheder-superliga/2024/august/randers-fc-henter-mathias-greve |archive-date=31 August 2024 |language=da |date=30 August 2024}}

Greve made his debut for a national team under the Danish Football Association (DBU) in a friendly on 2 September 2014, for the under-20 national team. He started on the bench but came on in the 52nd minute for Mathias Hebo in a 1–0 victory over the United Arab Emirates U20 at Slovenský Grob, Slovakia.{{cite news |title=Ny modstander til U20-landsholdet |url=https://www.dbu.dk/nyheder/2014/august/ny-modstander-til-u20-landsholdet/ |access-date=13 August 2023 |work=DBU |date=8 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813104249/https://www.dbu.dk/nyheder/2014/august/ny-modstander-til-u20-landsholdet/ |archive-date=13 August 2023 |language=da}}{{cite web |title=DANMARK – FORENDE ARABISKE EMIRATER 1 – 0 |url=https://www.dbu.dk/landshold/landsholdsdatabasen/MatchInfo/6433 |website=DBU |access-date=13 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929092134/https://www.dbu.dk/landshold/landsholdsdatabasen/MatchInfo/6433 |archive-date=29 September 2022 |language=da}} This marked his only appearance for the under-20s.{{DBU player}}

On 27 March 2015, he made his debut for the Denmark national under-21s, simultaneously earning his first international start. However, after 64 minutes, he was replaced by Hebo in a 2–0 friendly defeat to Turkey U21.{{cite web |title=TYRKIET – DANMARK 2 – 0 |url=https://www.dbu.dk/landshold/landsholdsdatabasen/MatchInfo/6605 |website=DBU |access-date=13 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128111538/https://www.dbu.dk/landshold/landsholdsdatabasen/MatchInfo/6605 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |language=da}} He made six total appearances for the national under-21 team.

{{updated|matches played 18 August 2024}}

{{notelist}}

Randers

• Danish Cup: 2020–21

{{reflist}}

• {{DBU player}}
• {{Soccerway|mathias-greve/349525}}

{{Randers FC squad}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Greve, Mathias}}

Category:Living people

Category:1995 births

Category:Men's association football midfielders

Category:Danish men's footballers

Category:Danish Superliga players

Category:Odense Boldklub players

Category:Randers FC players

Category:Brøndby IF players

Category:Denmark men's youth international footballers

Category:Denmark men's under-21 international footballers

Category:People from Kerteminde Municipality

Category:Footballers from the Region of Southern Denmark

Category:21st-century Danish sportsmen