At the heart of one of Venezia’s key midfield talents lies a story that stretches from Iceland’s volcanic landscapes to Indonesia’s tropical shores.
Mikael Egill Ellertsson carries a unique heritage that adds depth and intrigue to his football journey for both his club and Iceland’s national team.
“We’re a family of four: my mother, Kristin; my father, Ellert; my brother, Markus; and me,” Ellertsson said, in an exclusive interview with FIFA. “My Indonesian lineage comes from my mother’s side, as she was adopted in Iceland when she was less than a year old. My mother was one of a few children adopted from Indonesia by Icelandic parents at that time, and they’ve all stayed in touch over the years.
“Although we’ve never visited Indonesia, my parents have always been open about discussing our roots. In fact, my mother had planned to visit Indonesia before she became pregnant with me.
“My parents were very young when I was born, just 18-19 years old, yet they’ve always supported our careers. We’re deeply proud and grateful for the interest shown by friends in Indonesia, and at the same time, we’re very proud of our Icelandic background.”
The 22-year-old’s footballing journey began when he was just five, with Ellertsson, who juggled the sport with handball until he was 15, showcasing his natural talent and drive, consistently playing above his age group in both sports. This early exposure to high-level competition proved crucial in his development.
“In both sports, I competed with my age group but was often moved up to older groups to face tougher opponents,” Ellertsson recalled, with youth national team seminars organised by the Icelandic Football Federation (KSI) furthering his development. “I got involved in those seminars right from the start, which motivated and excited me to improve.”
Family played a vital role in nurturing Ellertsson’s talent. “My parents have always been involved in sport,” he explained. “They encouraged my brother and me to participate in additional training, such as sprinting and mental preparation, to achieve our goals.”
Then, aged 15, a significant turning point arrived. Ellertsson began training and playing with Fram FC’s senior team in Reykjavik, with the experience of playing senior football, coupled with trials abroad at Derby County, Norwich City and Benfica, accelerating his growth.
A meeting after returning from an unsuccessful trial proved to be a catalyst for a move to Italy. “The president of Fram FC approached my father with an offer from an Italian club,” He said, referencing Serie A side SPAL. “We went to Ferrara, where they presented their vision, and I moved to Italy at 16.”
Ellertsson progressed through SPAL’s youth system and moved from U-17 to the Primavera (U-20) squad. Subsequent moves to Spezia and a loan back to SPAL saw him make his senior debut in Serie B.
Despite suffering setbacks, including a fractured leg which required surgery, Ellertsson’s determination and resilience propelled him forward. He overcame those challenges to make his Serie A debut at just 19.
Fast forward to January 2023 and Ellertsson joined Venezia, a club then struggling in the second tier. His impact was immediate, as he contributed to the team’s turnaround and helped them reach the play-offs. The following season, Venezia achieved promotion back to the top flight, a moment Ellertsson described as a massive step in his career.
“It was a big decision,” admitted Ellertsson, reflecting on the move. “Especially moving from a Serie A club to one struggling in Serie B at the time. Regular playing time is crucial for a player’s development, and I’ve grown significantly since joining this team.”
With Indonesian blood running through his veins, the Reykjavik-born midfielder’s heritage creates a special bond with another Venezia player: Jay Idzes.
Idzes, a Dutch-born defender of Indonesian descent now representing the Southeast Asian nation, has become a close friend due to their shared background.
“Jay is a great guy, and we quickly became best friends,” Ellertsson revealed. “Not only do we share Indonesian heritage, but our mothers also happen to have the same name! I’m thrilled to see him representing Indonesia on the international stage.”
As his club career continues to flourish, Ellertsson remains committed to and convinced of the potential in the Icelandic national team. Helping the nation qualify for the FIFA World Cup 26™, which would mark the nation’s second appearance on the biggest stage after they became the smallest country to reach the finals at Russia 2018, is a dream he is working toward.
“My goal aligns with the team’s — to qualify for a major tournament again,” stated the player, who made his international debut in October 2021.
However, Iceland face a tough challenge in UEFA qualifying, which runs from September to November this year. They will face Ukraine and Azerbaijan, as well as the UEFA Nations League quarter-final winner between France and Croatia in Group D.
“It’s a tough group, but we’ve shown in the past that we can compete with anyone,” he said confidently. “We have a young team; many of us have played together since U-17. With a good mix of young talent and experienced players, I’m confident we can achieve great results.”
Looking ahead, Ellertsson, like many footballers, has big ambitions to reach higher levels in his career.
“My primary focus is to keep improving — to be better today than I was yesterday. That mindset will lead to success in both football and life,” he said. “With Venezia, my main goal is to help the team stay in Serie A. On the international stage, I want to help Iceland qualify for a major tournament again.
“I want to inspire young men and women to aim higher. And, like all players, playing for the biggest clubs in Europe is a dream. I’ll keep working hard to make it happen.”
