Mix Diskerud
Mix Diskerud (born Mikkel Morgenstar Pålssønn Diskerud; October 2, 1990) is a retired Norwegian-American professional soccer player who played primarily as a central midfielder.[1] Born in Oslo, Norway, to an American mother and Norwegian father, he held dual citizenship and initially represented Norway at the under-18 and under-19 youth international levels before switching allegiance to the United States.[2] Diskerud earned 38 caps for the senior United States national team between 2010 and 2016, scoring six goals, and was part of the squad that won the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup as well as the 2014 FIFA World Cup roster, where the U.S. advanced to the round of 16.[1][3] Diskerud began his professional career in Norway with Stabæk in 2008, where he debuted as a substitute and helped the club win the Eliteserien title that season, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League group stage the following year.[2] He made over 100 appearances for Stabæk before transferring to Rosenborg in 2012, contributing to second-place finishes in the Eliteserien in 2013 and 2014, and winning the Norwegian Super Cup in 2014.[4] In 2015, Diskerud joined Major League Soccer's expansion side New York City FC, where he played 39 matches over two seasons but struggled with consistency amid the team's transitional phase.[3] Following his MLS stint, Diskerud's career became more nomadic; in 2017, his NYCFC contract was bought out, leading to a loan at IFK Göteborg in Sweden, followed by a 2018 free transfer to Manchester City—primarily as a salary cap maneuver—where he was immediately loaned out again to Göteborg and then to Ulsan Hyundai in South Korea.[5] He remained with Ulsan through 2019, helping them finish second in the K League 1, before short stints at Helsingborgs IF (Sweden, 2020 loan), Denizlispor (Turkey, 2021), and finally Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus from 2021 to 2023, where he won two Cypriot Cups.[4] Diskerud announced his retirement from professional soccer on July 1, 2023, at age 32, concluding a career marked by versatility, international promise, and frequent club moves across six countries.[1]Early life and background
Family and origins
Mikkel Morgenstar Pålssønn Diskerud was born on October 2, 1990, in Oslo, Norway, to a Norwegian father and an American mother from Arizona.[1][6] His parents met as students at Arizona State University, after which his father returned to Norway for military service and his mother followed, leading to their marriage.[7] Diskerud spent his early childhood in Norway, where his family remained during his formative years.[7] Diskerud's nickname "Mix" originated in his youth, bestowed by his mother as a playful blend reflecting his energetic personality—likened to "mixing around like a Mixmaster"—or, according to his father's interpretation, symbolizing his mixed Norwegian-American heritage.[7] The moniker became permanent around age five when he joined a youth soccer team and needed to distinguish himself from another player named Mikkel.[7][8] Owing to his mother's U.S. citizenship, Diskerud acquired dual Norwegian-American citizenship from birth, which afforded him eligibility to represent either nation internationally.[2] Although he initially played for Norway's under-18 and under-19 national teams, Diskerud ultimately chose to commit to the United States at the senior level, making his debut for the U.S. men's national team in 2010 against South Africa, which cap-tied him to the Stars and Stripes.[2][9]Youth development
Diskerud began his soccer journey at the local club Frigg in Oslo, where he played as a young child.[10][1] In 2005, at the age of 14, he was scouted by Stabæk during a district tournament and joined their youth academy, marking a significant step in his development. At the same time, he attended the Norwegian College of Elite Sport, a boarding school for elite young athletes.[11][1][2][12] During his time in Stabæk's youth system, Diskerud progressed through the ranks, regularly featuring for the club's reserve team, known as Stabæk 2, starting from 2006. In 2008, he experienced a breakthrough in the reserves, including scoring in a 2. Division match against Valdres FK.[10][13] On the international stage, Diskerud earned call-ups to Norway's youth national teams, representing the country at the under-17, under-18, and under-19 levels before switching to the United States program.[14][2]Club career
Stabæk (2008–2012)
Mix Diskerud joined Stabæk's first team training during the 2008 Tippeligaen season, contributing to the squad that clinched the league title, though he did not make a league appearance that year.[10] His professional debut came in the league the following year on June 29, 2009, when he entered as a substitute and scored an 84th-minute equalizer in a 2-1 home win over SK Brann.[10][15] In his breakout 2009 season, the 18-year-old midfielder featured in 21 league matches, scoring three goals and helping Stabæk secure third place and a spot in the UEFA Europa League.[10] He also contributed to the club's 2009 Norwegian Super Cup victory.[16] Over the next two seasons, Diskerud became a regular starter, showcasing his versatility in central midfield with strong passing and vision, as Stabæk finished 12th in 2010 and ninth in 2011.[10] Across all competitions from 2009 to early 2012, Diskerud made 90 appearances for Stabæk, scoring 10 goals.[17] Notable moments included a late volleyed winner in a Europa League qualifier against Rangers in 2009.[11] His performances drew attention from European clubs, leading to a contract extension with Stabæk in late 2011 before a loan move to Belgian side K.A.A. Gent in January 2012.[18]K.A.A. Gent and Rosenborg (2012–2014)
In January 2012, Diskerud joined K.A.A. Gent on loan from Stabæk, marking his first move abroad to the Belgian Pro League.[18] The six-month stint provided limited opportunities due to intense competition in midfield, resulting in just 7 appearances and no goals across all competitions.[4] Following the loan's conclusion in summer 2012, Diskerud secured a permanent transfer to Norwegian powerhouse Rosenborg BK in August for a reported fee of just under $1 million (approximately €800,000 at the time). Over the subsequent two seasons, he established himself as a versatile central midfielder, accumulating 78 appearances and 8 goals in all competitions while adapting to the demands of European qualifiers and domestic play.[4] Diskerud's 2013 season highlighted his growing influence at Rosenborg, where he featured regularly in the Eliteserien as the team mounted a title challenge before finishing third, and contributed to their progression to the Norwegian Football Cup final. A standout moment came in the cup final against Molde, where he scored a spectacular equalizing goal from 22 yards in the 17th minute, rifling a shot into the top corner shortly after conceding; despite the effort, Rosenborg collapsed late to lose 4–2.[19] The 2014 campaign brought setbacks for Diskerud, including a right hip injury sustained in early March that sidelined him and led to his withdrawal from U.S. national team duties.[20] Further injury issues limited his minutes, contributing to a dip in form amid Rosenborg's second-place Eliteserien finish, and with his contract expiring, he opted not to renew in favor of pursuing opportunities in Major League Soccer to align with his international commitments.[21]| Season | Club | League Apps/Goals | Cup Apps/Goals | Europe Apps/Goals | Total Apps/Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | K.A.A. Gent (loan) | 6/0 | 0/0 | 0/0 | 7/0 |
| 2012 | Rosenborg | 10/1 | 1/0 | 0/0 | 11/1 |
| 2013 | Rosenborg | 25/2 | 4/1 | 1/0 | 30/3 |
| 2014 | Rosenborg | 13/1 | 1/0 | 4/0 | 18/1 |
New York City FC (2015–2017)
On January 13, 2015, Mix Diskerud joined New York City FC ahead of the club's inaugural Major League Soccer season, acquired on a free transfer using the league's No. 1 allocation ranking spot for U.S. national team players.[22] This move allowed NYCFC to add the versatile midfielder without utilizing a Designated Player slot, preserving flexibility for other high-profile signings.[23] Diskerud's international experience with the USMNT helped facilitate his adaptation to the competitive demands of MLS.[3] In his debut 2015 season under head coach Jason Kreis, Diskerud made 27 appearances, starting 23, and contributed three goals, including the franchise's first-ever MLS goal on March 8 against Orlando City SC in a 1–1 draw.[24][25] His efforts were part of NYCFC's transitional inaugural campaign, where the team earned 37 points but fell short of the Eastern Conference playoff spots despite a late push.[26] The following year, 2016, brought only 12 appearances and one goal for Diskerud, scored on March 6 against the Chicago Fire in a 4–3 victory.[24][27] Over his full tenure with NYCFC from 2015 to 2016, Diskerud totaled 41 appearances, four goals, and three assists, contributing to the team's progression to the 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs, where they reached the conference semifinals.[24] However, his form waned amid coaching changes, as Kreis was dismissed after the 2015 season and replaced by Patrick Vieira in January 2016.[28] Under Vieira, Diskerud struggled for consistent playing time, often relegated to the bench due to tactical shifts and increased competition in midfield, prompting Vieira to publicly urge him to elevate his performance.[29] Limited opportunities culminated in NYCFC exercising a buyout of Diskerud's guaranteed contract on March 2, 2017, ahead of the season opener, while he remained under MLS allocation.[30] Eight days later, on March 10, Diskerud was loaned to IFK Göteborg in Sweden until August 27, 2017, to regain match fitness amid his diminished role in the Bronx.[31]IFK Göteborg loans (2017–2018)
Following a period of limited playing time at New York City FC, Diskerud joined IFK Göteborg on loan from the MLS club on March 10, 2017, with the deal initially set to run until August 27, 2017.[32] The arrangement was later extended through the end of the year, allowing him to feature prominently in the Allsvenskan.[33] During the 2017 season, Diskerud made 29 league appearances for IFK Göteborg, scoring 5 goals, and also played 3 matches in the Svenska Cupen, adding 1 goal, as the team secured an 8th-place finish in the top flight.[34] In January 2018, shortly after signing a four-and-a-half-year contract with Manchester City on a free transfer—facilitated by the shared ownership under the City Football Group between Manchester City and Diskerud's former club New York City FC—Diskerud returned to IFK Göteborg on loan until July 2018.[5][35] He quickly reintegrated into the squad, appearing in 12 Allsvenskan matches and scoring 2 goals during the first half of the 2018 season, while contributing 4 appearances and 3 goals in the Svenska Cupen to help the club reach the quarterfinals before their elimination by Djurgårdens IF.[36] Across both loan spells at IFK Göteborg, Diskerud totaled 47 appearances with 9 goals, serving as a central figure in midfield where he provided stability and creative distribution for the team.[4] His performances revived his club form after MLS challenges, though the Manchester City move ultimately redirected his career path amid the parent company's strategic roster management.[37]Manchester City and international loans (2018–2020)
In January 2018, Mix Diskerud joined Manchester City on a free transfer from New York City FC, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract.[5] He never made a first-team appearance for the club, instead training with the reserves and being utilized primarily as a loan asset within the City Football Group ecosystem.[37] This arrangement stemmed from Diskerud's high salary relative to his performance in Major League Soccer, which Manchester City absorbed to alleviate New York City FC's wage burden, though his integration into the senior squad was precluded by the club's exceptional depth in midfield positions.[38] Immediately following his signing, Diskerud returned to IFK Göteborg on loan from Manchester City in February 2018, lasting until July. Benefiting from his familiarity with the club from a prior 2017 stint, he featured in 12 Allsvenskan matches, scoring 2 goals during this period. His contributions helped stabilize the midfield as Göteborg navigated a challenging season, finishing 10th in the league. In July 2018, Diskerud was loaned to Ulsan Hyundai of the K League 1, where he remained until December 2019.[39] Over the loan, he made 62 appearances across all competitions, netting 11 goals and providing 3 assists.[4] Notably, in the 2019 K League 1 season, Diskerud played a key role in Ulsan's title challenge, appearing in 33 league matches with 8 goals as the team finished second behind Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, securing a spot in the AFC Champions League.[40] His versatility in central midfield, including standout performances like a brace in an AFC Champions League playoff win over Perak FC, underscored his adaptation to the competitive South Korean environment.[41] Diskerud's final loan under Manchester City came in June 2020 to Helsingborgs IF in the Allsvenskan, on a short-term deal through the end of the season.[42] He recorded 28 appearances and 2 goals, aiding the team's efforts to avoid relegation amid significant disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed the league's start until June and condensed the schedule.[4] Helsingborg finished 12th, comfortably mid-table, with Diskerud's experience providing defensive solidity in a squad that conceded 42 goals over 30 matches. Across these loans from 2018 to 2020, Diskerud amassed 106 appearances and 18 goals in total, highlighting a nomadic phase marked by adaptation to diverse leagues but no pathway back to Manchester City's first team due to persistent squad competition and his contractual status as a peripheral figure.[4]Denizlispor and Omonia (2021–2023)
In January 2021, Diskerud joined Turkish Süper Lig club Denizlispor on a free transfer from Manchester City, signing a contract until the end of the 2021–22 season with an option for an additional year.[43] During the second half of the 2020–21 campaign, he made 18 appearances and scored 2 goals in the league, contributing to the team's efforts amid a tight relegation battle.[44] Denizlispor ultimately finished 19th and were relegated to the TFF First League, with Diskerud's performances providing midfield stability in several key matches. Following Denizlispor's relegation, Diskerud transferred to Cypriot First Division side Omonia Nicosia in July 2021 on a two-year deal.[38] Over the next two seasons, he became a regular in the squad, totaling 70 appearances and 3 goals across all competitions, including 64 league outings where he netted twice.[17] His versatility in central midfield helped Omonia secure back-to-back Cypriot Cup titles in 2021–22 and 2022–23, marking the club's 15th and 16th victories in the competition; Diskerud started the 2022 final and featured prominently in both successful runs.[45] These triumphs also qualified Omonia for European competition, with Diskerud participating in the 2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League group stage, where the team advanced to the knockout play-offs after finishing second in Group A. Diskerud's tenure at Omonia was marked by his integration into a title-winning side, earning appreciation from fans for his experience and reliability during the club's domestic successes.[45] His contract expired in June 2023, leading to a mutual departure after two seasons, during which he helped restore Omonia's competitive edge in Cyprus.[45]Retirement
Mix Diskerud officially retired from professional soccer on July 1, 2023, at the age of 32, after departing Omonia Nicosia in June of that year.[1] His time at Omonia served as a capstone, where he contributed to winning the Cypriot Cup in both 2022 and 2023.[16] Over his 15-year professional career spanning 9 clubs across seven countries, Diskerud amassed 441 appearances and scored 49 goals.[46] He is remembered as a key contributor to the United States men's national team with 38 caps and 6 goals, including participation in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, though his career is often viewed as one that did not fully realize early hype as a potential star.[47][38] Since retiring, Diskerud has not taken on a formal coaching role but has made occasional media appearances, including sharing an original poem for New York City FC's 10th anniversary in March 2025, reflecting his longstanding interest in poetry.[48] As of November 2025, he remains retired with no indications of returning to competitive play.[1]International career
Youth teams
Born in Oslo to a Norwegian father and an American mother from Arizona, Diskerud held dual citizenship, making him eligible to represent either nation internationally. Influenced by his family connections to the United States, where he spent winters with relatives, he ultimately committed to the U.S. program for senior level, but represented both nations at youth level.[49] Diskerud received initial call-ups to Norway's youth squads in 2007 and 2008, including appearances with the U-18 team and the U-19 side (5 caps, 0 goals). In 2009, he featured for the Norway U-19 team during the qualifying campaign for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, where the team advanced unbeaten through the group stage before a draw eliminated them from the finals.[50][51] Exercising his dual eligibility, Diskerud also represented the United States youth teams starting in 2008, debuting for the U-20 squad (6 caps, 1 goal) in an international tournament and recording three assists in a single match against Northern Ireland. He continued with the U.S. U-20s the following year, earning selection to the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup roster in Egypt, where he appeared in the group's three matches.[11][52] By 2010, Diskerud had aligned with the U.S. youth setup, participating in U-20 and U-23 camps (4 caps, 1 goal), leading to his senior debut. His progression included exposure in European qualifiers with Norway and major global events with the USA.[53]Senior team
Diskerud made his senior debut for the United States men's national team (USMNT) on November 17, 2010, in a 1–0 friendly victory over South Africa in Cape Town, where he provided an assist on the winning goal.[3] Over the course of his international career from 2010 to 2016, he earned 38 caps and scored 6 goals, primarily operating as a central midfielder known for his technical ability and vision.[54] His contributions helped bolster the team's depth during a transitional period under coach Jürgen Klinsmann. Diskerud's most notable achievements came in major tournaments. He was a key squad member in the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where the USMNT won the title; Diskerud appeared in all six matches, scoring once in a 5–1 quarterfinal win against El Salvador on July 21, 2013. He was included in the 2014 FIFA World Cup roster but did not feature in any of the three group stage matches as the United States advanced to the round of 16. In the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Diskerud made two appearances as the team reached the semifinals before losing to Jamaica.[54] Among his international goals, several stood out for their context and quality. He scored in a 2–2 friendly draw against Russia on November 14, 2012; netted against Azerbaijan in a 2–0 friendly win on May 27, 2014; netted the opener in a 1–1 friendly against Ecuador on October 10, 2014; delivered a memorable volley in a 4–1 loss to the Republic of Ireland on November 18, 2014; and equalized in a 2–1 friendly win over Germany on June 10, 2015, capping a 35-pass sequence initiated by Michael Bradley.[55] His international involvement gradually diminished after 2016 due to inconsistent club form and limited opportunities amid rising competition in midfield. Diskerud's last cap came on March 29, 2016, in a 4–0 World Cup qualifying win over Guatemala. He retired from international football alongside his club career announcement on July 1, 2023, leaving a legacy as a versatile contributor to USMNT depth during the early 2010s.[1]Career statistics
Club statistics
Diskerud's club career spanned multiple leagues across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East, with statistics reflecting his versatility as a midfielder. The following tables summarize his appearances, goals, and assists by club and competition type, drawn from official records. Loans are noted where applicable, and incomplete seasons occurred due to transfers and injuries, particularly in 2018–2020 during his time with Manchester City. Career totals stand at 382 appearances and 44 goals across all club competitions as of his retirement in July 2023.[4][3]Totals by Club
| Club | Years | League Apps (Goals/Assists) | Cup Apps (Goals/Assists) | Continental Apps (Goals/Assists) | Total Apps (Goals/Assists) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stabæk | 2008–2012 | 57 (7/3) | 8 (1/0) | 2 (0/0) | 67 (8/3) | Youth to senior debut |
| K.A.A. Gent | 2012 | 7 (0/1) | 0 (0/0) | 0 (0/0) | 7 (0/1) | Brief stint |
| Rosenborg | 2012–2014 | 50 (5/2) | 10 (1/1) | 12 (2/1) | 72 (8/4) | Tippeligaen and Europa League |
| New York City FC | 2015–2017 | 39 (4/2) | 3 (0/0) | 0 (0/0) | 42 (4/2) | MLS regular starter |
| IFK Göteborg (loan) | 2017 | 20 (3/2) | 2 (1/0) | 0 (0/0) | 22 (4/2) | First loan from NYCFC |
| IFK Göteborg (loan) | 2018 | 21 (4/3) | 4 (1/1) | 0 (0/0) | 25 (5/4) | Second loan from Man City |
| Ulsan Hyundai (loan) | 2018–2019 | 40 (7/2) | 5 (0/0) | 12 (3/1) | 57 (10/3) | K League 1 and AFC Champions League |
| Helsingborgs IF (loan) | 2020 | 28 (2/1) | 0 (0/0) | 0 (0/0) | 28 (2/1) | Allsvenskan amid COVID disruptions |
| Denizlispor | 2021 | 18 (2/0) | 0 (0/0) | 0 (0/0) | 18 (2/0) | Süper Lig, incomplete season |
| Omonia | 2021–2023 | 28 (1/0) | 8 (0/0) | 8 (0/0) | 44 (1/0) | Cypriot First Division and UEFA qualifiers; retired mid-2023 |
Breakdown by Competition
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Leagues (Tippeligaen/Eliteserien, MLS, Allsvenskan, K League 1, Süper Lig, Cypriot First Division) | 308 | 35 | 14 |
| Domestic Cups | 40 | 4 | 2 |
| Continental (Europa League, AFC Champions League, UEFA Champions League Qualifiers) | 34 | 5 | 2 |
| Career Total | 382 | 44 | 18 |
International statistics
Diskerud earned 38 caps for the senior United States men's national team from 2010 to 2016, during which he scored 6 goals.[56] Official records do not track assists for USMNT appearances. At the youth level, Diskerud represented Norway's U-18 and U-19 teams before switching to the United States, where he featured for the U-20 side at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup (7 appearances, 1 goal) and the U-23 team during 2012 Olympic qualifying. His senior caps were primarily in friendlies (26 appearances, 5 goals), with additional outings in the CONCACAF Gold Cup (8 appearances, 1 goal) and FIFA World Cup qualifiers (4 appearances, 1 goal). By year, his appearances totaled 1 in 2010, 3 in 2011, 5 in 2012, 11 in 2013, 9 in 2014, 7 in 2015, and 2 in 2016.[57][56] The following table lists Diskerud's 6 international goals:| Date | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 14, 2012 | Russia | 2–2 | Draw | Friendly |
| July 21, 2013 | El Salvador | 5–1 | Win | Gold Cup |
| September 10, 2013 | Mexico | 2–0 | Win | World Cup qualifier |
| October 11, 2014 | Ecuador | 1–1 | Draw | Friendly |
| November 18, 2014 | Republic of Ireland | 4–1 | Win | Friendly |
| June 10, 2015 | Germany | 2–1 | Win | Friendly |