Dennis Gjengaar Bio
Dennis Gjengaar (born 24 February 2004) is a Norwegian professional footballer who plays as a right winger for Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls. Standing 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) tall and wearing squad number 22, he has quickly established himself as one of the more promising Norwegian wingers of his generation. After rising through the youth ranks at his hometown club Ørn Horten, Gjengaar developed into a first-team contributor at Odd before earning a move to MLS in 2024.
Known for his pace, direct running, and willingness to take on defenders, Gjengaar has also represented Norway at multiple youth international levels. His professional career has spanned three Norwegian clubs and one American franchise, and he continues to build his résumé on both the domestic and international stages.
Early Life and Background
Dennis Gjengaar was born on 24 February 2004 in Horten, a small coastal town in southeastern Norway. Growing up in Horten, he developed an early interest in football and joined the local club Ørn Horten, which became the foundation of his playing career. The town has long produced dedicated athletes, and Gjengaar’s pathway through Ørn Horten gave him a familiar environment in which to learn the game.
He spent the bulk of his childhood training with Ørn Horten’s youth setup, joining the development program in 2013 at the age of nine. Coaches there quickly noted his attacking instincts and his comfort on the right side of the pitch. That early grounding at Ørn Horten prepared him for the step into senior football before he was old enough to drive.
Path to Soccer
Gjengaar’s path toward professional soccer began in earnest when he debuted for Ørn Horten’s senior team on 7 May 2019 against Vålerenga 2 in the Norwegian Third Division. At 15 years and 68 days old, he became the youngest player ever to debut for the Ørn Horten first team. Across his time with the senior squad, he made 15 appearances and scored one goal, drawing the attention of bigger Norwegian clubs.
During July 2020, Gjengaar made the move to Odd, one of the established clubs in Norwegian football. He was initially assigned to Odd 2, the club’s reserve side, where he gained valuable minutes in the Norwegian Second Division. Over two seasons with Odd 2, he made 51 appearances and scored three goals, refining the tactical side of his game and adapting to a higher level of competition. Those performances convinced the Odd coaching staff that he was ready for the Eliteserien.
Dennis Gjengaar Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Gjengaar’s earliest professional chapter began with Ørn Horten in 2019, where he made his senior debut as a 15-year-old. His brief spell in the Norwegian Third Division offered limited minutes but provided a platform to showcase his dribbling and willingness to attack defenders one-on-one. The experience convinced both the player and his representatives that a step up to a more established club was the correct next move.
After joining Odd in July 2020, Gjengaar was integrated into Odd 2 and spent the 2020 and 2021 campaigns in the Norwegian Second Division. He quickly became a key contributor for the reserves, using those two seasons to sharpen his finishing and decision-making. By the end of his second year with Odd 2, he had made 51 appearances and netted three times, earning his first professional contract with the parent club in early 2022.
Odds BK Breakthrough (2022–2024)
On 25 February 2022, Gjengaar signed his first professional contract with Odd, marking a significant milestone in his young career. He made his first-team debut on 19 May 2022 in a Norwegian Cup match against Hei IL, coming on as a substitute in a 6–1 win. His first appearance in the top-flight Eliteserien followed on 10 September 2022 against Sandefjord Fotball, where he scored both goals in a 3–1 victory, an introduction that immediately caught the attention of fans and pundits alike.
Head coach Pål Arne Johansen publicly praised Gjengaar’s performance after that Sandefjord match, highlighting the winger’s potential and maturity. He continued his scoring run later in 2022 with goals against Haugesund, Vålerenga, and Lillestrøm, finishing the campaign with five Eliteserien goals. In his second season with the first team, he became a regular starter and opened his 2023 account with a goal in a 4–0 win over Stabæk on 6 August 2023.
New York Red Bulls Era (2024–Present)
On 16 February 2024, it was announced that Gjengaar was transferring to Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-year contract that runs through 2028. The move represented his first experience outside Norwegian football and an opportunity to test himself in one of North America’s most competitive leagues. He was assigned the number 22 shirt and slotted into the team’s attacking rotation from the start of the 2024 campaign.
Gjengaar scored his first goal for New York on 22 June 2024 in a 3–0 home victory over Toronto FC, marking a memorable first contribution in MLS. In 2025, he opened his account with the equalizing goal in a 2–2 draw against Orlando City SC on 15 March, and later added a goal in a 4–1 U.S. Open Cup win over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on 7 May. The early 2025 form suggested a growing comfort level with the league’s pace and physicality.
Driving Style and Strengths
Gjengaar is best known for his speed and his preference for taking on defenders along the right flank. He combines direct dribbling with a willingness to cut inside onto his left foot, often looking to create chances through combination play in the final third. His tactical maturity, developed through Odd’s structured system, has allowed him to adapt quickly to the variety of opponents MLS presents.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Gjengaar’s most memorable moments came on his Eliteserien debut for Odd, when he scored twice in a 3–1 win over Sandefjord. His record-breaking debut for Ørn Horten at 15 years and 68 days old also stands out as a signature milestone. More recently, his first MLS goal against Toronto FC in 2024 and his 2025 U.S. Open Cup contribution have helped establish him as a reliable contributor for New York.
Dennis Gjengaar Career Wins
Although Gjengaar has yet to lift a major senior trophy, his career has been marked by a steady accumulation of individual milestones. From his record-breaking debut for Ørn Horten to his brace on his Eliteserien bow for Odd, he has consistently delivered on significant occasions. He also contributed to New York Red Bulls’ progression in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup with a goal against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
Eliteserien Highlights
In his first Eliteserien season with Odd, Gjengaar scored five goals, including braces and key strikes against Haugesund, Vålerenga, and Lillestrøm. He became a regular starter in his second year and added to his tally with goals against Stabæk and Vålerenga in 2023. Although Odd did not win the league title during his tenure, his performances were widely regarded as a major reason for the club’s attacking threat.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond league play, Gjengaar has contributed in cup competitions for both Odd and the New York Red Bulls. He made an immediate impact in the Norwegian Cup with Odd in 2022 and later helped New York advance in the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. His work in the Norwegian Third Division and Second Division also provided early evidence of a player capable of stepping up to higher levels.
Dennis Gjengaar Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Gjengaar’s family remains limited, and he has generally kept his personal and family life out of the spotlight. He grew up in Horten, where his early football education began at Ørn Horten, suggesting a close connection to his hometown community. Further details about his parents or siblings have not been publicly confirmed.
Personal Life
Off the pitch, Gjengaar is known to be focused on his professional development and his integration into life in the New York metropolitan area. He has not publicly disclosed a spouse or partner, and there are no confirmed reports of children. His social media presence reflects a young athlete embracing the opportunities that come with playing in Major League Soccer.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 MLS season has seen Gjengaar continue his development as a regular contributor for the New York Red Bulls. He opened his scoring account for the year with the equalizing goal in a 2–2 draw against Orlando City SC on 15 March, demonstrating his importance in tight matches. The early returns suggest a growing partnership with his teammates and a more defined role in head coach Sandro Schwarz’s attacking structure.
On 7 May 2025, Gjengaar added another highlight by scoring in a 4–1 U.S. Open Cup win over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, helping New York advance in the competition. His ability to perform in both league and cup fixtures has made him a versatile option on the right side of the attack. The Red Bulls will look to his pace and directness as they aim for a strong playoff push later in the year.
With his contract running through 2028, Gjengaar remains a long-term piece of the Red Bulls’ project, and his 2025 campaign is likely to shape his trajectory within the club. Continued regular minutes, combined with a possible Norway under-21 call-up, point toward a pivotal year for the young Norwegian winger.