Martin Odegaard has had a rough 2025 would be an understatement. Inconsistent form, subpar output, and constant injuries had critics starting captaincy drama and questioning whether or not the Norwegian is a worthy leader.
However, things have been turning for the better as this past weekend Odegaard delivered his best performance of the season. He scored a 14th-minute opener to help Arsenal beat Brighton and debuted a new celebration.
The Arsenal captain has had a variety of celebrations over the years, including the “hands over ears” celebration in 2024 as a response to Jamie Carragher’s criticism.
He also brings out the basketball hoop celebration from time to time, where he mimics shooting a basketball hoop and throws imaginary shots. The most notable instance was against Tottenham in 2022.
Then there is the half Trossard or Threading the Needle celebration, where Odegaard makes a pinhole camera with his hand and looks through it anytime he scores from a tight angle.
After scoring his first goal of the season, Odegaard brought out a new celebration against Brighton that has all fans wondering what it could mean.
The Norwegian was seen making a gesture with his hand where his index finger goes past the thumb, forming a downward V, but at a tilted angle.
— George (@George_Zur) December 27, 2025
Arsenal fans have been coming up with theories over what could be the symbolism behind the celebration.
The most prominent theory was that it was the South Korean sign for heart, but upside down. In the Aegyo culture, people often depict a heart by making a V using their index finger and thumb.
A few fans are of the belief that the celebration might be a gesture towards Odegaard’s son, Matheo. Odegaard and his wife, Helene Spilling, welcomed a baby boy in December 2024, so with Matheo celebrating his first birthday this month, it would make sense if Odegaard wanted to dedicate a goal to his child.
Odegaard loves his son dearly and has previously worn boots with his son’s name, “Matheo,” stitched on them.
Regardless of the meaning of the celebration, Arsenal fans were thrilled with Odegaard’s performance, and are hoping that he could continue this form in the coming months with just 2 points separating Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the table.
@Oliiie_: Odegaard is a player I want to like so bad he just needs to play like that more often
@DammitArsenal: The Ø-Zone is back. Classic out of the box finish from Ødegaard
@afcdacuba: This is the performance we want to always see from him. He looks so different right from the first minute. Hopefully he’s returning to his best form
@Craaaque: Flow state Odegaard is a top 3 midfielder itw
@_Afcbanks: Odegaard in flow state is one of the best players in the world. It’s such a shame we’ve barely seen him like that in the last 18 months (largely due to fitness).
@GunnerLoulou: Some players need to be watched live to appreciate just how good they are. Odegaard is one of those. His control is absolutely incredible
@Tripple____M: I think Martin Odegaard is slowly getting back to his best
@Dexsport: Captain delivers
Great to see Ødegaard back on the scoresheet — more to come
@pedroelchileno: To the surprise of no one that understands this sport, Odegaard has created 20 chances since coming back from injury less than a month ago.
@_Zeets: Odegaard is so good when he’s healthy that it’s funny that people try to make the argument that Arsenal should move past him when he’s hurt
What do you think about the significance behind the celebration? Did Odegaard do an upside-down Aegyo heart, or was the celebration for his baby boy? Let us know in the comments section.
