He is Norway's psypsycho: Just the way he is

Julian Ryerson has been described as Norway's "psycho" — a term used in a positive sense by several figures within Norwegian football. The label comes from Brede Hangeland, who called him a "psycho" during a press conference in Greensboro, and from Ståle Solbakken, who remarked that his brain should be examined when he leaves this world. These comments highlight Ryerson’s unique combination of mental toughness, competitive drive, and athletic ability, which have made him one of Norway’s most prominent right-backs. Last season, while playing for Borussia Dortmund, Ryerson recorded 16 goal-assisting passes, a significant number for a defender, and has also earned a reputation for being fiercely determined throughout his career.

To understand why Ryerson is perceived this way, one must look back at his early years in football. As a young player in Lyngdal, he was already showing signs of the tenacity and competitiveness that now define his character. Karl Igland, one of his former coaches, recalls how Ryerson would play through pain without complaint. In one instance, during a tournament match, Ryerson continued playing despite having a broken foot, only revealing the injury after the game when his father took him for medical checks. Another time, during a major competition where his team won, Ryerson was substituted at halftime but remained visibly frustrated, demonstrating both high pain tolerance and an intense desire to win.

Roger Rasmussen, Ryerson’s uncle and another coach from his youth, describes him as tough and self-demanding. He notes that Ryerson despises losing almost as much as it appears, a trait that has followed him into professional football. Rasmussen also recounts a recent experience watching Ryerson play for Borussia Dortmund against his old club, Union Berlin. Despite suffering from a leg injury and missing the first two matches of the season, Ryerson was forced to sit on the bench for the game. According to Rasmussen, Ryerson showed clear frustration and disappointment, even though he knew he wasn’t ready to play. This reaction, Rasmussen says, is just the way Ryerson is — driven and unwilling to accept anything less than full participation.

Ryerson’s journey from Lyngdal to professional football began with a move to Stavanger at age 15, where he joined the ranks of another promising talent, Zlatko Tripic. Now the captain of Viking FK, Tripic remembers Ryerson’s intensity and mental strength from their time together. He recalls how Ryerson was verbally assertive, clearly communicated through body language, and unafraid to take responsibility. His presence on the field was so commanding that it was evident he had something special waiting for him.

Former Viking coach Bjarne Berntsen echoes these sentiments, stating that Ryerson’s success stems from his ambition and sheer willpower. Berntsen believes that Ryerson’s relentless pursuit of excellence has propelled him forward in his career, making him one of the standout players in Norwegian football today.

The narrative surrounding Ryerson is further enriched by the stories of his family members and teammates, many of whom played alongside him in Lyngdal. Among them were his cousin Mathias Rasmussen, who currently plays for St. Pauli, and Eman Markovic, who competes for GKS Katowice in Poland. Their experiences with Ryerson provide insight into the environment that shaped him, one filled with competition and high expectations.

Despite his current status as a top-tier player, Ryerson remains grounded in the values instilled in him during his formative years. His uncle Rasmussen emphasizes that the competitive spirit he developed in Lyngdal continues to influence his approach to the game. Whether it's pushing through injuries or expressing frustration at not starting a crucial match, Ryerson’s actions reflect a deep-seated need to perform at his best.

As Ryerson continues his career with Borussia Dortmund, the question arises about what lies ahead. With his strong work ethic and mental resilience, he is likely to remain a key figure in both club and international football. His journey thus far suggests that he will continue to challenge himself, push boundaries, and maintain the fierce determination that has defined his career so far. What remains to be seen is whether this relentless drive will lead to even greater achievements in the years to come.