Paal Enger – Soccer Prodigy Turned Art Thief
Paal Enger, a rising prospect for a celebrated Norwegian soccer club, Vaalerenga, who traded his passion for soccer for art theft, culminated in his infamous 1994 heist of Edvard Munch’s masterpiece “The Scream,” passed away on June 29 in Oslo at the age of 57.
His death was confirmed by Nils Christian Nordhus, an Oslo-based lawyer who formerly represented Mr. Enger.
Mr. Enger was born on March 26, 1967, in Oslo. He rose from Vaalerenga’s junior system and made his debut with the club in 1985.
As a youth, he idolized Diego Maradona but considered Don Vito Corleone, the fictional crime boss from “The Godfather,” his true hero. His fascination with Mafia culture led him to visit the filming locations of “The Godfather” films in New York at the age of 15.
Mr. Enger grew up in Tveita, Oslo, where he found excitement in a life of crime due to the lack of financial resources in the neighborhood. Starting with petty thefts, he quickly advanced to cracking safes and even blowing up ATMs with his friends.
He excelled in both sports and criminal activities, showcasing a remarkable talent that extended beyond the soccer field.
