Svein Kvia
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Svein «Kvien» Kvia (born September 27, 1947 in Stavanger, died February 2, 2005) was a legendary Norwegian footballer who spent his entire career at Viking F.K., where he was one of the most successful players of all time.
Between 1965 and 1980, Kvia played 551 times for the Viking first team. This is still an all-time club record. He also reached 38 caps for the Norwegian national team between 1969 and 1976, scoring 3 goals. Kvia helped Viking win the national junior championships in 1965, and he was a central figure in the team that won four straight league titles between 1972 and 1975. He was also captain of the side that clinched «The Double» of league and cup in 1979. In addition, Kvia won league bronze medals in 1968, 1971 and 1978.Kvia was also manager of the Viking first team on three separate occasions, in 1977, 1984 and 1986-87. In the 1990s, he served as the club's director for several years.
Kvia was voted Norwegian footballer of the year in 1976, and he was voted midfielder of the year five times in the period 1971-76. He was a playmaker in central midfield, with vision and passing that far surpassed most of his contemporaries in the Norwegian game. He was also an inspirational captain with a strong work ethic. In 1989 Kvia was proclaimed honorary member of Viking. He died at the age of 57 from brain cancer.
