Harald Nielsen

Harald Nielsen first competed for Denmark in 1959 when only 17-years-old, and then appeared at the 1960 Roma Olympics, helping them to a silver medal as the leading scorer in the Olympic tournament. In 1961 he turned professional and joined Bologna FC, playing for them through 1967. Denmark did not allow professionals to play on their national team in that era, so that effectively ended Nielsen’s international career. After leaving Bologna FC, Nielsen played three more years, one each with Internazionale FC, SSC Napli, and Sampdoria, and then retired.

Nielsen’s post-sports career was equally successful. He married well-known actress Rudi Hansen in 1963 and together they started a company importing Italian leather works to Scandanavia. He later became chairman and co-owner and founder of the largest summer house building company in Denmark. He was president of the Rebild National Park Society from 1997-2007, and also presided over the Gunnar Nu Foundation for 18 years until 2009.

Nielsen was also significantly in football administration. He was instrumental in professionalizing football in Denmark in the 1970s, which occurred finally in 1978. In 1977 he planned the formation of the professional Danish football league. He founded FC København A/S, along with Alex Friedman, becoming its first chairman, which later became Parken Sport & Entertainment, although its primary activity was the football club.