From 2008 to 2014 he played for Fulham, helping the team to the 2010 UEFA Europa League Final, but was released in 2014 after the club's relegation, subsequently joining Crystal Palace.

The son of a Norwegian oil company worker, Hangeland was born in Houston, Texas during his parents' two-year spell in the United States, but grew up in Stavanger.

He helped win the Norwegian cup in his debut season, playing as a central defensive midfielder in the 3–0 victory over rivals Bryne FK in the final.

[6] With several great performances in the 2006–07 UEFA Champions League group stage Brede Hangeland was linked with numerous big clubs around Europe.

During the summer of 2007 newspapers linked him with Premier League clubs Newcastle United, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City.

The club survived relegation in the 2007–08 season with Hangeland forming a formidable partnership with Aaron Hughes at the heart of Fulham's defence.

[16] Magath stated that Hangeland did not have a thigh injury but an inflammation of the knee, and that he suggested the additional use of an alternative treatment with a bandage (dressing) consisting of Quark.

[17] Fulham player Sascha Riether later that the story was greatly exaggerated and that Magath had suggested he use a traditional topfen curd.

[30] After the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying, national team coach Åge Hareide named him as captain instead of Vålerenga's player-coach Martin Andresen.

[13][30] When Hangeland married Celin Trana in 2009, rather than giving presents, guests were asked to contribute to a Save the Children project to build a school in Cambodia.