Nicknamed Elk due to his stature,[2] he is best known for his spell with Werder Bremen,[3] also having appeared in the 1994 World Cup with Norway.

After a second league title with Bremen, Bratseth began suffering knee problems, even needing injections to play.

In the 1993–94 UEFA Champions League, he was on the scoresheet at the incredible 5–3 home win over Anderlecht: the Belgians led 3–0 with 25 minutes to go, and he helped to the final comeback with the 2–3.

[9] Subsequently he became chairman and general manager of Rosenborg, forming a successful partnership with coach Nils Arne Eggen.

[12] Bratseth made his debut in the Norway national team on 26 February 1986, playing the first half of a 2–1 friendly win in Grenada.