Steinar Lein (born 26 July 1971) is a retired Norwegian football midfielder and current manager.
[3] Not only Lein, but Kolstad teammates Harald Martin Brattbakk and Odd Inge Olsen also became professional footballers.
In the early 1990s, Lein studied to become a physical education teacher at Hedmark University College campus in Elverum.
[6] Following his performance in the 1996 Norwegian First Division for Byåsen, Lein was invited to train and sign with Moss FK.
As Rosenborg came under 0–2 and 2–3, they ultimately won 5–3 after extra time, and Lein was praised for his technique, stamina and authority in the Roar Strand role.
[1] Haugesund invested significantly in the 1999 1. divisjon season, with a larger budget than at least 5 Eliteserien clubs, and the recruitment of foreign players Toni Tervonen, Magnus Samuelsson, Anders Blomquist in addition to Lein.
[21] Falling out of favour with the fans, he somewhat redeemed himself with two goals against Mandalskameratene in October, which meant that Haugesund could still reach the promotion playoff.
[22] When Haugesund ultimately failed to win promotion from the 2002 1. divisjon, the club faced a dire financial situation.
[23] Declining the offer, he first and foremost considered a return to Byåsen, but for personal reasons he would stay in Haugesund until the summer.
Lein scored 4 goals and was touted man of the match as Vard recorded a club-record 14–0 win over the hapless opponents.
He let Geir Amundsen take over as caretaker manager with 7 matches left, in other to turn things around after a weak start to the 2008 2. divisjon campaign.
In 2014, Lein was named as assistant manager of IL Hødd under Sindre Eid, passing the UEFA A Licence before the season started.
[43] With Rosenborg finishing runners-up in the 2020, 2021 and 2023 Toppserien,[44] Lein also led the team to the last round of the 2022-23 Champions League qualifying, but was eliminated by Real Madrid Femenino.
[49] While still new to the city Haugesund, Steinar Lein met Cathrine Sandvik, who also played football, for SK Haugar.
[50] Their daughter Emilie Lein played for Haugar and Rosenborg, being continuously coached by her father until she moved to Lyn in September 2023.