A bone anchoring element (1 101 201 301) is provided which has a shaft for anchoring in a bone (20 325 340). At least one barb element (12 112) is connected to the shaft (2 202 302), the barb element (12 112) having a free end (14 114) and a base (13) connecting the barb element (12 112) to the shaft (2 202 302). The barb element has a first portion (15) adjacent to the base (13) and a second portion (16 116) adjacent to the free end (14 114). The second portion is inclined relative to the first portion in a direction off said shaft (2 202 302).