Former Manchester United and Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark’s friendly against Ukraine on Sunday, five years after suffering a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
The Danish Football Association confirmed that the 34-year-old was conscious and in stable condition following the incident.
“Christian Eriksen is conscious and doing well under the circumstances,” the association wrote on social media.
Eriksen, who has played with a pacemaker since his collapse during Denmark’s Euro 2020 match against Finland (played in 2021), fell to the ground in the 64th minute with Denmark leading 2-1.
Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Højbjerg said the midfielder had initially walked toward the touchline before suddenly collapsing.
“Then I turned around and saw Christian collapse. We know very well what that means, and the response was extremely fast and professional,” Højbjerg told Danish broadcaster TV2.
Medical staff immediately rushed onto the pitch and treated Eriksen, while players from both teams formed a shield around him to block cameras. The match was abandoned about 15 minutes later.
Denmark coach Brian Riemer described the incident as “extremely shocking” for players, staff, and opponents alike, noting his close personal and professional relationship with Eriksen.
“He is someone who means a lot to me,” Riemer said.
Eriksen was later taken to hospital in Odense for further examination.
Denmark team doctor Morten Boesen said the player had briefly lost consciousness but recovered quickly.
“As I see it, the pacemaker responded as it should. He was unconscious for a short time but regained consciousness quickly,” Boesen said.
“He is doing well and has asked me to pass on his greetings to the team.”
Boesen added that Eriksen’s cardiologist would review data from the pacemaker to determine the cause of the incident.
Former Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner said the scenes were “terrible” and especially distressing given Eriksen’s previous collapse at Euro 2020.
“It’s really awful. It’s the second time it has happened,” Bendtner told TV2.
Eriksen previously suffered a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s opening match at Euro 2020 against Finland, an incident that led to widespread concern and criticism over UEFA’s decision to resume the match on the same day.
He returned to professional football seven months later with Brentford before joining Manchester United, where he won the FA Cup and League Cup. He now plays for Wolfsburg in Germany and has continued his international career with Denmark.
Denmark are not competing at the upcoming World Cup in North America.
AFP
