ODENSE, Denmark — Less than 24 hours after experiencing a second on-field collapse during an international friendly against Ukraine, Danish star midfielder Christian Eriksen is recovering well and on track to be released from hospital imminently, according to the Danish men’s national football team’s chief physician.
The 34-year-old veteran collapsed to the turf in the 65th minute of Sunday’s match hosted in Odense, after grabbing his chest with both hands while not in possession of the ball. Contrary to initial concerns sparked by his 2021 life-threatening incident, Eriksen was able to leave the pitch unassisted following on-site evaluation from medical teams, the Danish Football Association confirmed after the final whistle. He was transferred to Odense University Hospital for further observation and diagnostic testing.
In an official health update shared Monday morning, Denmark team physician Morten Boesen shared encouraging news about Eriksen’s condition. “I spoke with Christian this morning, and he is doing well,” Boesen said in the statement. “He is with his family and is in good spirits. The expectation is that he will be discharged soon and can return home.” Boesen added that the football association is prioritizing support for all players and staff connected to the incident, maintaining regular check-ins with the group.
This collapse marks the second time Eriksen has been taken to hospital after falling unconscious during a match, three and a half years after his widely publicized cardiac arrest during Denmark’s opening group stage match at UEFA Euro 2020. Following that 2021 incident, Eriksen received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator to regulate his heart rhythm. In a remarkable comeback, he returned to top-flight professional football less than a year after the near-fatal event.
Currently, Eriksen plies his trade with German Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg, where he is under contract through the 2026-27 season. Denmark failed to secure qualification for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending the nation’s campaign early ahead of this summer’s tournament in North America.