Danish football star Christian Eriksen is in good spirits and expected to be discharged from the hospital soon after collapsing during Denmark’s international friendly against Ukraine, according to the Danish Football Association.
The 34-year-old midfielder suffered the alarming incident in the 65th minute of Sunday’s match in Odense, Denmark. Eriksen reportedly clutched his chest before falling to the ground during an off-the-ball moment, prompting immediate medical attention.
Despite the scare, Eriksen was able to walk off the field on his own after receiving treatment from medical staff. He was then transported to Odense University Hospital for further examinations.
Providing an update on Monday, Denmark team physician Morten Boesen said Eriksen was recovering well.
“I spoke with Christian this morning, and he is doing well,” Boesen said. “He is with his family and is in good spirits. The expectation is that he will be discharged soon and can return home.”
The Danish Football Association added that it remains in close contact with Eriksen, his family, players, and staff as they continue to monitor the situation.
The incident brought back memories of Eriksen’s cardiac arrest during Denmark’s opening match at the 2021 European Championship. Following that life-threatening episode, he was fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a device designed to monitor and regulate heart rhythms.
Eriksen made a remarkable return to professional football less than a year after his cardiac arrest. However, Italian regulations prevented him from continuing his career with Inter Milan because players fitted with an ICD are not permitted to compete in Italian professional football.
He subsequently revived his career with Brentford before spending three seasons at Manchester United. Eriksen currently plays for VfL Wolfsburg, where he remains under contract through the 2026–27 season. The German club quickly sent messages of support and wished him a speedy recovery following Sunday’s incident.
Sunday’s friendly was abandoned immediately after Eriksen’s collapse. Match officials, players, and team staff agreed not to continue the game following consultations on the field.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also expressed her support, saying she was relieved to learn that Eriksen’s condition had stabilized after the initial shock.
The latest update is encouraging news for football fans around the world, who have closely followed Eriksen’s inspiring comeback since his near-fatal cardiac arrest five years ago.