Denmark's Eriksen collapses during Ukraine friendly, five years after cardiac arrest

Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field during Denmark's friendly match against Ukraine on Sunday, June 7, 2026. The incident occurred in the 64th minute of the game, with Denmark leading 2-1 at the time. Medical staff immediately rushed to provide assistance, and the referee eventually called off the match.

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Christian Eriksen is conscious and doing well under the circumstances.

Eriksen was subsequently transported to a hospital in Odense, where the match was held. The Danish football association later confirmed that Eriksen is conscious and in stable condition. "Christian is doing well and walked off the pitch by himself," stated Denmark team doctor Morten Boesen. "As I see it, the pacemaker responded as it should. He was briefly unconscious, but regained consciousness very quickly."

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Christian is doing well and walked off the pitch by himself. As I see it, the pacemaker responded as it should. He was briefly unconscious, but regained consciousness very quickly, and we were quickly in contact with him.

This event is particularly poignant as it mirrors a similar, more severe incident five years prior. During the European Championships, Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest in a group stage game against Finland. That episode led to him being fitted with a pacemaker and spending over six months away from professional football. He has since resumed his career, playing for clubs like Brentford, Manchester United, and currently Wolfsburg, and has also continued his international career with Denmark.

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He will now undergo further examinations at the hospital to determine what caused the incident. We are in ongoing contact with him and the doctors at the hospital. But Christian is doing well and he asked me to send his regards to all the players and tell them that he was ok.