Christian Eriksen taken to hospital after collapsing during Denmark friendly against Ukraine
Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen was rushed to hospital for medical assessment after collapsing during his country’s international friendly against Ukraine on Sunday.
The match in Odense was halted in the 65th minute after the 34-year-old suddenly fell to the ground, prompting an immediate response from medical staff. Players from both teams quickly gathered around Eriksen as treatment was administered before the game was eventually abandoned.
Fortunately, the former Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur playmaker regained consciousness within moments and was able to leave the pitch on foot before being taken for further examination. Denmark’s national team doctor, Morten Boesen, confirmed that Eriksen was conscious and stable after the incident.
“Christian is doing well and walked off the pitch by himself,” Boesen said. He added that Eriksen briefly lost consciousness but recovered quickly and was communicating with medical staff shortly afterwards. Further tests are expected to determine the cause of the collapse.
The incident immediately brought back memories of Euro 2020, when Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s match against Finland. Following that medical emergency, he was fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), which allowed him to resume his professional career.
After returning to football with Brentford in 2022, Eriksen later joined Manchester United before moving to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg last summer. He featured in 34 matches during the 2025-26 season and was earning his 151st international cap when the latest incident occurred.
Boesen said Eriksen had already asked him to reassure teammates that he was feeling well and send his greetings to the squad.
Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg praised the rapid reaction of players and medical personnel, describing the situation as a major shock but emphasizing that the most important outcome was Eriksen’s condition.
As happened during Eriksen’s collapse at the European Championship five years ago, players formed a protective circle around him while medics worked. After the match was called off, both teams stood together in solidarity as Denmark coach Brian Riemer addressed the group.
“The most important thing is that Christian is doing well,” Riemer said, adding that the squad would continue to support one another following the frightening incident.
Neither Denmark nor Ukraine qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which gets underway this week.
