Eriksen Stable After Scary On-Field Collapse

June 8, 2026

Denmark's defender #02 Joachim Andersen Joachim Andersen (C-L), Denmark's defender #05 Joakim Maehle (C) and Denmark's midfielder #12 Victor Froholdt (2nd R) along with other Denmark's players greet the fans after Denmark's midfielder #10 Christian Eriksen collapsed during the football international friendly match between Denmark and Ukraine at Odense Stadium in Denmark, on June 7, 2026. Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark's friendly against Ukraine on June 7, 2026, five years after he suffered a cardiac arrest during the European Championships. (Photo by Bo Amstrup / AFP) / Denmark OUT

Christian Eriksen is reported to be in “good spirits” after collapsing during Denmark’s friendly against Ukraine, five years after his Euro 2020 cardiac arrest.

The 34-year-old midfielder, who has a pacemaker after a previous collapse, fell in the 64th minute of the match in Odense. Medical staff rushed to the pitch as players shielded him from cameras, and the referee called off the game.

Denmark’s team doctor, Morten Boesen, confirmed that Eriksen had been “briefly unconscious,” but that the pacemaker functioned correctly.

Denmark and Ukraine’s players huddle to accompany Denmark’s midfielder #10 Christian Eriksen to a waiting ambulance during the international football friendly match between Denmark and Ukraine at Odense Stadium in Denmark, on June 7, 2026. Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark’s friendly against Ukraine on June 7, 2026, five years after he suffered a cardiac arrest during the European Championships. (Photo by Bo Amstrup / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP) / Denmark OUT

“I spoke to Christian this morning, and he is doing well. He is with his family and in good spirits. The expectation is that he will be discharged soon,” Boesen said on Instagram.

Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg praised the swift response, while coach Brian Riemer called the incident “an extremely shocking experience for everyone,” noting his close bond with Eriksen from their time at Brentford.

Eriksen resumed his career seven months after the 2021 Euro incident, joining Manchester United and later Wolfsburg, and returned to international play at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024.

Former striker Nicklas Bendtner described the latest collapse as “really awful” but was relieved Eriksen could walk off the pitch unaided.

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Tope Oke

Temitope is a storyteller driven by a passion for the intricate world of geopolitics, the raw beauty of wildlife, and the dynamic spirit of sports. As both a writer and editor, he excels at crafting insightful and impactful narratives that not only inform but also inspire and advocate for positive change. Through his work, he aims to shed light on complex issues, celebrate diverse perspectives, and encourage readers to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.