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DE 
Danish soccer player Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field during a friendly match against Ukraine on Sunday, marking the second time he has collapsed during a game. The 34-year-old, who had a pacemaker implanted after suffering a cardiac arrest in the 2021 European Championship, was playing for Denmark in Odense when the incident occurred.
Eriksen clutched his chest with both hands away from the ball in the 65th minute and then fell to the ground. Medical staff attended to him, and he was able to leave the pitch on his own. He was later taken to Odense University Hospital for further tests.
On Monday, Denmark’s team physician Morten Boesen provided an update, saying, “I spoke with Christian this morning, and he is doing well. He is with his family and is in good spirits. The expectation is that he will be discharged soon and can return home.” Boesen also noted that the federation is maintaining close contact with players and staff.
Following the incident, the game was abandoned after discussions between the referee and officials from both teams. In a Facebook post, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen sent “my warmest thoughts to Christian Eriksen and to all those around him who are affected,” expressing relief after receiving news on his condition.
Eriksen was fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) after his 2021 cardiac arrest. The ICD, a small electrical device placed under the skin near the collarbone, helps regulate dangerous heart rhythms by delivering electric pulses when necessary.
Boesen stated that the pacemaker appeared to function correctly during Sunday’s event, though details on the exact cause of Eriksen clutching his chest have not been released.
Because of Italian health regulations, Eriksen was unable to continue playing in Italy with Inter Milan after his ICD was fitted. He resumed his career in England with Brentford in 2022, then spent three years at Manchester United before becoming a free agent last year. Currently, he plays for Wolfsburg in Germany on a contract through the 2026-27 season. Wolfsburg, recently relegated from the Bundesliga, wished him a speedy recovery.
Denmark did not qualify for the upcoming 2026 World Cup set to begin in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.