ODENSE, Denmark — Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch during an international friendly match against Ukraine on Sunday but was conscious and reported to be doing well afterward, the Danish Football Federation said.
Eriksen, 34, went down in the 65th minute at Nature Energy Park, clutching his chest before falling to the ground. Medical staff rushed to assist him as players from both teams formed a protective circle around the scene. The match was subsequently abandoned.
The Danish Football Federation stated shortly after the incident that Eriksen was conscious and, under the circumstances, doing well. National team physician Morten Boesen, who also attended to Eriksen during his cardiac arrest at the 2021 European Championship, provided further details.
"I spoke with Christian this morning, and he is doing well," Boesen said on Monday. "He is in good spirits and expected to leave the hospital soon."
Eriksen has an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) device fitted following his 2021 collapse. Officials indicated the device responded as intended during Sunday's incident. He was taken to a local hospital for further tests but was able to walk off the pitch with assistance.
The incident occurred in a World Cup warm-up friendly, just days before the start of the 2026 tournament. Eriksen has been a key figure for Denmark since returning to professional football after his initial cardiac arrest in June 2021 during a Euro 2020 match against Finland.
On Monday, Eriksen himself indicated he had returned home. "Christian is doing well and left the field himself," Boesen had said earlier. "We are in constant contact with him and the doctors at the hospital. But Christian is doing well, and he asked me to greet all the players and say that he was OK."
The Danish federation and medical team continued monitoring his condition. No immediate details were released on the precise medical cause of the latest collapse or long-term implications for his participation in upcoming matches.
Eriksen's clubs, including former sides Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, along with fellow players and fans, expressed support following the event. As of Tuesday, he was reported to be recovering at home with his family.
The Danish Football Federation said it would provide updates as appropriate while prioritizing Eriksen's health.
