Christian Eriksen’s latest collapse during Denmark’s friendly against Ukraine has reignited memories of one of the most frightening moments in football history. While the Danish Football Association has confirmed that Eriksen is conscious and doing well under the circumstances, the incident has inevitably drawn comparisons with his cardiac arrest during Euro 2020.
The previous incident occurred on June 12, 2021, during Denmark’s opening European Championship match against Finland at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium. With no obvious challenge or collision preceding it, Eriksen suddenly collapsed to the ground as a throw-in was being taken near him. Players, officials and supporters were left stunned as medical personnel rushed onto the pitch.
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Denmark’s players immediately formed a protective circle around their teammate while emergency treatment was administered. Medical staff performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and used a defibrillator to restart Eriksen’s heart. The quick response from medics was widely credited with saving his life.
Speaking later about the incident, Eriksen revealed the severity of the situation. In an interview with the BBC, he said, “I was gone from this world for five minutes.” The midfielder later explained that he remembered parts of the moments before collapsing but had no memory of the period when he was unconscious.
In a separate interview with Danish broadcaster DR1, Eriksen recalled feeling what he believed was a cramp in his calf before passing the ball back. Moments later, he blacked out. When he regained consciousness, he initially thought he had suffered a back injury because he could feel people pressing on his chest and body. He tried to determine whether he could move his legs before understanding what had happened.
It was only after being placed in the ambulance that the full seriousness of the incident became clear to him. Hearing medical personnel discuss the length of time he had been unconscious made him realise how close he had come to losing his life.
Despite the traumatic experience, Eriksen made a remarkable recovery and returned to professional football. His comeback was widely celebrated across the sporting world and became one of football’s most inspiring stories. The latest incident has once again prompted concern for the Danish star, although early reports indicate that he is conscious and receiving medical care.
