Christian Eriksen’s heart incident occurred during the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament, postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 12, 2021, Eriksen, a Danish midfielder known for his skill and creativity on the field, collapsed suddenly in the 43rd minute of Denmark’s opening match against Finland in Copenhagen. The incident was deeply shocking and widely covered by global media.
What Happened on the Field
During the match, Eriksen was moving off the ball when he suddenly collapsed face-down. Teammates and referees quickly noticed that something was wrong, and medics were immediately called onto the pitch. Players and fans watched in horror as medical personnel performed CPR on Eriksen for several minutes in an attempt to resuscitate him. His teammates, visibly distressed, formed a protective circle around him to shield him from public view, while his partner, Sabrina Kvist Jensen, was consoled by Denmark’s captain, Simon Kjær, and others on the sidelines.
The Medical Response
The Danish medical team responded swiftly, realizing that Eriksen had gone into cardiac arrest—a condition where the heart stops pumping blood effectively. Medical staff used a defibrillator to deliver an electric shock to his heart, which ultimately succeeded in reviving him. Morten Boesen, Denmark’s team doctor, later confirmed that Eriksen had “gone,” meaning his heart had stopped, and he was clinically dead for a few moments before being revived.
After his revival, Eriksen was stretchered off the field, and he was conscious and alert as he was transported to the hospital. The match was suspended temporarily, with both teams, players, and officials in a state of shock. The game resumed later that evening, with Finland eventually winning 1–0.
Aftermath and Diagnosis
Following the incident, Eriksen underwent numerous medical tests to understand the cause of his cardiac arrest. He was fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), a small device that helps regulate heart rhythm and can deliver a shock if it detects irregular heartbeats. This device is similar to a pacemaker but specifically geared toward people who have experienced or are at high risk for sudden cardiac arrest.
Eriksen’s Recovery and Return to Football
Eriksen’s future in football was uncertain following the incident. In Italy, Serie A regulations prohibit players from participating with an ICD due to health and safety protocols, which meant Eriksen had to leave his club, Inter Milan. In January 2022, however, Eriksen signed with Brentford in the English Premier League, where medical regulations allowed him to play with an ICD. His return to professional football was met with widespread support and admiration, and he made an emotional comeback, eventually joining Manchester United in the summer of 2022.
Impact on Fans and the Football Community
Eriksen’s cardiac arrest highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness and access to medical equipment like defibrillators in sports. The swift actions of the medical team were credited with saving his life, sparking a conversation about player safety and health protocols. His return to professional football became a story of resilience and hope, inspiring fans and players around the world.
Eriksen’s survival and ongoing career are a testament to medical advancements and the strength of the football community’s support in times of crisis.