Christian Eriksen to begin individual rehab in Denmark after second on-field collapse, Wolfsburg says future uncertain
The Danish midfielder, 34, will soon begin a rehabilitation programme in his native country following the cardiac incident during a June friendly against Ukraine, his club VfL Wolfsburg announced. The defibrillator implanted after his Euro 2021 cardiac arrest again activated, and his playing future remains undecided.
What happened on the pitch
Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark's friendly against Ukraine in Odense on 7 June 2026. The match was abandoned immediately after the second such incident of his career. He received on-field treatment and was able to walk to an ambulance to applause, then quickly left hospital. The next day he said he was fine and at home with his family.
I want to let everyone know that I'm fine and I'm home with my family.
Denmark team doctor Morton Boesen stated he was relatively certain that Eriksen's implantable defibrillator had fired again. The device had been fitted after his cardiac arrest during Denmark's Euro 2021 match against Finland, and once again it appeared to have restored his heart rhythm instantly.
Club statement on rehabilitation
On Thursday, Wolfsburg announced that Eriksen would soon begin an individual rehab programme in Denmark. The decision follows talks between the player and managing director Dieter Hecking. The club, relegated to the 2. Bundesliga at the end of the 2025–26 season, said it remains in regular contact with Eriksen and his treating doctors.
Christian Eriksen will soon begin an individual rehabilitation programme. After discussions with VfL managing director Dieter Hecking, it was decided that the 34-year-old will complete it in his native Denmark. VfL remains in regular contact with Christian and the doctors overseeing his treatment. We continue to wish Christian all the best in his rehabilitation.
What comes next
No decision has been made about Eriksen's professional future. Talks about his sporting prospects in Wolfsburg, originally planned for earlier this summer, were put on hold after the incident. The club is awaiting further developments and has given no indication of when or if he might return to football. For now, the focus is on the rehabilitation in his home country, where he will be monitored by the medical team that has been with him since the 2021 episode.
- Eriksen collapses during Denmark vs. Ukraine friendly in Odense; match abandoned.
- Eriksen leaves hospital and says he is fine and home with his family.
- Wolfsburg announces he will start individual rehab in Denmark soon.
- Decision on his future in football remains pending; no return timeline given.
