Christian Eriksen collapsed during the second half of a friendly match between Denmark and Ukraine on June 7, 2026, in Odense — the 34-year-old midfielder, who plays for VfL Wolfsburg, was making his 151st international appearance for Denmark when the incident occurred. According to Denmark team doctor Morten Boesen, Eriksen regained consciousness quickly and walked off the pitch under his own power before being taken to the hospital for further examination.

Device Functioned as Expected

Boesen confirmed that Eriksen’s implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), a device he received after collapsing at Euro 2020, appeared to function as intended. ‘As I see it, the pacemaker responded as it should,’ he said. The ICD is about half the size of a mobile phone and is designed to monitor the heart rhythm 24/7; If a dangerous rhythm is detected that could lead to sudden cardiac arrest, the device can deliver a shock to restore normal heart function.

Eriksen was the first player to continue playing in the top flight with an ICD, a decision made possible in leagues such as the Premier League and Bundesliga, which do not have the same restrictions as Serie A. In 2022. He resumed his career with Brentford. Followed by three years with Manchester United, before joining Wolfsburg last summer; he played 34 games for the German Bundesliga club during the 2025-26 season.

Quick Response and Support from Teammates

Teammates and medical staff responded swiftly to the incident. Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg told Danish broadcaster TV2 that Eriksen was on the ground for only a short time before regaining consciousness. ‘Everyone reacted super-fast and with respect,’ he said. He praised the courage of those who cared for Eriksen on the field and emphasized the importance of his recovery. ‘The most important thing is that Christian is doing well,’ he added.

After Eriksen received treatment. Both Danish and Ukrainian players formed a protective circle around him, a gesture that was repeated during the 2021 Euro incident when he collapsed against Finland. Following the match being called off, players and staff from both teams stood arm in arm in a circle during a team address by Denmark coach Brian Riemer.

Ongoing Monitoring and Future Plans

Boesen noted that Eriksen will undergo further examinations at the hospital to determine the cause of the incident. ‘We are in ongoing contact with him and the doctors at the hospital,’ he said. Eriksen also sent his regards to teammates and confirmed that he is ‘okay,’ according to Boesen. Earlier in 2022, Eriksen said he had no concerns about playing with an ICD. ‘I don’t see any risk, no. I have an ICD, if anything would happen then I am safe,’ he told BBC Sport before his comeback.

Denmark and Ukraine did not qualify for the upcoming World Cup, which begins on Thursday. The friendly match was abandoned after Eriksen’s collapse, with Denmark leading 2-1 at the time.