Danish · Copenhagen, Denmark · Born 11 September 1957Preben Elkjær was a Danish striker and key figure of the 'Danish Dynamite' golden generation of the 1980s, who led Hellas Verona to their only Serie A title in 1985.
Preben Elkjær led Hellas Verona to the only major title in the club's history — the 1984-85 Serie A championship — before winning the Bronze Ball as the third-best player at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, earning an enduring status in Verona so singular that some voters still write his name on municipal election ballots to this day. Fast-tracked into Denmark's youth ranks as a teenager, he scored seven goals in 15 games in his first professional season with Vanløse, quickly attracting interest from clubs across Europe, and moved to 1. FC Köln in the German Bundesliga in 1976, winning the DFB-Pokal in his first season. Elkjær spent his peak years at Belgian club Lokeren and then Hellas Verona in Italy, where in 1984-85 he led an unfashionable provincial club to the only major title in its history, the Serie A championship, scoring the decisive goal on the final day against Avellino. In Verona he earned the enduring nickname 'Il Sindaco' (the Mayor), and remains so beloved that to this day some voters still write his name on their ballots in the city's mayoral elections. Internationally, Elkjær was a central figure of the 'Danish Dynamite' team under coach Sepp Piontek that captivated Europe at Euro 1984 and reached Denmark's first-ever World Cup at Mexico 1986, where he won the Bronze Ball as the tournament's third-best player. Renowned for his maverick, powerful playing style, he finished third in the 1984 Ballon d'Or and runner-up in 1985. He returned to Denmark with Vejle in 1988 before retiring in 1990, having scored 38 goals in 69 caps for his country.
Leading Hellas Verona to their only Serie A title and starring for Denmark's 'Danish Dynamite' team of the 1980s
How They Played
Powerful, unpredictable striker known for maverick flair and a fierce shot
Lasting Impact
One of the great mavericks of 1980s European football, still beloved in Verona decades after his playing career ended
Career Honours
- Serie A champion (1985, Hellas Verona)
- Bronze Ball, 1986 FIFA World Cup
- 2x runner-up, Ballon d'Or (1984, 1985)
- 38 goals in 69 caps for Denmark
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Vanløse | 1976–1976 | — |
| 1. FC Köln | 1976–1978 | — |
| Lokeren | 1978–1984 | — |
| Hellas Verona | 1984–1988 | — |
| Vejle | 1988–1990 | — |
Danish Athletes