Danish · Horsens, Denmark · Born 26 March 1989Simon Kjær is a Danish former footballer and long-time national team captain, globally celebrated for his composed leadership during teammate Christian Eriksen's on-field cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
Simon Kjær's response to Christian Eriksen's cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 — clearing his airway, beginning chest compressions, and then organising his teammates into a protective huddle while personally comforting Eriksen's distraught wife — earned him the UEFA President's Award and a recognition that extended far beyond what he achieved across 132 caps and a Serie A title with AC Milan. He moved into professional football with Palermo in Italy in 2008, launching a career that would take him through Roma, Wolfsburg, Lille, Fenerbahçe, and Sevilla, with a loan spell at Atalanta. Kjær joined AC Milan in January 2020, initially on loan, and established himself as a defensive leader at the club, helping Milan win their first Scudetto in 11 years in the 2021-22 season. Renowned for his tactical intelligence and composed leadership, he became Denmark's national team captain in 2016 and earned 132 caps across a 15-year international career, representing his country at three World Cups (2010, 2018, 2022) and three European Championships (2012, 2020, 2024). Kjær's defining moment came at Euro 2020, when teammate Christian Eriksen suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during Denmark's opening match against Finland. Kjær was first to reach Eriksen, clearing his airway and beginning chest compressions before medical staff arrived, then organised his teammates into a protective huddle to shield Eriksen from the crowd and cameras, and personally comforted Eriksen's distraught wife. For his composure and humanity that day, Kjær received the UEFA President's Award alongside the Danish medical team. He retired from international football after Euro 2024 and from club football in January 2025.
His composed leadership during Christian Eriksen's on-field cardiac arrest at Euro 2020
How They Played
Commanding, tactically astute centre-back with strong leadership qualities
Lasting Impact
Celebrated worldwide for his humanity and calm leadership in a life-threatening emergency, alongside a distinguished defensive career across five countries
Career Honours
- Serie A champion (2022, AC Milan)
- UEFA President's Award (2021)
- 132 caps for Denmark, national team captain 2016-2024
- 6 major tournaments played (3 World Cups, 3 European Championships)
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Midtjylland | 2007–2008 | — |
| Palermo | 2008–2011 | — |
| Roma | 2011–2013 | — |
| Lille | 2013–2015 | — |
| Fenerbahçe | 2015–2017 | — |
| Sevilla | 2017–2020 | — |
| AC Milan | 2020–2024 | — |
Danish Athletes