Eriksen Leaves Wolfsburg by Mutual Consent After June Collapse
Christian Eriksen has terminated his contract with German club VfL Wolfsburg by mutual consent, the club announced on 23 September 2026. The Danish midfielder was under contract until June 2027. The decision follows a collapse during an international friendly in June, five years after his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
Wolfsburg's sporting director Dieter Hecking said the club granted Eriksen's request to terminate the deal. "For us it was clear that the decision on his future had to belong to Christian," Hecking stated. "We wanted to give him that freedom in such a particular situation."
Eriksen, 34, said his priority is now his family. "At the moment, for me it is important to be close to my family in Denmark," he explained, adding he was "happy" to have reached an agreement with the club.
What Happened in June
The midfielder lost consciousness "for a brief instant" on 7 June, during the 64th minute of a friendly between Denmark and Ukraine. The match was stopped by the referee. Eriksen recovered quickly and left the pitch conscious. His implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) functioned as intended during the episode.
The device was implanted after his cardiac arrest on 12 June 2021, during Denmark's European Championship match against Finland in Copenhagen. That earlier incident ended his time in Italian football.
Why He Cannot Play in Italy
Italian regulations prohibit professional athletes with an implanted defibrillator from competing at the top level. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) applies strict medical rules derived from legislation dating back to 1971 and updated in 1995. Eriksen's contract with Milan-based club Inter was terminated in December 2021 because he could not obtain medical clearance. He then resumed his career in England, first with Brentford and then Manchester United, before joining Wolfsburg as a free agent in September 2025.
Other countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, allow players with an ICD to compete, permitting decisions on a case-by-case basis.
A Turbulent Year in Germany
Eriksen arrived at Wolfsburg on a two-year deal in September 2025. He made 34 appearances across all competitions the following season, scoring three goals and providing 10 assists. The club finished 16th in the Bundesliga. Wolfsburg then lost a relegation play-off to SC Paderborn in June 2026, dropping to the second division for the first time in 29 years.
Hecking said Eriksen left a lasting impression on teammates, staff and fans despite his short stay.
