Simon Kjaer

Written by Sofie Engberg Munch for TV 2 Denmark:

Simon Kjær became Denmark’s most capped male player in October 2023, overtaking the legendary Peter Schmeichel’s 129 caps. A leader on the pitch who has become better with age: “It has been a long journey from 2009 to now with lots of great experiences but there is no place I’d rather play than for the national team,” he told TV2 after equalling Schmeichel’s record. Has played all over Europe for clubs such as Palermo, Wolfsburg, Roma, Lille, Fenerbahce, Sevilla, Atalanta and has been with Milan since 2020, winning the scudetto in 2022. Has transformed himself from being an introverted youngster to an outspoken elder statesman – on and off the pitch - although he says: “I’d rather play in front of 35,000 than make a speech at a party.” Was heralded worldwide for his actions when Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch at Parken during Euro 2020, forming a shield with his teammates so that no one could look in when the playmaker was receiving treatment as well as comforting Eriksen’s partner.