Christian Eriksen’s implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) activated during a training session with his Danish club, according to British cardiologists who analysed the incident. The device, fitted after his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, delivers an electric shock to restore normal rhythm when it detects a life-threatening arrhythmia. Dr.
James Riddell, a consultant cardiologist at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, described the event as a “textbook intervention.” The ICD’s swift response likely prevented a fatal outcome, underscoring the device’s critical role in managing high-risk patients. Eriksen, who now plays for Manchester United, has been fitted with the ICD since 2021.
The incident raises questions about the long-term management of athletes with such devices, though experts stress that modern ICDs are highly reliable. The Danish midfielder is expected to undergo further evaluation before returning to play.
