The heartwarming Ballon d’Or moment the world’s best players applauded Simon Kjaer for saving Christian Eriksen

Last night in Paris, the world’s best footballers gathered together for the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

The show was not without its controversy, with many watching disputing the legitimacy of the award winners.

Award winners

Lionel Messi won a record-breaking seventh Ballon D’Or last night. While Alexia Putellas was crowned the best women’s player in the world.

There were also awards for Robert Lewandowski, who picked up the trophy for the best striker. Gigi Donnarumma collected the Yashin Trophy.

Chelsea won the award for the best team following their Champions League triumph. Another winner was Barcelona and Spain’s Pedri, who picked up the Kopa Trophy.

Not all heroes wear a cape

There were more important things than being crowned the best. A heartwarming moment occurred when former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba paid tribute to Simon Kjaer for saving Christian Eriksen’s life at Euro 2020.

Everyone can remember those awful scenes in June when Eriksen collapsed during Denmark’s game against Finland.


“Someone once said not all superheroes wear a cape. Thank you very much, Simon Kjaer.”

– Didier Drogba

Road to recovery

Eriksen’s collapse brought home just how fragile life can be. For someone so young and fit to go through that sent shockwaves around the world. Eriksen’s recovery has been long and hard, but the midfielder is eager to continue playing.

Eriksen received life-saving treatment on the field as the world watched on in horror. The game between Denmark and Finland came to a temporary halt due to the incident. Meanwhile, Eriksen was rushed to a nearby hospital to continue treatment.

There have been similar incidents in the game that would give Eriksen some hope of a full recovery. Ajax defender Daley Blind was fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and continued playing at a high level.

A week after the terrible incident, Eriksen left the hospital. The midfielder was able to continue his recovery at home.

A return to action?

Eriksen is unable to play for Inter Milan due to the fact he had an ICD fitted. Serie A rules state that a player cannot take to the field with an ICD fitted.

A statement from Inter Milan read:

“With reference to the registration rights of the player Eriksen it should be noted that following a serious injury which occurred during the European Championship in June 2021, the player has been temporarily inhibited by the Italian medical authority from sporting activity in the current season.

“Although the current conditions of the player don’t meet the requirements of achieving sporting fitness in Italy, the same could instead be achieved in other countries where the player could resume competitive activity.”

There were several people directly and indirectly affected by the scenes on that June day. One of those at the heart of it all, Kjaer, is keen to move past the incident.

Those affected would love to see Eriksen return to competitive action. The Denmark international cannot play for Inter Milan, but it hasn’t stopped reports from linking him with a return to former club, Ajax.

Only time will tell if Eriksen can make a return to action. The whole of football will be behind him if and when he does.