In a heart-stopping moment reminiscent of past events, Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark’s friendly match against Ukraine on Sunday. This incident occurred nearly five years after his harrowing cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.

During the second half of the game, Eriksen, positioned about ten yards away from the action, suddenly clutched his chest and fell to the ground. The scene quickly turned tense as medical personnel raced to his side to provide urgent assistance.

In a show of solidarity and concern, players gathered around Eriksen to form a protective huddle. The match was immediately abandoned, and Eriksen was swiftly transported to the hospital with his wife, Sabrina, accompanying him.

The Danish Football Association later released a reassuring statement, confirming that Eriksen was “conscious” and “doing well under the circumstances.” They announced, “Christian Eriksen is conscious and doing well given the circumstances. The match has been called off.”

Echoing this message, a large screen in the Odense stadium displayed a similar update, reassuring fans and onlookers that “The match is over. Christian Eriksen is in good condition under the circumstances.”

Fans also started to sing Eriksen’s name and clapped as he received treatment.

Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch during Denmark’s friendly against Ukraine on Sunday

Players from both sides formed a huddle around Eriksen as he received treatment on the pitch

A message on the big screen inside the stadium read: ‘The match is over. Christian Eriksen is in good condition under the circumstances’

Around 10 minutes later, Danish national team doctor Morten Boesen – who was credited with saving Eriksen’s life in 2021 – provided fans with a further update.

He said: ‘Christian is doing well and walked off the pitch himself. As I see it, the pacemaker responded as it should. 

‘He was briefly unconscious, but regained consciousness very quickly, and we were quickly in contact with him. 

‘Now he will be examined further at the hospital to find out what caused the incident. 

‘We are in ongoing contact with him and the doctors at the hospital. But Christian is doing well. 

‘He asked me to send his regards to all the players and tell them that he was OK.’ 

Eriksen, who now plays for Wolfsburg in Germany after leaving Manchester United last year, received treatment for around 10 minutes, before he was given a standing ovation as he made his way off the pitch. 

Former Denmark star Nicklas Bendtner was covering the game as a pundit on Danish TV and he fought back the tears as he tried to work out what to say when the incident happened. 

‘These are horrible pictures, and it completely overshadows the rest of the evening,’ he said. 

‘My thoughts are with the family and the children, and it’s a difficult situation to be in right now.

‘This is the second time it has happened, and as Christian’s friend also… it’s really terrible.’

Several of Eriksen’s Denmark team-mates were understandably distressed and broke down in tears on the pitch.

Players from both sides then accompanied the midfielder to a waiting ambulance while holding up a privacy screen around him in powerful scenes. 

They later gathered together in a huddle and went around the stadium to thanks those in attendance. 

Players from both sides formed a privacy screen around him as he made his way off the pitch

When the game was abandoned, Denmark and Ukraine’s players gathered together in a huddle

Several individuals and clubs were quick to send their best wishes to Eriksen, including his current side Wolfsburg, who said: ‘We’re thinking of you, Christian. 

‘Today’s international match between Denmark and Ukraine had to be abandoned following Christian Eriksen’s collapse. 

‘According to the Danish Football Association, Christian is conscious and doing well given the circumstances. 

‘He has been taken to Odense University Hospital, where further examinations will follow. 

‘We are in close contact with the Danish Football Association and are following further developments. All the best and a speedy recovery, Christian.’

Manchester United, meanwhile, said: ‘Everybody at Manchester United is encouraged by Denmark’s update on Christian Eriksen following today’s abandoned friendly against Ukraine. 

‘The club is sending strength and love to Christian and the Eriksen family as we await further news.’

Another of Eriksen’s former clubs, Tottenham, added: ‘Our thoughts are with Christian Eriksen and his family. 

‘Wishing you a full and speedy recovery, Christian. We’re all with you.’

Ashley Young, who played with Eriksen at Inter Milan, also shared a message as he said: ‘I hope you’re OK bro @ChrisEriksen8, sending prayers and best wishes to you and your family.’

Ukraine head coach Andrea Maldera didn’t take any questions during his post-match press conference, rather he expressed support from his side for Eriksen and his family, along with the Danish team and their fans. 

Maldera added: ‘Out of respect for him – it would not be right to talk about football right now.’

Several of Eriksen’s Denmark team-mates broke down in tears after the distressing incident 

Eriksen pictured ahead of Sunday’s game in what was his 151st cap for his country

On June 12, 2021, Eriksen collapsed on the pitch during Denmark’s Euro 2020 match against Finland after suffering a cardiac arrest where his heart stopped for roughly five minutes, with the 34-year-old later saying that he had ‘died for five minutes’. 

On that occasion, he received CPR and was taken to hospital where he was stabilised.

However, the midfielder made an incredible return to football with Brentford just eight months later after being fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) – a type of pacemaker – which Boesen claimed may have saved his life this time around. 

Reflecting on the terrifying incident to BBC Sport in 2022, Eriksen said: ‘I can remember everything apart from the five minutes.

‘I was told afterwards it was five minutes, otherwise I remember everything – the throw in, the ball hitting my knee and then I don’t know what happened after.

‘Then I woke up with people around me and felt the pressure on my chest, trying to get my breathing back, and then I woke up – I opened my eyes and saw people around me, I didn’t really understand what was going on.

‘At that time I had no idea what had happened, then it goes through my head: “Did something happen with my legs? Did I break my back? Can I lift my leg up?” – all small things I was trying to do to see what happened.

‘Then in the ambulance I heard someone say “how long was he out for” and someone said “five minutes” and that was the first time I had heard I was gone.’

After resuming his playing career at Brentford in 2022, Eriksen spent three years with Manchester United before his move to Wolfsburg last summer.  

Denmark had been 2-1 up in the clash on Sunday – which was Eriksen’s 151st cap for his country – after goals from Red Devils star Patrick Dorgu and Joakim Maehle, with Viktor Tsygankov pulling one back for Ukraine. 

The game was a friendly after both sides lost in the World Cup play-offs in March to miss out on this summer’s tournament. 

Which England star has 7 GCSEs? Who has lost half of his finger? Test your knowledge of Thomas Tuchel’s squad with our exclusive quiz HERE. 

CHICAGO — Stacey King, renowned for his role as a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and later beloved as a broadcaster for the team, has passed away at the age of 59, according to an announcement made by the team on Sunday.

The cause of death has not been disclosed.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“Stacey King was a treasured member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history,” stated Jerry Reinsdorf, the Bulls owner and chairman. “His bond with Chicago, the Bulls, and our fans extended over more than three decades—initially as a player and subsequently as the unforgettable voice that brought Bulls basketball into the homes of countless fans across generations. We will deeply miss him and cherish the joy, energy, humor, candor, and passion he infused into our organization, broadcasts, and fans every day.”

ABC7 caught up with King’s friend, Ike White, on Sunday to reflect on the loss.

“Not too long ago, I spoke with him, and we had made plans for the summer. We intended to enjoy some shrimp and have a great summer together. Then, this morning, while I was driving, his son called to inform me that Stacey had passed away. It was completely unexpected,” White shared.

It is remarkable to look back on the legacy King has left on this franchise and city, both on the court and in the broadcast booth.

And of course, there is the personality and talent that he brought to that Bulls dynasty team in the 1990s.

ABC7 also caught up with our former sports anchor, Jim Rose, who had a front-row seat to King’s career over the years. He shared just how special he was.

“Stacey King was an icon as far as a broadcaster is concerned, and one of the nicest people you ever want to meet. I’m so saddened to hear of his loss like that. He is one of the greatest basketball analysts that I’ve ever heard in my long career, and he will be missed,” Rose said.

King averaged 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in an eight-season playing career that later included stops with the Timberwolves, Heat, Celtics and Mavericks.

It was the start of his professional career with the Bulls, however, where King had his most success. The sixth overall pick in the 1989 draft out of Oklahoma, King played all 82 games as a rookie, coming off the bench to average 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds while playing alongside Michael Jordan as the Bulls reeled off three consecutive championships from 1991 to 1993.

“Stacey loved being a Bull,” team president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf said in a statement. ” You could feel it in everything he did — the way he played, the way he called games, and the way he connected with our fans. He had a unique gift for bringing people together and making every game feel personal… Stacey genuinely cared about people, and he made our organization better. We will miss him dearly, and his impact, memory and legacy will remain part of the Chicago Bulls forever.”

Following his playing career, King went into coaching, taking a job as the head coach of the Rockford Lightning of the Continental Basketball Association for the 2001-02 season.

ABC7 crews have seen some people stop by the United Center on Sunday, and there likely will be more flowers and honorary items to add in coming days.

Chicago Sports Network issued a statement from President and CEO Michael McCarthy, saying, “Stacey King was one of the most beloved figures in Chicago sports. As a three-time NBA champion, he helped build the legacy of the Chicago Bulls. As a broadcaster, he brought that same passion, authenticity, and unmistakable personality into the homes of fans for nearly two decades. Stacey had a unique ability to connect generations of Bulls fans. Whether through his basketball insight, his humor, or his unforgettable calls, he made every game more enjoyable and every broadcast better. We are deeply grateful that Stacey was part of the Chicago Sports Network family and the Bulls broadcast team. His impact on this city, this franchise, and our network will be felt for years to come. On behalf of everyone at CHSN, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Stacey’s family, friends, teammates, and the countless fans whose lives he touched.”

The NBA issued a statement, saying, “The NBA family mourns the passing of Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion and longtime Chicago Bulls television analyst. Stacey made his mark on the game as a player, coach and commentator. For more than 20 years on Bulls broadcasts, his passion, knowledge and unmistakable energy resonated with generations of fans. We extend our deepest condolences to Stacey’s family and friends and the Bulls organization.”

ESPN contributed to this report.

A Brazilian family was left heartbroken after falling victim to a scheme orchestrated by a con artist who pretended to be a 12-year-old girl in need of adoption, according to local authorities.

The woman, identified as Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira, 37, allegedly masqueraded as a young autistic girl named Gabrielle for over a year. She reportedly employed various tactics to maintain her deception, such as using a baby bottle, a pacifier, and a comfort cloth, and even staged night terrors to make her act more convincing to the family in Santa Catarina, as per the investigation by Brazilian officials.

“I was tricked by someone who pretended to be a 12-year-old,” shared a family member who fell victim to the deception. The statement was given in Portuguese and reported by local news outlet Jornal Ipanema, which kept the individual’s identity confidential.

“I offered her love, care, and food. There was no sign that made me suspect anything,” the family member continued.

The con began when Oliveira allegedly approached a church in Joinville, Santa Catarina, introducing herself to a pastor as a runaway child named Gabriela, claiming she had fled an abusive household in Pará.

The congregation then began supporting her financially and eventually connected her with a local family, who took her in and grew to love who they thought was a vulnerable child in need.

Over the course of the next 14 months, Oliveira had the family actively adopting her, and allegedly played on their kindness and sympathy — getting them to pay for her medications and even plan her a 12th birthday party.

She convinced the volunteers and the families she conned that the reason she looks nearly 40 years old in the face is due to experiencing violent abuse and forced hormone treatments in her childhood that aged her prematurely, which most just believed, according to VICE.

However, the scheme unraveled when a relative grew suspicious and decided to search online for similar cases. The family member quickly discovered that the little girl whose 12th birthday they were preparing to celebrate was, in fact, a 37-year-old woman tied to a string of nearly identical cons in roughly seven states across Brazil, the outlet reported.

That relative then called police after her discovery, who arrested Oliveira at the family’s home on June 3.

After her arrest last Wednesday, the grown woman admitted to the scheme and confessed to investigators that she had similarly conned several other families throughout at least seven Brazilian states, according to the outlet.

After Oliveira’s sick scheme was exposed, a Rio de Janeiro volunteer told local media that the fraudster had reached out to her on social media in 2023, claiming her father had forced her into prostitution, practiced witchcraft and that she was in need of help.

When Oliveira showed up in person, the volunteer said she appeared to be an overweight, autistic teenager who spoke like a child.

She then fled Rio after volunteers discovered needles horrifyingly protruding through her skin from underneath, prompting those she was conning to arrange a hospital imaging test.

During that test, it was revealed that Oliveira shockingly had more than 200 needles in her body — which investigators said she had inserted into herself in an effort to make the abuse claims more convincing.

“The doctor looked shocked and told us he had worked in the field for years and had never seen anything like it,” a volunteer told The Mirror about the needles in Oliveira’s body.

After the wild discovery, Oliveira fled and continued her scheme in other parts of the country.

Each time, she would present herself as a child who had fled abuse, sex trafficking, or even religious cults, and regularly gave fake names, fabricated stories, and imitated childlike behavior to gain sympathy and persuade families, churches and social workers to shelter and financially support her.

She had also been previously convicted of false identity offenses in the Brazilian state of Goiás, and has not yet served her sentence for those offenses.

Oliveira was charged with fraud and identity theft and is now in Joinville Women’s Prison awaiting trial.

A judge also granted the defense’s request for a psychiatric evaluation, arguing that Oliveira may not be fully responsible for her actions due to her mental health condition.

In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Israel has conducted airstrikes on locations it identified as Hezbollah command centers in the southern suburbs of Beirut. This military action on Sunday was in response to what Israeli authorities claim was a rocket attack by Hezbollah targeting northern Israel. Hezbollah has not yet taken responsibility for the alleged attack.

This surge in hostilities comes shortly after the United States, Israel, and Lebanon announced a renewed ceasefire agreement. This conditional framework demands that Hezbollah cease firing and withdraw from certain areas in southern Lebanon. The escalation also follows the release of footage by the Israeli Defense Forces, purportedly showing their troops dismantling a Hezbollah explosives site. Experts analyzing the footage noted that the components appeared consistent with shrapnel devices meant to injure or kill individuals on foot.

The recent airstrikes represent a significant cross-border flare-up, occurring just days after the ceasefire framework was put in place. The agreement called for Hezbollah to halt aggressive actions and retreat from specific parts of southern Lebanon.

In a statement from his office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the military strikes were a direct response to Hezbollah’s earlier violations of the ceasefire terms.

An image captures a building engulfed in flames following an Israeli airstrike in central Beirut, Lebanon, on March 18, 2026. The photo, taken by Hussein Malla for AP, underscores the intensity of the conflict.