Simon Kjær

Simon Thorup Kjær (Danish pronunciation: [ˈsiː.mʊn ˈkʰjæːɐ̯]; born 26 March 1989) is a Danish former professional footballer who played as a centre-back.

Kjær was named 2007 Danish under-19 talent of the year and 2009 Danish Talent of the Year. He played 132 matches for Denmark, including participation at the FIFA World Cup in 2010, 2018 and 2022, and the UEFA European Championship in 2012, 2020 and 2024.

Club career

Midtjylland

Born in Horsens, Kjær started playing football when he was four years old. This led him to join a small-time club, Lund IF near Horsens, before moving to the youth team of Danish Superliga club FC Midtjylland (FCM) in 2004, where his father, Jørn Kjær, was the club's equipment manager. He was one of the first players to graduate from FCM's football academy, the first of its kind in Denmark, coming through the system alongside Midtjylland teammates Jesper Weinkouff, Christian Sivebæk and former teammate, Winston Reid. Kjær started out playing in the midfield position before one of his coaches switched him to a defender position, a position he played until retirement. While at the club system, Kjær was named the best player of a French youth tournament in April 2006. This resulted in Midtjylland subsequently rejecting offers from Lille OSC for Kjær and Jesper Juelsgård.

Kjær made his senior debut for Midtjylland in the Viasat Cup training matches in June 2006, Two months later, he signed his first professional contract, keeping him until 2009. Kjær was promoted to the first team squad in January 2007. He had a successful trial with Real Madrid in August 2007, but their transfer offer was refused by FC Midtjylland. Soon after, Kjær signed a five-year contract with Midtjylland instead in September 2007.