When football fans search for Mikkel Damsgaard, they often remember the young Danish player who scored a stunning free kick against England at Euro 2020. Today, Damsgaard is an important creative midfielder for Brentford and the Denmark national team. After injuries slowed his early years in England, he rebuilt his strength, became one of Brentford’s leading players and signed a contract lasting until 2030.
Quick Bio of Mikkel Damsgaard
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Mikkel Krogh Damsgaard |
| Date of birth | July 3, 2000 |
| Age in July 2026 | 26 years old |
| Birthplace | Jyllinge, Denmark |
| Nationality | Danish |
| Profession | Professional footballer |
| Current club | Brentford |
| Shirt number | 24 |
| Main position | Attacking or central midfielder |
| Other positions | Left winger and forward |
| Former clubs | FC Nordsjælland and Sampdoria |
| National team | Denmark |
| Brentford contract | Until summer 2030 |
| Contract option | One additional year |
| Famous moment | Free kick against England at Euro 2020 |
| Major club honour | Brentford Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Year for 2024/25 |
His date of birth, position, current club and international status are confirmed by the Danish Football Association and the Premier League.
Who Is Damsgaard?
Mikkel Damsgaard is a Danish footballer known for his passing, movement and ability to create chances.
He usually plays in midfield, where he connects the defence with the attacking players. He can also move into wider areas, play behind the striker or carry the ball forward himself.
Damsgaard is not a traditional physical midfielder who depends mainly on strength.
His best qualities include:
- Finding space between defenders
- Playing through balls
- Controlling the ball in small areas
- Creating chances for teammates
- Moving past opponents
- Pressing and winning possession
- Taking free kicks
- Playing in several attacking positions
His quiet personality is very different from the excitement he can create on the pitch.
He rarely attracts attention through dramatic interviews or social-media arguments. Most of his public reputation comes from his football.
How Old Is Mikkel Damsgaard?
Damsgaard was born on July 3, 2000.
He turned 26 years old on July 3, 2026.
He was only 20 when he became internationally famous during Denmark’s run to the Euro 2020 semi-finals. Although the competition kept its Euro 2020 name, it took place in 2021 after being delayed.
His rise at such a young age created huge expectations.
Many fans believed he would quickly become one of Europe’s biggest attacking midfielders. His career did continue moving forward, but serious health and injury problems made the journey much harder than expected.
Where Was Damsgaard Born?
Damsgaard was born in Jyllinge, a Danish town west of Copenhagen.
He started playing for his local club, Jyllinge FC, when he was very young. His father coached him during his early football years.
A scout later noticed him while attending a match to watch a different player.
That unexpected moment changed his future.
Damsgaard joined the youth system of FC Nordsjælland, a club known for giving young players opportunities in professional football. He remained there as he developed from a promising child into a first-team player.
How Did Damsgaard Start His Professional Career?
Damsgaard made his official FC Nordsjælland debut in September 2017.
He was only 17 years old.
His first senior appearance came in a Danish Cup match against Vejgaard. He played the entire match and provided an assist during a 4–0 victory.
Two months later, he made his Danish Superliga debut.
Nordsjælland slowly gave him more responsibility. He played in central midfield, on the wing and sometimes close to the main striker.
This flexibility became one of the strongest parts of his game.
He was not limited to one small area of the pitch. Coaches could move him depending on the opponent and the needs of the team.
When Did Damsgaard Have His Breakthrough Season?
His biggest Danish breakthrough came during the 2019/20 season.
Brentford’s official profile says he produced 11 goals and seven assists in 37 matches across all competitions that season. He mainly played from the left but often moved into central areas to create chances.
Those performances attracted attention from clubs outside Denmark.
Damsgaard appeared calm on the ball and unusually mature for his age. He could receive possession while surrounded by opponents and still find a useful pass.
His style made him suitable for leagues where tactical movement and close control are important.
Italian club Sampdoria eventually won the race to sign him.
When Did Damsgaard Join Sampdoria?
Damsgaard agreed to join Sampdoria in 2020.
The transfer gave him a chance to play in Serie A, one of Europe’s most respected leagues.
Italian football required him to understand defensive positioning, movement and decision-making at a higher level. He could no longer depend only on his natural talent.
His first season was promising.
He made 35 Serie A appearances and scored twice. His performances helped him earn a larger role with Denmark before the European Championship.
The move appeared to be working perfectly.
Then Euro 2020 changed his public life.
Why Did Damsgaard Become Famous at Euro 2020?
Damsgaard entered the tournament as a talented young player.
He left it as one of Denmark’s most recognisable footballers.
Denmark’s campaign began in deeply emotional circumstances after Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest during the opening match against Finland.
The team continued playing and eventually reached the semi-finals.
Damsgaard played a major role.
He scored during Denmark’s 4–1 victory over Russia, becoming the youngest Danish player to score at a European Championship at that time.
His biggest moment arrived against England at Wembley Stadium.
What Happened in the England Match?
Denmark faced England in the Euro 2020 semi-final on July 7, 2021.
Damsgaard opened the scoring with a powerful free kick.
The ball travelled over England’s defensive wall and past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. It was the only direct free-kick goal scored during the tournament.
England later equalised and won 2–1 after extra time.
Denmark did not reach the final, but Damsgaard’s goal became one of the tournament’s most memorable moments. Brentford highlighted that strike when announcing his arrival from Sampdoria in 2022.
The goal also increased interest from major European clubs.
Suddenly, people expected Damsgaard to become a star immediately.
His body had other plans.
What Health Problems Did Damsgaard Face?
Damsgaard experienced a very difficult period after the European Championship.
He suffered a knee problem while playing for Sampdoria. The issue became more complicated than an ordinary football injury.
Damsgaard later explained that a form of arthritis affected him and caused him to lose power and speed. His long absence stopped the momentum he had built during the tournament.
He spent months away from regular football.
For a young player, this was especially difficult.
Other footballers continued training, playing and improving while he focused on recovery. When he returned, he needed time to rebuild his physical condition and confidence.
His Euro performances remained fresh in people’s minds, so some supporters expected the same explosive player immediately.
Recovery did not happen that quickly.
When Did Damsgaard Join Brentford?
Brentford signed Damsgaard from Sampdoria on August 10, 2022.
He agreed to an original five-year contract.
The London club saw him as a young player with technical skill and room to improve. He was also familiar with several Danish players and staff connected with Brentford.
The move brought him into the Premier League.
It also gave him an environment where the club could remain patient during his physical recovery.
However, his first two Brentford seasons were not easy.
Why Did Damsgaard Struggle at First?
Damsgaard arrived after a long period without regular football.
He needed to regain strength, sharpness and confidence while adjusting to the speed of the Premier League.
He also suffered further injury problems, including issues involving his knee and adductor area.
During his first two league seasons with Brentford, he played only 1,816 Premier League minutes. That was much less than a regular starter would normally receive.
Some supporters began questioning whether the transfer would succeed.
His talent remained visible in small moments, but he could not produce his best football every week.
Brentford remained patient.
The coaching staff continued working with him rather than judging him only by his early numbers.
That patience eventually brought a major reward.
When Did Damsgaard Find His Best Brentford Form?
The 2024/25 season became the turning point.
Damsgaard finally enjoyed a long period of regular training and playing time. His body became stronger, while his understanding with Brentford’s attacking players improved.
He began controlling matches from midfield.
Instead of producing only occasional flashes, he started creating chances almost every week.
His passing helped attacking players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Kevin Schade find better scoring positions.
By the end of the league season, Damsgaard had provided 11 Premier League assists. He was also among the league’s eight leading players for chances created, with 63.
It was the season that proved he had fully returned.
Which Brentford Awards Did Damsgaard Win?
Brentford supporters voted Damsgaard their Supporters’ Player of the Year for 2024/25.
His teammates also selected him as the Players’ Player of the Year.
Winning both awards carried special meaning.
Supporters recognised the excitement and creativity he brought to matches. His teammates understood the work he completed during training and games.
Damsgaard appeared in every Brentford match across the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup that season. He finished the league campaign with two goals and 11 assists and also scored his first club goal during a League Cup win over Leyton Orient.
The awards completed a remarkable change.
A player once struggling to remain fit had become the club’s most celebrated performer.
How Long Is Damsgaard’s Brentford Contract?
Damsgaard signed a new Brentford contract in January 2025.
The deal runs until the summer of 2030.
Brentford also holds an option to extend it for one additional year, potentially keeping him at the club until 2031.
At the time of the extension, Damsgaard explained that remaining with Brentford was an easy choice.
He enjoyed the club, his teammates and the support he received during his difficult early period.
The long agreement also showed Brentford’s confidence in him.
The club was not only rewarding one good season. It was identifying him as an important player for its future.
How Did Damsgaard Perform in 2025/26?
Damsgaard remained an important Brentford midfielder during the 2025/26 campaign.
In November 2025, the club reported that he had missed only two league matches that season—one following the birth of his first child and another because of illness.
One of his strongest performances came against Burnley in February 2026.
He scored twice and provided an assist as Brentford won 4–3.
Brentford’s analysis after that match said only Mohamed Salah, Bruno Fernandes and Morgan Rogers had provided more Premier League assists than Damsgaard from the start of the previous season.
The performance showed another part of his development.
He was no longer only creating goals. He was becoming more willing to enter scoring positions himself.
What Position Does Damsgaard Play?
Damsgaard is mainly an attacking or central midfielder.
He usually performs best when given freedom to move between the opposition midfield and defence.
From this area, he can:
- Receive the ball on the turn
- Carry it toward the penalty area
- Find a forward with a through ball
- Move wide to create space
- Press an opponent after losing possession
- Take shots from outside the box
He can also play as a left winger.
During his final Nordsjælland season, he often began on the left before moving into the middle.
This movement makes him difficult to mark because defenders cannot always decide who should follow him.
What Makes Damsgaard’s Playing Style Special?
His greatest quality is his awareness.
Damsgaard often looks around before the ball reaches him. This allows him to understand where teammates and opponents are standing.
When he receives possession, he can act quickly.
A simple pass may look easy, but the important work happened before he touched the ball.
He also plays direct passes through defensive lines.
Many midfielders choose a safe sideways pass. Damsgaard regularly looks for a forward run instead.
During the first half of his breakthrough 2024/25 season, only a small number of Premier League players had more assists. Brentford also noted that several of his assists came from through balls that separated defenders.
Is Damsgaard Only an Attacking Player?
No.
His creative work receives the most attention, but he also contributes without the ball.
Damsgaard presses opponents, blocks passing routes and tries to win the ball back quickly.
Brentford’s January 2025 analysis placed him among the club’s leading players for tackles and blocked passes that season.
This defensive effort makes him suitable for Premier League football.
A creative midfielder cannot simply wait for possession. The player must also help protect the team when the opponent attacks.
Damsgaard’s stronger body and improved fitness allowed him to complete this work more consistently.
What Number Does Damsgaard Wear?
Damsgaard wears the number 24 shirt for Brentford.
The number has become closely connected with him during his years in London.
He does not use the number traditionally associated with the main playmaker, such as 10.
His role still often resembles a number 10 because he creates chances from areas behind the forwards.
The shirt number does not fully explain his position.
He may move between central midfield, attacking midfield and the left side during the same match.
Does Damsgaard Still Play for Denmark?
Yes.
The Danish Football Association continues to list Damsgaard as a Denmark midfielder and Brentford player.
He made his senior international debut in November 2020.
His early Denmark career moved quickly. Within a year, he had become one of the team’s biggest Euro 2020 stories.
He later represented Denmark at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2024.
By March 2026, public career records listed him with 40 senior appearances and eight international goals.
His exact totals will continue changing whenever he appears for Denmark.
Is Damsgaard Married?
Damsgaard keeps his romantic and family life mostly private.
Brentford confirmed that he missed a match in 2025 for the birth of his first child. However, he has not built a large public profile around his partner or family.
Many biography websites publish names and relationship claims without showing dependable evidence.
Those claims should be treated carefully.
His football career is widely documented, but his private relationships belong to a different part of his life.
What Is Damsgaard’s Net Worth?
Damsgaard’s exact net worth is not publicly confirmed.
Websites may publish estimates based on his transfer fees and football contracts, but they normally do not have access to his bank accounts, taxes, investments, property or personal expenses.
His transfer from Sampdoria to Brentford was widely reported as a major deal, but the club officially described the fee as undisclosed.
A transfer fee is also paid between clubs.
It is not the same as money placed directly into a player’s personal account.
The safest answer is that Damsgaard earns income as a Premier League and international footballer, while his complete wealth remains private.
Why Is Damsgaard’s Story Important?
Damsgaard’s story is not simply about a famous free kick.
It is also about patience.
His Euro 2020 performance created expectations that would have been difficult for any young footballer to carry.
Then illness and injuries removed his speed, playing time and confidence.
He could easily have been remembered only as the young man who scored at Wembley.
Instead, he continued working.
Brentford also gave him time.
The result was a season in which he played every match, created 11 league goals for teammates and won two major club awards.
His return showed that development does not always happen in a straight line.
Can Damsgaard Join a Bigger Club?
His performances naturally create transfer interest and discussion.
A creative Premier League midfielder in his mid-twenties can attract attention from wealthier clubs.
However, no move should be treated as confirmed without an official announcement.
Damsgaard has a long Brentford contract running until 2030, with a possible additional year. That agreement gives the club a strong position if another team becomes interested.
Brentford also gives him regular football and an important creative role.
Moving to a larger club might bring more money or European competition, but it could also reduce his playing time.
For now, his confirmed future remains with Brentford.
Final Thoughts
Damsgaard first became famous because of one beautiful free kick.
His larger story took much longer to develop.
He began playing in Jyllinge before joining FC Nordsjælland’s youth system. Strong performances in Denmark earned him a move to Sampdoria, where he developed inside Italian football.
Euro 2020 then made him an international name.
He scored against Russia and produced a memorable free kick against England in the semi-final at Wembley.
That success was followed by a difficult period.
A knee problem and a form of arthritis reduced his strength and kept him away from regular football. His first two seasons at Brentford were also affected by fitness problems.
Brentford remained patient.
During the 2024/25 season, that patience finally paid off. Damsgaard supplied 11 Premier League assists, appeared in every club match and won both the supporters’ and players’ main awards.
His new contract lasts until 2030, with an option for another year.
By 2026, he was no longer living only on memories of Euro 2020.
He had become a reliable Premier League creator, an important Denmark international and one of Brentford’s central players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Damsgaard?
Mikkel Damsgaard is a Danish professional footballer who plays in midfield for Brentford and Denmark.
What is Damsgaard’s full name?
His full name is Mikkel Krogh Damsgaard.
How old is Mikkel Damsgaard?
He is 26 years old as of July 2026.
When was Damsgaard born?
He was born on July 3, 2000.
Where was Damsgaard born?
He was born in Jyllinge, Denmark.
Which club does Damsgaard play for?
He plays for Brentford in the Premier League.
What number does Damsgaard wear?
He wears Brentford’s number 24 shirt.
What position does Damsgaard play?
He mainly plays as an attacking or central midfielder. He can also play on the left wing.
Which clubs has Damsgaard played for?
He has played for FC Nordsjælland, Sampdoria and Brentford.
When did Damsgaard join Brentford?
He joined Brentford in August 2022.
How long is Damsgaard’s contract?
His current deal runs until summer 2030, with an option for one more year.
Why is Damsgaard famous?
He became internationally famous after scoring a free kick against England in the Euro 2020 semi-final.
Did Damsgaard score against England?
Yes. He scored Denmark’s opening goal from a direct free kick at Wembley.
Did Denmark win that match?
No. England won the semi-final 2–1 after extra time.
What health problem did Damsgaard have?
He suffered a knee issue and later explained that a form of arthritis caused him to lose power and speed.
How many assists did Damsgaard get in 2024/25?
He provided 11 Premier League assists.
Which Brentford awards did he win?
He won Brentford’s Supporters’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards for 2024/25.
Does Damsgaard play for Denmark?
Yes. He remains a Denmark international midfielder.
Does Mikkel Damsgaard have children?
Brentford confirmed that he became a father for the first time in 2025.
Is Damsgaard married?
His current legal and romantic status has not been clearly confirmed through a dependable public source.
What is Damsgaard’s net worth?
His exact net worth has not been publicly verified.
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