Preben Elkjær

1.1. Youth and Early Activities

Elkjær began his youth football career at Frederiksberg Boldklub before joining Vanløse IF. He stayed with Vanløse IF for only one season in 1976, playing 15 games and scoring seven goals. This initial spell was a formative period, laying the groundwork for his future in professional football.

2.1. Germany and Belgium

In 1977, Elkjær moved to 1. FC Köln in Germany, then considered one of Europe's top clubs. Despite the team winning the 1978 domestic Cup (in which he played for nine minutes in the final against Hertha BSC), Elkjær struggled to establish himself as a regular due to a position battle with Yasuhiko Okudera and friction with the manager, Hennes Weisweiler. Their strained relationship became legendary in Denmark, highlighted by an incident where Weisweiler confronted Elkjær about allegedly spending the early morning hours at a nightclub with a bottle of whiskey and a woman. Elkjær famously retorted that it was a lie, stating it was a bottle of vodka and two ladies. His difficulties adapting to the disciplined German club atmosphere ultimately led to his departure.

In February 1978, after one and a half seasons, Elkjær transferred to K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen in Belgium. This move marked the beginning of his longest tenure at any club, spending six years with Lokeren. During this period, he truly began to gain prominence, earning the nicknames Chefen fra Lokeren (The Boss from Lokeren) and Den Gale Mand fra Lokeren (The Crazy Man from Lokeren). He was also known as "Crazy Horse" due to his fast driving. He surpassed the 100-goal mark in official matches during his time there, with 98 goals scored in the Belgian First Division alone.

2.2. Hellas Verona

At the age of 27, Elkjær joined Hellas Verona F.C. in Italy in the summer of 1984. His transfer was highly contested, with Real Madrid and AC Milan also vying for his signature. In his very first season, 1984-85, he played an instrumental role in Hellas Verona's historic achievement of winning their first-ever Serie A title, the scudetto. Elkjær was the club's most costly player purchase that season. One of his most iconic moments occurred during a 2-0 home victory against Juventus, where he lost his right boot during a solo left-flank run but continued to dribble and ultimately scored with his bootless right foot. This memorable goal earned him the additional nickname "Cinderella."

Elkjær's stellar performances at Verona garnered significant individual recognition. He finished third in the European Footballer of the Year awards in 1984 and climbed to second place in 1985, both times behind Michel Platini of Juventus. He subsequently finished fourth in 1986 and 21st in 1987. Despite never scoring more than ten league goals in a single season, he consistently netted at least seven, accumulating a total of 48 goals in official matches over his four-year spell at Verona. His impact and popularity in Verona were immense, earning him the enduring nickname "Il sindaco" (the mayor). Even today, a few hundred voters in the city continue to write his name on their ballots during mayoral elections, a testament to his lasting legacy. As a sign of gratefulness for helping the club win the Scudetto, Elkjær received a Porsche from a restaurant waiter. To this day, the 1985 Scudetto remains Verona's only major title.

2.3. Return to Denmark and Retirement

In 1988, Elkjær returned to Danish football, joining Vejle BK. He arrived as the biggest star in the country, drawing large crowds to the club's matches. However, at 31 years old, he began to suffer from a series of injuries, making it difficult for him to consistently meet the high expectations of the fans. After only 26 combined appearances over two seasons, Elkjær retired from professional football in 1990.

3.1. Youth National Teams

Elkjær's international career began in October 1975 when he debuted for the Danish under-19 national team while playing youth football for Frederiksberg Boldklub. He made a total of 11 appearances for the under-19 team, scoring six goals, including three goals in three games at the 1975 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship.

In June 1976, he advanced to the under-21 national team, for which he scored nine goals in as many games. This included a hat-trick in the quarter-finals of the 1978 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship against Bulgaria, though Denmark was ultimately eliminated on the away goals rule.

3.2. Senior National Team

Elkjær made his debut for the senior national team on June 22, 1977, at the age of 19 years and 284 days. In his debut match against Finland, he scored both goals in a 2-1 victory.

He played a prominent role in UEFA Euro 1984, scoring two goals in four games. His performances in this tournament were a key factor in his subsequent move to Italian football. Denmark showcased attractive attacking football during the competition but was eliminated in the semi-finals, losing to Spain on penalties. Elkjær missed Denmark's final penalty kick attempt, sending the ball high over the goal.

Elkjær also represented Denmark at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, marking the nation's first-ever appearance in the tournament. Denmark advanced from the group stage as winners but was once again knocked out by Spain. During the competition, Elkjær scored four goals, including a hat-trick against Uruguay. He was recognized as the most dynamic and powerful striker of the tournament, earning the Bronze Ball award as the third-best player and a place in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team.

UEFA Euro 1988 was Elkjær's last international tournament. He played his final game for Denmark on June 14, 1988, at 30 years and 277 days old, as Denmark lost 2-0 to West Germany, finishing with three group stage defeats. In total, Elkjær played 69 international games and scored 38 goals for his country.

7.1. Achievements and Contributions

Elkjær's most significant achievement was his instrumental role in leading Hellas Verona F.C. to their only Serie A title in 1985. This underdog victory cemented his legendary status in Verona, where he was affectionately known as "Il sindaco" (the mayor) due to his immense popularity and influence in the city. His iconic "bootless goal" against Juventus remains a memorable moment in Serie A history.

For the Denmark national football team, Elkjær was a crucial figure in the "Danish Dynamite" era of the 1980s, a period often hailed as the golden generation of Danish football. His powerful and dynamic performances were central to Denmark's attractive attacking style, leading them to the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 1984 and their first-ever appearance at the 1986 FIFA World Cup. His individual accolades, such as the Bronze Ball award at the 1986 World Cup and high rankings in the Ballon d'Or, underscore his standing as one of the best forwards of his generation. He was also named Danish Player of the Year in 1984. His ability to combine aggression with skillful dribbling, particularly alongside Michael Laudrup, created one of the most effective attacking duos of the 1986 World Cup. Beyond football, his larger-than-life personality and anecdotes, such as the famous Copenhagen graffiti, highlight his cultural impact and enduring popularity in Denmark.

7.2. Criticisms and Controversies

While celebrated for his talents, Elkjær's career was also marked by unconventional behaviors and a rebellious streak. He was openly known as a heavy smoker, a habit often deemed unprofessional for an elite athlete. His famous falling out with 1. FC Köln coach Hennes Weisweiler, characterized by Elkjær's defiant response about his nightclub activities, showcased his disregard for strict disciplinary environments. His love for high-speed driving and the associated nickname "Crazy Horse" further illustrated his eccentricities and a lifestyle that often defied the disciplined image expected of professional footballers. These aspects, while sometimes controversial, ultimately contributed to his distinct public image and set him apart as a charismatic, if unconventional, figure.

8.1. Club Honours

1. FC Köln

• Bundesliga: 1977-78
• DFB-Pokal: 1976-77, 1977-78

Hellas Verona F.C.

• Serie A: 1984-85

Silkeborg IF (as manager)

• UEFA Intertoto Cup: 1996

8.2. Individual Honours

• Danish Player of the Year: 1984
• Ballon d'Or: third place 1984, runner-up 1985, fourth place 1986, 21st place 1987
• Onze de Bronze: 1984
• Onze d'Argent: 1985
• FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball: 1986
• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1986
• Danish Football Hall of Fame: 2010
• World Soccer The 100 Greatest Footballers of All Time: 98th place (1999)