Erik Sviatchenko facts for kids
Sviatchenko with Celtic in 2016
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Erik Sergiyovych Sviatchenko | ||
| Date of birth | 4 October 1991 | ||
| Place of birth | Viborg, Denmark | ||
| Height | 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Centre-back | ||
| Team information | |||
|
Current team
|
Houston Dynamo | ||
| Number | 28 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1997–1998 | Viborg FF | ||
| 2001–2003 | Houlkær IF | ||
| 2003–2004 | Søndermarken | ||
| 2004–2006 | FK Viborg | ||
| 2006–2009 | Midtjylland | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2009–2016 | Midtjylland | 110 | (10) |
| 2016–2018 | Celtic | 42 | (1) |
| 2018 | → Midtjylland (loan) | 16 | (1) |
| 2018–2023 | Midtjylland | 128 | (14) |
| 2023– | Houston Dynamo | 56 | (1) |
| International career | |||
| 2009 | Denmark U18 | 2 | (1) |
| 2009–2010 | Denmark U19 | 6 | (0) |
| 2010 | Denmark U20 | 3 | (0) |
| 2010–2012 | Denmark U21 | 8 | (2) |
| 2015–2016 | Denmark | 5 | (1) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 12:29, 23 October 2024 (UTC) | |||
Erik Sergiyovych Sviatchenko, born on October 4, 1991, is a Danish footballer. He plays as a centre-back (a defender) for Houston Dynamo in the MLS in the United States.
Contents
Club Career Highlights
Starting Out at FC Midtjylland
Erik Sviatchenko joined the FC Midtjylland youth academy in Denmark when he was 14 years old, in 2006. Before that, he played for several local clubs near his hometown of Viborg. In 2009, he was recognized as the Midtjylland Academy Player of the Year.
He made his first team debut for Midtjylland in May 2009, playing in a Superliga match. He scored his first goal for the club in April 2010.
Overcoming Injuries
In 2011, Erik faced a big challenge when he tore a knee ligament during training. This serious injury kept him off the field for 11 months. He worked hard to recover and returned to play in March 2012.
He quickly became a regular player for Midtjylland again. In 2014, he had ankle surgery, which made him miss the rest of that season. Despite his injuries, he always came back strong.
Winning Titles with Midtjylland
Erik helped Midtjylland win their first-ever Danish Superliga title in the 2014–15 season. He played a key role in their defense.
In 2015, he scored his first goal in a European competition during a Champions League qualifier. He also helped Midtjylland reach the Europa League group stage for the first time. He often wore the captain's armband during this period.
Time at Celtic
In January 2016, Erik moved to Scottish Premiership club Celtic in Scotland. He signed a four-and-a-half-year contract.
He made his debut for Celtic later that month. In April, he scored his first goal for the team in a Scottish Cup semifinal match. He helped Celtic win their fifth straight league title that season.
The 2016–17 season was very successful for Erik and Celtic. They won the league, the Scottish Cup, and the Scottish League Cup, completing a "domestic treble." They also finished the season without losing a single game in Scotland.
In August 2017, Erik injured his knee again during a UEFA Champions League qualifier. This kept him out of action for three months.
Returning to Midtjylland
In January 2018, Erik returned to FC Midtjylland on loan. He quickly helped his team win their second Danish Superliga title. His move back to Midtjylland became permanent in May 2018.
He continued to be a strong player for Midtjylland. In the 2018–19 season, he helped the club win their first-ever Danish Cup title.
Becoming Captain and More Success
Erik became the club captain for Midtjylland in the 2019–20 season. He led his team to another Danish Superliga title, their third in club history. Their defense was the best in the league that season. After this successful year, he was named the Superliga Player of the Year.
In the 2020–21 season, Erik helped Midtjylland reach the UEFA Champions League group stage for the very first time. He continued to be a key player in their defense.
He also helped Midtjylland win their second Danish Cup in the 2021–22 season. By the time he left in 2023, Erik had played 325 games for Midtjylland, which is the second-highest number of games for any player in the club's history.
Playing in the USA with Houston Dynamo
In March 2023, Erik Sviatchenko moved to the United States to play for Houston Dynamo in the MLS. He signed a two-year contract.
He quickly became an important part of the Houston Dynamo team. In 2023, he helped the Dynamo win the U.S. Open Cup, which is a major cup competition in the United States. As of July 2025, he continues to play for Houston Dynamo.
International Career
Erik Sviatchenko has dual citizenship, meaning he could play for either Denmark or Ukraine. He chose to play for the Danish national team.
He made his international debut for Denmark in March 2015 in a friendly match against the United States. He scored his first goal for Denmark in October 2015 in a friendly game against France.
Personal Life
Erik Sviatchenko was born in Viborg, Denmark, on October 4, 1991. His parents, Sergei and Helena, moved to Denmark from Ukraine before he was born. He has an older brother, Phillip, and a twin sister, Alexandra. Erik is a Christian.
His wife, Anne Sviatchenko, was also a professional footballer. She played for several women's teams, including Celtic, and even for the Denmark national team. Erik and Anne met when they were 14 years old through his sister. Anne joined the Celtic women's team shortly after Erik joined the men's team in 2016. They got married in June 2017 and have two children together.
Honours
Midtjylland
- Danish Superliga (3): 2014–15, 2017–18, 2019–20
- Danish Cup (2): 2018–19, 2021–22
Celtic
- Scottish Premiership (2): 2015–16, 2016–17
- Scottish Cup (1): 2016–17
- Scottish League Cup (2): 2016–17, 2017–18
Houston Dynamo
- U.S. Open Cup (1): 2023
Individual
- Tipsbladet Player of the Fall: 2019
- Tipsbladet Player of the Spring: 2020
- Danish Superliga Player of the Year: 2019–20
See also
In Spanish: Erik Sviatchenko para niños
