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 | ||
| Playing position | Centre-back | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | 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 | 48 | (1) |
| National team | |||
| 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) |
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Erik Sergiyovych Sviatchenko (born October 4, 1991) is a Danish footballer. He plays as a centre-back (a defender) for the MLS team Houston Dynamo. Erik is known for his strong defense and leadership on the field.
Contents
Club Career Highlights
Starting 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 on May 8, 2009. He came into the game as a substitute in a 3–2 win. Erik scored his first goal for the team on April 14, 2010. This goal helped Midtjylland win 1–0 against AGF.
The 2010–11 season was important for Erik. He started playing regularly for the first team. However, in April 2011, he got a serious knee injury during practice. This injury kept him out of the game for 11 months. He returned to play in March 2012 and quickly became a key player again.
Erik made his debut in a European competition in August 2012. This was a Europa League qualifying match. He became the team's vice-captain before the 2013–14 season. Another ankle injury in March 2014 meant he missed the rest of that season.
After recovering, Erik helped Midtjylland win their first ever Danish Superliga title in the 2014–15 season. He also scored his first goal in a UEFA Champions League qualifier in August 2015. He even helped Midtjylland reach the Europa League group stage for the first time. During this time, he often wore the captain's armband.
Playing for Celtic
In January 2016, Erik moved to Celtic, a big club in Scotland. He signed a four-and-a-half-year contract. He played his first game for Celtic on January 31, 2016.
Erik scored his first goal for Celtic in April 2016. He helped Celtic win their fifth straight Scottish league title that season. In the 2016–17 season, he played a big part as Celtic won their sixth straight league title. They also won the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup, completing a "domestic treble" (winning all three main trophies in their country).
In August 2017, Erik injured his knee again during a Champions League qualifier. This injury kept him from playing for three months.
Returning to FC Midtjylland
Erik returned to FC Midtjylland on loan in January 2018. He quickly helped them win their second Danish Superliga title. His loan move became permanent in May 2018.
In the 2018–19 season, Erik helped Midtjylland win their first ever Danish Cup title. He became the club captain in the 2019–20 season. That year, he scored 6 goals and led a strong defense. Midtjylland won another Superliga title, and Erik was named the Superliga Player of the Year.
In the 2020–21 season, Midtjylland reached the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time. Erik played in most of these big games. He continued to be a key player, helping the team have one of the best defenses in the league. In 2021–22, he helped Midtjylland win their second Danish Cup.
Erik played a total of 325 games for Midtjylland. This is the second-highest number of games played for the club!
Joining Houston Dynamo
In March 2023, Erik Sviatchenko moved to the United States. He signed a two-year contract with Houston Dynamo, an MLS team. He continues to play as a strong defender for the team.
Playing for Denmark
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 on March 25, 2015, in a friendly match against the United States. He scored his first goal for Denmark on October 11, 2015, in a friendly game against France.
About Erik's Life
Erik Sviatchenko was born in Viborg, Denmark on October 4, 1991. His parents, Sergei and Helena, moved to Denmark from Ukraine in 1990 with his older brother, Phillip. Erik also has a twin sister named Alexandra. He is a Christian.
Erik's wife, Anne Sviatchenko, was also a professional footballer. She played for several women's teams, including Celtic, and for the Denmark national team. Erik and Anne met when they were 14 years old through his sister. They got married in June 2017 and have two children together.
Awards and Trophies
Erik Sviatchenko has won many awards and trophies during his career:
With Midtjylland
- Danish Superliga: 2014–15, 2017–18, 2019–20
- Danish Cup: 2018–19, 2021–22
With Celtic
- Scottish Premiership: 2015–16, 2016–17
- Scottish Cup: 2016–17
- Scottish League Cup: 2016–17, 2017–18
With Houston Dynamo
- U.S. Open Cup: 2023
Individual Awards
- 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
