Thomas Kahlenberg facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Thomas Kahlenberg

Kahlenberg training with the Denmark national team in 2014
Personal information
Date of birth	(1983-03-20) 20 March 1983 (age 42)
Place of birth	Hvidovre, Denmark
Height	1.83 m
Playing position	Attacking midfielder
Youth career
1997–1998	Hvidovre
1998–2001	Brøndby
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2001–2005	Brøndby	97	(28)
2005–2009	Auxerre	130	(19)
2009–2013	VfL Wolfsburg	39	(1)
2012	→ Evian (loan)	15	(2)
2013–2017	Brøndby	57	(5)
Total		338	(55)
National team
1999–2000	Denmark U17	9	(1)
2000–2002	Denmark U19	7	(0)
2004	Denmark U20	1	(0)
2002–2006	Denmark U21	26	(10)
2003–2015	Denmark	47	(5)
Teams managed
2018–2020	HIK (youth coach)
2020–2024	Denmark U16 (assistant)
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Thomas Zeuthen Kahlenberg (born March 20, 1983) is a Danish former professional footballer. He played as an attacking midfielder. Thomas started his career with Brøndby IF in Denmark. There, he helped his team win two Danish Superliga championships. He also played for clubs in France, like Auxerre, and Germany, like VfL Wolfsburg.

Kahlenberg played 46 games for the Denmark national team and scored five goals. He represented Denmark in big tournaments. These included the 2004 European Championship, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the 2012 European Championship. In 2004, he was named the Danish under-21 Player of the Year.

Thomas Kahlenberg's Football Journey

Playing for Brøndby

Thomas Kahlenberg was born in Hvidovre, Denmark. He joined Brøndby at age fifteen. Before that, he played for a smaller club, Hvidovre IF. Kahlenberg learned a lot in Brøndby's youth system. He said it taught him how to be a professional footballer.

Early Years at Brøndby

In April 2002, Kahlenberg signed his first professional contract with Brøndby. His youth coach, Tom Køhlert, became the head coach. Kahlenberg made his first league appearance on May 12, 2002. It was against their big rivals, Copenhagen. The game ended in a 1–1 draw. Brøndby won the 2001–02 Danish championship that season. Kahlenberg played two games in total.

For the 2002–03 season, Kahlenberg played in central midfield. He was known for his great technique and vision. He made his UEFA Champions League debut in a 1–0 win against Dinamo Tirana. On November 10, 2002, he scored his first goal for Brøndby. It was a 1–1 draw against Esbjerg fB. His good play led to a contract extension until 2006. Two weeks later, he scored again in a big 7–1 win. In December, he was named "Talent of the Year." He scored two more goals that season. Brøndby finished second in the league. However, they won the Danish Cup by beating FC Midtjylland 3–0 in the final. Kahlenberg played 43 games and scored four goals that season.

Continued Success and Departure

In the 2003–04 season, Kahlenberg became a key player. He played in central midfield for Brøndby. He scored his first goal of the season in a 3–0 win. On October 3, 2003, he signed a new contract until 2008. He continued to score goals and help the team. Kahlenberg also played well in UEFA Cup matches. He was named "Talent of the Year" again. Despite interest from other European clubs, he stayed. He scored 12 goals in 42 games that season. Brøndby finished second in the league again.

For the 2004–05 season, Kahlenberg moved to left midfield. He started the season well, helping with two goals. He scored twice in a 4–1 win against Herfølge Boldklub. He scored 13 goals that season, becoming Brøndby's top scorer. He helped the club win the Double. They won both the league and the Danish Cup. He played 40 games and scored 13 goals.

Kahlenberg played 130 games for Brøndby IF in total. He scored 28 goals in the Danish Superliga. He felt sad when Brøndby faced financial problems after he left.

Time in France: Auxerre

Kahlenberg playing for Ligue 1 side Auxerre in 2006.

On July 13, 2005, Kahlenberg joined the French club Auxerre. He signed a four-year contract. He was excited to play in Ligue 1, France's top league.

Making an Impact in France

Kahlenberg made his debut for Auxerre in a match against Lyon. He quickly became a regular player in midfield. On September 24, 2005, he scored his first goal for the club. It was in a 3–0 win against Sochaux. He scored his second goal in a 2–1 win against AS Monaco. He was even named to the "Team of the Week." Kahlenberg scored nine goals in 43 games in his first season. He also made the most assists in the 2005–06 league season.

In the 2006–07 season, Kahlenberg continued to play well. He scored in a UEFA Intertoto Cup match. He helped Auxerre reach the group stage of the UEFA Cup. In October 2006, he got a knee injury. He was out for about six to eight weeks. He returned in January 2007 and scored in a cup game. He scored seven goals in 39 games that season. He also signed a contract extension until 2010.

Leading the Team

Before the 2007–08 season, other European clubs wanted to sign Kahlenberg. But he stayed with Auxerre. He continued to be a key player in midfield. In October 2007, he made three assists in one game. On November 10, 2007, he scored his first goal of the season. He also provided two assists in another game. In December, he scored his second goal. He even captained the team for the first time in January 2008. He scored in that game too. He got another knee injury that kept him out for a month. He returned in April and played the last six games. He played 39 games and scored seven goals that season.

In the 2008–09 season, Kahlenberg had a hip injury. He returned in September and scored his first goal. He continued to play well in midfield. He scored six goals in 37 games that season. In his four years at Auxerre, Kahlenberg played 130 league games and scored 19 goals.

Time in Germany: VfL Wolfsburg

In May 2009, Kahlenberg signed a four-year contract with Wolfsburg. They were the German champions. He moved for a transfer fee of €4 million.

Challenges and Loan Spell

After joining Wolfsburg, Kahlenberg got a hip injury. He was out until October 2009. He struggled to get into the first team. He found himself playing mostly from the substitute bench. This made him think about his future. He played 12 games in his first season. The club told him he was no longer needed.

In the 2010–11 season, Kahlenberg played more often at first. On October 2, 2010, he scored his first goal for Wolfsburg. It was a 1–1 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach. Later, he was suspended by the interim manager for "lack of commitment." He even had a trial with Blackburn Rovers in England, but didn't get a contract. He played 17 games and scored one goal that season.

Before the 2011–12 season, Kahlenberg considered leaving Wolfsburg. He wanted more playing time. He was placed with the reserve team. In January 2012, he moved to Evian in France on loan. He was happy to return to Ligue 1.

Loan to Evian and Return to Wolfsburg

Kahlenberg made his debut for Evian on January 14, 2012. He played many matches for the rest of the season. On March 17, 2012, he scored his first goal for Evian. It was against his old club, Auxerre. On May 1, 2012, he scored his second goal. He played 19 games and scored two goals for Evian. He hoped to join Evian permanently, but it didn't happen.

Kahlenberg returned to Wolfsburg for the 2012–13 season. He was still on the transfer list. On September 14, 2012, he played his first game for Wolfsburg that season. He played 13 games in total. After the season, he was released by the club.

Return to Brøndby

Kahlenberg dribbling to attack during a match between Brøndby and Copenhagen on September 21, 2014.

On August 21, 2013, Kahlenberg signed a four-year contract with his former club, Brøndby. He was away from Denmark for eight years. He was very happy to be back. He called Brøndby a "special place."

Second Spell and Captaincy

Kahlenberg made his second debut for Brøndby on August 25, 2013. It was a 0–0 draw against Randers. He played in midfield for the next five games. He then got an injury. He returned in November 2013. He was later made captain when the regular captain was injured. He captained his first game on December 1, 2013. He scored his first goal of the season in February 2014. He also made two assists in a 4–1 win. He scored another goal in April. He was named the best player in the league by fans. He played 24 games and scored two goals that season.

Before the 2014–15 season, Kahlenberg was named Brøndby's new captain. He continued to play in midfield. On August 31, 2014, he scored his first goal of the season. He also set up another goal. He scored his second goal in a 5–0 win. He then suffered a hip injury. This injury kept him out for the rest of the season. He had surgery and was out for four to five months. He played 24 games and scored two goals.

Injuries and Retirement

In the 2015–16 season, Kahlenberg recovered from his hip injury. He returned to training in late August. On September 27, 2015, he played his first game of the season. He captained his first match in October. He scored his first goal of the season in November. He scored another goal in the Danish Cup in March 2016. But then he got a thigh injury. This injury kept him out for the rest of the season. He played 18 games and scored two goals.

In the 2016–17 season, Kahlenberg continued to recover from his thigh injury. He aimed to return to play in April. He made his first league appearance of the season in May 2017. He played his last game as captain in the final match of the season. He received a standing ovation from the fans.

On May 28, 2017, Thomas Kahlenberg announced he was retiring from professional football.

International Career

Youth Teams

Thomas Kahlenberg played for various Danish youth national teams. He played for the under-17 and under-19 teams from 1999 to 2002.

In September 2002, Kahlenberg was called up to the Denmark under-21 national team. He was seen as a very talented midfielder. In April 2003, he helped the U21 team win 3–0. In December 2004, he won the "Danish under-21 Player of the Year" award. He played in the 2006 European Under-21 Championship. Even though Denmark was eliminated early, Kahlenberg scored three goals in three games. He was chosen for the "Team of the Tournament." He ended his under-21 career with 10 goals in 26 matches.

Senior National Team

In April 2003, the senior national team coach, Morten Olsen, called Kahlenberg up for the first time. He made his debut on April 30, 2003, in a friendly win. In May 2004, he was chosen for the 2004 European Championship. He was the youngest Danish player. However, he did not play in any games.

In August 2005, Kahlenberg was called back to the national team. On September 1, 2006, he scored his first goal for Denmark. It was in a 4–2 win against Portugal. He played in many qualifying matches for Euro 2008. He scored his second goal in November 2007.

World Cup and European Championships

Kahlenberg was called up for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. He scored the winning goal against Sweden. This helped Denmark qualify for the World Cup. In May 2010, he was part of the 23-player squad for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. He played in three games at the tournament. Denmark was eliminated in the group stage.

After the World Cup, Kahlenberg scored another goal for Denmark in September 2010. After a two-year break, he was called up for Euro 2012. He played in two friendly matches before the tournament. However, he did not play in any games at Euro 2012. Denmark was eliminated in the group stage.

In March 2014, Kahlenberg was called up again. He played his first game for Denmark in two years in May 2014. In September 2014, he scored his fifth goal for Denmark. He played four more times in the qualifying matches for Euro 2016. Denmark did not qualify for the tournament. After this, he was not called up to the national team again.

Coaching Career

After retiring from playing, Thomas Kahlenberg became a coach. In March 2018, he was hired as a youth coach at HIK. In May 2020, he became an assistant coach for Denmark's U-16 national team. He left this role in July 2024.

Personal Life

In August 2009, Thomas Kahlenberg married Anne Zeuthen Jensen. They have three children: two daughters, Karla and Alma, and a son, Max.

Kahlenberg speaks Danish, German, and French. He learned German in school and French while playing for Auxerre. In December 2004, he was in Thailand during the Indian Ocean tsunami. Luckily, he was not harmed. He lived in Denmark, France, and Germany during his career.

In March 2020, Kahlenberg tested positive for COVID-19. He had been infected at a party. This meant some players and coaches from Brøndby, Lyngby, and Ajax had to quarantine. Kahlenberg said his symptoms were like a flu. He recovered fully in March 2020.

Career Statistics

International

Scores and results list Denmark's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Kahlenberg goal.

List of international goals scored by Thomas Kahlenberg

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	1 September 2006	Brøndby Stadion, Copenhagen, Denmark	Portugal	2–1	4–2	Friendly
2	21 November 2007	Telia Parken, Copenhagen, Denmark	Iceland	3–0	3–0	UEFA Euro 2008 Qualification
3	6 June 2009	Råsundastadion, Solna, Sweden	Sweden	1–0	1–0	FIFA World Cup 2010 Qualification
4	7 September 2010	Telia Parken, Copenhagen, Denmark	Iceland	1–0	1–0	UEFA Euro 2012 Qualification
5	7 September 2014	Telia Parken, Copenhagen, Denmark	Armenia	2–1	2–1	UEFA Euro 2016 Qualification

Honours

Brøndby IF

• Danish Superliga: 2001–02, 2004–05
• Danish Cup: 2002–03, 2004–05

Individual

• Danish U-21 Player of the Year: 2004

See also

In Spanish: Thomas Kahlenberg para niños