Frankfurt, Germany – Eintracht Frankfurt defender Rasmus Kristensen has publicly revealed a long struggle with depression, admitting he almost quit professional football entirely. The 28-year-ancient Danish international detailed his experiences in a recent podcast interview with his club, shedding light on a battle that extended beyond the pressures of the game itself.
Kristensen, who has played for clubs including Ajax Amsterdam, RB Salzburg, AS Roma, and Leeds United, explained that his mental health challenges weren’t solely tied to his football career. “It was a football depression, but it wasn’t only a football depression. I had human depression before as well,” he said, according to reports from multiple German news outlets including t-online.de and RTL. “I’ve had difficult times. But not just because of football.”
The situation, Kristensen explained, worsened “over years.” He described losing confidence in his ability to enjoy the sport and find a club where he felt comfortable. “I lost faith that I could have fun in football or find a club where I felt good,” he stated. “I thought that football and this world weren’t for me. It was so bad that I actually wanted to stop.” The weight of expectation and the relentless pressure of professional sport took a significant toll, leading him to question his entire career path.
Kristensen’s feelings were particularly acute when considering the sacrifices he’d made to reach the professional level. “You’ve worked your whole life for this dream, exactly for this goal. Then you reach it and suddenly feel like it’s not the right thing for you. You feel like you’ve wasted a lot of time for nothing,” he shared. This realization, he admitted, was deeply painful.
Currently sidelined with a syndesmosis injury, Kristensen is hopeful of returning for Eintracht Frankfurt’s final three or four matches of the season. However, his recent openness about his mental health suggests a broader shift in perspective. He credits his current environment at Eintracht Frankfurt with helping him rediscover his passion for the game.
“It was similarly the right club at the right time,” Kristensen said. He contrasted his current experience with a past mindset where “fun and professional football don’t go together. My mentality was: this is a job.” This rigid approach, he now recognizes, contributed to his unhappiness.
Upon joining Eintracht Frankfurt in 2024, Kristensen reportedly told himself, “Okay, if it’s really bad, then I can always fly home.” This illustrates the depth of his previous struggles and the uncertainty he felt about his future in the sport. Frankfurt, however, has provided a supportive environment where he feels valued and can focus on his game.
The club secured Kristensen’s services on a permanent deal after he initially joined on loan from Leeds United, signing him to a contract that runs through 2029. This commitment from Eintracht Frankfurt appears to have played a crucial role in his recovery and renewed sense of purpose.
Kristensen’s story is a powerful reminder of the mental health challenges faced by professional athletes. While the world often sees the glamour and success, the reality can be far more complex and demanding. His willingness to speak openly about his experiences is a significant step towards destigmatizing mental health issues in sport and encouraging others to seek help.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are concerned about a loved one, resources are available. In Germany, the Telefonseelsorge offers anonymous counseling at 0800/1110111 (Protestant) and 0800/1110222 (Catholic). Information and support can also be found at Deutsche Depressionshilfe and BAPK. Online counseling is available at http://www.telefonseelsorge.de, and a list of nationwide support services can be found on the website of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Suizidprävention.
Eintracht Frankfurt will gaze to continue their Bundesliga campaign following the international break, with Kristensen hoping to rejoin the squad before the end of the season. His return will not only bolster the team’s defensive options but also serve as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. The club’s next fixture is against [insert next opponent and date here – *verification needed*], a match that will be closely watched by fans eager to spot Kristensen back on the pitch.
Keep reading
