Former prodigy Nikolai Laursen announces retirement from football due to ongoing injuries.

Nikolai Laursen, a forward for Heracles Almelo, has officially confirmed his retirement from professional football, attributed to ongoing injury challenges.

The 27-year-old Dane suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his left knee back in 2016, while he was a part of PSV’s youth academy.

Fast forward seven years to April 2023, Laursen faced another setback, this time tearing the ACL in his right knee just as he and Heracles Almelo were on the cusp of promotion to the Eredivisie. He played a crucial role in Heracles’ successful campaign, contributing 16 goals and 8 assists over 29 appearances. However, during his comeback efforts, Laursen re-injured his left ACL in January 2024 during his first friendly match after the initial injury.

Unfortunately, Laursen never took to the pitch for professional matches again and announced his retirement on Thursday. The left winger plans to return to Denmark to pursue a new career direction. “I need to move on with my life,” he shared with Heracles TV. “I’m heading back home. I’ll study and perhaps go on a holiday.”

Stunning debut

Laursen began his football journey with Brøndby in Denmark, making his professional debut at just 17 years old in April 2015. Manager Thomas Frank subbed him onto the field in the 84th minute of a Superliga match against Vestjælland, and the young winger netted a goal just five minutes later, sealing a 4-0 victory.

He caught the attention of PSV, who signed him for a reported €1 million, although he never featured for the first team. Laursen subsequently spent a season on loan back at Brøndby before transferring to FC Emmen in 2019. He eventually signed with Heracles Almelo in 2021.