Danish duo return to National Team after two year absence

Congratulations to Stine Sandbech and Simone Boye Sørensen on their return to the Danish national team, marking the end of a two-year absence for both players. 

Stine sealed her 74th and 75th caps and Simone sealed her 91st and 92nd caps against Finland in the pair of UEFA Nations League playoff fixtures.

Their journeys back to the pitch have been admirable, recovering and returning after pregnancy and equally, for Sandbech, an ACL injury.

For Sandbech, the return follows a rollercoaster couple of years.  In 2023, while preparing for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, she suffered her second ACL tear.  Speaking to The Athletic, Sandbech recalled the life-changing decision that she made on the trip home on the team bus:

"I called my fiancé and asked if we should try," she recalled. "I would be injured and away from football, so why not see it as an opportunity?"

The Häcken defender navigated her ACL rehab while pregnant, a process which she described as messy and hard, but nevertheless worthwhile following the birth of their daughter in early 2024.

For Boye Sørensen, she discovered she was pregnant just after winning the 2023 Damallsvenskan title and Svenska Cupen double with Hammarby, giving birth in mid-2024.

Both teammates credited their friendship as vital in navigating the new experiences, both as mothers and athletes. 

"It's been so nice to have Stine to share thoughts and experiences," Boye Sørensen said. 

Nearly two years after their last appearances for Denmark, they walked onto the pitch together at Parken, the national stadium, as elite athletes, friends, and now mothers.

Thank you, Stine and Simone!  Your stories are an inspiration.