Injury forces Boilesen to retire: 'It hurts to say goodbye'

Nicolai Boilesen will bring his professional football career to a close on Sunday, potentially ending on a high note with a league title for FC Copenhagen.

The Danish giants face FC Nordsjælland on May 25 at 17:00 in a decisive Superliga fixture that will determine the outcome of the championship. Although Boilesen has not featured this season due to a long-term knee injury, he remains a respected and experienced member of the squad as they head into the final round with a narrow one-point lead over closest challengers FC Midtjylland.

If Copenhagen manage to hold their position at the top of the table, it would mark the ninth league title of Boilesen’s career a remarkable achievement for any professional footballer. The 33-year-old defender first rose to prominence at Ajax, where he enjoyed a highly successful spell under manager Frank de Boer, winning four consecutive Eredivisie titles. He was part of a dominant Ajax side that defined Dutch football in the early 2010s, known for its attractive style of play and reliance on young talent.

After leaving Amsterdam in the summer of 2016, Boilesen returned to his native Denmark to join FC Copenhagen on a free transfer. It proved to be a move that extended his career and allowed him to continue playing at a high level. During his time in the Danish capital, he added another four Superliga titles to his name, becoming a key part of one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history. In addition to domestic league triumphs, he also lifted a Dutch Super Cup and a Danish Super Cup, giving him a total of eleven major trophies across two countries.

Boilesen’s professional journey began on April 3, 2011, when he made his debut for Ajax in a home win against Heracles Almelo. It was the beginning of a career that would see him make over 250 appearances at club level and earn 22 caps for the Danish national team. He represented his country with pride and featured in several high-profile international fixtures, including World Cup and European Championship qualifiers.

However, his path was far from smooth. Injuries plagued much of his career, often striking at crucial moments. Persistent knee problems, in particular, limited his ability to maintain consistent form and availability. There were multiple long absences, surgeries, and comebacks some successful, others more difficult. Despite these setbacks, Boilesen always showed remarkable determination and professionalism, earning the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans alike.

His final official appearance came in December 2023, when he featured in FC Copenhagen’s 1–0 Champions League group stage victory over Galatasaray. Though he was unable to play in the months that followed, he remained close to the squad, contributing off the pitch with his leadership and experience.

Reflecting on his decision to retire, Boilesen shared his thoughts in an emotional message on FC Copenhagen’s official website.
“It’s very special to say out loud that I’m ending my career. There are so many things I’m incredibly proud of, things I’ve achieved through football,” he said.

“But I also have to admit that I thought there might have been even more matches if I hadn’t been injured so often. That’s also the reason why I’m stopping now. It hurts to say goodbye to something I’ve enjoyed every day. But I feel grateful that I’ve had this unique opportunity.”

For Boilesen, Sunday’s match represents more than just the final whistle on his playing career it’s the culmination of a journey filled with highs and lows, triumphs and adversity. While his time on the pitch may be over, the legacy he leaves behind is one of resilience, quiet leadership, and an unwavering passion for the game.

A final league title with Copenhagen would be a poetic end to a story marked by perseverance and pride and a fitting tribute to a player who gave everything he had to the sport he loved.