Danish Ballon d'Or Winner to Receive Commemorative Statue Outside Vejle Stadium

The only Dane ever to be named Europe's best footballer will have a statue erected in his home town of Vejle.

The statue will be placed in front of Vejle Stadium, where Allan Simonsen began his career and won the Danish championship with Vejle Boldklub three times, in 1971, 1972 and 1984.

Private individuals have taken the initiative to raise funds for the statue, which will cost around €1.5 million, and Vejle Municipality's Economic and Business Committee has decided to contribute half of the amount.

Allan Simonsen holds a special place in the hearts of local residents.

"It is hard to explain, because when you are from this city, Allan means something. Sometimes there is something that matters more than anything else. Allan has the humility, the absolutely incredible talent, and there is a pride and warmth around him. It is difficult to explain to people from outside," says the Committee Chairman, Dan Arnlov, to dr.dk

The Danish sculptor Misja Rasmussen has been chosen to create the statue.