Nicklas Bendtner

{{short description|Danish footballer (born 1988)}}

{{pp|expiry=indefinite|small=yes}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Nicklas Bendtner

| image = Nicklas Bendtner 2017.jpg

| image_size =

| caption = Bendtner with Rosenborg in 2017

| fullname = Nicklas Bendtner{{Hugman|22271|access-date=14 April 2017}}

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1988|1|16|df=y}}

| birth_place = Copenhagen, Denmark

| height = 1.94 m{{cite web |url=https://www.vfl-wolfsburg.de/en/info/first-team/players-and-staff/forwards/nicklas-bendtner.html |title=Player Profile: Nicklas Bendtner |publisher=Vfl Wolfsburg |access-date=4 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105051935/https://www.vfl-wolfsburg.de/en/info/first-team/players-and-staff/forwards/nicklas-bendtner.html |archive-date=5 November 2014 |url-status=dead}}

| position = Forward

| currentclub =

| youthyears1 = 1992–1998

| youthclubs1 = Tårnby Boldklub

| youthyears2 = 1998–2004

| youthclubs2 = Kjøbenhavns Boldklub

| youthyears3 = 2004–2005

| youthclubs3 = Arsenal

| years1 = 2005–2014

| clubs1 = Arsenal

| caps1 = 108

| goals1 = 24

| years2 = 2006–2007

| clubs2 = → Birmingham City (loan)

| caps2 = 42

| goals2 = 11

| years3 = 2011–2012

| clubs3 = → Sunderland (loan)

| caps3 = 28

| goals3 = 8

| years4 = 2012–2013

| clubs4 = → Juventus (loan)

| caps4 = 9

| goals4 = 0

| years5 = 2014–2016

| clubs5 = VfL Wolfsburg

| caps5 = 31

| goals5 = 3

| years6 = 2016–2017

| clubs6 = Nottingham Forest

| caps6 = 15

| goals6 = 2

| years7 = 2017–2019

| clubs7 = Rosenborg

| caps7 = 57

| goals7 = 24

| years8 = 2019

| clubs8 = Copenhagen

| caps8 = 6

| goals8 = 0

| totalcaps = 296

| totalgoals = 72

| nationalyears1 = 2004

| nationalteam1 = Denmark U16

| nationalcaps1 = 3

| nationalgoals1 = 3

| nationalyears2 = 2004–2005

| nationalteam2 = Denmark U17

| nationalcaps2 = 15

| nationalgoals2 = 6

| nationalyears3 = 2006

| nationalteam3 = Denmark U19

| nationalcaps3 = 2

| nationalgoals3 = 1

| nationalyears4 = 2006

| nationalteam4 = Denmark U21

| nationalcaps4 = 4

| nationalgoals4 = 2

| nationalyears5 = 2006–2018

| nationalteam5 = Denmark

| nationalcaps5 = 81

| nationalgoals5 = 30

}}

Nicklas Bendtner ({{IPA|da|ˈne̝klæs ˈpenˀtnɐ}}; born 16 January 1988) is a Danish former professional footballer who played as a forward. His preferred position was centre-forward, but he has also played on the right side of attack, and occasionally on the left. A large, tall, and physically strong player, he was known for his ability in the air and possessed a powerful header.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/sep/22/nicklas-bendtner-arsenal-wenger |title=Nicklas Bendtner keen on return to centre stage for Arsenal |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=22 September 2009 |access-date=20 May 2010}}{{cite news |url=http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/calciomercato/2012/09/01-210035/Vialli%3A+%C2%ABBendtner+%C3%A8+bravo+ma+non+deve+fare+il+fenomeno%C2%BB |title=Vialli: "Bendtner è bravo ma non-deve fare il fenomeno" |language=it |trans-title=Vialli: "Bendtner is good but he doesn't have to play the superstar" |newspaper=Tuttosport |date=1 September 2012 |access-date=27 February 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118131024/http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/calciomercato/2012/09/01-210035/Vialli:+%C2%ABBendtner+%C3%A8+bravo+ma+non+deve+fare+il+fenomeno%C2%BB |archive-date=18 November 2012}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/apr/06/arsenal-barcelona-championsl-league |title=Arsenal banking on Nicklas Bendtner to overcome Barcelona |newspaper=The Guardian |agency=Press Association |date=6 April 2010 |access-date=11 April 2017}}

Having progressed through the youth ranks at Tårnby Boldklub, Kjøbenhavns Boldklub and Arsenal, Bendtner signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in 2005. He made his debut in October 2005 in the League Cup against Sunderland. For the 2006–07 season, Bendtner was loaned out to Championship club Birmingham City, where he made 48 appearances. Following his return to Arsenal, he became a regular first team player, but began to slip out of favour during the 2010–11 season. As a result, he moved on loan to Premier League club Sunderland for the majority of the 2011–12 season, where he made 30 appearances. He then spent the entire 2012–13 season on loan to Serie A club Juventus, where he made 10 appearances but failed to score. Bendtner was released by Arsenal in 2014. He subsequently joined VfL Wolfsburg on a free transfer, for whom he scored the winning goal in the 2015 DFL-Supercup. Released in 2016, he returned to England, where he spent the first half of the 2016–17 season with Nottingham Forest of the Championship, and in March 2017 he signed for Rosenborg.

Bendtner has played internationally for Denmark at under-16, under-17, under-19, under-21 and senior levels. He made his senior international debut as an 18-year-old, on 16 August 2006 in a friendly match against Poland, and scored his first international goal in that match. Bendtner was a member of Denmark's 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012 squads, and helped them qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Club career

=Youth career=

Bendtner was born in Copenhagen. As a child, he played football for Tårnby Boldklub before joining F.C. Copenhagen's feeder club Kjøbenhavns Boldklub (KB) in 1998.{{cite web |url=http://www.nicklas-bendtner.com/Biography.aspx?ID=27 |title=Biography |website=Nicklas Bendtner personal website |publisher=Bendtner Consulting |access-date=15 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402100136/http://www.nicklas-bendtner.com/Biography.aspx?ID=27 |archive-date=2 April 2011 |url-status=dead}} He scored four goals in six Danish national youth team matches, before joining English club Arsenal in August 2004.{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/nicklas-bendtner/biography |title=Player profile: Nicklas Bendtner – Biography |publisher=Arsenal F.C. |access-date=20 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126184248/http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/nicklas-bendtner/biography |archive-date=26 January 2013 |url-status=dead}}

=Arsenal=

Bendtner formed a prolific strike partnership in the Arsenal reserves with Arturo Lupoli. His first-team debut for Arsenal came on 25 October 2005 in a League Cup match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, as a late substitute for Quincy Owusu-Abeyie.

==Loan to Birmingham City==

Bendtner was loaned to Championship team Birmingham City in August 2006 to gain first team experience; the loan initially ran until January 2007.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/5246326.stm |title=Birmingham capture third Gunner |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 August 2006 |access-date =25 March 2007}} He made his debut for Birmingham as a substitute for Stephen Clemence against Colchester United on 5 August. He played the final half-hour and scored the winning goal.{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/on-loan-bendtner-scores-winner-on-birmingham-debut |title=On-loan Bendtner scores winner on Birmingham debut |publisher=Arsenal F.C. |date=7 August 2006 |access-date=20 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015033439/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/on-loan-bendtner-scores-winner-on-birmingham-debut |archive-date=15 October 2012}} The loan at Birmingham was extended until the end of the 2006–07 season.{{cite web |url=http://www.bcfc.com/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10412~948188,00.html |title=Bendtner extends Blues stay |publisher=Birmingham City F.C. |date=28 December 2006 |access-date=20 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707221145/http://www.bcfc.com/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10412~948188,00.html |archive-date=7 July 2011 |url-status=dead}} He finished with eleven league goals as Birmingham were promoted to the Premier League as Championship runners-up.

==2007–08 season==

File:NicklasBendtner.JPG

Bendtner signed a new five-year contract with Arsenal in May 2007,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/6685071.stm |title=Bendtner signs five-year contract |publisher=BBC Sport | date=23 May 2007 |access-date=23 May 2007}} and returned to the club for the 2007–08 Premier League season.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/oct/31/nicklas-bendtner-interview-arsenal-tottenham |title=Nicklas Bendtner ignores doubters to concentrate on his Arsenal masterplan |first=Daniel |last=Taylor |authorlink=Daniel Taylor (journalist)|newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=31 October 2009 |access-date=7 November 2009}} After impressing at Birmingham, the teenage striker was presented with opportunities to seek first-team football elsewhere, with reports that Olympique Lyonnais and Milan wanted the promising teenager, but he stayed on in order to earn his place in the starting eleven.{{citation needed|date=April 2017}}

Bendtner scored his first goal at the Emirates Stadium against Paris Saint-Germain in the inaugural Emirates Cup pre-season tournament; he assisted another for Mathieu Flamini and missed a late penalty.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/6920754.stm |title=Bendtner on target in Arsenal win |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 July 2007 |access-date=16 April 2017}} He made his Premier League debut as a substitute against Fulham on 12 August 2007.{{cite news|title=Arsenal 2–1 Fulham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6931066.stm|author=Hughes, Ian|publisher=BBC|work=BBC Sport|date=12 August 2007|access-date=10 October 2020}} His first competitive strike for the Gunners was the match-winning goal in a 2–0 League Cup match against Newcastle United on 25 September 2007. On 23 October, he scored his debut UEFA Champions League goal in the 89th minute against Slavia Prague, finishing off a back-heeled pass from Emmanuel Eboué to complete a 7–0 win and equal the record Champions League victory.{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01c6-0e6ea86e1585-aa2135ad6365-1000--seven-for-arsenal-in-record-victory/ |title=Seven for Arsenal in record victory |first=Matthew |last=Spiro |publisher=UEFA |date=24 October 2007 |access-date=16 April 2017}}

Bendtner's first Premier League goal came on 22 December 2007 in a 2–1 Arsenal victory in the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium. He headed the winning goal from a Cesc Fàbregas corner just 1.8 seconds (official time) after coming on as a substitute for Eboué, breaking the previous record.{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0708premier-league-arsenal-2-1-tottenham-match-report |title=Arsenal 2–1 Tottenham Hotspur |first=Richard |last=Clarke |publisher=Arsenal F.C. |date=22 December 2007 |access-date=11 April 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/71647/nicklas-bendtner?cc=4716 |title=Nicklas Bendtner profile |work=ESPNsoccernet |access-date=28 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923130511/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/71647/nicklas-bendtner?cc=4716 |archive-date=23 September 2010 |url-status=dead |quote=Scoring his first Premier League goal – the winner against Tottenham in December 2007 – and picking up the record for the fastest goal ever scored by a substitute (1.8 seconds).}} His first Premier League start came a week later at Everton; he was sent off for two bookable offences.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/dec/29/minutebyminute.arsenal |title=Everton 1–4 Arsenal |first=Nicky |last=Bandini |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=29 December 2007 |access-date=11 April 2017}} After serving his suspension, he scored his first FA Cup goal against Burnley on 6 January 2008 as Arsenal won 2–0.{{cite news |url=http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0708fa-cup-third-round-burnley-0-2-arsenal-match-report |title=Burnley 0–2 Arsenal |first=Richard |last=Clarke |publisher=Arsenal F.C. |date=6 January 2008 |access-date=11 April 2017}}{{soccerbase season|42482|2007|access-date=11 April 2017}}

During the season, manager Arsène Wenger tried to partner Bendtner with Emmanuel Adebayor whenever Robin van Persie was rested. Bendtner and Adebayor, however, did not get along well.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/sep/14/emmanual-adebayor-robin-van-persie-manchester-city-arsenal |title=Robin van Persie voices Arsenal distaste at Emmanuel Adebayor's antics |first=David |last=Hytner |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=14 September 2009 |access-date=11 April 2017}} It became apparent during the 2008 League Cup semi-final second leg away at Tottenham when the pair had a heated on-pitch altercation with the scoreline at 4–1 to Tottenham and referee Howard Webb, captain William Gallas, and other teammates had to intervene and separate the two.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jan/23/newsstory.arsenal |title=Arsenal at war as Adebayor clash bloodies Bendtner nose |first=Dominic |last=Fifield |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=23 January 2008 |access-date=20 May 2010}} Adebayor later apologized on Arsenal's website and the Football Association declined to take any formal action against either.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/7204144.stm |title=Arsenal pair escape FA punishment |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 January 2008 |access-date=11 April 2017}}

Bendtner also scored a last minute equaliser against Aston Villa to keep Arsenal top of the table.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7260437.stm |title=Arsenal 1–1 Aston Villa |first=Ian |last=Hughes |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 March 2008 |access-date=28 January 2011}}

==2008–09 season==

File:Nicklas Bendtner.jpg

The highlight of Bendtner's 2008–09 pre-season was scoring four goals in the first half of Arsenal's 10–2 victory against Burgenland XI on 29 July 2008.{{cite news |url=http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0809/first-team/burgenland-xi-2-10-arsenal-gallery |title=Burgenland XI 2–10 Arsenal |publisher=Arsenal F.C. |first=Richard |last=Clarke |date=28 July 2008 |access-date=31 January 2011}} He scored his first Premier League goal of the season against Bolton Wanderers and within 90 seconds provided an assist for Eboué to score.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7613918.stm |title=Bolton 1–3 Arsenal |publisher=BBC Sport |first=Nabil |last=Hassan |date=20 September 2008 |access-date=31 January 2011 }}

Bendtner had a hard time in October and November, but on 25 November, he scored a controversial 87th-minute winner against Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League to ensure Arsenal progressed to the knockout stages. After treatment to an injured player, with Dynamo apparently expecting the ball to be returned to them, Fàbregas hit the ball forward and Bendtner scored with a left-footed shot. He was booked for removing his shirt in celebration.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/3521893/Nicklas-Bendtner-sends-Cesc-Fabregass-Arsenal-into-Champions-League-last-16-Football.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/3521893/Nicklas-Bendtner-sends-Cesc-Fabregass-Arsenal-into-Champions-League-last-16-Football.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Nicklas Bendtner sends Cesc Fabregas's Arsenal into Champions League last 16 |first=Henry |last=Winter |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London |date=25 November 2008 |access-date=24 September 2013}}{{cbignore}} In January, he scored two more goals as a substitute, late winners at home to Bolton and Hull City, both from Van Persie crosses.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7808339.stm |title=Arsenal 1–0 Bolton |first=Ian |last=Hughes |publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 January 2009 |access-date=31 January 2011 }}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7815660.stm |title=Hull 1–3 Arsenal |first=Mark |last=Ashenden |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 January 2009 |access-date=31 January 2011 }}

On 24 February, Bendtner was goaded after missing a number of chances in the 1–0 win over Roma in the Champions League knockout stages.{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0809/post/first-team/champions-league-arsenal-1-0-roma-report |title=Arsenal 1–0 AS Roma |first=Chris |last=Harris |publisher=Arsenal F.C. |date=24 February 2009 |access-date=11 April 2017}} The following week, he scored two goals at West Bromwich Albion as Arsenal won 3–1.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7908451.stm |title=West Brom 1–3 Arsenal |first=Ian |last=Hughes |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 March 2009 |access-date=31 January 2011 }} The fans were much more supportive towards him when he missed a string of chances against Blackburn Rovers.{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0809/post/first-team/arsenal-v-blackburn-rovers |title=Arsenal 4–0 Blackburn Rovers |first=Richard |last=Clarke |publisher=Arsenal F.C. |date=14 March 2009 |access-date=11 April 2017}} Arsenal still won 4–0, thanks to Andrey Arshavin's stunner, and a brace from Eboué. Bendtner got a goal in a 3–1 win at Newcastle United, a header from a long free-kick.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7937084.stm |title=Newcastle 1–3 Arsenal |first=Nabil |last=Hassan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 March 2009 |access-date=31 January 2011}}

On 5 May 2009, the 21-year-old Bendtner was seen leaving a nightclub hours after Arsenal's 3–1 home defeat by rival side Manchester United in the Champions League semi-final, pictured with his belt undone and jeans pulled down. He later said: "I may be young, but my actions were a poor error of judgment and something I deeply regret." Bendtner was a second-half substitute for Arsenal, who lost 4–1 on aggregate to defending champions United.{{cite news |title=Bendtner goes on bender |url=http://www.cphpost.dk/sport/120-sport/45612-bendtner-goes-on-bender.html |newspaper=The Copenhagen Post |date=7 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805121602/http://www.cphpost.dk/sport/120-sport/45612-bendtner-goes-on-bender.html |archive-date=5 August 2011 |url-status=dead}} Bendtner made amends with a goal, albeit a consolation, in a 4–1 defeat to London rival club Chelsea.{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0809/post/first-team/arsenal-1-4-chelsea-match-report |title=Arsenal 1–4 Chelsea |first=Richard |last=Clarke |publisher=Arsenal F.C. |date=10 May 2009 |access-date=11 April 2017}}

==2009–10 season==

File:Arsenal v Stoke City FC - Nicklas Bendtner.jpg in 2009]]

Bendtner started the 2009–10 season by announcing a change in his Arsenal squad number from 26, which he had been allocated initially, to 52, which he claimed was "a special number to [him] personally". He agreed to refund any supporters who had already bought a shirt printed with his original number.{{cite web |title=Bendtner explains switch of squad number |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/bendtner-explains-switch-of-squad-number |publisher=Arsenal F.C. |date=12 August 2009 |access-date=11 April 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090908023515/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/bendtner-explains-switch-of-squad-number |archive-date=8 September 2009}} He scored his first goal of the season in the Champions League group stage in a 3–2 away win against Standard Liège. On the morning of 27 September, he was involved in a car accident while driving along the A1. He suffered cuts to his knees and shoulder pain, and wrote off his Aston Martin.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/sep/28/nicklas-bendtner-arsenal-car-accident |title=Nicklas Bendtner out for Arsenal after being involved in car accident |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=28 September 2009 |access-date=26 July 2010}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/arsenal/6242099/Nicklas-Bendtner-car-crash-photo-Arsenal-strikers-lucky-escape.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091002185532/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/arsenal/6242099/Nicklas-Bendtner-car-crash-photo-Arsenal-strikers-lucky-escape.html |archive-date=2009-10-02 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Nicklas Bendtner car crash photo: Arsenal striker's lucky escape |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London |first=Emily |last=Benammar |date=29 September 2009 |access-date=26 July 2010}}
He returned to action on 4 October and scored his first league goal of the season in Arsenal's 6–2 win over Blackburn Rovers. On 28 October, he scored the winning goal in the League Cup in a 2–1 win against Liverpool.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/oct/28/carling-cup-arsenal-liverpool |title=Nicklas Bendtner strikes for Arsenal to remind Liverpool of the joys of youth |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=28 October 2009 |access-date=15 April 2017}}

On 10 November, Bendtner underwent surgery in Germany after aggravating a groin injury in the 3–0 win on 31 October playing against Tottenham Hotspur. He was expected to be out for up to four weeks,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/8352036.stm |title=Bendtner to undergo groin surgery |publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 November 2009 |access-date=10 November 2009}} but did not return until 27 January in a 0–0 draw at Villa Park.{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0910/post/first-team/aston-villa-0-0-arsenal-match-report |title=Aston Villa 0–0 Arsenal |first=Richard |last=Clarke |publisher=Arsenal F.C. |date=27 January 2010 |access-date=11 April 2017}} He started his first match after recovering from his injury and played 82 minutes in Arsenal's victory over Liverpool on 10 February to complete his return to full fitness.{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0910/post/first-team/arsenal-1-0-liverpool-match-report |title=Arsenal 1–0 Liverpool |first=Richard |last=Clarke |publisher=Arsenal F.C. |date=10 February 2010 |access-date=11 April 2017}} Ten days later, he scored his first league goal since October with the opener in a 2–0 home defeat of Sunderland.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8518829.stm |title=Arsenal 2–0 Sunderland |first=Chris |last=Bevan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 February 2010 |access-date=11 April 2017}} He followed this up with the equalising goal in a 3–1 win against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on 27 February.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8530490.stm |title=Stoke 1–3 Arsenal |first=Sam |last=Sheringham |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 February 2010 |access-date=11 April 2017}}

On 9 March, Bendtner scored the first hat-trick of his professional career in a 5–0 victory over Porto in the second leg of the Champions League first knockout round to overturn their 2–1 loss in the first leg.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/7416232/Arsenal-striker-Nicklas-Bendtner-able-to-enjoy-last-laugh-after-hat-trick-against-Porto.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/7416232/Arsenal-striker-Nicklas-Bendtner-able-to-enjoy-last-laugh-after-hat-trick-against-Porto.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner able to enjoy last laugh after hat-trick against Porto |first=Jeremy |last=Wilson |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London |date=11 March 2010 |access-date=3 July 2013}}{{cbignore}} Four days later, he scored a stoppage-time winning goal against Hull City to put the Gunners level on points with Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8558061.stm |title=Hull 1–2 Arsenal |first=Phil |last=Dawkes |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 March 2010 |access-date=11 April 2017}} Another stoppage-time winner followed in the 1–0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on 3 April.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8595275.stm |title=Arsenal 1–0 Wolverhampton |first=Phil |last=Dawkes |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 April 2010 |access-date=11 April 2017}}

Bendtner won the Arsenal Player of the Month award for his performances in March, taking over 33% of the votes.{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/bendtner-is-ea-sports-player-of-the-month- |title=Bendtner is EA SPORTS Player of the Month! |publisher=Arsenal F.C. |date=8 April 2010 |access-date=3 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927084230/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/bendtner-is-ea-sports-player-of-the-month- |archive-date=27 September 2013}} He scored the only goal for Arsenal in a 4–1 defeat to Barcelona at the Camp Nou as they were knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-final on 6 April.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8602344.stm |title=Barcelona 4–1 Arsenal (agg 6–3) |first=Stuart |last=Roach |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 April 2010 |access-date=3 July 2013}}

==2010–11 season==

File:Nicklas Bendtner 2010-11-07.jpg

After worsening his groin problem during the 2010 World Cup, and spending almost four months out of action,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/8792026.stm |title=Nicklas Bendtner groin injury worry for Arsenal |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 July 2010 |access-date=15 April 2017}}
{{cite news |url=http://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal/no-regrets-over-world-cup-injury-nightmare-says-arsenal-striker-1-675158 |title=No regrets over World Cup injury nightmare, says Arsenal striker |newspaper=Hackney Gazette |date=7 October 2010 |access-date=15 April 2017}}
Bendtner's first appearance of the season came as a substitute against Birmingham City on 16 October.{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1011/post/first-team/match-report-arsenal-2-1-birmingham-city |title=Arsenal 2–1 Birmingham City |first=Richard |last=Clarke |publisher=Arsenal F.C. |date=16 October 2010 |access-date=3 July 2013}} On 24 October, he scored his first goal of the season in a 3–0 away win against Manchester City.{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1011/post/first-team/manchester-city-v-arsenal |title=Manchester City 0–3 Arsenal |first=Richard |last=Clarke |publisher=Arsenal F.C. |date=24 October 2010 |access-date=3 July 2013}} Three days later, he scored again in a match against Newcastle United in the League Cup at St James' Park, as Arsenal won 4–0.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/oct/27/carling-cup-newcastle-united-arsenal |title=Arsenal build on lucky rebound to swagger past Newcastle United |first=Louise |last=Taylor |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=27 October 2010 |access-date=3 July 2013}} Bendtner scored his first goal of 2011 on 25 January against Ipswich Town in the League Cup, to level the aggregate score at 1–1. Arsenal won the match 3–0, and 3–1 on aggregate.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/9371217.stm |title=Arsenal 3–0 Ipswich (agg 3–1) |first=Paul |last=Fletcher |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 January 2011 |access-date=3 July 2013}} The goal earned him the Arsenal Goal of the Month award for January.{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/goal-of-the-month-january |title=Arsenal Goal of the Month |publisher=Arsenal F.C. |date=8 February 2011 |access-date=13 April 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924042228/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/goal-of-the-month-january |archive-date=24 September 2015}} On 2 March, Bendtner scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup fifth round replay against League One team Leyton Orient.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9411262.stm |title=FA Cup football as it happened |first=Jonathan |last=Stevenson |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 March 2011 |access-date=13 April 2017}} it was his first hat-trick for nearly a year, and the first by an Arsenal player in an FA Cup tie since Ian Wright's against Yeovil Town in 1993.{{cite news |url=http://www.eurosport.com/football/fa-cup/2010-2011/live-arsenal-leyton-orient_mtc435411/live.shtml |title=Arsenal 5–0 Leyton Orient |publisher=Eurosport |date=2 March 2011 |access-date=15 November 2017}}

Bendtner was left out of Arsenal's 2011 summer tour of Asia while talks took place over a transfer.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/14094433 |title=Arsenal duo Manuel Almunia & Nicklas Bendtner in move talks |first=Phil |last=Dawkes |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 July 2011 |access-date=1 September 2014}} Amid rumours of interest from Stoke City and Borussia Dortmund, as well as confirmed interest from Hamburg sporting director Frank Arnesen,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/14125548 |title=Hamburg confirm interest in Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 July 2011 |access-date=1 September 2014}} Bendtner made public his desire to leave Arsenal in August, citing the need for first-team football as motivation.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/14453032 |title=Nicklas Bendtner reveals he wants to leave Arsenal |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 August 2011 |access-date=1 September 2014}}

==Loan to Sunderland==

On the last day of the August 2011 transfer window, Premier League club Sunderland completed a one-year loan deal for Bendtner; the striker linked up again with manager Steve Bruce.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14741749.stm |title=Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner joins Sunderland on season-long loan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 August 2011 |access-date=1 September 2011}} A couple of days later, Bendtner was reported as saying that he would never play for Arsenal again because he was not given the opportunity to establish himself in the first team after his car accident.{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/7143522/bendtner-in-gunners-quit-vow |title=Bendtner in Gunners quit vow |first=Pete |last=O'Rourke |publisher=Sky Sports |date=2 September 2011 |access-date=13 April 2017}} On his debut, he made an assist against Chelsea.{{cite news |url=http://www.thejournal.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderland-1-chelsea-2-4423286 |title=Sunderland 1 Chelsea 2 |first=Stuart |last=Rayner |newspaper=The Journal |location=Newcastle |date=12 September 2011 |access-date=13 April 2017}} His first goal came on 1 October to begin Sunderland's comeback from 2–0 down to draw with West Bromwich Albion, and he made the cross from which Ahmed Elmohamady equalised.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8799060/Sunderland-2-West-Bromwich-Albion-2-match-report.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8799060/Sunderland-2-West-Bromwich-Albion-2-match-report.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Sunderland 2 West Bromwich Albion 2: match report |first=Luke |last=Edwards |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=1 October 2011 |access-date=13 April 2017}}{{cbignore}} Bendtner had to wait three weeks for the Dubious Goals Committee to credit him with the goal, which had gone into the net off Gareth McAuley.{{cite web |url=http://www.safc.com/news/20111019/black-cats-pair-credited-with-goals_2256213_2487206 |title=Black Cats pair credited with goals |publisher=Sunderland A.F.C. |date=19 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020064747/http://www.safc.com/news/20111019/black-cats-pair-credited-with-goals_2256213_2487206 |archive-date=20 October 2011 |url-status=dead}}

Bendtner's second goal for Sunderland came in injury time against Bolton Wanderers; the match ended 2–0 and was Sunderland's first away win of the season.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15319551 |title=Bolton 0–2 Sunderland |first=Becky |last=Ashton |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 October 2011 |access-date=13 April 2017}} He scored his third in a 3–2 win at Queens Park Rangers. On 21 January 2012, Bendtner fractured his eye-socket in a collision during Sunderland's match against Swansea City on 21 January 2012; when he returned to action, he wore a protective facemask.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17298433 |title=Sunderland striker Nicklas Bendtner feared he was blinded |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 March 2012 |access-date=13 April 2017}} He converted a penalty in the Tyne-Wear derby on 4 March to put Sunderland 1–0 up,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17175791 |title=Newcastle United 1–1 Sunderland |first=Neil |last=Johnston |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 March 2012 |access-date=16 April 2017}} and scored again the following week to give his team a 1–0 victory against Liverpool.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/mar/10/sunderland-liverpool-premier-league |title=Liverpool's Champions League hopes fade after defeat by Sunderland |first=Louise |last=Taylor |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=10 March 2012 |access-date=15 April 2017}} In Sunderland's 3–1 victory at home to Queens Park Rangers, he scored the opening goal with an "unstoppable" header,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17412343 |title=Sunderland 3–1 QPR |first=Neil |last=Johnston |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 March 2012 |access-date=16 April 2017}} and took his total for March to four from five matches with Sunderland's second goal in a 3–3 draw away to Manchester City. He finished the season as Sunderland's top scorer in Premier League matches with eight goals.{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=2493&teamTabs=stats&season_id=141 |title=Sunderland squad details 2011/12 |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=16 April 2017}}

==Loan to Juventus==

On the last day of the August 2012 transfer window, Bendtner joined Italian Serie A club Juventus on loan for the season, with an option to make the move permanent.{{cite web |url=http://www.juventus.com/juve/en/news/31aug2012_bendtner+completes+juventus+switch |title=Bendtner completes Juventus switch |publisher=Juventus Football Club |date=31 August 2012 |access-date=31 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120903001139/http://www.juventus.com/juve/en/news/31aug2012_Bendtner+completes+Juventus+switch |archive-date=3 September 2012 |url-status=dead}} He made his debut as a substitute for Fabio Quagliarella in a 2–0 win against Chievo at the Juventus Stadium on 22 September 2012,{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/fabio-quagliarella-powers-juventus-over-chievo-verona-serie-a-1.1207157 |title=Fabio Quagliarella powers Juventus over Chievo Verona: Serie A |publisher=CBC Sports |agency=Associated Press |date=22 September 2012 |access-date=13 April 2017}} and his first start came five weeks later in a 1–0 win against Catania. He again started in the Coppa Italia match against Cagliari in December, but suffered a thigh injury that required surgery and was expected to be out for at least two months.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/onloan-arsenal-striker-nicklas-bendtner-undergoes-thigh-surgery-8423625.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220620/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/onloan-arsenal-striker-nicklas-bendtner-undergoes-thigh-surgery-8423625.html |archive-date=20 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=On-loan Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner undergoes thigh surgery |newspaper=The Independent |agency=Press Association |date=18 December 2012 |access-date=18 January 2013}} While he was ruled out through injury, he was at the centre of controversy when he was arrested for drink driving on 4 March 2013.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/9906843/Arsenals-on-loan-striker-Nicklas-Bendtner-arrested-for-drink-driving.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/9906843/Arsenals-on-loan-striker-Nicklas-Bendtner-arrested-for-drink-driving.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Arsenal's on-loan striker Nicklas Bendtner arrested for drink-driving |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London |date=4 March 2013 |access-date=27 February 2017}}{{cbignore}} Bendtner did not return to action until Juventus's last league match of the season with the title already secured. Coming on as a 74th-minute substitute in the 3–2 defeat away to Sampdoria on 18 May 2013, he fractured his wrist late in the game. He finished his season with only two league starts and without a goal in eleven appearances in all competitions.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/22595079 |title=Nicklas Bendtner: Arsenal striker fractures wrist with Juventus |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 May 2013 |access-date=27 February 2017}} Juventus chose not to make the loan move permanent, and Bendtner returned to Arsenal.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/sep/25/nicklas-bendtner-arsenal-west-bromwich-albion |title=Nicklas Bendtner, a legend only to him, must take last Arsenal chance |first=Paul |last=Wilson |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=25 September 2013 |access-date=13 April 2017}}

==2013–14 season==

On 22 September 2013, Bendtner was an unused substitute against Stoke City.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24098512 |title=Arsenal 3–1 Stoke City |first=Alistair |last=Magowan|publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 September 2013 |access-date=26 September 2013}} Three days later, he made his first Arsenal appearance for two years in a League Cup match against West Bromwich Albion. He made the assist for Thomas Eisfeld's goal as the match finished 1–1 after extra time. Bendtner played the whole 120 minutes and scored Arsenal's first penalty as they won the shoot-out 4–3.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24140615 |title=West Brom 1–1 Arsenal |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 September 2013 |access-date=26 September 2013}} He scored his first Arsenal goal since March 2011 with a second-minute header in a 2–0 win against Hull Cuty on 4 December.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25115947 |title=Arsenal 2–0 Hull City |first=Alistair |last=Magowan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 December 2013 |access-date=4 December 2013}} On 1 January 2014, Bendtner scored his last goal for Arsenal against Cardiff City in the 88th minute, injuring his ankle in the process before Theo Walcott sealed a 2–0 win.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25513360 |title=Arsenal 2–0 Cardiff City |first=Andy |last=Cryer |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 January 2014 |access-date=1 January 2014}} Although he had hoped to prove himself to Arsenal,{{cite news |url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/arsenal/story/1739498/nicklas-bendtner-aiming-to-leave-mark-at-arsenal-before-probable-summer-exit |title=Bendtner aims to leave mark at Arsenal |website=ESPN FC |agency=PA Sport |date=6 March 2014 |access-date=13 April 2017}} this did not happen, and he was released at the end of the season when his contract expired.{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12040/9362399/premier-league-denmark-forward-nicklas-bendtner-heads-a-list-of-11-exiting-arsenal |title=Premier League: Denmark forward Nicklas Bendtner heads a list of 11 exiting Arsenal |publisher=Sky Sports |date=26 June 2014 |access-date=13 April 2017}}

=VfL Wolfsburg=

File:Emirates Cup - Arsenal v Wolfsburg (19576625264).jpg in 2015]]

On 15 August 2014, Bendtner signed a three-year deal with VfL Wolfsburg of the Bundesliga. Managing director Klaus Allofs described him as "a striker at the best age, who already was able to gather a lot of international experience in his career, which did not always run in a straight line".{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9422975/transfer-news-wolfsburg-sign-former-arsenal-striker-nicklas-bendtner |title=Wolfsburg sign former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner |publisher=Sky Sports |date=15 August 2014 |access-date=15 August 2014}} Bendtner made his Wolfsburg debut on 30 August, as a second-half substitute against Eintracht Frankfurt in a match that finished 2–2.{{cite web |url=https://www.vfl-wolfsburg.de/en/info/news/detailspage/artikel/home-debut-draw-34720.html |title=Home debut draw |publisher=VfL Wolfsburg |date=30 August 2014 |access-date=13 April 2017}} On 6 November, he scored his first two goals for Wolfsburg, one from the penalty-spot and one from open play, in a 5–1 win against Krasnodar in the Europa League.{{cite web |url=http://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Tournaments/0000306286.jsp |title=Wolfsburg ease to victory over Krasnodar |publisher=DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga |date=6 November 2014 |access-date=13 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417070525/http://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Tournaments/0000306286.jsp |archive-date=17 April 2017 |url-status=dead}} Sixteen days later, he scored his first Bundesliga goal, against Schalke 04 in a 3–2 away defeat. On 19 March 2015, he scored an 89th-minute winner against Inter Milan at the San Siro to secure a 5–2 aggregate victory that took Wolfsburg to the quarter-final of the Europa League.{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/021f-0e8fe92b4781-ab196fe400da-1000--inter-beaten-again-as-wolfsburg-march-on/ |title=Inter beaten again as Wolfsburg march on |first=Paolo |last=Menicucci |publisher=UEFA |date=19 March 2015 |access-date=13 April 2017}} Bendtner was an unused substitute as Wolfsburg beat Borussia Dortmund 3–1 in the 2015 DFB-Pokal Final.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32938029 |title=Borussia Dortmund 1–3 Wolfsburg |first=Saj |last=Chowdhury |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 May 2015 |access-date=13 April 2017}}

Bendtner began his second season at Wolfsburg with the 2015 DFL-Supercup against Bayern Munich: he produced a "poacher's finish" in the 89th minute from Kevin De Bruyne's cross to draw the game level at 1–1 and then scored the winner in the penalty shootout to clinch the trophy.{{cite web |url=http://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/vfl-wolfsburg-1-1-fc-bayern-muenchen-2015-supercup-match-report.jsp |title=Wolfsburg down Bayern on penalties to lift 2015 Supercup |publisher=DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga |date=1 August 2015 |access-date=13 April 2017}} On 8 August 2015, he continued his good form by scoring in a 4–1 win at Stuttgarter Kickers in the first round of the 2015–16 DFB-Pokal, and opened his Bundesliga account for the season two weeks later with a goal in a 1–1 draw with 1. FC Köln.{{cite web |url=http://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/blmd3-bendtner-showing-true-potential.jsp |title='Lord' Bendtner finally showing his true class |publisher=DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga |date=27 August 2015 |access-date=13 April 2017}}

On 25 April 2016, Wolfsburg announced that Bendtner's contract, which was due to run until June 2017, had been terminated with immediate effect.{{cite web |url=https://www.vfl-wolfsburg.de/en/info/news/detailspage/artikel/contract-terminated-42506.html |title=Contract terminated |publisher=VfL Wolfsburg |date=25 April 2016 |access-date=25 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513120517/https://www.vfl-wolfsburg.de/en/info/news/detailspage/artikel/contract-terminated-42506.html |archive-date=13 May 2016 |url-status=dead}} While a free agent, Bendtner trained with his hometown club F.C. Copenhagen.{{cite news|title=Bendtner in training at FC Copenhagen|date=5 May 2016|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/bendtner-training-fc-copenhagen|access-date=28 April 2018|work=FourFourTwo}}

=Nottingham Forest=

On 7 September 2016, Bendtner signed a two-year deal with English Championship club Nottingham Forest.{{cite web |url=http://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/nottingham-forest-signing-nicklas-bendtner-arsenal-3293622.aspx |title=Forest complete Bendtner signing |publisher=Nottingham Forest F.C. |date=7 September 2016 |access-date=7 September 2016}} Bendtner said that he moved to Forest because both parties were desperate- Forest offered Bendtner a large salary as they were desperate for a striker, and Bendtner wanted to move closer to his son in London and to get his footballing career back on track.{{Cite web|last=Kay|first=Oliver|title=Nicklas Bendtner: 'I didn't have a strong character close to me to guide me'|url=https://theathletic.com/2152120/2020/10/24/nicklas-bendtner-interview-arsenal/|access-date=2020-10-25|website=The Athletic}} He made his debut for the club on 20 September in the 2016–17 EFL Cup against former club Arsenal, after which Arsène Wenger asserted that "if he keeps fit he still has a chance to come back to the top level. I think a hungry Nicklas Bendtner can score goals against anybody, and that's what you want from him."{{cite news |url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/efl-cup/story/2955554/nottingham-forests-nicklas-bendtner-can-still-make-it-to-top-arsene-wenger |title=Nottingham Forest's Nicklas Bendtner can still make it to top – Arsene Wenger |first=Mattias |last=Karen |publisher=ESPN FC |date=21 September 2016 |access-date=13 April 2017}}

On 11 December 2016, Bendtner scored an own goal against Forest's rivals Derby County in an eventual 3–0 defeat.{{Cite news|title=Derby County 3-0 Nottingham Forest|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38199039|access-date=2020-10-25}}

Bendtner finished his Forest career with two goals from seventeen appearances in all competitions. Bendtner felt that his heart wasn't really in it when he moved to Forest, and felt that 'It wasn't until I got to Rosenborg that I found myself again and found that true love of football'.

=Rosenborg BK=

File:Nicklas Bendtner, Sogndal-Rosenborg 07-15-2017.jpg against Sogndal in 2017]]

On 6 March 2017, Bendtner signed for Norwegian club Rosenborg for an undisclosed fee.{{cite web |url=http://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/nottingham-forest-nicklas-bendtner-rosenborg-transfer-3612286.aspx |title=Bendtner leaves the Reds |publisher=Nottingham Forest F.C. |date=6 March 2017 |access-date=30 March 2017}} He made his debut as a second-half substitute in the Mesterfinalen of 2017 against Brann, and supplied the assist for the second goal in a 2–0 win.{{cite news |url=http://m.goal.com/s/en/news/8/main/2017/03/30/34136872/ex-arsenal-striker-bendtner-begins-rosenborg-career-with |title=Ex-Arsenal striker Bendtner begins Rosenborg career with trophy win |first=Ronan |last=Murphy |website=Goal.com |date=30 March 2017 |access-date=30 March 2017}} He also scored his first league goal in his Eliteserien debut against Odds at Lerkendal.{{cite news |url=http://www.tv2.no/a/9038396/ |title=Bendtner-mål da RBK knuste Odd: – En varmerke-scoring |language=no |first=Sturla |last=Johannessen |website=TV2.no |date=2 April 2017 |access-date=2 April 2017}} On 12 August, Bendtner scored a trivela goal from outside the penalty box in a 2–1 win over Molde FK.{{cite web|url=https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/watch-former-nottingham-forest-man-325594|title=WATCH as former Nottingham Forest man Nicklas Bendtner hits stunning goal for Rosenborg|work=Nottingham Post|date=15 August 2017|access-date=2 July 2018}}

Bendtner won his second consecutive Mesterfinalen in the 2018 event, scoring the only goal of the game against Lillestrøm, nutmegging defender Marius Amundsen en route to goal.{{cite news|title=Nicklas Bendtner's outstanding solo goal hands Rosenborg the Norwegian Super Cup|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/nicklas-bendtners-outstanding-solo-goal-hands-rosenborg-norwegian-super-cup|work=FourFourTwo|date=27 April 2018|access-date=28 April 2018}}

=Copenhagen=

On the transfer deadline day, 2 September 2019, F.C. Copenhagen signed Bendtner on a deal until the end of the year.[https://www.fck.dk/en/news/fck-sign-nicklas-bendtner FCK SIGN NICKLAS BENDTNER], fck.dk, 2 September 2019 On 17 December 2019 it was confirmed, that Copenhagen would not extend his contract and Bendtner left the club again at the end of 2019.[https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/officielt-nicklas-bendtner-er-faerdig-i-fck/ Officielt: Nicklas Bendtner er færdig i FCK], bold.dk, 19 December 2019 He scored his only goal in a cup game against FC Nordsjælland on 31 October 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.alamy.com/october-31-2019-copenhagen-denmark-niclas-bendtner-fc-copenhagen-is-celebrating-his-goal-to-1-1-during-the-sydbank-cup-soccer-match-between-fc-copenhagen-and-fc-nordsjaelland-in-telia-parken-copenhagen-denmark-credit-image-lars-moellerzuma-wire-image331523639.html|title = Stock Photo - October 31, 2019, Copenhagen, Denmark: Niclas Bendtner, FC Copenhagen is celebrating his goal to 1-1 during the Sydbank Cup soccer match between FC Copenhagen and FC}}

=Retirement=

On 25 August 2020, Tårnby FF, whose senior team competes in the fourth-tier Denmark Series, announced that Bendtner had signed up for the club, where he would become part of the "M+32 Old Boys" team.{{cite web |last1=Wehlast |first1=Mads Glenn |title=Afsløring: Nicklas Bendtner klar for Tårnby FF |url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/dansk_fodbold/afsloering-nicklas-bendtner-klar-for-taarnby-ff/8263023 |website=ekstrabladet.dk |publisher=Ekstra Bladet |access-date=25 August 2020 |date=25 August 2020}} On Bendtner joining the team, organiser of the M+32 team, Martin Skov Hæstrup stated that "we are very happy that Nicklas wants to stay in shape with some of the guys he has known for many years. This opportunity is something we have been discussing for many years."{{cite web |author1=Ritzau |title=Nicklas Bendtner skal spille Old Boys-fodbold i Tårnby |url=https://sn.dk/Sport/Nicklas-Bendtner-skal-spille-Old-Boys-fodbold-i-Taarnby/artikel/1349444 |publisher=Sjællandske Nyheder |access-date=25 August 2020 |date=25 August 2020}} He made his debut for the team on 9 September where he started as an attacking midfielder against the Fredensborg BI M+32 team which ended in a 1–0 win.{{cite web |last1=Kiersgaard Espersen |first1=Morten |title=Første kamp i ti måneder: Her gør Bendtner comeback |url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/dansk_fodbold/foerste-kamp-i-ti-maaneder-her-goer-bendtner-comeback/8284221 |publisher=Ekstra Bladet |access-date=18 September 2020 |language=da |date=9 September 2020}}

In June 2021, Bendtner announced his retirement from football in the Discovery+ programme Bendtner og Philine.{{cite news |title='It's really over': Former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner confirms retirement |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jun/03/nicklas-bendtner-confirms-retirement-arsenal-football |work=The Guardian |date=3 June 2021 |language=en}} In the episode, he stated that: "all your life you play football, and from one day to the next it ends", and added that he had "not been able to do some of the things I liked because of corona. I think I need to have a little more time to process that it's over now".{{cite news |last1=Christensen |first1=Stefan |title=Bendtner erkender: Det er slut |url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/dansk_fodbold/bendtner-erkender-det-er-slut/8608219 |work=ekstrabladet.dk |date=3 June 2021 |language=da}}

International career

=Youth=

Bendtner started his international career with three matches for the Denmark under-16 team in February 2004. During his third game he scored a hat-trick against Armenia.{{cite web |url=https://www.dbu.dk/landshold/landsholdsdatabasen/PlayerInfo/5111&teamtypeid=1896#match |title=Landshold: Nicklas Bendtner: U16-landshold (Alle kampe) |language=da |trans-title=International: Nicklas Bendtner: U16 team (all matches) |publisher=Dansk Boldspil-Union |access-date=14 April 2017}} He then scored six goals in 15 appearances for the under-17s,{{cite web |url=https://www.dbu.dk/landshold/landsholdsdatabasen/PlayerInfo/5111&teamtypeid=2160#match |title=Landshold: Nicklas Bendtner: U17-landshold (Alle kampe) |language=da |trans-title=International: Nicklas Bendtner: U17 team (all matches) |publisher=Dansk Boldspil-Union |access-date=14 April 2017}} and was named Danish Under-17 Player of the Year for 2004.{{cite web |url=http://www.dbu.dk/page.aspx?id=318 |title=Ungdomslandshold, herren: DBU talentpris |language=da |trans-title=Youth international, men: DBU talent award |publisher=Dansk Boldspil-Union |access-date=14 April 2017 |archive-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212144542/https://www.dbu.dk/page.aspx?id=318 |url-status=dead }}

Bendtner made his under-21 debut on 17 May 2006, at the age of 18, scoring both goals in a Danish 2–0 victory over Spain in a friendly match.{{cite web |url=https://www.dbu.dk/landshold/landsholdsdatabasen/PlayerInfo/5111&teamtypeid=1889#match |title=Landshold: Nicklas Bendtner: U21-landshold (Alle kampe) |language=da |trans-title=International: Nicklas Bendtner: U21 team (all matches) |publisher=Dansk Boldspil-Union |access-date=14 April 2017}} He was the youngest player selected for Denmark's squad for the 2006 European Under-21 Championships,{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/eur-u21-2006det.html |title=European U-21 Championship 2006 – Final Tournament Details |first=Marcel |last=Haisma |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) |date=26 July 2006 |access-date=14 April 2017}} and replaced Morten "Duncan" Rasmussen in the Danish starting line-up. When Rasmussen came on to replace Bendtner during the match against the Netherlands, Bendtner told the press afterwards that the change was a mistake and that he was a better striker than Rasmussen. He received a reprimand, apologised to his teammates,{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jun/01/euro-2012-nicklas-bendtner-denmark |title=Euro 2012: Denmark profile – Nicklas Bendtner |first=Troels |last=Henriksen |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=1 June 2012 |access-date=14 April 2017}}{{cite news |url=http://www.dr.dk/Sporten/Fodbold/Landsholdet/2006/05/27/134736.htm |title=Bendtner undskylder i U21-lejren |language=da |trans-title=Bendtner apologises in the U21 camp |first=Mette |last=Cornelius |publisher=DR (Danish Broadcasting Corporation) |date=27 May 2006 |access-date=14 April 2017}} and retained the starting position for Denmark's remaining group match before they were eliminated.

=Senior=

==Early career and UEFA Euro 2008 qualification==

On 16 August 2006, Bendtner made his first senior appearance for Denmark; aged 18 years and 212 days, he was the seventh youngest debutant ever.{{cite web |url=http://www.haslund.info/danmark/aovs/ydeb.asp |title=A-landsholdsspillere – Yngste debutant |language=da |trans-title=A-international players – Youngest debutant |website=Haslund.info |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071004232009/http://www.haslund.info/danmark/aovs/ydeb.asp |archive-date=4 October 2007 |url-status=dead}} He started the match, a friendly against Poland, and scored after 32 minutes, helping Denmark to a 2–0 win.{{cite web |url=http://www.dbu.dk/landshold/landsholdsdatabasen/LBaseMatchInfo.aspx?matchid=5030 |title=Danmark–Polen 2–0 |language=da |trans-title=Denmark–Poland 2–0 |publisher=Dansk Boldspil-Union |access-date =7 September 2011}} On 1 September, he played his second senior match for his country, as a substitute in a friendly against Portugal. He scored the final goal in a 4–2 win for Denmark.{{cite web |url=http://www.dbu.dk/landshold/landsholdsdatabasen/LBaseMatchInfo.aspx?matchid=5033 |title=Danmark–Portugal 4–2 |language=da |trans-title=Denmark–Portugal 4–2 |publisher=Dansk Boldspil-Union |access-date =7 September 2011}} Although he still qualified to play for the U21s, Bendtner soon earned a starting place for the senior team; he scored two goals in UEFA Euro 2008 qualifiers.

==2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012 qualification==

File:Iceland vs Denmark 4.6.2011 (5800523678).jpg against Iceland in 2011]]

In the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Bendtner scored an 84th-minute goal against Portugal to make the score 1–1; Denmark went on to win 3–2.{{cite web |url=http://www.dbu.dk/landshold/landsholdsdatabasen/LBaseMatchInfo.aspx?matchid=5725 |title=Danmark–Portugal 3–2 |language=da |trans-title=Denmark–Portugal 3–2 |publisher=Dansk Boldspil-Union |access-date=7 September 2011}} He scored again in the reverse fixture against Portugal which ended 1–1, and four days later scored a header against Albania in another 1–1 draw.{{cite news |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2009/09/10/1491349/albania-1-1-denmark-danes-retain-top-spot-despite |title=Albania 1–1 Denmark: Danes retain top spot despite disappointing draw |website=Goal.com |first=Subhankar |last=Mondal |date=10 September 2009 |access-date=14 April 2017}} He assisted Jakob Poulsen's goal in Denmark's 1–0 win over Sweden, which meant they qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.{{cite news |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2009/10/10/1553128/denmark-1-0-sweden-late-jakob-poulsen-goal-wins-it-for-the |title=Denmark 1–0 Sweden: Late Jakob Poulsen goal wins it for the Danes |website=Goal.com |first=Stefan |last=Coerts |date=10 October 2009 |access-date=14 April 2017}} He ended the campaign with three goals. For his contribution, he was voted Danish Player of the Year and his goal against Portugal won the Goal of the Year award.{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/bendtner-voted-danish-player-of-the-year |title=Bendtner voted Danish Player of the Year |publisher=Arsenal F.C. |date=10 November 2009 |access-date=11 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091112231225/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/bendtner-voted-danish-player-of-the-year |archive-date=12 November 2009}} Bendtner was selected by coach Morten Olsen for the World Cup squad.{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1493391.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531172715/http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1493391.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 May 2010 |title=Olsen names final Denmark squad |publisher=UEFA |date=28 May 2010 |access-date=2 June 2010}} He played in all three of Denmark's group matches, and scored his country's first goal of the 2–1 win against Cameroon.{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2010/m=6/news=danish-fightback-crushes-cameroon-1250315.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328193543/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2010/m=6/news=danish-fightback-crushes-cameroon-1250315.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 March 2016 |title=Danish fightback crushes Cameroon |publisher=FIFA |date=19 June 2010 |access-date=14 April 2017}}

Bendtner turned down the opportunity of representing his country at the 2011 European Under-21 Championships because he wanted to "spend some quality time with [his] young son".{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/0257-0deae4bdb9d6-eb60e15f6ff7-1000--eriksen-kj%C3%A6r-delighted-to-get-danish-u21-call/ |title=Eriksen, Kjær delighted to get Danish U21 call |first=Peter |last=Bruun |publisher=UEFA |date=12 May 2011 |access-date=14 April 2017}} In qualifying for UEFA Euro 2012, he scored two goals for the senior team in a 2–0 win against Norway on 6 September 2011.{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7d46aa595e-2febd809b4f5-1000--bendtner-glad-as-denmark-defeat-norway/ |title=Bendtner glad as Denmark defeat Norway |first=Thomas |last=Mark |publisher=UEFA |date=7 September 2011 |access-date=14 April 2017}} On 11 October, he scored a "second-half tap-in" against Portugal to ensure Denmark qualified for Euro 2012.{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/news/y=2011/m=10/news=the-olsen-gang-rapid-rise-1529576.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323163807/http://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/news/y=2011/m=10/news=the-olsen-gang-rapid-rise-1529576.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 March 2015 |title=The Olsen Gang's rapid rise |publisher=FIFA |date=20 October 2011 |access-date=14 April 2017}} In friendlies in November, Bendtner scored against both Sweden and Finland; in the latter match, he "finished a fine counterattacking move to net the winning goal".{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0254-0d7d34f5b69c-d9d4d5c69771-1000--denmark-fight-back-to-overcome-finland/ |title=Denmark fight back to overcome Finland |publisher=UEFA |date=15 November 2011 |access-date=14 April 2017}}

==UEFA Euro 2012==

File:NED-DEN Euro 2012 (08).jpg at UEFA Euro 2012]]

Bendtner was selected in the Denmark squad for Euro 2012. A Sports Illustrated preview described him as "tall and powerful, capable of acting as a target man, yet also has the technical gifts to play deeper or on the flank."{{cite news |url=https://www.si.com/more-sports/2012/06/01/euro-2012denmarkpreview |title=Euro 2012 Preview: Denmark |first=Jonathan |last=Wilson |authorlink=Jonathan Wilson (writer)|website=Sports Illustrated |date=1 June 2012 |access-date=14 April 2017}} On 13 June, he scored twice in Denmark's narrow 3–2 defeat to Portugal in the second group match. After scoring his second goal, Bendtner revealed the logo of bookmakers Paddy Power on the waistband of his underwear, in an instance of ambush marketing for which UEFA banned him for one 2014 World Cup qualifying match and fined him €100,000. The company paid the fine.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18443469 |title=Euro 2012: Nicklas Bendtner banned for underpants celebration |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 June 2012 |access-date=18 June 2012}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jun/19/euro-2012-bookmaker-pays-nicklas-bendtner-fine |title=Euro 2012: Bookmaker pays fine |newspaper=The Guardian |agency=Press Association |date=19 June 2012 |access-date=19 June 2012}} On 12 October 2012, he scored the equalising goal in a 1–1 draw with Bulgaria in a World Cup qualifier, and received a yellow card when playing against Italy four days later.

==Suspension from the national team and UEFA Euro 2016 qualification==

In March 2013, after Bendtner's arrest for drink driving, the Danish Football Association (DBU) suspended Bendtner from consideration for national team selection for six months. According to their statement: "The DBU have demanded that Nicklas Bendtner take six months off to think over his international future. The DBU respect the rights of all players to have a private life, but we also have certain rules that need to be met by international players in their public behaviour."{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21660707 |title=Nicklas Bendtner gets Denmark ban after drink driving arrest |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 March 2013 |access-date=5 March 2013}} On his next appearance, in the return fixture against Italy, he scored both of Denmark's goals in a 2–2 draw and was yellow-carded for removing his shirt in celebration.{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/denmark-italy-draw-in-world-cup-qualifier-1.1991663 |title=Denmark, Italy draw in World Cup qualifier |publisher=CBC Sports |agency=Associated Press |date=11 October 2013 |access-date=14 April 2017}} An ankle injury sustained on club duty with Arsenal resulted in Bendtner being sidelined from international football until a friendly against England at Wembley Stadium in March 2014, in which he played the first 63 minutes.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/england-v-denmark-nicklas-bendtner-included-in-denmark-squad-for-wembley-friendly-9155458.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220620/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/england-v-denmark-nicklas-bendtner-included-in-denmark-squad-for-wembley-friendly-9155458.html |archive-date=20 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=England v Denmark: Nicklas Bendtner included in Denmark squad for Wembley friendly |first=James |last=Orr |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=26 February 2014 |access-date=1 September 2014}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26349068 |title=England 1–0 Denmark |first=David |last=Ornstein |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 March 2014 |access-date=1 September 2014}}

In the first round of international call-ups after Bendtner's transfer to Wolfsburg, he was left out of the Denmark squad by Morten Olsen, who named Martin Braithwaite as his sole striker for a friendly against Turkey and a Euro 2016 qualifier against Armenia.{{cite news |url=http://www.eurosport.com/football/euro-2016/2016/denmark-leave-out-bendtner-despite-dearth-of-strikers_sto4374203/story.shtml |title=Denmark leave out Bendtner despite having only one striker |publisher=Eurosport |agency=Reuters|date=26 August 2014 |access-date=15 April 2017}} In March 2015, he scored a hat-trick as Denmark came from behind to beat the United States 3–2 in a friendly at Aarhus.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/25/usas-post-world-cup-swoon-continues-with-come-from-ahead-loss-in-denmark |title=Nicklas Bendtner's hat-trick seals victory for Denmark over USA |first=Simon |last=Evans |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=25 March 2015 |access-date=14 April 2017}}

==2018 FIFA World Cup==

He was named in Denmark's preliminary 35-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and retained his place when the group was reduced to 27, but a groin injury sustained on club duty meant he was not included in the final 23.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/2b3b9d1ff91242bfbdb781d70ab5523c |title=Denmark coach names 35-man provisional national team squad |publisher=Associated Press |date=14 May 2018 |access-date=4 June 2018}}{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/17248/11394235/nicklas-bendtner-out-of-denmarks-world-cup-squad-with-groin-injury |title=Nicklas Bendtner out of Denmark's World Cup squad with groin injury |publisher=Sky Sports |date=4 June 2018 |access-date=4 June 2018}}

Style of play

Bendtner was a versatile forward capable of playing in several attacking positions. Although his preferred role was as a centre-forward, he has also been used out wide on either flank. A large, tall, and physically strong player, he was known for his ability in the air and possessed a powerful header.

Considered a promising but undisciplined player in his youth, he was regarded as "a player blessed with a fabulous all-round talent", and a quick, intelligent, and hard-working striker, with a good positional sense, first touch, tactical awareness, and an ability to score goals or hold up the ball and create chances.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/oct/31/sport.comment |title=Nicklas Bendtner, Birmingham City |first=Steve |last=Claridge |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=31 October 2006 |access-date=27 February 2017}}

His former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger once labelled Bendtner as a potentially "unstoppable striker", and also described him as a player who as a youngster was "good in the air", and who had "good technique, good stature, good pace, ... good link play", also adding that "he had it all in the locker."{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/nottingham-forest-vs-arsenal-there-s-been-some-things-i-would-like-to-change-if-i-could-says-nicklas-a7317366.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220620/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/nottingham-forest-vs-arsenal-there-s-been-some-things-i-would-like-to-change-if-i-could-says-nicklas-a7317366.html |archive-date=20 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal: 'I don't regret saying I was one of the greatest,' says Nicklas Bendtner |first=Ian |last=Herbert |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=19 September 2016 |access-date=27 February 2017}} Despite his talent and confidence in his abilities, Bendtner often struggled with injuries, which limited his fitness; he was also criticised in the media for his perceived arrogance, mentality, and inconsistency, as well as his off-field antics, and as a result, he has been accused of failing to live up to his potential.{{cite news |url=http://en.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/72181.html |title=Bendtner off the scale in confidence test |publisher=ESPN Sports Media |date=5 February 2011 |access-date=27 February 2017}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.thescore.com/bund/news/555791 |title=Wolfsburg sign Nicklas Bendtner to 3-year deal |first=Carlo |last=Campo |website=thescore.com |date=15 August 2014 |access-date=27 February 2017}}
{{cite web |url=http://www.football-italia.net/24975/what-do-you-get-bendtner |title=What do you get with Bendtner? |first=Karsten |last=Krogh |website=Football Italia |date=13 September 2012 |access-date=27 February 2017}}
{{cite news |url=http://www.espnfc.us/club/arsenal/359/blog/post/1842485/arsenal-feeling-striker-regret |title=Striker search went awry last summer, not in January |first=James |last=McNicholas |publisher=ESPN FC |date=1 February 2014 |access-date=27 February 2017}}
{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.us/blog/espn-fc-united-blog/68/post/2951867/mario-balotelli-nicklas-bendtner-and-why-talent-alone-is-not-enough-to-succeed |title=Balotelli, Bendtner and why talent alone is not enough to succeed |first=Nick |last=Ames |publisher=ESPN FC |date=16 September 2016 |access-date=27 February 2017}}

Personal life

In November 2009, it was reported that Bendtner was seen in Hyde Park with former Baroness Caroline Iuel-Brockdorff, a socialite and close friend of the Danish royal family.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/6559520/Arsenal-striker-Nicklas-Bendtner-dating-Baroness-Caroline-Luel-Brockdorff.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/6559520/Arsenal-striker-Nicklas-Bendtner-dating-Baroness-Caroline-Luel-Brockdorff.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner 'dating Baroness Caroline Luel-Brockdorff' |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London |date=13 November 2009 |access-date=13 April 2017}}{{cbignore}} In 2008 she divorced banker Rory Fleming, first cousin once removed of James Bond writer Ian Fleming, with whom she has two children.{{cite news |url=http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/34491/Fleming-in-400m-divorce |title=Fleming in £400m Divorce |first=Adam |last=Helliker |newspaper=Daily Express |location=London |date=10 February 2008 |access-date=29 March 2010}} The couple met when Iuel-Brockdorff was filmed renovating her family home, Valdemar's Castle, on a reality show. Bendtner was a guest and they did a photoshoot together to promote his appearance. In December 2010, Iuel-Brockdorff gave birth to Bendtner's son at London's Portland Hospital.{{cite news |url=http://livsstil.tv2.dk/articlefornoejelse/id-35865742:farfar-bendtner-er-stolt.html |title=Farfar Bendtner er stolt |language=da |trans-title=Grandfather Bendtner is proud |publisher=TV2 |location=Denmark |date=17 December 2010 |access-date=13 April 2017}} The couple separated soon afterwards.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/footballer-nicklas-bendtner-cleared-of-cars-damage-7562413.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220620/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/footballer-nicklas-bendtner-cleared-of-cars-damage-7562413.html |archive-date=20 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Footballer Nicklas Bendtner cleared of cars damage |first=Tom |last=Wilkinson |newspaper=The Independent |agency=Press Association |date=12 March 2012 |access-date=13 April 2017}}

Bendtner has a cult following who refer to him as "Lord Bendtner". In March 2015, Danish celebrity tabloid Se og Hør bought him a square foot of land in Scotland to bestow him the title of "Lord", and according to his agent, he considered it a "fun gimmick".{{cite news |url=https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/why-we-can-officially-call-nicklas-bendtner-a-lord-142740190.html |title=Why we can officially call Nicklas Bendtner a Lord |publisher=Eurosport |date=16 March 2015 |access-date=18 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619001016/https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/why-we-can-officially-call-nicklas-bendtner-a-lord-142740190.html |archive-date=19 June 2015}} Bendtner has also taken part in the joke, uploading on Instagram a poster of him holding the Ballon d'Or and running as a candidate for Prime Minister in the June 2015 Danish election.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/former-arsenal-striker-nicklas-bendtner-puts-himself-forward-for-danish-prime-minister-10332044.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220620/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/former-arsenal-striker-nicklas-bendtner-puts-himself-forward-for-danish-prime-minister-10332044.html |archive-date=20 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner puts himself forward for Danish Prime Minister |first=Tom |last=Sheen |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=19 June 2015 |access-date=13 April 2017}} During his time at Rosenborg, Bendtner was dubbed "Emperor" as Mushaga Bakenga was already nicknamed 'Lord' at Rosenborg.

In November 2018, Bendtner was sentenced to 50 days in prison in Denmark for assaulting a taxi driver.{{cite web |title=Nicklas Bendtner sentenced to 50 days in jail in Denmark for assault |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46076839 |website=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |access-date=2 November 2018}} On 21 November, Bendtner and his lawyer dropped the appeal, accepting that Bendtner will serve his sentence either in jail or house arrest.{{cite web |title=Nicklas Bendtner accepterer fængselsstraf |url=https://politiken.dk/sport/art6858761/Nicklas-Bendtner-accepterer-f%C3%A6ngselsstraf |publisher=Politiken |access-date=25 November 2018}}

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bendtner began playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and became the owner of a small CSGO team called Prosapia Esport. In November 2022, he participated in a showmatch at the BLAST Premier Fall Finals at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, playing on Team Denmark.{{Cite news |last=Kelemen |first=Luci |date=November 27, 2022 |title=Not even Nicklas Bendtner could save Team Denmark in the BLAST Premier Fall showmatch |work=Dot Esports |url=https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/not-even-nicklas-bendtner-could-save-team-denmark-in-the-blast-premier-fall-showmatch |access-date=November 27, 2022}}

Career statistics

=Club=

class=wikitable style=text-align:center

|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

rowspan="2"|Club

!rowspan="2"|Season

!colspan="3"|League

!colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes FA Cup, Coppa Italia, DFB-Pokal, Norwegian Football Cup, Danish Cup}}

!colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes Football League/EFL Cup}}

!colspan="2"|Europe

!colspan=2|Other

!colspan="2"|Total

DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
rowspan="8"|Arsenal

|2005–06{{soccerbase season|42482|2005|access-date=16 April 2016}}

|Premier League

|0

00030000030
2007–08{{soccerbase season|42482|2007|access-date=16 April 2016}}

|Premier League

|27

521516{{efn|name=UCL|Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League}}2colspan="2"|—409
2008–09{{soccerbase season|42482|2008|access-date=16 April 2016}}

|Premier League

|31

9512212{{efn|name=UCL}}2colspan="2"|—5014
2009–10{{soccerbase season|42482|2009|access-date=16 April 2016}}

|Premier League

|23

600117{{efn|name=UCL}}5colspan="2"|—3112
2010–11{{soccerbase season|42482|2010|access-date=16 April 2016}}

|Premier League

|17

253535{{efn|name=UCL}}0colspan="2"|—328
2011–12

|Premier League

|1

0colspan="2"|—0000colspan="2"|—10
2013–14{{soccerbase season|42482|2013|access-date=16 April 2016}}

|Premier League

|9

210202{{efn|name=UCL}}0colspan="2"|—142
colspan="2"|Total

!108||24||13||5||18||7||32||9||0||0||171||45

Birmingham City (loan)

|2006–07{{soccerbase season|42482|2006|access-date=3 October 2014}}

|Championship

|42

112042colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—4813
Sunderland (loan)

|2011–12{{soccerbase season|42482|2011|access-date=13 April 2017}}

|Premier League

|28

820colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—308
Juventus (loan)

|2012–13

|Serie A

|9

010colspan="2"|—1{{efn|name=UCL}}0colspan="2"|—110
rowspan="3"|VfL Wolfsburg

|2014–15

|Bundesliga

|18

120colspan="2"|—8{{efn|name=UEL|Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League}}4colspan="2"|—285
2015–16

|Bundesliga

|13

211colspan="2"|—4{{efn|name=UCL}}01{{efn|Appearance in DFL-Supercup}}1194
colspan="2"|Total

!31||3||3||1||colspan="2"|—||12||4||1||1||47||9

Nottingham Forest

|2016–17{{soccerbase season|42482|2016|access-date=30 March 2017}}

|Championship

|15

21010colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—172
rowspan="4"|Rosenborg

|2017

|Eliteserien

|29

1920colspan="2"|—12{{efn|Four appearances in UEFA Champions League, eight appearances and four goals in UEFA Europa League}}41{{efn|name=MF|Appearance in Mesterfinalen}}04423
2018{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/nicklas-bendtner/16090/ |title=N. Bendtner: Summary |publisher=Perform Group |website=Soccerway |access-date=26 August 2018}}

|Eliteserien

|23

523colspan="2"|—11{{efn|Four appearances and two goals in UEFA Champions League, seven appearances and one goal in UEFA Europa League}}31{{efn|name=MF}}13712
2019

|Eliteserien

|5

000colspan="2"|—000050
colspan="2"|Total

!57||24||4||3||colspan="2"|—||23||7||2||1||86||35

Copenhagen

|2019–20

|Danish Superliga

|6

021colspan="2"|—1{{efn|name=UEL}}0colspan="2"|—91
colspan="3"|Career total

!296||72||28||10||23||9||69||20||3||2||419||113

{{notelist}}

=International=

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year

National teamYearAppsGoals
rowspan="13"|Denmark

|2006

42
2007103
200883
200992
201042
2011105
2012105
201322
201472
2015103
201600
201751
201820
colspan="2"|Total8130

:Scores and results list Denmark's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Bendtner goal.{{cite web |url=https://www.dbu.dk/landshold/landsholdsdatabasen/PlayerInfo/5111&teamtypeid=330#match |title=Nicklas Bendtner: A-Landshold (Alle kampe) |language=da |trans-title=A-internationals (all matches) |publisher=Dansk Boldspil-Union |access-date=26 August 2018}}

class="wikitable sortable"

|+ List of international goals scored by Nicklas Bendtner

scope="col"|No.

!scope="col"|Cap

!scope="col"|Date

!scope="col"|Venue

!scope="col"|Opponent

!scope="col"|Score

!scope="col"|Result

!scope="col"|Competition

align="center"|1

| align="center"|1

| 16 August 2006

| Odense Stadium, Odense, Denmark

| {{fb|POL}}

| align="center"|1–0

| align="center"|2–0

| Friendly

align="center"|2

| align="center"|2

| 1 September 2006

| Brøndby Stadion, Brøndbyvester, Denmark

| {{fb|POR}}

| align="center"|4–2

| align="center"|4–2

| Friendly

align="center"|3

| align="center"|6

| 28 March 2007

| MSV-Arena, Duisburg, Germany

| {{fb|GER}}

| align="center"|1–0

| align="center"|1–0

| Friendly

align="center"|4

| align="center"|13

| 17 November 2007

| Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland

| {{fb|NIR}}

| align="center"|1–0

| align="center"|1–2

| UEFA Euro 2008 qualification

align="center"|5

| align="center"|14

| 21 November 2007

| Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark

| {{fb|ISL}}

| align="center"|1–0

| align="center"|3–0

| UEFA Euro 2008 qualification

align="center"|6

| align="center"|15

| 26 February 2008

| Športni Park, Nova Gorica, Slovenia

| {{fb|SVN}}

| align="center"|2–1

| align="center"|2–1

| Friendly

align="center"|7

| align="center"|16

| 26 March 2008

| MCH Arena, Herning, Denmark

| {{fb|CZE}}

| align="center"|1–0

| align="center"|1–1

| Friendly

align="center"|8

| align="center"|21

| 10 September 2008

| Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal

| {{fb|POR}}

| align="center"|1–1

| align="center"|3–2

| 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification

align="center"|9

| align="center"|28

| 5 September 2009

Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark

| {{fb|POR}}

| align="center"|1–0

| align="center"|1–1

| 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification

align="center"|10

| align="center"|29

| 9 September 2009

| Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania

| {{fb|ALB}}

| align="center"|1–0

| align="center"|1–1

| 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification

align="center"|11

| align="center"|32

| 3 March 2010

| Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna, Austria

| {{fb|AUT}}

| align="center"|1–1

| align="center"|1–2

Friendly
align="center"|12

| align="center"|34

| 19 June 2010

| Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa

| {{fb|CMR}}

| align="center"|1–1

| align="center"|2–1

| 2010 FIFA World Cup

align="center"|13

| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|41

| rowspan="2"|6 September 2011

| rowspan="2"|Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark

| rowspan="2"|{{fb|NOR}}

| align="center"|1–0

| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|2–0

| rowspan="2"|UEFA Euro 2012 qualification

align="center"|14

| align="center"|2–0

align="center"|15

| align="center"|43

| 11 October 2011

| Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark

| {{fb|POR}}

| align="center"|2–0

| align="center"|2–1

| UEFA Euro 2012 qualification

align="center"|16

| align="center"|44

| 11 November 2011

| Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark

| {{fb|SWE}}

| align="center"|1–0

| align="center"|2–0

| Friendly

align="center"|17

| align="center"|45

| 15 November 2011

| Blue Water Arena, Esbjerg, Denmark

| {{fb|FIN}}

| align="center"|2–1

| align="center"|2–1

| Friendly

align="center"|18

| align="center"|47

| 26 May 2012

| Imtech Arena, Hamburg, Germany

| {{fb|BRA}}

| align="center"|1–3

| align="center"|1–3

| Friendly

align="center"|19

| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|50

| rowspan="2"|13 June 2012

| rowspan="2"|Arena Lviv, Lviv, Ukraine

| rowspan="2"|{{fb|POR}}

| align="center"|1–2

| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|2–3

| rowspan="2"|UEFA Euro 2012

align="center"|20

| align="center"|2–2

align="center"|21

| align="center"|53

| 12 October 2012

| Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia, Bulgaria

| {{fb|BUL}}

| align="center"|1–1

| align="center"|1–1

| 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification

align="center"|22

| align="center"|55

| 14 November 2012

| Türk Telekom Arena, Istanbul, Turkey

| {{fb|TUR}}

| align="center"|1–0

| align="center"|1–1

Friendly
align="center"|23

| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|56

| rowspan="2"|11 October 2013

| rowspan="2"|Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark

| rowspan="2"|{{fb|ITA}}

| align="center"|1–1

| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|2–2

| rowspan="2"|2014 FIFA World Cup qualification

align="center"|24

| align="center"|2–1

align="center"|25

| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|63

| rowspan="2"|14 November 2014

| rowspan="2"|Partizan Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia

| rowspan="2"|{{fb|SRB}}

| align="center"|1–1

| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|3–1

| rowspan="2"|UEFA Euro 2016 qualification

align="center"|26

| align="center"|3–1

align="center"|27

| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center"|65

| rowspan="3"|25 March 2015

| rowspan="3"|NRGi Park, Aarhus, Denmark

| rowspan="3"|{{fb|USA}}

| align="center"|1–1

| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center"|3–2

| rowspan="3"|Friendly

align="center"|28

| align="center"|2–2

align="center"|29

| align="center"|3–2

align="center"|30

| align="center"|79

| 14 November 2017

| Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland

| {{fb|IRL}}

| align="center"|5–1

| align="center"|5–1

| 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours

Birmingham City

  • Football League Championship runner-up: 2006–07{{cite book |editor1-first=Glenda |editor1-last=Rollin |editor2-first=Jack |editor2-last=Rollin |title=Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2007–2008 |year=2007 |publisher=Headline Publishing Group |location=London |isbn=978-0-7553-1664-9 |pages=46, 78–79}}

Arsenal

  • Football League Cup runner-up: 2010–11{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |authorlink=Phil McNulty|title=Arsenal 1–2 Birmingham |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/9405702.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=27 February 2011 |access-date=16 December 2017}}

Juventus

VfL Wolfsburg

Rosenborg

Individual

  • Danish Under-17 Player of the Year: 2004
  • Danish Talent of the Year: 2007{{cite web |url=https://spillerforeningen.dk/projekter/spillernes-officielle-k%C3%A5ringer/%C3%A5rets-talent/ |title=Årets Talent |language=da |trans-title=Talent of the year |publisher=Spillerforeningen (Danish Professional Footballers' Association) |access-date=14 April 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229031047/https://spillerforeningen.dk/projekter/spillernes-officielle-k%C3%A5ringer/%C3%A5rets-talent/ |archive-date=29 December 2016}}
  • Danish Football Player of the Year: 2009
  • Danish Goal of the Year: 2009
  • Eliteserien top scorer: 2017{{cite news |url=https://mobil.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/bendtner-tog-topscorertitlen-i-debutsaeson/ |title=Bendtner tog topscorertitlen i debutsæson |language=da |trans-title=Bendtner took the top scorer title in his debut season |first=Kenneth |last=Hansen |website=Bold.dk |date=26 November 2017 |access-date=26 November 2017}}

References

{{reflist}}