Niko Hansen‎

Born in Randers, Denmark, Hansen grew up in Oksbøl before moving to the United States at the age of 10.{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Ed|url=https://www.abqjournal.com/642335/lobos-hansen-confident-goals-will-eventually-come.html|title=Lobos, Hansen confident goals will eventually come|website=Albuquerque Journal|publisher=Journal Publishing Company|access-date=25 November 2020|date=11 September 2015|url-access=subscription}}{{cite podcast|url=https://www.perfectsoccerskills.com/blogs/news/niko-hansen-psp-026|title=Niko Hansen @loboneeks – Perfect Soccer Podcast Ep.026|website=Perfect Soccer|host=Quincy Amarikwa|date=7 September 2020|access-date=26 November 2020|time=2:12}} His family settled in Sacramento, California, where he attended Jesuit High School. As a senior, he scored 35 goals for the Marauders and was named as an NSCAA High School All-American.{{cite news|url=https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/49593/2012-nscaa-boys-high-school-all-america-team.html|title=2012 NSCAA Boys High School All-America Team|website=Soccer America|access-date=25 July 2017|date=10 December 2012|url-access=limited}} Hansen was also selected to take part in the NSCAA High School All-American Game.{{cite news|url=http://ww2.nscaa.com/news/2012/11/2012-hs-all-american-rosters|title=Rosters for the 2012 High School All-American Game announced|website=National Soccer Coaches Association of America|access-date=25 July 2017|date=17 November 2012}}

Hansen played club soccer with Davis Legacy,{{cite news|author=Enterprise staff|url=https://www.davisenterprise.com/sports/youth-sports/youth-soccer-davis-teams-show-the-full-arsenal/|title=Youth soccer: Davis teams show the full Arsenal|website=The Davis Enterprise|publisher=McNaughton Newspapers|access-date=26 November 2020|date=10 August 2011|url-access=limited}} where he was teammates with Ahkello Witherspoon,{{cite news|url=https://www.facebook.com/457127644332507/videos/523593981690494|title=When NFL star Ahkello Witherspoon reconnects with former Legacy teammate and MLS star Niko Hansen during a zoom call with their former coach Didi Cordova and his 09 Boys Legacy team. #teammatesneverforget|website=Davis Legacy Soccer Club|publisher=Facebook|access-date=26 November 2020|date=3 April 2020}} and with Placer United during his time in California. He committed to play college soccer for coach Jeremy Fishbein and the New Mexico Lobos.{{cite news|url=http://www.placerunited.com/news/placer-uniteds-niko-hansen-come-up-huge-in-high-school-division-1-final|title=Placer United's Niko Hansen Comes Up Huge in High School Division 1 Final|website=Placer United Soccer Club|access-date=28 November 2018|date=14 November 2012}}

On 6 February 2013, Hansen was officially confirmed as part of the New Mexico roster, one of eight recruits brought in by the Lobos ahead of the 2013 season.{{cite AV media|date=7 February 2013|title=2013 Lobo Men's Soccer | 2013 Recruiting Class|medium=YouTube video|language=en|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72sr0rXI3Ok|access-date=26 November 2020|time=4:53|publisher=New Mexico Lobos|location=Albuquerque, New Mexico}} He made his collegiate debut on 31 August, starting and scoring two goals as part of a 7–2 victory over Villanova.{{cite news|last=Oppenheim|first=J.R.|url=https://www.dailylobo.com/article/2013/09/lobos-top-villanova-7-2|title=Lobos top Villanova 7–2|website=New Mexico Daily Lobo|access-date=26 July 2017|date=4 September 2013}} Hansen also scored on his Conference USA (C-USA) debut, tallying a goal in a 3–1 victory over Marshall,{{cite news|url=https://herdzone.com/news/2013/9/30/Herd_Falls_3_1_to_No_25_New_Mexico|title=Herd Falls 3–1 to No. 25 New Mexico|website=Marshall Thundering Herd|publisher=Marshall University|access-date=26 July 2017|date=30 September 2013}} and notched an assist in his NCAA Tournament debut against George Mason.{{cite news|last=Oppenheim|first=J.R.|url=https://www.dailylobo.com/article/2013/11/men-nip-george-mason-head-to-sweet-16|title=Men's Soccer: Men nip George Mason, head to Sweet 16|website=New Mexico Daily Lobo|access-date=28 November 2018|date=25 November 2013}} Finishing the season with seven goals and five assists in 22 appearances, he was named to the C-USA All-Freshman Team.{{cite news|url=https://gamecocksonline.com/news/2013/11/12/Four_Gamecocks_Earn_All_Conference_Honors.aspx|title=Four Gamecocks Earn All-Conference Honors|website=South Carolina Gamecocks|publisher=University of South Carolina|access-date=26 July 2017|date=12 November 2013}} As a sophomore, Hansen appeared 18 times and scored five goals. In one mid-season stretch, he scored three match-winning goals in four games: against Virginia Commonwealth, West Virginia, and Florida International.{{cite news|url=https://golobos.com/roster/niko-hansen-3/|title=Niko Hansen – New Mexico profile|website=New Mexico Lobos|publisher=University of New Mexico|access-date=28 November 2018}} At the end of the season, he was named to the All-CUSA Third Team.{{cite news|url=https://odusports.com/news/2014/11/11/209760070.aspx|title=Five Monarchs Earn C-USA honors|website=Old Dominion Monarchs and Lady Monarchs|publisher=Old Dominion University|access-date=26 July 2017|date=11 November 2014}}

Ahead of his junior season, Hansen was called up to the United States U23 national team, taking part in a college identification training camp ahead of the 2015 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship.{{cite news|url=https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer-articles/niko-hansen-invited-to-us-u23-team-camp_aid36889|title=Niko Hansen Invited to U.S. U23 Team Camp|website=TopDrawerSoccer.com|access-date=22 July 2017|date=29 July 2015}} He stepped straight back into form after returning to New Mexico, scoring goals in back-to-back matches against Missouri State and American in September.{{cite news|last=Jackson|first=Chris|url=https://www.abqjournal.com/646755/hansen-new-mexico-beat-tough-missouri-state-10.html|title=Hansen, New Mexico beat tough Missouri State 1–0|website=Albuquerque Journal|publisher=Journal Publishing Company|access-date=26 July 2017|date=19 September 2015|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130142209/https://www.abqjournal.com/646755/hansen-new-mexico-beat-tough-missouri-state-10.html|archive-date=30 November 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.lamonitor.com/content/lobos-open-c-usa-tough-test|title=Lobos open C-USA with tough test|website=The Los Alamos Monitor|publisher=Landmark Media Enterprises|access-date=26 July 2017|date=25 September 2015|quote=Hansen was named C-USA’s Offensive Player of the Week after scoring the game-winner against Missouri State and the game-tying goal against No. 21 American last weekend.}} He scored just one more time on the season, but was named Second Team All-CUSA, with a total of three goals and three assists from 18 appearances.{{cite news|url=https://conferenceusa.com/news/2015/11/10/2015_C_USA_Men_s_Soccer_Awards_Announced.aspx|title=2015 C-USA Men's Soccer Awards Announced|website=Conference USA|access-date=26 July 2017|date=10 November 2015}} As a senior, Hansen appeared 21 times while leading the Lobos to their first C-USA tournament title since joining the conference four years prior.{{cite news|last=Gonzalez|first=Isabel|url=https://www.dailylobo.com/article/2016/11/14-msoc-cusa-champs|title=Men's Soccer: Lobos Conference USA Champions after blanking FIU|website=New Mexico Daily Lobo|access-date=26 July 2017|date=14 November 2016}} On 17 September, he scored his first career hat trick in a 3–1 victory over UC Irvine.{{cite news|author=ABQJournal News Staff|url=https://www.abqjournal.com/847770/unm-mens-soccer-rolls.html|title=UNM men's soccer rolls|website=Albuquerque Journal|publisher=Journal Publishing Company|access-date=26 July 2017|date=18 September 2016|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126233507/https://www.abqjournal.com/847770/unm-mens-soccer-rolls.html|archive-date=26 November 2020}} Hansen tallied a career-high 13 goals during the year, earned a spot on the C-USA All-Tournament Team,{{cite news|url=http://conferenceusa.com/news/2016/11/13/MSOC_1113165815.aspx|title=MSOC: New Mexico Wins C-USA Championship|website=Conference USA|access-date=26 July 2017|date=13 November 2016}} and was named to the All-CUSA First Team.{{cite news|url=https://conferenceusa.com/news/2016/11/8/MSOC_1108163737.aspx|title=MSOC: All-Conference USA Honors Announced|website=Conference USA|access-date=28 November 2018|date=8 November 2016}} He finished his collegiate career with 28 goals in 79 appearances.

Following his freshman season at New Mexico, Hansen played for Seattle Sounders FC U-23 in the Premier Development League.{{cite web|url=http://www.tukwilareporter.com/sports/seven-sounders-u23-players-drafted-to-mls/|title=Seven Sounders U23 players drafted to MLS|website=Tukwila Reporter|publisher=Black Press|access-date=27 November 2020|date=20 January 2017}} He made his debut for the club on 16 May in a season-opening defeat against Lane United.{{cite web|url=http://soundersu23.com/Team/NewsItem/162|title=Sounders U23 0–1 Lane United (RECAP)|website=Seattle Sounders FC U-23|publisher=United Soccer League|access-date=27 November 2020|date=16 May 2014}} Two weeks later, Hansen added his first Sounders FC U-23 goal, a 54th-minute tally in a 3–0 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23.{{cite web|url=http://soundersu23.com/Team/NewsItem/155|title=Sounders U23 3 – 0 Whitecaps U23 (RECAP)|website=Seattle Sounders FC U-23|publisher=United Soccer League|access-date=27 November 2020|date=30 May 2014}} After tacking on another goal in mid-June, Hansen finished the campaign with two goals and an assist in his lone season with Seattle.{{cite news|url=https://www.uslleaguetwo.com/2014-stats|title=Premier Development League 2014 Statistics|website=Premier Development League|publisher=United Soccer League|access-date=27 November 2018}}

File:Niko Hansen 2017-06-14 (35019424373).jpg in 2006.]]

Columbus Crew SC selected Hansen with the ninth overall pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.{{cite news|last=Tate|first=Van|url=https://www.krqe.com/sports/niko-hansen-a-first-round-pick-of-the-columbus-crew-sc/900225392|title=Niko Hansen a first round pick of the Columbus Crew SC|website=KRQE|publisher=Nexstar Media Group|access-date=22 July 2017|date=13 January 2017}} Because he had already signed a league-guaranteed contract before the draft, he was automatically added to the Columbus roster without having to negotiate a contract with the club.{{cite news|author=ABQJournal News Staff|url=https://www.abqjournal.com/927693/lobo-hansen-picked-9th-in-superdraft.html|title=Lobo Hansen picked 9th in MLS SuperDraft|website=Albuquerque Journal|publisher=Journal Publishing Company|access-date=25 July 2017|date=14 January 2017|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115172120/https://www.abqjournal.com/927693/lobo-hansen-picked-9th-in-superdraft.html|archive-date=15 January 2017}} Hansen made his club and professional debut on 25 March against Portland Timbers, replacing Justin Meram in the 60th minute of a tied match. He went on to provide Crew SC with a 3–2 victory, scoring the game-winning goal in the 84th minute.{{cite news|url=https://www.heraldandnews.com/sports/columbus-crew-defeat-portland-timbers/article_4b645aa7-9bec-5c8e-928b-bbf8cd65031f.html|title=Columbus Crew defeat Portland Timbers, 3–2|website=Herald and News|publisher=Pioneer News Group|access-date=10 April 2017|date=26 March 2017|url-access=limited}} Hansen missed 14 matches during the summer after undergoing surgery to repair an inguinal hernia and then suffering a thigh strain upon his return to training.{{cite news|author=Crew SC Communications|url=https://www.columbuscrewsc.com/post/2017/06/21/crew-sc-midfielder-niko-hansen-undergoes-successful-hernia-surgery|title=Crew SC midfielder Niko Hansen undergoes successful hernia surgery|website=Columbus Crew SC|publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=25 July 2017|date=21 June 2017}}{{cite news|last=Erickson|first=Andrew|url=https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20170824/crew-cuts-francis-out-for-saturdays-game-with-hamstring-injury|title=Crew Cuts: Francis out for Saturday's game with hamstring injury|website=The Columbus Dispatch|publisher=GateHouse Media|access-date=11 December 2017|date=24 August 2017|url-access=limited}} He returned in time for Columbus' playoff run, appearing as an extra time substitute in the knockout round against Atlanta United. He scored in the penalty shootout as Crew SC advanced by a 3–1 margin.{{cite news|last=Creditor|first=Avi|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/10/26/atlanta-united-columbus-crew-mls-playoffs-zack-steffen|title=Steffen Saves Crew in Atlanta, Sends Columbus Through in MLS Playoff Classic|website=Sports Illustrated|publisher=Time Inc.|access-date=30 November 2018|date=26 October 2017}} After finishing the season with one goal in 16 appearances, Hansen had his contract option picked up by the club.{{cite news|last=Murphy|first=Pat|url=https://www.massivereport.com/2017/12/1/16724820/columbus-crew-sc-exercise-options-on-nine-players-for-2018-mls|title=Columbus Crew SC exercise options on nine players for 2018|website=Massive Report|publisher=SB Nation|access-date=11 December 2017|date=1 December 2017|archive-date=8 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208164020/https://www.massivereport.com/2017/12/1/16724820/columbus-crew-sc-exercise-options-on-nine-players-for-2018-mls|url-status=dead}}

Hansen was expected to challenge for a starting spot at the beginning of the 2018 season following the departure of Justin Meram, but suffered a pulled hamstring during preseason camp.{{cite news|last=Torres|first=Guilherme|url=https://www.massivereport.com/2018/5/3/17308878/niko-hansen-hoping-for-a-healthy-second-year-with-columbus-crew-sc-mls-2018|title=Niko Hansen hoping for a healthy second year with Crew SC|website= Massive Report|publisher=SB Nation|access-date=30 November 2018|date=3 May 2018}} He found his form in the later part of the year, scoring a match-tying goal against Chicago Fire on 23 August{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/5ec23a2ff2294e98a28e4039c6cecb32|title=Hansen scores 1st goal of season in 87th, Crew tie Fire 1–1|website=Associated Press|access-date=30 November 2018|date=23 August 2018}} and bagging a brace in a 3–2 defeat against Portland on 19 September.{{cite news|last=Peterson|first=Anne M.|url=https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/sports/2018/09/20/portland-timbers-down-short-handed-columbus-crew-3-2/1366302002/|title=Portland Timbers down short-handed Columbus Crew 3–2|website=Statesman Journal|publisher=Gannett|access-date=11 March 2017|date=20 September 2018|url-access=limited}} For a second consecutive season, Hansen scored in a knockout round penalty shootout, this time helping Columbus advance over D.C. United by a 3–2 result.{{cite news|author=Field Level Media|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/02/sports/soccer/columbus-stops-rooney-and-dc-united-in-shootout-to-advance.html|title=Columbus Stops Rooney and D.C. United in Shootout to Advance|website=The New York Times|access-date=30 November 2018|date=2 November 2018|url-access=subscription}} However, he missed the conference semifinals against New York Red Bulls after picking up an ankle injury against D.C.{{cite news|last=Guldan|first=Patrick|url=https://www.massivereport.com/2018/11/4/18061920/game-thread-columbus-crew-sc-vs-new-york-red-bulls|title=Game Thread: Columbus Crew SC vs. New York Red Bulls|website=Massive Report|publisher=SB Nation|access-date=30 November 2018|date=4 November 2018|quote=Niko Hansen is questionable with an ankle injury...}} After appearing 24 times and scoring three goals, Hansen again had his contract option picked up by the club.{{cite news|last=Guldan|first=Patrick|url=https://www.massivereport.com/2018/11/26/18113385/columbus-crew-sc-announce-2019-roster-decisions-mls-gaston-sauro-lalas-abubakar-alex-crognale|title=Crew SC announces 2019 roster decisions|website=Massive Report|publisher=SB Nation|access-date=26 November 2018|date=26 November 2018|archive-date=6 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206145717/https://www.massivereport.com/2018/11/26/18113385/columbus-crew-sc-announce-2019-roster-decisions-mls-gaston-sauro-lalas-abubakar-alex-crognale|url-status=dead}}

Following the 2018 season, Hansen had surgery on his ankle; during the 2019 preseason, he suffered two setbacks, tearing scar tissue in the same ankle then suffering a torn hamstring in his preseason debut.{{cite news|last=Myers|first=Jacob|url=https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20190409/niko-hansen-now-healthy-eager-to-help-crew-sc|title=Niko Hansen now healthy, eager to help Crew SC|website=The Columbus Dispatch|publisher=GateHouse Media|access-date=22 December 2019|date=9 April 2019|url-access=limited}} He returned to full health after missing five league matches, appearing off the bench on 6 April against New England Revolution.{{cite news|last=Torres|first=Guilherme|url=https://www.massivereport.com/2019/4/10/18303996/columbus-crew-sc-niko-hansen-injury-looking-to-make-a-difference-mls-2019|title=A healthy Niko Hansen is looking to make a difference for the Crew|website=Massive Report|publisher=SB Nation|access-date=17 November 2019|date=10 April 2019}} He struggled to earn a spot in the rotation under new head coach Caleb Porter, appearing in just nine matches under Porter.{{MLS player|niko-hansen}} Hansen was traded to Houston in early August, ending his time in Columbus with four goals from 49 appearances in all competitions.{{cite news|author=Patrick Guldan and Pat Murphy|url=https://www.massivereport.com/2019/8/8/20759389/columbus-crew-sc-trade-niko-hansen-houston-dyanmo-mls-2019|title=Crew trading Niko Hansen to Houston Dynamo|website=Massive Report|publisher=SB Nation|access-date=17 November 2019|date=8 August 2019|archive-date=17 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117055224/https://www.massivereport.com/2019/8/8/20759389/columbus-crew-sc-trade-niko-hansen-houston-dyanmo-mls-2019|url-status=dead}}

{{quote box|width=29%|align=right|quote="I won’t try to be something that I’m not. I’m physical, I’m quick, I want to get behind the lines and I want to be direct and try to score goals and get crosses...I want to come in and make a difference."|source=—Hansen, speaking about himself in 2019}}

On 8 August 2019, Hansen was traded to Houston Dynamo in exchange for $75,000 in targeted allocation money. He made his debut for the Dynamo three days later, entering as a substitute in a 2–1 defeat against Philadelphia Union,{{cite news|last=Stowers|first=Derek|url=https://www.dynamotheory.com/2019/8/11/20801437/houston-dynamo-end-road-trip-with-a-loss-to-the-philadelphia-union|title=Houston Dynamo end road trip with a loss to the Philadelphia Union|website=Dynamo Theory|publisher=SB Nation|access-date=22 December 2019|date=11 August 2019}} and went on to make four appearances during his first season in Houston. Following the campaign, the Dynamo picked up the option on Hansen's contract.{{cite news|author=Houston Dynamo Communications|url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/post/2019/11/21/dynamo-announce-roster-moves-ahead-2020-season|title=Dynamo Announce Roster Moves Ahead of 2020 Season|website=Houston Dynamo|publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=22 December 2019|date=21 November 2019}}

At the beginning of the 2020 season, Hansen made one substitute appearance before the season was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news|last=Richardson|first=Dustyn|url=https://www.dynamotheory.com/2020/3/12/21176692/report-mls-season-suspended-until-further-notice-due-to-coronavirus-outbreak|title=MLS Season Suspended For 30 Days Due to Coronavirus Outbreak|website=Dynamo Theory|publisher=SB Nation|access-date=21 December 2020|date=12 March 2020}} He played just one time in the MLS is Back Tournament, but became a regular part of the rotation once the regular season resumed, appearing in all but three games the rest of the way. Hansen scored his first Dynamo goal on 25 August and added an assist as part of a 5–2 victory against Sporting Kansas City.{{cite news|last=Hill|first=Glynn|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/dynamo/article/Roster-depth-key-Dynamo-first-win-MLS-2020-season-15515940.php|title=Roster depth key in Dynamo's first win of season|website=Houston Chronicle|publisher=Hearst Communications|access-date=21 December 2020|date=26 August 2020|url-access=subscription}} After scoring in October against Minnesota United, he finished the season with two goals from 17 appearances. His contract expired following the season, but Hansen was extended a contract offer and was protected by the Dynamo ahead of the 2020 MLS Expansion Draft.{{cite news|url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/post/2020/12/01/houston-dynamo-fc-exercise-2021-contract-options-10-players|title=Houston Dynamo FC exercise 2021 contract options on 10 players|website=Houston Dynamo FC|publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=21 December 2020|date=1 December 2020}}{{cite news|last=Stowers|first=Derek|url=https://www.dynamotheory.com/2020/12/14/22174816/houston-dynamo-announce-2020-mls-expansion-draft-protected-list|title=Houston Dynamo announce 2020 MLS expansion draft protected list|website=Dynamo Theory|publisher=SB Nation|access-date=21 December 2020|date=14 December 2020}} He opted out of the 2020 MLS Re-Entry Draft.{{cite news|url=https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/88208/mls-2021-preseason-rosters.html|title=MLS: 2021 preseason rosters|website=Soccer America|access-date=2 March 2021|date=1 March 2021|url-access=limited}}

After failing to reach an agreement with the Dynamo on a new deal, Hansen was traded to Minnesota United on 18 March 2021 in exchange for $125,000 in general allocation money. He signed a two-year contract, with the Loons holding an option for a third year.{{cite news|last=Wiita|first=Tommy|url=https://kstp.com/minnesota-sports/mn-united-acquires-niko-hansen-from-houston/6046547/|title=MN United acquires Niko Hansen from Houston|website=KSTP-TV|publisher=Hubbard Broadcasting|access-date=31 March 2021|date=18 March 2021}} Hansen starred in preseason, tying for the team lead in goals with four.{{cite news|last=Greder|first=Andy|url=https://www.brainerddispatch.com/sports/soccer/6984913-Ranking-the-expectations-for-all-10-new-Loons-players-going-into-2021|title=Ranking the expectations for all 10 new Loons players going into 2021|website=Brainerd Dispatch|publisher=Forum Communications Company|access-date=29 December 2021|date=14 April 2021}} However, he then suffered a left thigh injury that ruled him out for the first six games of the season.{{cite news|last=Zgoda|first=Jerry|url=https://www.startribune.com/gameday-preview-loons-vs-real-salt-lake/600049653/|title=Gameday preview: Loons vs. Real Salt Lake|website=Star Tribune|publisher=Star Tribune Media Company LLC|access-date=29 December 2021|date=23 April 2021}}
{{cite tweet|user=andygreder|last=Greder|first=Andy|number=1392593346732773378|title=Quote: On Sound of the Loons this week, #MNUFC winger Niko Hansen on his left-leg injury:...|access-date=29 December 2021|date=12 May 2021}} Hansen made his club debut on 29 May, entering the match against Real Salt Lake as a substitute. He promptly scored in the 78th minute, earning the Loons a 1–1 draw.{{cite news|last=Zgoda|first=Jerry|url=https://www.startribune.com/niko-hansen-proves-to-be-physically-mentally-ready-for-loons-debut/600062986/|title=Niko Hansen proves to be physically, mentally ready for Loons debut|website=Star Tribune|publisher=Star Tribune Media Company LLC|access-date=29 December 2021|date=30 May 2021}} He was a consistent feature in the lineup through the summer, but then suffered a groin injury in mid-August that cost him another seven games.{{cite news|last=Greder|first=Andy|url=https://www.twincities.com/2021/08/14/loons-leading-scorer-robin-lod-will-miss-weeks-with-injury/|title=Loons’ leading scorer Robin Lod will miss weeks with injury|website=St. Paul Pioneer Press|publisher=Digital First Media|access-date=29 December 2021|date=14 August 2021}} Hansen played just five times during the remainder of the season, although one of those came in the first round of the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs against Portland Timbers.{{cite news|last=Lupo|first=John|url=https://www.vavel.com/en-us/soccer/2021/11/23/mls/1093813-portland-3-1-minnesota-united-blanco-brace-powers-timbers-into-west-semis.html|title=Portland 3–1 Minnesota United: Blanco brace powers Timbers into West semis|website=Vavel|access-date=29 December 2021|date=25 November 2021}} He concluded his first year in Minnesota with one goal and one assist from 13 total appearances. Following the 2022 season, his contract option was declined by Minnesota.{{cite news|last=Greder|first=Andy|url=https://www.twincities.com/2022/11/14/takeaways-from-loons-roster-decisions-on-15-players/|title=Loons make roster decisions on 15 players. Here’s a rundown|website=St. Paul Pioneer Press|publisher=Digital First Media|access-date=18 January 2023|date=14 November 2022}}

On 11 January 2023, Hansen signed with USL Championship side San Antonio FC on a one-year deal.{{cite press release|last=Bass|first=Kevin|url=https://www.sanantoniofc.com/news/2023/01/11/san-antonio-fc-signs-mls-veteran-niko-hansen-for-2023-season/|title=San Antonio FC signs MLS veteran Niko Hansen for 2023 season|publisher=San Antonio FC|location=San Antonio|access-date=11 January 2023|date=11 January 2023}}

{{updated|17 September 2022|{{Soccerway|niko-hansen/476489|access-date=27 November 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://fbref.com/en/players/9bebd450/Niko-Hansen|title=Niko Hansen at FBRef.com|website=FBRef|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=25 August 2020}}}}

{{notelist}}

;New Mexico{{cite news|url=https://storage.googleapis.com/golobos-com/2020/07/c81dc084-men_s_soccer_history_and_records_through_2017.pdf|title=Lobo Soccer History and Record Book|website=New Mexico Lobos|publisher=University of New Mexico|access-date=27 November 2020|date=July 2020}}

• Conference USA (regular season): 2013
• Conference USA Men's Soccer Tournament: 2016

;Individual

• C-USA All-Freshman Team: 2013
• Third Team All-CUSA: 2014
• Second Team All-CUSA: 2015
• First Team All-CUSA: 2016
• C-USA All Tournament Team: 2016
• NSCAA All-Southwest Region First Team: 2016

{{Portal|Association football|Biography|Denmark|Sports}}

• All-time Columbus Crew roster
• All-time Houston Dynamo roster
• List of Minnesota United FC players
• List of Danish Americans
• List of foreign MLS players

{{clear}}

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• [https://golobos.com/roster/niko-hansen-3/ New Mexico profile]
• {{MLS player|niko-hansen}}
• {{FBref|9bebd450/Niko-Hansen}}
• {{Soccerbase|100776}}

{{CrewFirstPick}}

{{2017 MLS SuperDraft}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hansen, Niko}}

Category:Living people

Category:1994 births

Category:Danish men's footballers

Category:Footballers from Randers

Category:Men's association football utility players

Category:New Mexico Lobos men's soccer players

Category:Seattle Sounders FC U-23 players

Category:Columbus Crew draft picks

Category:Columbus Crew players

Category:Houston Dynamo FC players

Category:Minnesota United FC players

Category:San Antonio FC players

Category:Major League Soccer players

Category:MLS Next Pro players

Category:USL League Two players

Category:Danish expatriate men's footballers

Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in the United States

Category:Danish expatriate sportspeople in the United States

Category:Minnesota United FC 2 players

Category:21st-century Danish sportsmen

Category:Jesuit High School (Carmichael) alumni