Simon Kjær
{{Short description|Danish footballer (born 1989)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Simon Kjær
| image = Simon Kjær 2017 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Kjær playing for Sevilla in 2017
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|3|26|df=y}}
| birth_place = Horsens, Denmark
| position = Centre-back
| currentclub =
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = 1993–2001
| youthclubs1 = Lund IF
| youthyears2 = 2001–2007
| youthclubs2 = Midtjylland
| years1 = 2007–2008
| clubs1 = Midtjylland
| caps1 = 19
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2008–2010
| clubs2 = Palermo
| caps2 = 62
| goals2 = 5
| years3 = 2010–2013
| clubs3 = VfL Wolfsburg
| caps3 = 57
| goals3 = 3
| years4 = 2011–2012
| clubs4 = → Roma (loan)
| caps4 = 22
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2013–2015
| clubs5 = Lille
| caps5 = 66
| goals5 = 1
| years6 = 2015–2017
| clubs6 = Fenerbahçe
| caps6 = 54
| goals6 = 3
| years7 = 2017–2020
| clubs7 = Sevilla
| caps7 = 46
| goals7 = 2
| years8 = 2019–2020
| clubs8 = → Atalanta (loan)
| caps8 = 5
| goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2020
| clubs9 = → AC Milan (loan)
| caps9 = 15
| goals9 = 0
| years10 = 2020–2024
| clubs10 = AC Milan
| caps10 = 76
| goals10 = 0
| totalcaps = 422
| totalgoals = 14
| nationalyears1 = 2006
| nationalteam1 = Denmark U18
| nationalcaps1 = 1
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2006–2008
| nationalteam2 = Denmark U19
| nationalcaps2 = 10
| nationalgoals2 = 1
| nationalyears3 = 2008
| nationalteam3 = Denmark U20
| nationalcaps3 = 1
| nationalgoals3 = 0
| nationalyears4 = 2008–2011
| nationalteam4 = Denmark U21
| nationalcaps4 = 2
| nationalgoals4 = 0
| nationalyears5 = 2009–2024
| nationalteam5 = Denmark
| nationalcaps5 = 132
| nationalgoals5 = 5
}}
Simon Thorup Kjær ({{IPA|da|ˈsiː.mʊn ˈkʰjæːɐ̯}}; born 26 March 1989) is a Danish former professional footballer who played as a centre-back.
Kjær was named 2007 Danish under-19 talent of the year and 2009 Danish Talent of the Year. He played 132 matches for Denmark, including participation at the FIFA World Cup in 2010, 2018 and 2022, and the UEFA European Championship in 2012, 2020 and 2024.
Club career
=Midtjylland=
Born in Horsens, Kjær started playing football when he was four years old. This led him to join a small-time club Lund IF near Horsens, before moving to the youth team of Danish Superliga club FC Midtjylland (FCM) in 2004, where his father, Jørn Kjær, was the club's equipment manager.{{cite web|url=http://www.fcm.dk/index.php?ID=1&nyhedID=746&mode=laes_nyhed&topID=|title=Simon Kjær stormer frem|publisher=FC Midtjylland|language=Danish|date=3 October 2006| access-date = 2 June 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310063446/http://www.fcm.dk/index.php?ID=1&nyhedID=746&mode=laes_nyhed&topID=|archivedate=10 March 2012|url-status=dead}} He was one of the first players to graduate from FCM's football academy, the first of its kind in Denmark, coming through the system alongside Midtjylland teammates Jesper Weinkouff, Christian Sivebæk and former teammate, Winston Reid.{{cite web|url=https://www.fcm.dk/nyheder/klubben/9--december-akademiets-aabning|title=9. DECEMBER: AKADEMIETS ÅBNING|publisher=FC Midtjylland|language=Danish|date=9 December 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114155715/https://www.fcm.dk/nyheder/klubben/9--december-akademiets-aabning|archivedate=14 January 2020|url-status=dead}} Kjær started out playing in the midfield position before one of his coaches switched him to a defender position, a position he plays to date.{{cite news|title=Simon Kjaer|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/12/08/simon-kjaer.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=8 December 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}} While at the club system, Kjær was named the best player of a French youth tournament in April 2006.{{cite web|url=http://www.fcm.dk/index.php?ID=1&nyhedID=300&mode=laes_nyhed&topID=|title=FCM-spiller hædret i Frankrig|publisher=FC Midtjylland|date=17 March 2006| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310063503/http://www.fcm.dk/index.php?ID=1&nyhedID=300&mode=laes_nyhed&topID=|archivedate=10 March 2012|url-status=dead}} This resulted in Midtjylland subsequently rejecting offers from Lille OSC for Kjær and Jesper Juelsgård.{{cite web|author=bold.dk|url=http://www.bold.dk/nyt/FCM-talenter-takkede-nej-til-millionkontrakter|title=FCM-talenter takkede nej til millionkontrakter|publisher=Bold.dk|date=27 September 2006| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish}}
Kjær made his senior debut for Midtjylland in the Viasat Cup training matches in June 2006,{{cite web|url=http://www.fcm.dk/index.php?ID=1&nyhedID=457&mode=laes_nyhed&topID=|title=Viasat Cup set i bakspejlet|publisher=FC Midtjylland|date=5 June 2006| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310063529/http://www.fcm.dk/index.php?ID=1&nyhedID=457&mode=laes_nyhed&topID=|archivedate=10 March 2012|url-status=dead}} Two months later, he signed his first professional contract, keeping him until 2009.{{cite news|title=FCM forlænger med talent|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/FCM-forlaenger-med-talent/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=16 August 2006| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Kjær was promoted to the first team squad in January 2007.{{cite web|url=http://tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/dansk/erik-r-nye-spillere-er-kaempetalenter|title=Erik R: Nye spillere er kæmpetalenter | Tipsbladet|publisher=Tipsbladet.dk|date=29 November 2006| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish}} He had a successful trial with Real Madrid in August 2007, but their transfer offer was refused by FC Midtjylland.{{cite news|title=FCM-talent til prøvetræning i Real Madrid|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/FCM-talent-til-proevetraening-i-Real-Madrid/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=10 August 2007| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Real byder 5,5 mio. kr. for Kjær|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Real-byder-55-mio-kr-for-Kjaer/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=22 August 2007| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bold.dk/nyt/index.php?vis=72899|publisher=bold.dk|title=FC Midtjylland afviser Real Madrid| access-date = 1 March 2009|date=29 August 2007}} Soon after, Kjær signed a five-year contract with Midtjylland instead in September 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.fcm.dk/index.php?ID=1&nyhedID=1772&mode=laes_nyhed&topID=|title=Simon Kjær i FCM til 2012|publisher=FC Midtjylland|date=14 September 2007| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310063554/http://www.fcm.dk/index.php?ID=1&nyhedID=1772&mode=laes_nyhed&topID=|archivedate=10 March 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjær åben for lejeaftale|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Simon-Kjaer-aaben-for-lejeaftale/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=7 November 2007| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
Kjær made his Superliga debut on 30 September 2007, in the 2–0 victory against AGF{{cite news|title=Real-emne glæder sig til SAS Liga-debut|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Real-emne-glaeder-sig-til-SAS-Liga-debut/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=25 September 2007| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Ulvene fulgte Løverne|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Ulvene-fulgte-Loeverne/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=30 September 2007| access-date = 12 September 2020}} By October 2007, his performances attracted the likes of Premier League clubs Middlesbrough and Chelsea.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/7052092.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|title=Friday's gossip column| access-date = 9 April 2008|date=19 October 2007}}{{cite news|title=Chelsea på jagt efter FCM-talent|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Chelsea-paa-jagt-efter-FCM-talent/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=19 October 2007| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He went on to play three more matches in the first half of the Danish Superliga 2007–08 season.{{cite news|title=Esbjerg nedbrød FCMs fort|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Esbjerg-nedbroed-FCMs-fort/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=22 October 2007| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Topopgør endte uden vinder|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Topopgoer-endte-uden-vinder/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=4 November 2007| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Første hjemmesejr til AGF|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Foerste-hjemmesejr-til-AGF/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=2 December 2007| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Kjær played all 15 games in the second half of the Superliga season, forming a defensive partnership with Magnus Troest.{{cite news|title=FCM-forsvarer misser premieren|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/dansk_fodbold/superligaen/fc_midtjylland/article4346881.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=14 March 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=FCM-forsvar i opløsning|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/dansk_fodbold/superligaen/fc_midtjylland/article4336677.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=21 May 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Ørgaard: Simon Kjær bliver ikke holdt ude|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Oergaard-Simon-Kjaer-bliver-ikke-holdt-ude/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=5 March 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=FCM har læst på lektien|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/dansk_fodbold/superligaen/broendby/article4343207.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=9 April 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He kept three consecutive clean sheets between 29 March 2008 and 13 April 2008 against OB, Copenhagen and AaB.{{cite news|title=OB sænket af Furuseths genistreg|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/dansk_fodbold/superligaen/ob/article4344900.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=29 March 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Tandløse FCK blev udstillet i Parken|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/dansk_fodbold/superligaen/fc_koebenhavn/article4343734.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=6 April 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Ulvene overspillede AaB|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Ulvene-overspillede-AaB/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=13 April 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
=Palermo=
In February 2008, Kjær signed a five-year contract with Italian club Palermo, effective from the summer 2008,{{cite news|publisher=U.S. Città di Palermo|url=http://www.ilpalermocalcio.it/it/0708/news_scheda.jsp?id=8503|title=Blitz di Foschi in Danimarca, preso Kjær|date=16 February 2008| access-date = 16 February 2008|language=Italian|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080605215422/http://www.ilpalermocalcio.it/it/0708/news_scheda.jsp?id=8503|archivedate=5 June 2008|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|publisher=Sky Sports|title=Palermo win Kjaer race| access-date = 9 April 2008|date=16 February 2008|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_3154802,00.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308194553/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_3154802,00.html|archivedate=8 March 2012|url-status=dead}} earning Midtjylland a €4 million transfer fee.{{cite news|url=http://www.ilpalermocalcio.it/it/0809/news_scheda.jsp?id=9777|title=DICHIARAZIONE DI ZAMPARINI|date=2 September 2008| access-date = 14 March 2010|work=ilpalermocalcio.it|language=Italian|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429025709/http://www.ilpalermocalcio.it/it/0809/news_scheda.jsp?id=9777|archivedate=29 April 2009|url-status=dead}} On 5 June 2008, he was presented at the club's press conference alongside new signing, Andrea Raggi.{{cite news|title=Palermo, domani la presentazione di Kjaer e Raggi|url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/palermo-domani-la-presentazione-di-kjaer-e-raggi-107169|publisher=Tutto Mercato Web|language=Italian|date=4 June 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
However, his start to his Palermo's career suffered a setback when Kjær faced competitions in the club's defence, as well as, adapting in Italy.{{cite news|title=Kjær: Hård tilværelse i Palermo|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Kjaer-Haard-tilvaerelse-i-Palermo/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=13 June 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjær vil ikke være bænkevarmer|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Simon-Kjaer-vil-ikke-vaere-baenkevarmer/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=21 August 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjær bænket i pokalfiasko|url=http://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Sprogproblemer-baenker-Kjaer/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=2 September 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjær: Trænerskifte uden betydning|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Simon-Kjaer-Traenerskifte-uden-betydning/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=5 September 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjær: Taktik, taktik, taktik|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Simon-Kjaer-Taktik-taktik-taktik/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=16 September 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}} On 26 October 2008, he made his Palermo debut, coming on as a half-time substitute against Fiorentina in Serie A, as they lost 3–1.{{cite news|title=Viola, dimenticata la Champions Il Palermo perde ancora|url=https://www.repubblica.it/2008/10/sezioni/sport/calcio/serie_a/giornata-8/palermo-fiorentina/palermo-fiorentina.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=26 October 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}} After the match, his performance was praised by the club.{{cite web|url=http://tv2sport.dk/node/20275|publisher=TV2 Sport|title=Kjær: Det var en god debut| access-date = 27 October 2008|date=27 October 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719133055/http://tv2sport.dk/node/20275|archivedate=19 July 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Siamo tutti cittì|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2008/11/05/siamo-tutti-citti.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=5 November 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}} This was followed by making his first start for the club, as they drew 1–1 against Lecce three days later.{{cite news|title=Palermo fragile, il Lecce non osa alla fine il pari va bene a tutti|url=https://www.repubblica.it/2008/10/sezioni/sport/calcio/serie_a/giornata-9/lecce-palermo/lecce-palermo.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=29 October 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Kjær scored his first goal for Palermo in his third appearance on 2 November 2008, as well as, setting up the club's first goal of the game, in a 3–0 win over Chievo.{{cite web|url=http://www.bold.dk/nyt/Kjaer-paa-tavlen-i-Palermo-sejr|publisher=Bold.dk|title=Kjær på tavlen i Palermo-sejr| access-date = 2 November 2008|date=2 November 2008}}{{cite news|title=Palermo, festa di compleanno Grande gara, tripletta al Chievo|url=https://www.repubblica.it/2008/11/sezioni/sport/calcio/serie_a/giornata-10/palermo-chievo/palermo-chievo.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=2 November 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He has been involved in the first team, establishing himself in the starting eleven, playing in the centre-back position.{{cite news|title=Simon Kjær accepterer bænkplads|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Simon-Kjaer-accepterer-baenkplads/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=10 November 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Il Palermo non si ferma più l'Udinese scivola in zona pericolo|url=https://www.repubblica.it/2009/01/sezioni/sport/calcio/serie_a/giornata-20/palermo-udinese/palermo-udinese.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=25 January 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Siamo tutti cittì|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/02/11/siamo-tutti-citti.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=11 February 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=E DOMENICA ATTENTI AI CONTROPIEDI DI ZENGA|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/02/25/domenica-attenti-ai-contropiedi-di-zenga.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=25 February 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Valzer di difensori, Balzaretti vice Cassani|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/04/03/valzer-di-difensori-balzaretti-vice-cassani.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=3 April 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Due to his physical strength and tenacity, Kjær's performance continued to improve and was named the second best player under 21 in Serie A by La Gazzetta dello Sport.{{cite news|title=Vanden Borre jolly Ferrari super Palladino c' è|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/02/02/vanden-borre-jolly-ferrari-super-palladino.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=2 February 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=De Bellis. 'Fuori la grinta e la squadra partenopea non avrà alcuna chance'|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/02/07/de-bellis-fuori-la-grinta-la-squadra.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=7 February 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjær næstbedst i Italien|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Simon-Kjaer-naestbedst-i-Italien/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=20 February 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}} It wasn't until 15 March 2009 when he scored his second goal of the season, in a 5–2 win against Lecce.{{cite news|title=Palermo, 5 gol per fare pace Lecce inizio shock per De Canio|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/03/16/palermo-gol-per-fare-pace-lecce-inizio.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=16 March 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Kjær then scored his third goal of the season, in a 4–1 win against Bologna on 19 April 2009.{{cite news|title=Bologna, non è cambiato nulla|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/04/20/bologna-non-cambiato-nulla.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=20 April 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}} For his performance, he was named Serie A's Team of the Week.{{cite news|title=Simon Kjær på ugens hold|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Simon-Kjaer-paa-ugens-hold/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=20 April 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Kjær ended the 2008–09 season as the club's top scoring defender in Serie A with three goals in 27 appearances in all competitions.{{cite news|title=Simon Kjaer: I'm Not Leaving Palermo... For Now|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/07/01/1357187/simon-kjaer-im-not-leaving-palermo-for-now|publisher=Goal.com|date=1 July 2009| access-date = 24 May 2012}}{{cite news|title=Con Kjaer vince anche la difesa|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/06/02/con-kjaer-vince-anche-la-difesa.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=2 June 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjær: Et forrygende år|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Simon-Kjaer-Et-forrygende-aar/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=4 May 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjær på årets hold|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Simon-Kjaer-paa-aarets-hold/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=19 May 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
File:Simon Kjaer.JPG in 2009]]
Kjær confirmed his reputation as a first team regular in the 2009–10 season, and formed a strong defensive partnership with fellow centre-back Cesare Bovo.{{cite news|title=Qui comincia l' avventura del mister che sogna rosa|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/08/23/qui-comincia-avventura-del-mister-che.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=23 August 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Palermo bygger forsvaret op om Kjær|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Palermo-bygger-forsvaret-op-om-Kjaer/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=10 August 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=DE BELLIS: 'L' UOMO IN PIÙ È BUDAN'|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/09/10/de-bellis-uomo-in-piu-budan.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=10 September 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Il Palermo fa piccola la Juve Ferrara incassa il primo ko|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/10/05/il-palermo-fa-piccola-la-juve-ferrara.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=5 October 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Esercitazioni tattiche anti-Parma Igor Budan scalda i muscoli|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/09/18/esercitazioni-tattiche-anti-parma-igor-budan-scalda-muscoli.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=18 September 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}} As a result, he signed an improved contract with the Sicilian club in September 2009.{{cite web|url=http://tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/generelle/kjaer-dropper-beck-og-forlaenger|title=Kjær dropper Beck – og forlænger | Tipsbladet|publisher=Tipsbladet.dk|date=27 September 2009| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish}} From the start of the 2009–10 season, Kjær started in every match until he missed one match, due to suspension.{{cite news|title=Kjaer out|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/10/21/kjaer-out.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=21 October 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He returned to the starting line-up from suspension, playing the whole game, as Palermo lost 5–3 against Inter Milan on 29 October 2009.{{cite news|title=Follie da Inter|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/10/30/follie-da-inter.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=30 October 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}} A week later on 8 November 2009, Kjær scored his first goal of the season, in a 3–1 loss against Bologna.{{cite news|title=Zalayeta e Di Vaio Palermo affondato dal nuovo Bologna|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/11/09/zalayeta-di-vaio-palermo-affondato-dal-nuovo.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=9 November 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He was named 2009 Danish Talent of the Year in November 2009, beating Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner and Ajax's Christian Eriksen after his successful first season in Palermo.{{cite web|url=http://dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=252348|title=Aftenens vindere er…|publisher=Dbu.dk|date=9 November 2009| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091113002042/http://dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=252348|archivedate=13 November 2009|url-status=dead}} In January 2010, he was also named as Danish Footballer of the Year for 2009.{{cite news|title=Årets Fodboldspiller 2009: Simon Kjær|url=http://www.spillerforeningen.dk/viewnewsitem.jsp?id=932|publisher=Spillerforeningen.dk|language=Danish|date=9 January 2010| access-date = 24 May 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222041734/http://www.spillerforeningen.dk/viewnewsitem.jsp?id=932|archivedate=22 February 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjær årets spiller|url=http://www.sporten.dk/fodbold/simon-kjaer-aarets-spiller|publisher=Sporten.dk|language=Danish|date=9 January 2010| access-date = 24 May 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301185648/http://www.bt.dk/fodbold/simon-kjaer-aarets-spiller|archivedate=1 March 2014|url-status=dead}} The next day, Kjær celebrated with a goal against Cagliari that decided the match for Palermo as the match ended 2–1.{{cite news|title=Il Cagliari si illude ma è la prima vittoria del Palermo di Rossi|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/12/07/il-cagliari-si-illude-ma-la-prima.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=7 December 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Since returning from suspension, he started in the next ten league matches before being suspended once again.{{cite news|title=Il Palermo sfida il Genoa in palio punti per l' Europa|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/11/01/il-palermo-sfida-il-genoa-in-palio.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=1 November 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Delio Rossi, buona la prima goleada rosa contro la Reggina|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/11/27/delio-rossi-buona-la-prima-goleada-rosa.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=27 November 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Il fuoriclasse è Miccoli, Milan sgonfiato|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/12/14/il-fuoriclasse-miccoli-milan-sgonfiato.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=14 December 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Zamparini e la multinazionale della fantasia|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2010/01/06/zamparini-la-multinazionale-della-fantasia.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=6 January 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Vincere a Napoli senza
pensare alla Champions|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/palermo/2010/01/16/news/rossi_pre_napoli-1973266/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=16 January 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}} After serving a one match suspension, Kjær returned to the starting line-up against Fiorentina on 24 January 2010 and helped the club keep a clean sheet, in a 3–0 win.{{cite news|title=Favola Hernandez Tracollo Fiorentina|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/palermo/2010/01/24/news/palermo_fiorentina_hernandez-2061740/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=24 January 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He started in the next nine league matches before being sent–off for a second bookable offence, in a 2–2 draw against Genoa on 24 March 2010.{{cite news|title=La Roma sulla strada del Palermo una prova di maturità per l' Europa|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2010/02/13/la-roma-sulla-strada-del-palermo-una.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=13 February 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=DI PERI: 'SEMAFORO VERDE PER KJAER'|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2010/02/18/di-peri-semaforo-verde-per-kjaer.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=18 February 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Testacoda per la Champions i rosanero tentano l' allungo|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2010/03/07/testacoda-per-la-champions-rosanero-tentano.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=7 March 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Cavani e Kjaer intoccabili|url=https://gds.it/articoli/sport/2010/02/17/-cavani-e-kjaer-intoccabili--96264-fcc00975-59bf-454f-8c68-7730397ac8ff/|publisher=Giornale Di Sicillia|language=Italian|date=17 February 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Genoa in extremis Il Palermo infuriato|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/genoa/2010/03/24/news/genoa_palermo-2879779/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=24 March 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}} After serving a one match suspension, Kjær returned to the starting line–up against Catania on 3 April 2010, as they lost 2–0.{{cite news|title=Serie A, gli squalificati: due turni a Cavani|url=https://gds.it/articoli/sport/2010/03/25/serie-a-gli-squalificati-due-turni-a-cavani-102873-46608ba7-9b7d-4e78-a567-6fe93ed08045/|publisher=Giornale Di Sicillia|language=Italian|date=25 March 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Catania, è quasi fatta Palermo, brusco stop|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/catania/2010/04/03/news/palermo-catania_diretta-3112973/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=3 April 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He later started the remaining matches of the 2009–10 season and helped the side finish fifth place to qualify for the UEFA Europa League.{{cite news|title=Derby dimenticato, riparte il Palermo doppietta di Miccoli per tornare a sognare|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2010/04/12/derby-dimenticato-riparte-il-palermo-doppietta-di.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=12 April 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Il Palermo domina un Milan sbiadito|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/palermo/2010/04/24/news/palermo_milan_diretta-3592964/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=24 April 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Doppio Cavani Ma addio Champions|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/atalanta/2010/05/16/news/atalanta_palermo-4116543/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=16 May 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}} At the end of the 2009–10 season, Kjær scored twice in a total 35 Serie A games (which was 38 appearances and scoring two times in all competitions).
=VfL Wolfsburg=
On 30 June 2010, VfL Wolfsburg confirmed they had opened talks with Kjær.{{cite news|title=Kjaer open to Wolfsburg talks|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6239220/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=30 June 2010| access-date = 13 February 2012}} It came after reported interest from teams across Europe, including English sides Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur plus Italian side Juventus.{{cite news|title=Wolfsburg win Kjaer chase|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6251795/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=8 July 2010| access-date = 13 February 2012}} The move was confirmed on 8 July 2010, as the club signed Kjær for an undisclosed fee believed to be in excess of £10 million.{{cite news|url=http://www.ilpalermocalcio.it/it/0910/news_scheda.jsp?id=20967|publisher=US Città di Palermo|language=Italian| access-date = 8 July 2010|date=8 July 2010|title=KJAER CEDUTO AL WOLFSBURG|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100712104642/http://www.ilpalermocalcio.it/it/0910/news_scheda.jsp?id=20967|archivedate=12 July 2010|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.kicker.de/der-vfl-zieht-kjaer-an-land-527334/artikel|title=Der VfL zieht Kjaer an Land|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=8 July 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329160220/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/startseite/527334/artikel_Der-VfL-zieht-Kjaer-an-Land.html|archive-date=29 March 2016|url-status=live}} Following his move to Wolfsburg, Kjær said: "The transfer means I have the chance to play for a top club, I think this is the right step for me. We have a strong team that can challenge at the top of the Bundesliga. First, I need to secure a regular place." The deal made Kjær the most expensive Danish footballer of all time.{{cite news|title=Danmarks dyreste fodboldspiller enig med Wolfsburg|url=http://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/bundesliga/danmarks-dyreste-fodboldspiller-enig-med-wolfsburg|publisher=Tipsbladet.dk|language=Danish|date=5 July 2010| access-date = 24 May 2012}} Making the shift from Serie A football to the Bundesliga meant that Kjær would become one of the best paid Danish footballers with an annual salary of around €3 million.{{cite news|title= Avis: Kjær tredobler lønnen|url=http://www.bold.dk/nyt/Avis-Kjaer-tredobler-loennen|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=8 July 2010| access-date = 24 May 2012}} Both national coach Morten Olsen and the player, himself, agreed that the move to Wolfsburg was not only economically justifiable for the young Danish defender but also the shift that this was a step in the right direction for his development.{{cite news|title=Kjær: Wolfsburg skal udvikle mig offensivt|url=https://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/bundesliga/kjaer-wolfsburg-skal-udvikle-mig-offensivt|publisher=Tipsbladet.dk|language=Danish|date=8 July 2010| access-date = 24 May 2012}}{{cite news|title=Olsen: Godt for Kjærs udvikling|url=http://www.bold.dk/nyt/Olsen-Godt-for-Kjaers-udvikling|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=8 July 2010| access-date = 24 May 2012}}
Kjær made his unofficial debut for VfL Wolfsburg in a pre-season fixture against FC Augsburg, in which Wolfsburg ran out 1–0 winners.{{cite news|title=Love match winner in test match|url=http://www.dr.dk/Sporten/Fodbold/Bundesliga/2010/07/25/131255.htm|publisher=Dr.dk / port|language=Danish|date=25 July 2010| access-date = 24 May 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100727114047/http://www.dr.dk/Sporten/Fodbold/Bundesliga/2010/07/25/131255.htm|archivedate=27 July 2010|url-status=dead}} His VfL Wolfsburg debut came on 15 August 2010, starting the whole game, in a 2–1 win against Preußen Münster in the first round of the DFB-Pokal.{{cite news|title=Grafite bereinigt Dzekos Patzer|url=https://www.kicker.de/muenster-gegen-wolfsburg-2010-dfb-pokal-1004457/spielbericht|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=15 August 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He made his Bundesliga debut for Wolfsburg in a 2–1 loss against Bayern Munich five days later on 20 August 2010.{{cite news|title=Kjær sænket af Bayern i Wolfsburg-debut|url=https://politiken.dk/sport/fodbold/art4971701/Kj%C3%A6r-s%C3%A6nket-af-Bayern-i-Wolfsburg-debut|newspaper=Politiken|language=Danish|date=20 August 2010| access-date = 24 May 2012}}{{cite news|title=Schweinsteiger der Matchwinner zum Auftakt|url=https://www.kicker.de/bayern-gegen-wolfsburg-2010-bundesliga-1013222/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=20 August 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}} After a poor start to the season for Wolfsburg, with varying results and unmet expectations; Kjær scored his first goal for Wolfsburg in a 2–0 win over Stuttgart when he headed the ball in over the line after a corner kick. However, the goal was eventually credited to Edin Džeko after it was shown that the ball took a deflection from Džeko's shot.{{cite news|title=Kjær: Irriterende at få frataget mål|url=http://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/bundesliga/kjaer-irriterende-faa-frataget-maal|publisher=Tipsbladet.dk|language=Danish|date=16 November 2010| access-date = 24 May 2012}}{{cite news|title=Dzeko offenbart Stuttgarts Standardschwäche|url=https://www.kicker.de/wolfsburg-gegen-stuttgart-2010-bundesliga-1013323/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=30 October 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Despite much criticism from the media for his poor performances, Kjær played in the starting line-up in all 17 Bundesliga matches in the autumn 2010 season.{{cite news|title=Angriff, Abwehr, System: Darum ist Wolfsburg wieder in der Erfolgsspur|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Angriff-Abwehr-System-Darum-ist-Wolfsburg-wieder-in-der-Erfolgsspur|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=24 September 2010|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=9 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909201934/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Angriff-Abwehr-System-Darum-ist-Wolfsburg-wieder-in-der-Erfolgsspur|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Wolfsburgs 0:2 in Dortmund war eine verdiente Niederlage|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Wolfsburgs-0-2-in-Dortmund-war-eine-verdiente-Niederlage|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=13 September 2010|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=9 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909201939/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Wolfsburgs-0-2-in-Dortmund-war-eine-verdiente-Niederlage|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Ein schmeichelhafter Punkt für den VfL|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Ein-schmeichelhafter-Punkt-fuer-den-VfL|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=4 October 2010|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=9 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909201928/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Ein-schmeichelhafter-Punkt-fuer-den-VfL|url-status=dead}} After having formed a successful partnership with Italy international Andrea Barzagli in Wolfsburg's central defence, he then featured alongside German international Arne Friedrich.{{cite news|title=VfL-Verteidiger ist nach der Bandscheiben-OP wohlauf|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/VfL-Verteidiger-ist-nach-der-Bandscheiben-OP-wohlauf|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=27 August 2010|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=9 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909201945/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/VfL-Verteidiger-ist-nach-der-Bandscheiben-OP-wohlauf|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=VfL-Italiener ist wieder eine feste Größe|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/VfL-Italiener-ist-wieder-eine-feste-Groesse|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=30 September 2010|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=9 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909201931/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/VfL-Italiener-ist-wieder-eine-feste-Groesse|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Friedrich redet Klartext|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Friedrich-redet-Klartext|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=15 December 2010|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=9 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909201916/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Friedrich-redet-Klartext|url-status=dead}} On 22 January 2011, Kjær scored his first Bundesliga goal with a headed goal in the 83rd minute, in a 1–0 win against Mainz 05, a win that secured the first club victory in eight matches – after seven drawn games in a row.{{cite news|title=Simon Kjær førte Wolfsburg til sejr|url=http://tv2sport.dk/node/71494|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120526223956/http://tv2sport.dk/node/71494|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 May 2012|publisher=tv2sport.dk|language=Danish|date=22 January 2011|access-date=24 May 2012}}{{cite news|title=Kjær matchvinder for Wolfsburg|url=http://www.bold.dk/nyt/Kjaer-matchvinder-for-Wolfsburg|publisher=bold.dk|language=Danish|date=22 January 2011| access-date = 24 May 2012}}{{cite news|title=Kjaer lässt Wolfsburg jubeln|url=https://www.kicker.de/mainz-gegen-wolfsburg-2011-bundesliga-1013404/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=22 January 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Following Steve McClaren's sacking (who brought him to the club) due to further poor results in February 2011, Felix Magath returned to Wolfsburg (the manager guided the club to win their first Bundesliga title) and commented on criticising the 'poor condition' of the players he inherited (including Kjær) from McClaren.{{cite news|title=Wolfsburg U-turn for Magath|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11881/6838786/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=28 March 2011| access-date = 13 February 2012}} In connection with the dismissal, Kjær declared affection for Steve McClaren in public. Kjær said he was sorry for the firing, and was happy to work with Steve McClaren.{{cite news|title=Simon Kjær ked af McLarens fyring|url=http://www.bold.dk/nyt/Simon-Kjaer-ked-af-McLarens-fyring|publisher=bold.dk|language=Danish|date=8 February 2011| access-date = 24 May 2012}} Despite the comment from Magath, Kjær continued to regain his first team place for the rest of the 2010–11 season, though it was met by frustration, as the club narrowly avoided the drop the previous season and he had come under fire for some lacklustre displays.{{cite news|title=Garcia Sanz: "Hoeneß steht nicht zur Disposition"|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Garcia-Sanz-Hoeness-steht-nicht-zur-Disposition|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=18 February 2011|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=9 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909202319/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Garcia-Sanz-Hoeness-steht-nicht-zur-Disposition|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Welche Spieler bekommen heute Magaths Vertrauen?|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Welche-Spieler-bekommen-heute-Magaths-Vertrauen|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=13 May 2011|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=9 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909202302/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Welche-Spieler-bekommen-heute-Magaths-Vertrauen|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Kjaer lobt: "Magath zieht sein Ding durch, das schätze ich"|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Kjaer-lobt-Magath-zieht-sein-Ding-durch-das-schaetze-ich|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=28 June 2011|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=9 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909202258/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Kjaer-lobt-Magath-zieht-sein-Ding-durch-das-schaetze-ich|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Mandzukic erlöst den VfL|url=https://www.kicker.de/hoffenheim-gegen-wolfsburg-2011-bundesliga-1013240/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=14 May 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Despite being on the sidelines on three occasions during the 2010–11 season, he made 34 appearances and scoring once in all competitions.{{cite news|title=Der VfL mit Zauberfußball!|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Der-VfL-mit-Zauberfussball|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=25 November 2010|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=9 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909201921/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Der-VfL-mit-Zauberfussball|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Kjær skadet og tvivlsom mod Dortmund|url=http://www.bold.dk/nyt/Kjaer-skadet-og-tvivlsom-mod-Dortmund|publisher=bold.dk|language=Danish|date=27 January 2011| access-date = 24 May 2012}}{{cite news|title=Nach Debüt: Koo vor Startelf-Einsatz|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Nach-Debuet-Koo-vor-Startelf-Einsatz|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=14 February 2011|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=9 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909204126/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Nach-Debuet-Koo-vor-Startelf-Einsatz|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=VfL in Sorge: Kjaer droht längere Pause!|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/VfL-in-Sorge-Kjaer-droht-laengere-Pause|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=24 March 2011|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=9 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909202316/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/VfL-in-Sorge-Kjaer-droht-laengere-Pause|url-status=dead}}
In the summer transfer window 2011, Kjær revealed that head coach Magath told him that he would be allowed to leave that summer and reported that he had fallen out of favor with Magath.{{cite news|title=Wolfsburg's Simon Kjaer: Roma is a great club & joining them is a great opportunity|url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/86/italy/2011/08/25/2635677/wolfsburgs-simon-kjaer-roma-is-a-great-club-joining-them-is|publisher=Goals.com|date=25 August 2011| access-date = 13 February 2012}} Amid the transfer speculation, Kjær made four appearances for Wolfsburg before departing for Roma.{{cite news|title="Wölfe" können Frahn nicht fassen|url=https://www.kicker.de/leipzig-gegen-wolfsburg-2011-dfb-pokal-1140222/spielbericht|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=29 July 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Helmes trifft an alter Wirkungsstätte doppelt|url=https://www.kicker.de/koeln-gegen-wolfsburg-2011-bundesliga-1142236/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=6 August 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Luiz Gustavo verhindert den Fehlstart|url=https://www.kicker.de/wolfsburg-gegen-bayern-2011-bundesliga-1143303/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=13 August 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Reus beendet Negativserie gegen die "Wölfe"|url=https://www.kicker.de/mgladbach-gegen-wolfsburg-2011-bundesliga-1143312/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=19 August 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
==Loan to Roma==
Italian side Roma revealed the club were on the verge of signing Kjær on a €10 million move from Wolfsburg as a replacement for centre-back Philippe Mexès who left for AC Milan on a free transfer.{{cite news|title=UFFICIALERoma, il Wolfsburg annuncia Kjaer in giallorosso|url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/ufficiale-roma-il-wolfsburg-annuncia-kjaer-in-giallorosso-290413|publisher=Tutto Mercato Web|language=Italian|date=26 August 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}} However, the move to Roma was put back on hold after reports in Italy claimed the defender had been recalled by his club Wolfsburg.{{cite news|title=Kjaer's Roma move put on hold|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7132668/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=28 August 2011| access-date = 13 February 2012}}{{cite news|title= Roma, congelato l'affare Kjaer|url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/roma-congelato-l-affare-kjaer-290765|publisher=Tutto Mercato Web|language=Italian|date=27 August 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Instead on 30 August 2011, Kjær went out on a season-long loan deal to Roma, with the option to purchase at the end of the season.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2011/08/30/2643580/wolfsburgs-simon-kjaer-joins-roma-on-loan-report|title=Wolfsburg's Simon Kjaer joins Roma on loan|date=30 August 2011| access-date = 30 August 2011|publisher=Goal.com}}{{cite news|title=A.S. Roma: acquisiti a titolo temporaneo i calciatori Kiaer e Gago|url=https://www.corriere.it/notizie-ultima-ora/Economia/Roma-acquisiti-titolo-temporaneo-calciatori-Kiaer-Gago/31-08-2011/1-A_000242560.shtml|publisher=Corriere Della Sera|language=Italian|date=31 August 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
Kjær made his debut for Roma in a 0–0 draw against Inter Milan on 17 September 2011.{{cite news|title=Orgoglio Inter, ma con la Roma è pari|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/inter/2011/09/17/news/inter_roma_diretta-21820211/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=17 September 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}} However, in a 2–1 loss against rivals, Lazio on 16 October 2011, he received a straight red card in the 50th minute for a foul on Cristian Brocchi, resulting in a penalty and was successfully converted by the opposition team.{{cite news|title=Klose allo scadere Il derby è della Lazio|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/roma/2011/10/16/news/lazio_roma-23337274/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=16 October 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}} After the match, Kjær missed the next four matches, due to suspension and his own injury concern.{{cite news|title=Baldini a Trigoria fa pace con Totti Sabatini su De Rossi: Non andrà via|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2011/10/20/baldini-trigoria-fa-pace-con-totti-sabatini.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=20 October 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Luis Enrique forklarer Kjærs startplads|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Luis-Enrique-forklarer-Kjaers-startplads/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=17 October 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Skadet Kjær misser Milan-kamp|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Skadet-Kjaer-misser-Milan-kamp/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=29 October 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjær melder afbud|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Simon-Kjaer-melder-afbud/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=5 November 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}} On 20 November 2011, he returned to the starting line-up against Leece, as the club won 2–1.{{cite news|title=Giovane Roma cresce Lecce, Bertolacci non basta|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2011/11/20/news/roma_lecce-25324712/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=20 November 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}} However, his return was short-lived when Kjær suffered an injury that kept him out for a month.{{cite news|title=Osvaldo resta fuori La squadra 'protesta'|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/roma/2011/11/28/news/ufficiale_osvaldo_salta_firenze-25741839/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=28 November 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}} On 11 January 2012, he returned to the starting line–up for Roma's match against Fiorentina in the Round of 16 of the Coppa Italia and helped the side keep a clean sheet, in a 3–0 win.{{cite news|title=Roma, la rivincita è servita La Fiorentina sciupa tutto|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/coppe/2012/01/11/news/roma_fiorentina-27950722/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=11 January 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}} However, during the club's 4–2 defeat to Cagliari on 1 February 2012, Kjær was at fault for his poor performance and was largely disappointing for Roma.{{cite news|title= La Barca-Roma affonda a Cagliari|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/cagliari/2012/02/01/news/cagliari_roma-29178650/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=1 February 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}} After the match, Roma director Walter Sabatini dropped a strong hint that the club may decide against signing Kjær on a permanent basis due to his poor performance at Roma.{{cite news|title=Roma director Walter Sabatini hints at Simon Kjaer departure|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2012/02/02/2882729/roma-director-walter-sabatini-hints-at-simon-kjaer-departure|publisher=Goals.com|date=2 February 2012| access-date = 13 February 2012}} He continued to remain in the first team for the rest of the 2011–12 season.{{cite news|title=Luis Enrique non si accontenta "Subito un'altra vittoria"|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/roma/2011/09/26/news/luis_enrique_post_parma_prima_vittoria-22247984/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=26 September 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Roma piccola con le grandi Ci manca la regolarità|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/roma/2012/01/25/news/difetti_lamela_rosso-28756217/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=25 January 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Luis Enrique: "Ho visto l'atteggiamento giusto"|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/roma/2012/03/10/news/luis_enrique_post_palermo_roma-31331951/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=10 March 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=La Roma si risveglia a Palermo|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/palermo/2012/03/10/news/palermo_roma_diretta-31327177/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=10 March 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Osvaldo trascina la Roma Terzo posto più vicino|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/roma/2012/03/19/news/roma_genoa-31849689/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=19 March 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Despite being sidelined on two more occasions later in the 2011–12 season, Kjær made 24 appearances in all competitions.{{cite news|title=Cercasi centrale difensivo Luis Enrique pensa a De Rossi|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/roma/2012/02/15/news/de_rossi_centrale_rinnovo_heinze-29952878/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=15 February 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Roma: Kjær ofret på taktikkens alter|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Roma-Kjaer-ofret-paa-taktikkens-alter/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=25 February 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Heinze, il leader della difesa Bloccato il brasiliano Dodò|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2012/03/22/heinze-il-leader-della-difesa-bloccato-il.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=22 March 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=De Rossi carica i compagni Il terzo posto ora è più vicino|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2012/04/02/de-rossi-carica-compagni-il-terzo-posto.rm_024.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=2 April 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Following this, Roma decided against signing Kjær permanently, citing his poor performances.{{cite news|title=De Rossi, a breve il rinnovo Kjaer|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2012/01/16/de-rossi-breve-il-rinnovo-kjaer.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=16 January 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Kjær: Absolut ikke mere Wolfsburg|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Kjaer-Absolut-ikke-mere-Wolfsburg/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=16 May 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Agent: Alle kan byde på Kjær|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Agent-Alle-kan-byde-paa-Kjaer/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=8 June 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Roma udsætter Kjær-beslutning|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Roma-udsaetter-Kjaer-beslutning/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=4 June 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Sabatini: Beholder ikke Kjær|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Sabatini-Beholder-ikke-Kjaer/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=15 July 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
==Return to Wolfsburg==
After his loan-spell at Roma ended, Kjær stated he would not return to Wolfsburg, after coach Magath decided the Dane was not going to be part of his first team plans for the club's 2012–13 season.{{cite news|title=Kjaer won't return to Wolfsburg|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7788317/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=31 May 2012| access-date = 7 June 2012}}{{cite news|title=Wegen Magath: Kjaer will nie wieder für den VfL auflaufen|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Wegen-Magath-Kjaer-will-nie-wieder-fuer-den-VfL-auflaufen|publisher=Wolfburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=1 June 2012|access-date=12 September 2020}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} However, Magath changed his mind by announcing that he was willing to bury the hatchet with Kjær, and keen to bring him into his first team at Wolfsburg.{{cite news|title=Kjaer offered clean slate|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7888905/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=11 July 2012| access-date = 16 July 2012}}{{cite news|title=Kjær-agent: Magath må have misforstået noget|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/udenlandsk_fodbold/tyskfodbold/article4024185.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=7 July 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Ingen fremtid i Wolfsburg|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/udenlandsk_fodbold/tyskfodbold/article4023367.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=11 July 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
He made his first appearance for Wolfsburg in the opening game of the 2012–13 season against VfB Stuttgart, coming on as a late substitute, in a 1–0 win.{{cite news|title=Dost bestraft Stuttgarter Chancenverwertung|url=https://www.kicker.de/stuttgart-gegen-wolfsburg-2012-bundesliga-1441340/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=25 August 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}} After missing the follow-up match against Hannover 96 due to a potential transfer to Galatasaray, which later collapsed, Kjær returned to the starting line-up against FC Augsburg on 16 September 2012, as they drew 0–0.{{cite news|title=Wegen Kjaer: Galatasaray verhandelt mit dem VfL Wolfsburg|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Wegen-Kjaer-Galatasaray-verhandelt-mit-dem-VfL|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=3 September 2012|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910185854/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Wegen-Kjaer-Galatasaray-verhandelt-mit-dem-VfL|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Wolfsburg und Augsburg trennen sich 0:0|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/Sportmix/Sport-ueberregional/Wolfsburg-und-Augsburg-trennen-sich-0-0|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=14 September 2012|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910185420/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/Sportmix/Sport-ueberregional/Wolfsburg-und-Augsburg-trennen-sich-0-0|url-status=dead}} After the match, both he and his Danish compatriot Thomas Kahlenberg were praised by Manager Magath.{{cite news|title=Lob für das Dänen-Duo: "Fürs erste Mal sehr gut"|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Lob-fuer-das-Daenen-Duo-Fuers-erste-Mal-sehr-gut|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=16 September 2012|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910185425/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Lob-fuer-das-Daenen-Duo-Fuers-erste-Mal-sehr-gut|url-status=dead}} However, Kjær found himself placed on the substitute bench in the first three months to the season.{{cite news|title=VfL Wolfsburg gegen Bayern Munich: Die Aufstellungen|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/VfL-gegen-Bayern-Die-Aufstellungen|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=25 September 2012|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910190935/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/VfL-gegen-Bayern-Die-Aufstellungen|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Wer rettet den VfL heute?|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Wer-rettet-den-VfL-heute|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=19 October 2012|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910191646/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Wer-rettet-den-VfL-heute|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Stabilisator Köstner als Psychologe gefragt|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/Fussball-ueberregional/Stabilisator-Koestner-als-Psychologe-gefragt|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=26 October 2012|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910191522/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/Fussball-ueberregional/Stabilisator-Koestner-als-Psychologe-gefragt|url-status=dead}} Following Magath's sacking, he returned to the starting line-up against Fortuna Düsseldorf on 27 October 2012, as the club won 4–1.{{cite news|title=Düsseldorfs Festung hielt nur eine Halbzeit|url=https://www.kicker.de/duesseldorf-gegen-wolfsburg-2012-bundesliga-1441723/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=27 October 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Soon after, Kjær regained his first team place, playing in the centre-back position under the new management of Lorenz-Günther Köstner and Dieter Hecking.{{cite news|title=Wir müssen Köstner dankbar sein|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Wir-muessen-Koestner-dankbar-sein|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=2 November 2012|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910191513/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Wir-muessen-Koestner-dankbar-sein|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Kjaer: Aus dem Tribünenhocker ist der Abwehrchef geworden|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Kjaer-Aus-dem-Tribuenenhocker-ist-der-Abwehrchef-geworden|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=23 November 2012|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910191506/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Kjaer-Aus-dem-Tribuenenhocker-ist-der-Abwehrchef-geworden|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Kjaer: Ich wollte im Winter weg|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Kjaer-Ich-wollte-im-Winter-weg|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=3 December 2012|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910191710/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Kjaer-Ich-wollte-im-Winter-weg|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Kjaer: "Ich finde den neuen Trainer gut"|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Kjaer-Ich-finde-den-neuen-Trainer-gut|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=10 January 2013|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910191702/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Kjaer-Ich-finde-den-neuen-Trainer-gut|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Minus: Profis verlieren an Wert!|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Minus-Profis-verlieren-an-Wert|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=25 January 2013|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910191657/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Minus-Profis-verlieren-an-Wert|url-status=dead}} On 2 December 2012, he scored his first goal of the season, in a 1–1 draw against Hamburger SV.{{cite news|title=Kjaer überwindet den verärgerten Adler|url=https://www.kicker.de/wolfsburg-gegen-hsv-2012-bundesliga-1441772/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=2 December 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}} A month later on 19 January 2013, Kjær set up the club's second goal of the game, in a 2–0 win against Stuttgart.{{cite news|title=Diego versüßt Heckings Debüt bei den Wölfen|url=https://www.kicker.de/wolfsburg-gegen-stuttgart-2013-bundesliga-1441799/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=19 January 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Following the criticism of his performance against Hannover 96 on 26 January 2013, he was dropped to the substitute bench for the next three matches.{{cite news|title=Trotz langer Überzahl: VfL verliert 1:2 bei Hannover 96|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Trotz-langer-Ueberzahl-VfL-verliert-1-2-bei-Hannover-96|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=28 January 2013|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910194243/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Trotz-langer-Ueberzahl-VfL-verliert-1-2-bei-Hannover-96|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Kjaer: Kritik und Rückendeckung|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Kjaer-Kritik-und-Rueckendeckung|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=28 January 2013|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910194238/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Kjaer-Kritik-und-Rueckendeckung|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Hecking baut auf Naldo und Madlung|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Hecking-baut-auf-Naldo-und-Madlung|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=4 February 2013|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910194221/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Hecking-baut-auf-Naldo-und-Madlung|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Änderungen? Hecking heizt den Konkurrenzkampf an|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Aenderungen-Hecking-heizt-den-Konkurrenzkampf-an|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=5 February 2013|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910194219/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Aenderungen-Hecking-heizt-den-Konkurrenzkampf-an|url-status=dead}} But Kjær made his return to the starting line–up against Mainz 05 on 23 February 2013, in a 1–1 draw.{{cite news|title=Szalai grätscht am Sieg vorbei|url=https://www.kicker.de/mainz-gegen-wolfsburg-2013-bundesliga-1441847/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=23 February 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Following the match, he regained his first team place for the next seven matches.{{cite news|title=Madlungs Rot ist jetzt Kjaers Chance|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Madlungs-Rot-ist-jetzt-Kjaers-Chance|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=27 February 2013|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910194205/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Madlungs-Rot-ist-jetzt-Kjaers-Chance|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=VfL-Startelf: Kjaer oder Madlung?|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/VfL-Startelf-Kjaer-oder-Madlung|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=25 February 2013|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910194210/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/VfL-Startelf-Kjaer-oder-Madlung|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Dem VfL gehen die Verteidiger aus|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Dem-VfL-gehen-die-Verteidiger-aus|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=5 March 2013|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910200301/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Dem-VfL-gehen-die-Verteidiger-aus|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Zum zweiten Mal Kjaer/Madlung: Für Hecking ein gutes Omen|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Zum-zweiten-Mal-Kjaer-Madlung-Fuer-Hecking-ein-gutes-Omen|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=13 March 2013|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910200259/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Zum-zweiten-Mal-Kjaer-Madlung-Fuer-Hecking-ein-gutes-Omen|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Kjaer spürt neue Wertschätzung|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Kjaer-spuert-neue-Wertschaetzung|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=4 April 2013|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910200254/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Kjaer-spuert-neue-Wertschaetzung|url-status=dead}} Kjær then scored his second goal of the season, in a 1–1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen on 6 April 2013.{{cite news|title=Schürrle-Treffer reicht nicht|url=https://www.kicker.de/leverkusen-gegen-wolfsburg-2013-bundesliga-1441888/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=6 April 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Two weeks later on 20 April 2013 against Werder Bremen, he set up Wolfsburg's first goal of the game before being substituted in the 54th minute after suffering an abductor problem.{{cite news|title=Nervenstarker Diego lässt die Würfel fallen|url=https://www.kicker.de/bremen-gegen-wolfsburg-2013-bundesliga-1441909/analyse|publisher=Kicker|language=German|date=20 April 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Following the match, Kjær never played for the club for the rest of the 2012–13 season.{{cite news|title=Kjaer hat nur eine Zerrung|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Kjaer-hat-nur-eine-Zerrung|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=22 April 2013|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910200529/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Kjaer-hat-nur-eine-Zerrung|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Kjaer-Zukunft: Spielen oder weg?|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Kjaer-Zukunft-Spielen-oder-weg|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=14 May 2013|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910200526/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Kjaer-Zukunft-Spielen-oder-weg|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Neue Chance für Knoche|url=https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Neue-Chance-fuer-Knoche|publisher=Wolfsburger Allgemeine|language=German|date=1 May 2013|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031022907/https://www.waz-online.de/Sportbuzzer/VfL-Wolfsburg/Neue-Chance-fuer-Knoche|url-status=dead}} At the end of the 2012–13 season, he went on to make 25 appearances and scored two times in all competitions.
=Lille LOSC=
File:Simon Kjær (LOSC Lille) (cropped).JPG in 2014]]
On 5 July 2013, it was announced that Kjær had signed a four-year deal with Ligue 1 side, Lille.{{cite web|title=L'international danois Simon Kjaer est Lillois!|url=http://www.losc.fr/actualite-foot-lille/infos-club/linternational-danois-simon-kjaer-est-lillois/|publisher=Lille OSC|date=5 July 2013| access-date = 5 July 2013|language=French|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708184436/http://www.losc.fr/actualite-foot-lille/infos-club/linternational-danois-simon-kjaer-est-lillois/|archivedate=8 July 2013|url-status=dead}} About the club, he said: "I think this is the right time for me to come to LOSC. Whether it is in my progression, from a geographical point of view, or in relation to the people who live in this region, it is obvious that the idea of joining such a club can only be the good one."{{cite news|title=Transfert. Le Danois Simon Kjaer rejoint Lille|url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/sport/football/transfert-le-danois-simon-kjaer-rejoint-lille-427041|publisher=Ouest France|language=French|date=5 July 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
Kjær made his Lille debut in the opening game of the season against FC Lorient, where he kept a clean sheet, in a 1–0 win.{{cite news|title=FOOTBALL LIGUE 1 Lille - Lorient (première journée): LOSC : une belle histoire commune qui commence peut-être…|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/losc-une-belle-histoire-commune-qui-commence-peut-etre-ia182b204n1468647|publisher=La Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=11 August 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Since making his debut for the club, he quickly established himself in the starting eleven, playing in the centre-back position, forming a partnership with Marko Baša.{{cite news|title=Vous savez, au Danemark, Simon Kjaer est une véritable star|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/vous-savez-au-danemark-simon-kjaer-est-une-veritable-ia182b204n1494523|publisher=La Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=25 August 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Ligue 1: Nantes-Lille, deux surprises pour un podium|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/france-monde/ligue-1-nantes-lille-deux-surprises-pour-un-podium-ia0b0n1646418|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=25 October 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=RECONNAISSANCE Les adversaires de Lille louent régulièrement la solidité bluffante de l'équipe de René Girard: LOSC : les Lillois les impressionnent|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/losc-les-lillois-les-impressionnent-ia182b204n1685954|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=11 November 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Foot (LOSC) / Simon Kjaer : "Je veux jouer la Ligue des champions"|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/foot-losc-simon-kjaer-je-veux-jouer-la-ligue-des-ia182b204n1931428|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=19 February 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Football (Ligue 1) / Lille - Valenciennes : chacun sa route, chacun son destin...|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/football-ligue-1-lille-valenciennes-chacun-sa-ia182b204n2062378|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=11 April 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Kjær helped Lille keep two consecutive clean sheets between 25 August 2013 and 31 August 2013 against Saint-Étienne and Rennes.{{cite news|title=Ligue 1: Lille domine un triste Saint-Etienne|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/france-monde/ligue-1-lille-domine-un-triste-saint-etienne-ia0b0n1495594|publisher=La Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=25 August 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Footballligue 1Rennes – Lille (4e journée): Le LOSC confirme sa solidité, le génie viendra plus tard…|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/le-losc-confirme-sa-solidite-le-genie-viendra-plus-tard-ia182b204n1509684|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=1 September 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Once again, he helped the club keep ten consecutive clean sheets between 24 September 2013 and 3 December 2013.{{cite news|title=Foot/L1 - Lille domine facilement Evian/Thonon 3 à 0|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/footl1-lille-domine-facilement-evianthonon-3-a-0-ia0b0n1568538|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=24 September 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=FOOTBALL LIGUE 1: LILLE - AJACCIO Neuvième journée Lille-Ajaccio : opérations portes fermées, veuillez repasser plus tard...|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/lille-ajaccio-operations-portes-fermees-veuillez-ia182b204n1594762|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=5 October 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=FOOTBALLLIGUE 1 MONTPELLEIR – LILLE (10e journée) – Ligue 1, Montpellier-Lille : Vincent Enyeama et René Girard rois d'un soir à La Mosson|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/ligue-1-montpellier-lille-vincent-enyeama-et-rene-ia182b204n1633051|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=20 October 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Football (Ligue 1): plus solide que jamais, Lille poursuit son ascension folle!|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/plus-solide-que-jamais-lille-bat-monaco-2-0-et-poursuit-ia182b204n1668926|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=4 November 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=FOOTBALLLIGUE 1GUINGAMP – LILLE: Dans des conditions difficiles, les Lillois ne perdent pas leur esprit|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/dans-des-conditions-difficiles-les-lillois-ne-perdent-pas-ia182b204n1684054|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=10 November 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Kjær then set up Lille's only goal of the game, as they lost 2–1 against Stade de Reims on 12 January 2014.{{cite news|title=Ligue 1 : le LOSC giflé par Reims (1-2) et une belle occasion manquée… (VIDEO)|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/ligue-1-le-losc-gifle-par-reims-1-2-et-une-belle-ia182b204n1840745|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=13 January 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Nine days later on 21 January 2014, he scored his first goal for the club, in a 3–0 win against Iris Club de Croix in the second round of the Coupe de France.{{cite news|title=Le LOSC barre le chemin à Croix (0-3), le Petit Poucet félicité par René Girard|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/le-losc-barre-le-chemin-a-croix-0-3-le-petit-poucet-ia182b129992n1860913|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=21 January 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Kjær impressed during his first season in the French Ligue 1 as leader of the best defence in the major European national leagues in the 2013–14 season conceding only 26 goals in 38 matches including an impressive number of 21 clean sheets.{{cite news|title=Ligue 1 : Lille peut-il battre le PSG et être champion de France ?|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/ligue-1-lille-peut-il-battre-le-psg-et-etre-champion-de-ia182b204n1751596|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=5 December 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Foot/L1 - Bordeaux-Lille: fin de l'invincibilité d'Enyeama|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/d-20131208-32XJGZ|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=8 December 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=FOOTBALL LIGUE 1 Lille - Sochaux (24e journée) – Foot (L1) / LOSC : une petite bouffée d'oxygène dans les têtes comme au classement|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/foot-l1-losc-une-petite-bouffee-d-oxygene-dans-ia182b204n1906478|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=9 February 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=FOOTBALL LIGUE 1: LILLE - MONTPELLIER Vingt-huitième journée – Le LOSC retrouve un second souffle et se donne un peu d'air sur le podium|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/le-losc-retrouve-un-second-souffle-et-se-donne-un-peu-ia182b204n1974859|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=10 March 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Football, René Girard (LOSC) : "Le PSG, à la maison, dans un stade plein, c'est l'au revoir idéal"|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/football-rene-girard-losc-le-psg-a-la-maison-ia182b204n2125469|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=10 May 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}} As a result of the solid performances Kjær frequently appeared on various media's team of the week during the entire season, eventually earning a spot on "the Ligue 1 Team of the Season" alongside teammate and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.{{cite web|publisher=Goal.com|title=Ligue 1 Team of the Season: Ibrahimovic enjoys greatest ever campaign|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2014/05/08/4802763/ligue-1-team-of-the-season-ibrahimovic-enjoys-greatest-ever|first=Robin|last=Bairner|date=8 May 2014| access-date = 20 May 2014}} Despite missing three matches during the 2013–14 season, he made 37 appearances and scoring once in all competitions.{{cite news|title=Football (Lille) : Roux et Rozehnal titulaires à Sochaux, Kjaer n'a pas fait le déplacement|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/region/football-lille-roux-et-rozehnal-titulaires-a-sochaux-ia0b0n1560329|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=21 September 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Avant Lille-Auxerre (Coupe de la ligue) : l'inattendue renaissance de "Monsieur" Rozehnal|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/avant-lille-auxerre-coupe-de-la-ligue-l-inattendue-ia182b204n1654583|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=29 October 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Foot/L1 - Lille: Kjaer incertain à Paris|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/footl1-lille-kjaer-incertain-a-paris-ia0b0n1794409|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=20 December 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Foot/Coupe de France - Lille: Kjaer suspendu|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/footcoupe-de-france-lille-kjaer-suspendu-ia0b0n1822933|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=3 January 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=LOSC : Kjaer forfait, Balmont dans l'attente|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/region/losc-kjaer-forfait-balmont-dans-l-attente-ia0b0n1866557|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=23 January 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=FOOTBALL COUPE DE FRANCE: LILLE - CAEN Huitièmes de finale LOSC (Coupe de France) : contre Caen, ce soir (20h45), Elana, Meïté et Rodelin jouent gros|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/losc-coupe-de-france-contre-caen-ce-soir-20h45-ia182b204n1910966|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=11 February 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
At the start of the 2014–15 season, Kjær played in both legs in the third round of the UEFA Champions League qualifying round against Grasshopper, as he helped Lille win 3–1 on aggregate to advance to the next round.{{cite news|title=Ligue des champions: Lille sans trembler lors du 3e tour préliminaire|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/france-monde/ligue-des-champions-lille-sans-trembler-lors-du-3e-tour-ia0b0n2300859|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=31 July 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Ligue des champions: Lille en barrages et assuré de disputer une coupe d'Europe|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/france-monde/ligue-des-champions-lille-en-barrages-et-assure-de-ia0b0n2310362|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=5 August 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Kjær then kept three consecutive clean sheets in the first three league matches, including scoring his first ever Ligue 1 goal against Lorient with a deflected free kick.{{cite news|title=Ligue 1 : Lille concède un nul décevant face à Metz en ouverture (0-0)|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/ligue-1-lille-concede-un-nul-decevant-face-a-metz-en-ia182b204n2316542|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=9 August 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=French Ligue 1: Liverpool's on-loan striker Divock Origi scores as Lille win|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/caen-vs-lille/report/321521|publisher=Sky Sports|date=15 August 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Foot, Ligue 1 - Lille se ressaisit et grimpe à la deuxième place (2-0)|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/foot-ligue-1-lille-se-ressaisit-et-grimpe-a-la-ia182b204n2338813|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=23 August 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He continued to regain his first team place, playing in the centre-back position.{{cite news|title=CARREFOUR Trop timide en championnat, Lille doit hausser son niveau pour écrire son histoire européenne: Le LOSC doit retrouver l'inspiration...|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/le-losc-doit-retrouver-l-inspiration-ia182b204n2329763|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=18 August 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Sans Martin, en 4-3-3?|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/bears/sans-martin-en-4-3-3-ia0b0n2332879|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=20 August 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Le LOSC, leader de L1: les raisons d'un départ canon|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/le-losc-leader-de-l1-les-raisons-d-un-depart-canon-ia182b204n2380975|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=15 September 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Bordeaux - Lille : une défense remaniée et du sang frais pour le LOSC|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/bordeaux-lille-une-defense-remaniee-et-du-sang-frais-ia182b204n2522971|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=29 November 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=LOSC - Simon Kjaer : " Pas une route tranquille "|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/losc-simon-kjaer-pas-une-route-tranquille-ia182b204n2564905|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=22 December 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Kjær then scored on his UEFA Europa League debut, in a 1–1 draw against FC Krasnodar on 18 September 2014.{{cite news|title=Europa league: le LOSC balbutie, tremble mais sauve le minimum|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/europa-league-le-losc-balbutie-tremble-mais-sauve-le-minimum-ia182b227064n2384915|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=17 September 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Once again, he kept three consecutive clean sheets between 7 January 2015 and 14 January 2015, including scoring his second goal of the season, in a 2–0 win against FC Nantes in the quarter–finals of the Coupe de la Ligue.{{cite news|title=L1: bol d'air pour Lille, qui arrache la victoire contre Evian|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/france-monde/l1-bol-d-air-pour-lille-qui-arrache-la-victoire-contre-evian-ia0b0n2589053|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=7 January 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Lille - Caen (1-0) : on a aimé, on n'a pas aimé|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/lille-caen-1-0-on-a-aime-on-n-a-pas-aime-ia182b204n2595183|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=11 January 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Coupe de la Ligue: Lille écarte Nantes et rejoint le dernier carré|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/france-monde/coupe-de-la-ligue-lille-ecarte-nantes-et-rejoint-le-ia0b0n2602563|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=14 January 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}} However, Kjær suffered a thigh injury during a match against Lorient on 17 January 2015 and was substituted in the 33rd minute, resulting in him missing two matches.{{cite news|title=Ligue 1 : Usé, touché, inoffensif, Lille rechute et a besoin de souffler|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/foot-ligue-1-use-touche-inoffensif-lille-rechute-ia182b204n2607750|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=17 January 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Divock Origi reste au LOSC jusqu'en juin|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/divock-origi-reste-au-losc-jusqu-en-juin-ia182b204n2611025|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=19 January 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He returned to the starting line-up against Montpellier on 7 February 2015, as the club won 2–1.{{cite news|title=Foot - Ligue 1 (24e journée) : à Montpellier, Lille bascule enfin du bon côté|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/foot-ligue-1-24e-journee-a-montpellier-lille-ia182b204n2648131|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=7 February 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Since returning to the first team from injury, Kjær continued to regain his first team place, playing in the centre-back position.{{cite news|title=Le retour de Franck Béria|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/bears/le-retour-de-franck-beria-ia0b0n2673485|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=20 February 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Lille - Reims : à chacun ses soucis|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/lille-reims-a-chacun-ses-soucis-ia182b204n2752376|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=4 April 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=PSG-LOSC: Sirigu - Enyeama : y'a pas photo!|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/psg-losc-sirigu-enyeama-y-a-pas-photo-ia182b204n2792367|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=25 April 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Despite being sidelined on five occasions during the 2014–15 season, he went on to make 42 appearances and scored three times in all competitions.{{cite news|title=Foot/L1 - Lille: sans Basa ni Martin|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/footl1-lille-sans-basa-ni-martin-ia0b0n2347662|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=28 August 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=LOSC - Montpellier : Frey titulaire en attaque, Corchia, Balmont et Kjaer sur le banc|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/losc-montpellier-frey-titulaire-en-attaque-corchia-ia182b204n2391513|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=21 September 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Quatre blessés de plus qui font huit, la mauvaise série se poursuit pour le LOSC|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/quatre-blesses-de-plus-qui-font-huit-la-mauvaise-serie-ia182b204n2415794|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=3 October 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=LOSC - Ligue Europa : Simon Kjaer forfait contre Krasnodar?|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/losc-ligue-europa-simon-kjaer-forfait-contre-krasnodar-ia182b204n2517284|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=27 November 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=LOSC: deux matchs de suspension pour Sébastien Corchia, un pour Kjaer|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/losc-deux-matchs-de-suspension-pour-sebastien-corchia-un-ia182b204n2801607|publisher=Le Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=29 April 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
=Fenerbahçe=
File:Simon Kjær in 2015.jpg in a UEFA Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk in 2015]]
Following a transfer speculation over the summer, it was announced on 16 June 2015 that Kjær joined Turkish side Fenerbahçe, signing a four-year deal for €7.65 million.{{cite news|title=Simon Kjaer, sur son avenir au LOSC: "Il faut voir ce qui va arriver"|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/simon-kjaer-sur-son-avenir-au-losc-il-faut-voir-ce-qui-ia182b204n2693750|publisher=La Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=4 March 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://turkish-football.com/fenerbahce-confirm-the-transfer-of-liverpool-target-simon-kjaer/|title=Fenerbahce confirm €7.65m transfer of Liverpool target Simon Kjaer|last=Eren|first=Sarigul|date=17 June 2015|website=Turkish Football|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617222136/https://turkish-football.com/fenerbahce-confirm-the-transfer-of-liverpool-target-simo|archivedate=17 June 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fenerbahce.org/detay.asp?ContentID=45351|title=AÇIKLAMA|language=tr|website=Fenerbahçe|date=16 June 2015| access-date = 17 June 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804173635/http://www.fenerbahce.org/detay.asp?ContentID=45351|archivedate=4 August 2017|url-status=live}}
Kjær made his Fenerbahçe debut, starting the whole game, in a 0–0 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third round.{{cite news|title=Fenerbahce - Shakhtar Donetsk: 0-0|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/fenerbahce-shakhtar-donetsk-0-0-2094050|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=28 July 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}} However, in a return leg, he was sent–off for the second bookable offence, as the club lost 3–0, eliminating them from the tournament.{{cite news|title=Shakhtar Donetsk 3-0 Fenerbahçe|url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/shakhtar-donetsk-3-0-fenerbahce-29729382|publisher=Hurriyet|language=Turkish|date=6 August 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Kjær then made his league debut for Fenerbahçe, starting the whole game, as they drew 1–1 against Çaykur Rizespor.{{cite news|title=Parayla saadet olmaz|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/parayla-saadet-olmaz-2106770|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=23 August 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}} However while on international duty, he suffered an ankle injury that saw him out for three weeks.{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe'de şok! Kjaer en az 3 hafta yok|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/fenerbahcede-sok-kjaer-en-az-3-hafta-yok-2114444|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=8 September 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjaer 10 gün erken döndü|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/simon-kjaer-10-gun-erken-dondu-2119825|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=19 September 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}} On 27 September 2015, Kjær returned to the starting line–up against Beşiktaş, only for him to score an own goal, as the club lost 3–2.{{cite news|title=Söz sırası savunmada!|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/soz-sirasi-savunmada-2124583|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=30 September 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Beşiktaş 3-2 Fenerbahçe|url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/besiktas-3-2-fenerbahce-30164441|publisher=Hurriyet|language=Turkish|date=27 September 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}} As a result, his performance was subjected of criticism, due to picking up cards in his first seven official matches.{{cite news|title=Dersler çıkarmalıyız|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/dersler-cikarmaliyiz-2125665|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=2 October 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Hırçın Kjaer|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/hircin-kjaer-2126632|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=4 October 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjaer, Vitor Pereira'yı dinlemedi!|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/simon-kjaer-vitor-pereirayi-dinlemedi-2127082|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=5 October 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Despite this, he continued to regain first team place, playing in the centre–back position.{{cite news|title=Kjaer ve Alves bulunmaz fırsat|url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/kjaer-ve-alves-bulunmaz-firsat-30158148|publisher=Hurriyet|language=Turkish|date=25 September 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Baskıyı hissetmek istedim|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/baskiyi-hissetmek-istedim-2142026|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=3 November 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Bruno Alves güven kazandı|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/bruno-alves-guven-kazandi-2155850|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=30 November 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Alan savunması bitirdi|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/alan-savunmasi-bitirdi-2160097|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=3 December 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Kjaer'e özel istatistikler|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/kjaere-ozel-istatistikler-2194082|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=14 February 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Over time, his performance began to improve.{{cite news|title=Simon Kjaer'e övgü|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/simon-kjaere-ovgu-2145619|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=10 November 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjaer'e övgü|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/simon-kjaere-ovgu-2171612|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=30 December 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Kale gibi savunma|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/kale-gibi-savunma-2208381|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=12 March 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjaer'e alkış|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/simon-kjaer-e-alkis-2228021|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=15 April 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Kusursuz Kjaer|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/kusursuz-kjaer-2231569|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=22 April 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}} On 28 December 2015, Kjær scored his first goal for Fenerbahçe, in a 2–1 win against Sivasspor.{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe Sivasspor maç sonucu: 2-1|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/fenerbahce-sivasspor-mac-sonucu-2-1-2170702|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=28 December 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He then helped the club keep five consecutive clean sheets between 20 February 2016 and 3 April 2016.{{cite news|title=Bursaspor 0-0 Fenerbahçe|url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/bursaspor-0-0-fenerbahce-40057972|publisher=Hurriyet|language=Turkish|date=20 February 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe Beşiktaş derbi maç sonucu: 2-0|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/fenerbahce-besiktas-derbi-mac-sonucu-2-0-2201709|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=29 February 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe kritik dönemeci geçti|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/fenerbahce-kritik-donemeci-gecti-2205570|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=7 March 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe Kayserispor maç sonucu: 1-0|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/fenerbahce-kayserispor-mac-sonucu-1-0-2208757|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=13 March 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe Osmanlıspor maç sonucu : 0-0|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/fenerbahce-osmanlispor-mac-sonucu-0-0-2220484|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=3 April 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Kjær, once again, helped Fenerbahçe keep four consecutive clean sheets between 20 April 2016 and 5 May 2016, including helping the side reach the final of the Turkish Cup by beating Konyaspor 5–0 on aggregate and scoring his second goal of the season, in a 3–0 win against Gaziantepspor.{{cite news|title=Torku Konyaspor Fenerbahçe maçı sonucu: 0-3|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/torku-konyaspor-fenerbahce-maci-sonucu-0-3-2230382|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=20 April 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Trabzonspor 0-4 Fenerbahçe maçı Özeti ve Golleri ( TS, FB Geniş Özet)|url=https://www.turkiyegazetesi.com.tr/spor/364327.aspx|publisher=Turkiye Gazetesi|language=Turkish|date=24 April 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe Gaziantepspor maç sonucu:3-0|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/fenerbahce-gaziantepspor-mac-sonucu-3-0-2237256|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=1 May 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe Torku Konyaspor maç sonucu: 2-0|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/fenerbahce-torku-konyaspor-mac-sonucu-2-0-2239681|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=5 May 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He then started in the final against rivals, Galatasaray, as they lost 1–0.{{cite news|title=Galatasaray Fenerbahçe maç sonucu:1-0|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/galatasaray-fenerbahce-mac-sonucu-1-0-2251635|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=25 May 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Despite being sidelined on three more occasions later in the 2015–16 season, Kjær made 45 appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.{{cite news|title=Kjaer ve Nani cezalı|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/kjaer-ve-nani-cezali-2154480|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=27 November 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjaer cezalı|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/simon-kjaer-cezali-2183915|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=25 January 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Kjaer yine idmana katılmadı|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/kjaer-yine-idmana-katilmadi-2244799|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=13 May 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
File:Fener train 2016 (12).jpg in 2016]]
At the start of the 2016–17 season, Kjær captained in both legs of the UEFA Champions League third round qualifying round against AS Monaco, losing 4–3 on aggregate.{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe Monaco'yu Emenike'nin golleri ile geçti (Maç özeti ve goller)|url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/fenerbahce-2-1-monaco-mac-ozeti-ve-goller-40170036|publisher=Hurriyet|language=Turkish|date=28 July 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe Monaco'ya yenilerek Şampiyonlar Ligi'ne veda etti! (Maç özeti)|url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/monaco-3-1-fenerbahce-mac-ozeti-40179627|publisher=Hurriyet|language=Turkish|date=4 August 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}} In a match against Kayserispor on 28 August 2016, he scored Fenerbahçe's first goal of the game but was sent off for a straight red card nine minutes later, as the club drew 3–3.{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe Kayserispor maçı sonucu (FB Kayseri maçı özeti ve golleri)|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/gundem/fenerbahce-kayserispor-maci-sonucu-fb-kayseri-maci-ozeti-ve-golleri-2302504|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=28 August 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjaer'e tarihi kırmızı kart|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/simon-kjaere-tarihi-kirmizi-kart-2302663|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=29 August 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}} After serving a one match suspension, Kjær scored on his return in the UEFA Europa League match against Zorya Luhansk on 15 September 2016.{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe siftah peşinde|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/fenerbahce-siftah-pesinde-2309250|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=10 September 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe Zorya maçında 90+6'da gelen gol 1 puanı getirdi!|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/gundem/fenerbahce-zorya-macinda-90-6da-gelen-gol-1-puani-getirdi-2311475|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=15 September 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Since returning from suspension, he continued to regain his first team place, playing in the centre-back position.{{cite news|title=Kjaer sistemden memnun|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/kjaer-sistemden-memnun-2306267|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=5 September 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Skrtel, Kjaer'den şikayetçi|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/skrtel-kjaerden-sikayetci-2317938|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=28 September 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjaer: 'Fenerbahçe'nin lideriyim'|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/simon-kjaer-fenerbahcenin-lideriyim-2321789|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=5 October 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Kjaer: Sistem önemli değil|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/kjaer-sistem-onemli-degil-2343696|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=12 November 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Duvar ikili|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/duvar-ikili-2347457|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=19 November 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Two months later on 24 November 2016, Kjær scored against Zorya Luhansk in the UEFA Europa League match, as the club won 2–0.{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe Zorya maçı 2-0 (Maçın Özeti)|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/fenerbahce-zorya-maci-2-0-macin-ozeti-2350112|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=24 November 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He then helped the club keep two consecutive clean sheets on two separate occasions throughout December.{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe - Beşiktaş: 0-0|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/fenerbahce-besiktas-0-0-2355326|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=3 December 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe grubu lider tamamladı! İşte Feyenoord Fenerbahçe maç özeti|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/fenerbahce-grubu-lider-tamamladi-iste-feyenoord-fenerbahce-mac-ozeti-2358405|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=8 December 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe - Gençlerbirliği: 3-0 / İşte maçın özeti|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/fenerbahce-genclerbirligi-3-0-iste-macin-ozeti-2364069|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=19 December 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title= Trabzonspor Fenerbahçe maçında Lens şov! (İşte maçın özeti)|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/trabzonspor-fenerbahce-macinda-lens-sov-iste-macin-ozeti-2367814|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=26 December 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}} However, later in the 2016–17 season, Kjær was plagued with injuries on five occasions.{{cite news|title= Kjaer hazırlık maçında sakatlandı!|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/kjaer-hazirlik-macinda-sakatlandi-2345707|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=19 November 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Kjaer, Adanaspor maçında yok|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/kjaer-adanaspor-macinda-yok-2378468|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=14 January 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=F.Bahçe'de flaş gelişme! Tam 5 oyuncu...|url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/f-bahcede-flas-gelisme-tam-5-oyuncu-40377610|publisher=Hurriyet|language=Turkish|date=25 February 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe'ye kötü haber! Kjaer...|url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/fenerbahceye-kotu-haber-kjaer-40386787|publisher=Hurriyet|language=Turkish|date=7 March 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Kjaer oynamazsa galibiyet çok zor!|url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/sporarena/kjaer-oynamazsa-galibiyet-cok-zor-40446552|publisher=Hurriyet|language=Turkish|date=4 May 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Despite this, he continued to be involved in the first team for Fenerbahçe.{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe ligin ilk bölümünü mutlu bitirdi|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/fenerbahce-ligin-ilk-bolumunu-mutlu-bitirdi-2368588|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=27 December 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Kjaer'in aklı Devler Ligi'nde!|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/kjaerin-akli-devler-liginde-2405827|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=1 March 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Kjaer varsa sorun yok|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/kjaer-varsa-sorun-yok-2439128|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=26 April 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020}} In his second season at the club, Kjær went on to make 43 appearances and scoring three times in all competitions.
=Sevilla=
As a result of Fenerbahçe's ban from playing European football next season, this led Kjær wanting to leave the club as a result.{{cite news|title=F.bahçe'de Simon Kjaer gidiyor|url=https://www.turkiyegazetesi.com.tr/spor/451263.aspx|publisher=Turkiye Gazetesi|language=Turkish|date=28 February 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=İşte yeni Kjaer... Kiralık geliyor!|url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/sporarena/iste-yeni-kjaer-kiralik-geliyor-40425810|publisher=Hurriyet|language=Turkish|date=13 April 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Kjaer gidiyor, Barçalı geliyor|url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/sporarena/kjaer-gidiyor-barcali-geliyor-40492159|publisher=Hurriyet|language=Turkish|date=16 June 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020}} On 2 August 2017, Kjær joined Spanish side Sevilla, signing a four-year deal for a transfer fee of €12,500,000.{{cite web|url=http://sevilla.abc.es/deportes/orgullodenervion/noticias/fichajes-sevilla-fc/oficial-kjaer-firma-cuatro-temporadas-sevilla-fc-128673-1501683801.html|title=Oficial: Kjaer firma por cuatro temporadas con el Sevilla|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=2 August 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803015915/http://sevilla.abc.es/deportes/orgullodenervion/noticias/fichajes-sevilla-fc/oficial-kjaer-firma-cuatro-temporadas-sevilla-fc-128673-1501683801.html|archivedate=3 August 2017|url-status=live}}
File:Sevilla-SM (4) (cropped).jpg in 2017|left]]
Kjær made his Sevilla debut in the opening game of the season, starting the whole game, in a 1–1 draw against RCD Espanyol.{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/1-1-acaricio-el-triunfo-en-un-partido-igualado|title=1-1: ACARICIÓ EL TRIUNFO EN UN PARTIDO IGUALADO|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=19 August 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701180144/http://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/1-1-acaricio-el-triunfo-en-un-partido-igualado|archivedate=1 July 2018|url-status=live}} By September, he was sidelined with injuries on two occasions.{{cite web|url=http://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/carole-y-banega-principales-novedades-en-la-lista-de-convocados|title=CAROLE Y BANEGA, PRINCIPALES NOVEDADES EN LA LISTA DE CONVOCADOS|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=16 September 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020064955/http://www.sevillafc.es:80/actualidad/noticias/carole-y-banega-principales-novedades-en-la-lista-de-convocados|archivedate=20 October 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/guido-pizarro-gran-novedad-para-la-visita-al-wanda-metropolitano|title=GUIDO PIZARRO, GRAN NOVEDAD PARA LA VISITA AL WANDA METROPOLITANO|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=22 September 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202225206/https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/guido-pizarro-gran-novedad-para-la-visita-al-wanda-metropolitano|archivedate=2 February 2018|url-status=live}} Kjær then scored his first goal for the club, in a 5–1 loss against Spartak Moscow on 17 October 2017.{{cite news|title=Guantazo del Spartak al Sevilla|url=https://www.marca.com/eventos/marcador/futbol/2017_18/champions/1a_fase/jornada_3/grupo_e/spm_sev/|publisher=Marca|language=Spanish|date=17 October 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He became a first team regular for the next two months, playing in the centre–back position.{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/2-0-vuelve-romper-el-cantaro-en-una-nueva-demostracion-de-solidez-atras|title=2-0: VUELVE A ROMPER EL CÁNTARO EN UNA NUEVA DEMOSTRACIÓN DE SOLIDEZ ATRÁS|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=30 September 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001231620/https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/2-0-vuelve-romper-el-cantaro-en-una-nueva-demostracion-de-solidez-atras|archivedate=1 October 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Mercado, el quinto elemento|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/sevilla/2017/10/10/59dc814c468aeb490b8b466a.html|publisher=Marca|language=Spanish|date=10 October 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Berizzo: "¿Chile? Estoy en el Sevilla y cuando firmo un contrato lo cumplo"|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/sevilla/2017/10/13/59e0940de5fdeab51d8b459a.html|publisher=Marca|language=Spanish|date=13 October 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020}} This lasted until Kjær injured his left abductor muscle while training and missed three matches as a result.{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/en/actual/news/liverpool-squad-list-mercado-and-correa-kjaer-and-ganso|title=LIVERPOOL SQUAD-LIST: MERCADO AND CORREA FOR KJAER AND GANSO|publisher=Sevilla FC|date=21 November 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171124021808/https://www.sevillafc.es/en/actual/news/liverpool-squad-list-mercado-and-correa-kjaer-and-ganso|archivedate=24 November 2017|url-status=live}} On 6 December 2017, he returned to the starting line-up against Maribor and helped the club draw 1–1.{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/1-1-entre-los-16-mejores-del-continente-con-un-trabajado-punto-en-maribor|title=1-1: ENTRE LOS 16 MEJORES DEL CONTINENTE CON UN TRABAJADO PUNTO EN MARIBOR|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=6 December 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210013852/https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/1-1-entre-los-16-mejores-del-continente-con-un-trabajado-punto-en-maribor|archivedate=10 December 2017|url-status=live}} In the first leg of the Copa Del Rey Round of 16, Kjær set up the club's second goal of the game, in a 2–1 win.{{cite web|url=http://sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/0-2-convincente-primera-parte-del-sevilla-fc-de-montella|title=0-2: CONVINCENTE PRIMERA PARTE DEL SEVILLA FC DE MONTELLA|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=3 January 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107210221/http://sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/0-2-convincente-primera-parte-del-sevilla-fc-de-montella|archivedate=7 January 2018|url-status=live}} Three days later on 6 January 2018, he scored his first league goal for Sevilla, in a 5–3 loss against rivals, Real Betis.{{cite web|url=http://sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/0-2-convincente-primera-parte-del-sevilla-fc-de-montella|title=0-2: CONVINCENTE PRIMERA PARTE DEL SEVILLA FC DE MONTELLA|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=6 January 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107210221/http://sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/0-2-convincente-primera-parte-del-sevilla-fc-de-montella|archivedate=7 January 2018|url-status=live}} However, Kjær suffered a back injury that kept him out for a month.{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/19-convocados-para-la-copa-sin-kjaer-pero-con-escudero|title=19 CONVOCADOS PARA LA COPA, SIN KJAER PERO CON ESCUDERO|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=16 January 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118115348/https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/19-convocados-para-la-copa-sin-kjaer-pero-con-escudero|archivedate=18 January 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/el-tecnico-satisfecho-con-la-recuperacion-de-efectivos-en-defensa|title=EL TÉCNICO, SATISFECHO CON LA RECUPERACIÓN DE EFECTIVOS EN DEFENSA|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=19 January 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912135914/https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/el-tecnico-satisfecho-con-la-recuperacion-de-efectivos-en-defensa|archivedate=12 September 2020|url-status=live}} On 28 February 2018, he returned to the starting line-up against Málaga and helped the club keep a clean sheet, in a 1–0 win.{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/0-1-se-recompone-en-la-rosaleda-con-el-traje-de-faena|title=0-1: SE RECOMPONE EN LA ROSALEDA CON EL TRAJE DE FAENA|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=28 February 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302071123/http://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/0-1-se-recompone-en-la-rosaleda-con-el-traje-de-faena|archivedate=2 March 2018|url-status=live}} Kjær started in the next five matches for Sevilla since returning from injury and proved to be instrumental as he helped the club beat Manchester United in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.{{cite news|title=El dilema del lateral derecho|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/sevilla/2018/03/12/5aa6494de2704e7f638b45fd.html|publisher=Marca|language=Spanish|date=12 March 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Montella: "Necesitamos un gol para pasar"|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/champions-league/2018/03/12/5aa6cba2e2704e0c308b4817.html|publisher=Marca|language=Spanish|date=12 March 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/orgullo-y-pegada-en-un-duelo-estelar-en-el-que-le-clasifica-el-empate-goles|title=ORGULLO Y PEGADA EN UN DUELO ESTELAR EN EL QUE LE CLASIFICA EL EMPATE A GOLES|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=13 March 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912141257/https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/orgullo-y-pegada-en-un-duelo-estelar-en-el-que-le-clasifica-el-empate-goles|archivedate=12 September 2020|url-status=live}} However, during a 4–0 loss against Celta Vigo on 7 April 2018, Kjær suffered a knee injury and was substituted in the 40th minute.{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/4-0-otra-de-arena-en-vigo-que-obliga-la-reaccion-mas-inmediata|title=4-0: OTRA DE ARENA EN VIGO QUE OBLIGA A LA REACCIÓN MÁS INMEDIATA|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=7 April 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912141627/https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/4-0-otra-de-arena-en-vigo-que-obliga-la-reaccion-mas-inmediata|archivedate=12 September 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Kjaer se somete este lunes a pruebas para ver el alcance de su lesión|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/sevilla/2018/04/09/5acb2963e2704e58558b45f2.html|publisher=Marca|language=Spanish|date=9 April 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020}} On 12 May 2018, he returned to the starting line–up against rivals, Real Betis, and scored his second league goal of the season, in a 2–2 draw, a result that guaranteed Sevilla's qualification of playing European football next season.{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/2-2-asegura-la-clasificacion-europea-en-un-derbi-que-se-le-escapo-de-los-dedos|title=2-2: ASEGURA LA CLASIFICACIÓN EUROPEA EN UN DERBI QUE SE LE ESCAPÓ DE LOS DEDOS|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=12 May 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701213617/https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/2-2-asegura-la-clasificacion-europea-en-un-derbi-que-se-le-escapo-de-los-dedos|archivedate=1 July 2020|url-status=live}} At the end of the 2017–18 season, Kjær made 27 appearances and scoring three times in all competitions. Following this, he reflected on his first season at the club, saying: "Personally, it has been a strange year ... Next year I will continue to improve. Not having injuries would be a great help."{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/simon-kjaer-no-creo-que-haya-mostrado-mi-mejor-nivel|title=SIMON KJAER; "NO CREO QUE HAYA MOSTRADO MI MEJOR NIVEL"|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=28 May 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605155526/https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/simon-kjaer-no-creo-que-haya-mostrado-mi-mejor-nivel|archivedate=5 June 2018|url-status=live}}
At the start of the 2018–19 season, Kjær started the whole game in the Supercopa de España against Barcelona, as Sevilla lost 2–1.{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/cronica-supercopa-barcelona-1-2|title=1-2: UN GUIÓN MUY DISTINTO PERO QUE TAMPOCO DA PARA TOCAR PLATA|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=13 August 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922030340/https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/cronica-supercopa-barcelona-1-2|archivedate=22 September 2018|url-status=live}} He regained his first team place, playing in the centre-back position, for the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/listadeconvocadosdelSevillaFCanteelRayoVallecano|title=MERCADO, KJAER Y ANDRÉ SILVA VUELVEN PARA EL DEBUT EN VALLECAS|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=18 August 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912144104/https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/listadeconvocadosdelSevillaFCanteelRayoVallecano|archivedate=12 September 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/1-4-un-vendaval-para-conquistar-vallecas-en-el-estreno|title=1-4: UN VENDAVAL PARA CONQUISTAR VALLECAS EN EL ESTRENO|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=19 August 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820234856/https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/1-4-un-vendaval-para-conquistar-vallecas-en-el-estreno|archivedate=20 August 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/kjaer-queremos-seguir-creciendo-partido-partido|title=KJAER: "QUEREMOS SEGUIR CRECIENDO PARTIDO A PARTIDO"|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=27 August 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912144831/https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/kjaer-queremos-seguir-creciendo-partido-partido|archivedate=12 September 2020|url-status=live}} This lasted until a match against SD Huesca on 28 October 2018 when Kjær suffered a hamstring injury in the 24th minute and was substituted as Sevilla won 2–1.{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/2-1-sevilla-fc-supera-correoso-huesca-dos-goles-anulados-var|title=2-1: EL SEVILLA FC SUPERA A UN CORREOSO HUESCA TRAS DOS GOLES ANULADOS POR EL VAR|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=28 October 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912145250/https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/2-1-sevilla-fc-supera-correoso-huesca-dos-goles-anulados-var|archivedate=12 September 2020|url-status=live}} Following this, it was announced that he would be sidelined for a month.{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/kjaer-pendiente-pruebas-medicas|title=SIMON KJAER, CON PROBLEMAS EN EL ISQUIO, PENDIENTE DE PRUEBAS MÉDICAS|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=28 October 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912145251/https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/kjaer-pendiente-pruebas-medicas|archivedate=12 September 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/kjaer-sera-baja-los-proximos-partidos-mercado-y-andre-silva-pendientes-de|title=KJAER SERÁ BAJA LOS PRÓXIMOS PARTIDOS; MERCADO Y ANDRÉ SILVA, PENDIENTES DE EVOLUCIÓN|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=30 October 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912145401/https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/kjaer-sera-baja-los-proximos-partidos-mercado-y-andre-silva-pendientes-de|archivedate=12 September 2020|url-status=live}} On 25 November 2018, Kjær returned to the starting line-up against Real Valladolid and kept a clean sheet, in a 1–0 win.{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/1-0-andre-silva-le-devuelve-el-liderato-un-sevilla-que-pudo-sentenciarlo-antes|title=1-0: ANDRÉ SILVA OFFRE LA VICTOIRE AU FC SEVILLE ET PERMET D'ETRE LEADER|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=25 November 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912150158/https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/1-0-andre-silva-le-devuelve-el-liderato-un-sevilla-que-pudo-sentenciarlo-antes|archivedate=12 September 2020|url-status=live}} He continued to found in and out of the starting line-up despite being plagued by injuries as the 2018–19 season progressed.{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/kjaer-lesionado-isquiotibial-baja-butarque|title=KJAER SERÁ BAJA ANTE EL LEGANÉS POR UNA LESIÓN EN EL ISQUIOTIBIAL IZQUIERDO|publisher=Sevilla FC|language=Spanish|date=18 December 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912150549/https://www.sevillafc.es/actualidad/noticias/kjaer-lesionado-isquiotibial-baja-butarque|archivedate=12 September 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Kjaer, baja ante la Real Sociedad|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/sevilla/2019/03/02/5c7ad10646163fc97f8b45e8.html|publisher=Marca|language=Spanish|date=2 March 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Machín: "En el club me hacen ver que sigo con la confianza de ellos"|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/sevilla/2019/03/06/5c7fb6f3e2704eff658b459a.html|publisher=Marca|language=Spanish|date=6 March 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Caparrós: "Jugamos el partido más importante del campeonato"|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/sevilla/2019/04/27/5cc46638268e3eae098b4583.html|publisher=Marca|language=Spanish|date=27 April 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Toca echar el cerrojo|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/sevilla/2019/05/06/5ccf107d468aeb71338b4601.html|publisher=Marca|language=Spanish|date=6 May 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Despite this, Kjær made 37 appearances in all competitions. Following this, it was expected that he'll be leaving Sevilla ahead of the 2019–20 season.{{cite news|title=El prisma de Julen|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/sevilla/2019/06/07/5cfa163122601d6f398b45bd.html|publisher=Marca|language=Spanish|date=7 June 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
==Loan to Atalanta==
On 1 September 2019, Kjær was loaned to Atalanta.{{cite web|url=https://www.sevillafc.es/en/actual/news/kjaer-loaned-to-atalanta|title=Kjaer loaned to Atalanta|publisher=Sevilla FC|date=1 September 2019| access-date = 3 September 2019|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807063559/https://www.sevillafc.es/en/actual/news/kjaer-loaned-to-atalanta|archivedate=7 August 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.atalanta.it/news/kjaer-e-dellatalanta-2/|title=SIMON KJAER È UN GIOCATORE DELL'ATALANTA|publisher=Atalanta B.C.|language=Italian|date=1 September 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910105759/https://www.atalanta.it/news/kjaer-e-dellatalanta-2/|archivedate=10 September 2020|url-status=live}}
Kjær made his Atalanta debut, starting the whole game, in a 2–0 win against Roma on 24 September 2019.{{cite news|title=Roma-Atalanta 0-2, Zapata e De Roon piegano i giallorossi|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2019/09/25/news/roma-atalanta_0-2_zapata_entra_e_segna-236936596/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian |date=25 September 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He then appeared four more times throughout October.{{cite news|title=Atalanta-Lecce 3-1: Zapata e Gomez, nerazzurri sempre più in alto|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2019/10/06/news/atalanta-lecce_3-1_nerazzurri_scatenati_liverani_si_arrende-237844445/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=6 October 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Lazio-Atalanta 3-3: Immobile guida la tripla rimonta biancoceleste|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2019/10/19/news/lazio-atalanta_3-3_grande_rimonta_biancoceleste_dallo_0-3-238976087/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=19 October 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Atalanta-Udinese 7-1: nerazzurri esagerati e sempre più terzi|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2019/10/27/news/atalanta-udinese_7-1_nerazzurri_esagerati_e_sempre_piu_terzi-239663722/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=27 October 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Napoli-Atalanta 2-2, gol e proteste al San Paolo|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2019/10/30/news/napoli-atalanta_2-2_gol_e_proteste_al_san_paolo-239910372/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=30 October 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}} However, just like Martin Škrtel (his former teammate at Fenerbahçe who signed and terminated his contract with Atalanta within August 2019), he failed to convince the team's head coach Gian Piero Gasperini.{{cite news|title=Se una norma cambiata rende miope la giustizia|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2019/10/31/se-una-norma-cambiata-rende-miope-la-giustiziaNapoli20.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=31 October 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Gasperini avverte l'Atalanta: "A Brescia è un derby, non conta la classifica"|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2019/11/29/news/gasperini_avverte_l_atalanta_a_brescia_e_un_derby_non_conta_la_classifica_-242225639/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=29 November 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Mercato: l'Inter vuole Ashley Young, il Milan ci prova per Rugani|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/mercato/2020/01/07/news/conte_chiede_alonso_il_milan_ci_prova_per_rugani-245193733/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=7 January 2020| access-date = 12 September 2020}} As a result, the club chose to terminate the loan deal six months ahead of expiration.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/143670/atalanta-skrtel-out-kjaer|title=Atalanta: Skrtel out, Kjaer in?|website=Football Italia|date=1 September 2019|access-date=13 January 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://sosfanta.calciomercato.com/gasperini-ce-gente-fuori-di-testa-toloi-duvan-zapata-e-ilicic-assenze-pesanti/|title=Gasperini: "Nuovo caso Skrtel? Kjaer fatto fuori, non mi convince più! Ilicic, Duvan e Masiello…"|language= it|website=sosfanta.calciomercato.com|date=12 December 2019|access-date=13 January 2020}}
=AC Milan=
On 13 January 2020, Kjær signed with AC Milan on loan for the rest of the 2019–20 season, with the option to make the transfer permanent for an undisclosed sum.{{cite web|url=https://www.acmilan.com/en/news/media/2020-01-13/simon-kjr-joins-ac-milan|title=SIMON KJÆR JOINS AC MILAN|publisher=AC Milan|date=13 January 2020| access-date = 13 January 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113123959/https://www.acmilan.com/en/news/media/2020-01-13/simon-kjr-joins-ac-milan|archivedate=13 January 2020|url-status=live}} He had been linked with the club in the late 2000s and early 2010s during his time with Palermo and even praised in the media by then-current Milan's head coach Carlo Ancelotti yet the move eventually broke down as two clubs failed to agree on his transfer fee.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/755/europe/2009/03/23/1170970/milan-about-to-make-offer-for-palermos-kjaer-reports|title=Milan About To Make Offer For Palermo's Kjaer - Reports|website=goal.com|date=23 March 2009|access-date=13 January 2020|first=Simone|last=Finaldi}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttopalermo.net/interviste/milan-ancelotti-ci-serve-un-giovane-come-kjaer-4905|title=Milan, Ancelotti: "Ci serve un giovane come Kjaer"|website=tuttopalermo.net|language=it|date=21 March 2009|access-date=13 January 2020}} Desiring to pick up a squad number that would have number 4 in it, Kjær chose 24 that once belonged to fellow Danish international defender Martin Laursen who played for Milan from 2001 to 2004. He also became the first Dane to play for the club since 2005, when Jon Dahl Tomasson transferred out.{{cite web | url = https://sempremilan.com/kjaer-i-dreamed-of-ac-milan-for-so-many-years-and-now-im-finally-here-video | title = Kjaer: "I dreamed of AC Milan for so many years and now I'm finally here" - video | website = sempremilan.com | date = 13 January 2020 | access-date = 8 April 2023 | first = Oliver | last = Fisher}}
On 15 January 2020, Kjær made his debut for the club, playing for 82 minutes in a home 3–0 win against S.P.A.L. in the round of 16 of the Coppa Italia.{{cite news|title=Coppa Italia, Milan-Spal 3-0: Piatek, Castillejo e Hernandez proiettano i rossoneri ai quarti|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2020/01/15/news/coppa_italia_milan-spal_3-0_piatek_castillejo_e_hernandez_proiettano_i_rossoneri_ai_quarti-245879092/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=15 January 2020| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Four days later, he played his first game in Serie A as a Milan player in a dramatic 3–2 home win against Udinese.{{cite news|title=Rebic si prende la scena, il Milan batte l'Udinese 3-2 al 93'|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/milan/2020/01/19/news/milan_udinese_3-2-246147180/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=19 January 2020| access-date = 12 September 2020}} After missing one match due to illness, Kjær returned to the starting line-up, playing in the centre–back position, losing 4–2 against rivals, Inter Milan on 9 February 2020.{{cite news|title=Milan, allarme Pioli: "Ibrahimovic ha l'influenza". Lo svedese non convocato per il Verona|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/milan/2020/02/01/news/milan_allarme_pioli_kjaer_e_ibrahimovic_sono_influenzati_-247332272/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=2 February 2020| access-date = 12 September 2020}} However, his return was short–lived when he torn his muscle injury and was substituted in the 44th minute, in a 1–0 win against Torino on 17 February 2020.{{cite news|title=Milan-Torino 1-0, decide Rebic: i rossoneri agganciano il sesto posto|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2020/02/17/news/milan-torino_1-0_decide_rebic_i_rossoneri_agganciano_il_sesto_posto-248841001/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=17 February 2020| access-date = 12 September 2020}} After the match, it was announced that Kjær would be out of action for a few months.{{cite news|title=Milan, lesione al bicipite femorale per Kjaer: si punta a recuperarlo per il Genoa. Anche Saelemaekers ko|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/milan/2020/02/19/news/milan_infortunio_kjaer_tempi_recupero-248992573/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=19 February 2020| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Due to the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in the suspension of League matches, he managed to recover from his injury and returned to the starting line-up in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals against Juventus; the club drew 0–0, resulting in Milan's elimination from the tournament.{{cite news|title=Milan, Kjaer non convocato: non ha recuperato dalla lesione al bicipite femorale sinistro|url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/altre-notizie/tmw-milan-kjaer-non-convocato-non-ha-recuperato-dalla-lesione-al-bicipite-femorale-sinistro-1358089|publisher=Tutto Mercato Web|language=Italian|date=8 March 2020| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Coppa Italia, Juventus-Milan 0-0: Ronaldo sbaglia un rigore ma i bianconeri volano in finale|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/2020/06/12/news/coppa_italia_semifinale_ritorno_juventus_milan-259069999/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=12 June 2020| access-date = 12 September 2020}} In his debut season under head coach Stefano Pioli, Kjær would compete with other central defenders, namely Mateo Musacchio, Léo Duarte, and Matteo Gabbia, for a starting line-up spot in the team's back four alongside left central defender and captain Alessio Romagnoli.{{cite news|title=Milan, Pioli: "Ho avuto segnali importanti"|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/milan/2020/01/15/news/milan_pioli_ho_avuto_segnali_importanti_-245881403/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=15 January 2020| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Conti o Calabria? Tutti i ballottaggi del Milan in vista del derby|url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/altre-notizie/conti-o-calabria-tutti-i-ballottaggi-del-milan-in-vista-del-derby-1346550|publisher=Tutto Mercato Web|language=Italian|date=6 February 2020| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Milan-Roma 2-0: Rebic e Calhanoglu, rossoneri in formato Europa|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2020/06/28/news/milan_roma_risultato_partita_san_siro-260447366/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=28 June 2020| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Il paradiso può attendere La Juve a lezione dal Milan|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2020/07/08/il-paradiso-puo-attendere-la-juve-a-lezione-dal-milan36.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=8 July 2020| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Milan, Donnarumma: "Voglio vincere qui, Ibra ha portato mentalità vincente"|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/milan/2020/07/20/news/milan_donnarumma_voglio_vincere_qui_ibra_ha_portato_mentalita_vincente_-262445315/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=20 July 2020| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He would make 11 more appearances for Milan (9 in Serie A and 4 in Coppa Italia) before the club bought him out from Sevilla for €3.5 million on 15 July 2020, the expiry date of the buy-out clause in his loan deal.{{cite news|title=Milan, paradosso Kjaer: intoccabile per Pioli, non per il club. E domani scade il termine per riscattarlo|url=https://www.milannews.it/primo-piano/milan-paradosso-kjaer-intoccabile-per-pioli-non-per-il-club-e-domani-scade-il-termine-per-riscattarlo-377512|publisher=Milan News|language=Italian|date=14 July 2020}}{{cite news|title=MN - Milan in trattativa per il riscatto (vicino) di Kjaer. "Update": riscatto avvenuto|url=https://www.milannews.it/esclusive-mn/mn-milan-in-trattativa-per-il-riscatto-vicino-di-kjaer-update-riscatto-avvenuto-377555|publisher=Milan News|language=Italian|date=15 July 2020}}
On 15 July 2020, Kjær signed a permanent deal with Milan until 30 June 2022.{{cite news|url=https://www.acmilan.com/it/news/articoli/media/2020-07-15/comunicato-ufficiale-simon-kjaer|access-date=15 July 2020|title=COMUNICATO UFFICIALE: SIMON KJÆR|publisher=AC Milan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715165233/https://www.acmilan.com/it/news/articoli/media/2020-07-15/comunicato-ufficiale-simon-kjaer|archive-date=15 July 2020|url-status=live}} On 11 March 2021, Kjær scored his first goal for the Rossoneri in a 1–1 away draw against Manchester United in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 tie.{{cite news|last=Stone|first=Simon|title=Manchester United 1-1 AC Milan: AC Milan late equaliser denies United|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/56351824 |access-date=11 March 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=11 March 2021}}
On 27 October 2021, Kjær extended his contract with Milan until 2024.{{cite news | url = https://www.acmilan.com/en/news/articles/media/2021-10-27/official-statement-simon-kjaer | title = Simon Kjær renews his contract with AC Milan: the official statement | publisher = AC Milan | date = 27 October 2021 | access-date = 4 December 2021}}
On 1 December 2021, in the opening minutes of the Serie A away game against Genoa, Kjær sustained an injury to his left knee and had to be stretchered off the pitch. After surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament, he was ruled out for six months.{{cite web | url = https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3687346/2021/12/03/ac-milan-defender-simon-kjaer-to-miss-six-months-after-acl-surgery/ | title = AC Milan defender Simon Kjaer to miss six months after ACL surgery | website = The Athletic | date = 3 December 2021 | access-date = 4 December 2021 | first = Luke | last = Bosher}}
On 22 May 2022, as Milan won 3–1 against Sassuolo at the Stadio Città del Tricolore, Kjær became the Serie A champion with the rest of the team, helping the club win its first major silverware in 11 years as well as winning the first major trophy in his own entire career.
On 21 May 2024, AC Milan announced that Kjær would leave the club after his contract expired ahead of the last game of the season, a home game against Salernitana.{{cite web |last=Young |first=Peter |date=21 May 2024 |title=Official: Kjaer announces Milan departure |url=https://football-italia.net/official-kjaer-announces-milan-departure-video/ |access-date=21 May 2024 |website=Football Italia}}
=Retirement=
On 13 January 2025, after spending six months as a free agent, Kjær officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35.{{cite news|url=https://www.besoccer.com/new/simon-kjaer-announce-shock-retirement-1343903|title=Simon Kjaer announce shock retirement|website=BeSoccer|date=13 January 2025|access-date=13 January 2025}}
International career
Kjær made his only appearance for Denmark U18 on 19 September 2006, in a 4–1 win against Slovakia U18.{{cite news|title=Slovakiet barberet i Sakskøbing|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Slovakiet-barberet-i-Sakskoebing/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=21 September 2006| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He made his debut for the Denmark national under-19 football team on 6 September 2006, at the age of 17, beating Portugal U19 3–2.{{cite web|url=http://dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=234397|title=Endnu en sejr over Portugal|publisher=Dbu.dk|date=6 September 2006| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809120722/http://www.dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=234397|archivedate=9 August 2011|url-status=dead}} He played a total 10 games and scored one goal for the under-19s until October 2007, and was named 2007 Danish under-19 talent of the year as the under-19s coach found Kjær had shown himself a talented defender despite his young age.{{cite news|title=Schmeichel årets talent|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Schmeichel-aarets-talent/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=6 November 2007| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=242463|publisher=DBU.dk|title=Schmeichel årets Arla-talent| access-date = 9 April 2008|date=6 November 2007|language=Danish|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071109061601/http://www.dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=242463|archivedate=9 November 2007|url-status=dead}} Following his breakthrough with Midtjylland, Kjær was rested from the under-19s in March 2008 to avoid wearing him out.{{cite web|url=http://dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=245289|title=Simon Kjær får fri|publisher=Dbu.dk|date=27 March 2008| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809120736/http://www.dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=245289|archivedate=9 August 2011|url-status=dead}}
Kjær was called up for the Denmark national under-21 football team in May 2008 as a replacement for Michael Jakobsen,{{cite web|url=http://dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=246592|title=Agger og Kjær på U/21-landsholdet|publisher=Dbu.dk|date=25 May 2008| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809120751/http://www.dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=246592|archivedate=9 August 2011|url-status=dead}} making his debut in a 0–4 defeat against the Germany under-21s.{{cite web|url=http://dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=246688|title=Nederlag mod stærke tyskere|publisher=Dbu.dk|date=29 May 2008| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809121134/http://www.dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=246688|archivedate=9 August 2011|url-status=dead}} He was out of the under-21 team during his first time at Palermo, but was recalled in October 2008,{{cite web|url=http://dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=248983|title=Vi er fortsat med!|publisher=Dbu.dk|date=12 October 2008| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809121151/http://www.dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=248983|archivedate=9 August 2011|url-status=dead}} spending the game as an unused substitute to Magnus Troest and Mathias Jørgensen.{{cite web|url=http://dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=249041|title=Lyset slukket i Beograd|publisher=Dbu.dk|date=15 October 2008| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809121228/http://www.dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=249041|archivedate=9 August 2011|url-status=dead}} Kjær was an unused substitute for the friendly match against Greece, and returned to the under-21s for a single game in March 2009,{{cite web|url=http://dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=250885|title=Zanka og Kjær danner forsvarspar for første gang|publisher=Dbu.dk|date=26 March 2009| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809121457/http://www.dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=250885|archivedate=9 August 2011|url-status=dead}} playing well enough that under-21 coach Keld Bordinggaard recommended him for a recall to Olsen's squad.{{cite web|url=http://tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/danmark/bordinggaard-anbefalede-kjaer |title=Bordinggaard anbefalede Kjær | Tipsbladet |publisher=Tipsbladet.dk |date=11 June 2009 | access-date = 2 June 2010 |language=Danish}} He went on to make two appearances for the U21 side.
Kjær made his only Denmark U20, coming against France U20 on 19 November 2008.{{cite news|title=Danske talenter tabte knebent til Frankrig|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Danske-talenter-tabte-knebent-til-Frankrig/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=19 November 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Bordinggaard fremhæver Kjær og Reid|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Bordinggaard-fremhaever-Kjaer-og-Reid/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=20 November 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
=Senior team=
File:Iceland vs Denmark 4.6.2011 (5801036432).jpg during a match between Denmark and Iceland in 2011]]
Kjær was called up to the senior Danish national team in February 2009,{{cite news|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/02/04/sports/SOC-Denmark-Squad.php|title=Kjaer, Poulsen make Denmark squad for friendly| access-date = 12 February 2009|date=4 February 2009|publisher=International Herald Tribune|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205151116/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/02/04/sports/SOC-Denmark-Squad.php|archivedate=5 February 2009|url-status=dead}} as national team coach Morten Olsen was impressed by his form for Palermo,{{cite web|url=http://dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=250580|title=Præstation og potentiale|publisher=Dbu.dk |date=4 February 2009| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205075734/http://dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=250580|archivedate=5 February 2009|url-status=dead}} and saw him and Per Krøldrup as main competitors to replace the retired defender Martin Laursen.{{cite web|url=http://dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=250574|title=Simon Kjær på landsholdet|publisher=Dbu.dk|date=4 February 2009| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205074913/http://dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=250574|archivedate=5 February 2009|url-status=dead}}
Kjær was once again a part of the senior squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification game against Sweden on 6 June 2009 after Per Krøldrup was unavailable due to injury.{{cite web|url=http://dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=251354|title=Krøldrup skadet, Kjær tvivlsom|publisher=Dbu.dk|date=31 May 2009| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809121513/http://www.dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=251354|archivedate=9 August 2011|url-status=dead}} He played the full game despite an injury of his own, as Denmark won 1–0.{{cite news|title=Sverige-Danmark minut for minut|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4270371.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=6 June 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Kjær established himself in the Danish starting line-up, played the following three qualification games, and helped Denmark qualify for the 2010 World Cup despite facing injury along the way.{{cite news|title=Liedson pulls Portugal from brink|url=https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/news/01dd-0e72c4850225-b9d03ba176d2-1000--liedson-pulls-portugal-from-brink/|publisher=UEFA Official Website|date=5 September 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjær ramt af blødning i knæet|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4207837.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=6 September 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Surt show i Tirana|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4207154.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=9 September 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Kommentar: Hurra for Morten|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4266228.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=11 October 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Kommentar: Vi hører til ved VM|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4201497.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=10 October 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}} For the September 2009 qualification game against Portugal, Kjær told reporters that Cristiano Ronaldo should be stopped by a series of small fouls and one hard tackle.{{cite web|url=http://tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/generelle/kjaer-ronaldo-skal-lige-klaskes-ned |title=Kjær: Ronaldo skal lige klaskes ned | Tipsbladet|publisher=Tipsbladet.dk|date=2 September 2009| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish}} This prompted a complaint to FIFA by the Portuguese Football Federation requesting Kjær be suspended for unsportsman-like conduct, but the case was dropped following the mediation of the Danish Football Association.{{cite web|url=http://tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/danmark/kjaer-reddet-fra-ronaldo-karantaene|title=Kjær reddet fra Ronaldo-karantæne | Tipsbladet|publisher=Tipsbladet.dk|date=17 September 2009| access-date = 2 June 2010|language=Danish}}
On 28 May 2010, Denmark coach Morten Olsen announced that the player would be part of the final squad of 23 participating in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1493391.html|title=Olsen names final Denmark squad|publisher=UEFA|date=28 May 2010|access-date=2 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531172715/http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1493391.html|archive-date=31 May 2010|url-status=dead}} Kjær was in the starting eleven in Denmark's first two games, against the Netherlands and Cameroon, where he received a yellow card in both games and therefore missed the third and crucial group game against Japan.{{cite news|title=Kommentar: Ren Jesper Olsen!|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4158917.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=14 June 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Startopstilling: Kahlenberg er sat af|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4157456.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=19 June 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Daniel Jensen ude mod Japan|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4157413.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=24 June 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}} However, in the match against Cameroon, Kjær was highly praised for his excellent long-range passing which helped to set up Nicklas Bendtner's first goal.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jun/19/world-cup-2010-denmark-japan-scott-murray |title=Cameroon 1–2 Denmark match report|publisher=guardian.co.uk|date=19 June 2010 | access-date = 18 August 2010}}{{cite news|title=Hopla, vi lever!|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4157470.ece|publisher=Ekstradbladet|language=Danish|date=19 June 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Despite, his performance in the World Cup was praised by the media and Samuel Eto'o, himself.{{cite news|title=Tre danskere på BBC's drømmehold|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4157407.ece|publisher=Ekstradbladet|language=Danish|date=20 June 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Eto'o: Simon Kjær imponerer mig|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4159521.ece|publisher=Ekstradbladet|language=Danish|date=18 June 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He said playing in the tournament benefited him, claiming it has strengthened him a lot.{{cite news|title=Rolig Kjær: Styrket meget siden 2010|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Rolig-Kjaer-Styrket-meget-siden-2010/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=18 May 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
File:NED-DEN Euro 2012 (26).jpg attempts to take a header against the Netherlands at UEFA Euro 2012]]
Following Denmark's win over Iceland in the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying, Stig Tøfting criticised his performance, as he witnessed him for making too many mistakes during the match.{{cite news|title=Tøfting langer ud efter Simon Kjær|url=https://politiken.dk/sport/fodbold/art4973551/T%C3%B8fting-langer-ud-efter-Simon-Kj%C3%A6r|publisher=Politiken|language=Danish|date=4 September 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}} This led to Kjær responded and criticised Tøfting saying: "These statements hit me personally! It is the first time that I have come under pressure and I try to take these words as a motivation. I am not happy about his (Tøfting's) opinion. He just says that to stay in the public attention. He should be serious!"{{cite news|title=Kjaer responds to criticism |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11881/6365030/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=8 September 2010|access-date=13 February 2012}}{{cite news|title=Kjær skuffet over Tøffe-kritik|url=https://www.bt.dk/fodbold/kjaer-skuffet-over-toeffe-kritik|publisher=BT.dk|language=Danish|date=6 September 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Tøfting continued to remain critical of the player, criticising him once again throughout his Denmark's career.{{cite news|title=TV: Simon Kjær skraldemand sammen med Tøfting?|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4028999.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=8 June 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Tøfting i skarpt angreb: - Er du ligeglad med landsholdet|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/kommentarer/stigtoefting/toefting-i-skarpt-angreb-er-du-ligeglad-med-landsholdet/7666069|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=9 June 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}} The next two years saw the player regaining his first team place for the national side and helped them qualify for the UEFA Euro 2012 following their 2–1 win against Portugal on 11 October 2011.{{cite news|title=Kjær: Jeg tager gerne ansvar|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4139661.ece|publisher=Ekstradbladet|language=Danish|date=6 October 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Duncan dunkede Cypern|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4138313.ece|publisher=Ekstradbladet|language=Danish|date=12 October 2010| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Ny forsvars-duo godkender premieren|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4096385.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=5 June 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Kjær var uvenner med bolden|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4080327.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=7 September 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Den er hjemme - vi skal til EM|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/den-er-hjemme-vi-skal-til-em/4241849|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=11 October 2011| access-date = 12 September 2020}} In May 2012, he was inducted in the final squad for Euro 2012.{{cite news|title=Nicklas Pedersen and Jores Okore complete Denmark's Euro 2012 squad|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/2898/euro-2012/2012/05/24/3124713/nicklas-pedersen-and-jores-okore-complete-denmarks-euro-2012|publisher=Goal.com|date=23 May 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Kjær was among the starting 11 in each of the three group games, against the Netherlands, Portugal and Germany, as they were eliminated in the group stage.{{cite news|title=Karakterer: Så gode var danskerne|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4028748.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=10 June 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Kjær: Vi er pisseskuffede|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4028201.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=13 June 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Så skal der handles EM-spillere|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4027123.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=18 June 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
Following the end of the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament, Kjær appeared four more times by the end of the year.{{cite news|title=Brændte chancer kostede Danmark dyrt|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4750397.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=8 September 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Ærgerligt dansk pointtab i hadsk atmosfære|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4015251.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=12 October 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Ny nedtur: VM er 10.000 km væk|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4014355.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=16 October 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Danske reserver i tyrkisk remis|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4008120.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=14 November 2012| access-date = 12 September 2020}} On 22 March 2013, he scored his first goal for Denmark, in a 3–0 win against Czech Republic for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification.{{cite news|title=Danmark lammetævede tjekkerne|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4737112.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=22 March 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}} However, Kjær sat out the remaining matches of the qualification, as the national side failed to earn a place in the World Cup after finishing second place.{{cite news|title=Bænket Simon Kjær: Jeg må nyde klub-succesen|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4569318.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=16 October 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
Following Denmark's unsuccessful qualification at the World Cup, Kjær regained his place for the national side.{{cite news|title=Karaktererne: Agger og Kjær lyste op|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4595034.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=15 November 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Fakta: Danmark vinder på sen scoring|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article4833269.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=28 May 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Lasse Vibe redder point til Danmark|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/article5183246.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=11 October 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He then scored his second Denmark's goal, in a 3–1 win against Serbia in the UEFA Euro 2016 qualification on 14 November 2014.{{cite news|title=Klasseforskel da Danmark smadrede Serbien|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/kommentarer/janjensen/article5303640.ece|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=14 November 2014| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Kjær then helped the national side keep three consecutive clean sheets between 13 June 2015 and 7 September 2015 against Serbia, Albania and Armenia.{{cite news|title= Danmark kæmper sig til 2-0-sejr over Serbien|url=https://www.dr.dk/sporten/fodbold/landsholdet/danmark-kaemper-sig-til-2-0-sejr-over-serbien|publisher=DR.dk|language=Danish|date=13 June 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Lang vej til EM: Albanien holder Danmark fra fadet|url=https://www.tv3sport.dk/sport/fodbold/nyheder/lang-vej-til-em-albanien-holder-danmark-fra-fadet|publisher=TV3 Sport|language=Danish|date=4 September 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Morten Olsen: Det var forfærdeligt spil fra vores side|url=https://www.avisen.dk/morten-olsen-det-var-forfaerdeligt-spil-fra-vores-si_343016.aspx|publisher=Avisen|language=Danish|date=7 September 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}} In the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying play-offs against Sweden, Kjær played in both legs, as he failed to help Denmark qualify for the UEFA Euro 2016 following a 4–3 defeat on aggregate.{{cite news|title=Fy fan - men brug nu den livline!|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/kommentarer/allanolsen/fy-fan-men-brug-nu-den-livline/5828284|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=14 November 2015|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=17 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017080029/https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/kommentarer/allanolsen/fy-fan-men-brug-nu-den-livline/5828284|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Så' det slut, Olsen: Zlatan blev kongen af København|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/saa-det-slut-olsen-zlatan-blev-kongen-af-koebenhavn/5832568|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=17 November 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
Following the national side's unsuccessful qualification to the UEFA Euro 2016, Kjær captained Denmark for the first time in his career against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 3 June 2016, as Denmark lost, 4–3, in a penalty shootout after playing 120 minutes, in a 2–2 draw.{{cite news|title=Landskamp kl. 9: Sådan stiller vi op|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/landskamp-kl-9-saadan-stiller-vi-op/6111200|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=3 June 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Drama da Danmark røg ud: Smed 2-0-føring over styr|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/drama-da-danmark-roeg-ud-smed-2-0-foering-over-styr/6111485|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=3 June 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Following the retirement of Daniel Agger, it was announced he would succeed him as the national side's captain.{{cite news|title=Simon Kjær: Jeg har rutinen til at blive anfører|url=https://www.avisen.dk/simon-kjaer-jeg-har-rutinen-til-at-blive-anfoerer_403859.aspx|publisher=Avisen|language=Danish|date=31 August 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Kaptajn Kjær: Parken skal være et fort|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/kaptajn-kjaer-parken-skal-vaere-et-fort/6273350|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=3 September 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Skadet Kjær: Jeg bliver klar til Armenien|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/skadet-kjaer-jeg-bliver-klar-til-armenien/6268036|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=31 August 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Once again, Kjær helped the national side keep three consecutive clean sheets between 7 June 2016 and 4 September 2016 against Bulgaria, Liechtenstein and Armenia.{{cite news|title=Bulgarien ydmyget: Ustyrlige Eriksen i hattrick-show|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/bulgarien-ydmyget-ustyrlige-eriksen-i-hattrick-show/6117708|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=7 June 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=De viste vejen i opvisning: Her er de danske karakterer|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/de-viste-vejen-i-opvisning-her-er-de-danske-karakterer/6267979|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=31 August 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Første skridt mod VM: Eriksen blev matchvinder|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/foerste-skridt-mod-vm-eriksen-blev-matchvinder/6274488|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=4 September 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Simon Kjaer'in gurur günü|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/simon-kjaerin-gurur-gunu-2304952|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=2 September 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He then helped Denmark finish second place in the Group E of the FIFA World Cup qualification.{{cite news|title=Her er anførerens forklaring på landsholdets ujævne præstationer|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/her-er-anfoererens-forklaring-paa-landsholdets-ujaevne-praestationer/6393004|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=9 November 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Danmark slagtede Polen: Kong Christians store aften|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/danmark-slagtede-polen-kong-christians-store-aften/6804284|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=1 September 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Kaptajn Kjær er sikker: Selvfølgelig kommer vi til VM|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/kaptajn-kjaer-er-sikker-selvfoelgelig-kommer-vi-til-vm/6849909|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=3 October 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Kjær played in both legs of the World Cup play-offs for a place in the World Cup against Republic of Ireland, as the national side won 5–1 on aggregate and qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.{{cite news|title=World Cup play-off: Denmark 0-0 Republic of Ireland|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41884871|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 November 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Republic of Ireland 1-5 Denmark (agg: 1-5)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41884909|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 November 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He helped the national side keep four consecutive clean sheets in friendly matches between 22 March 2018 and 9 June 2018 against Panama, Chile, Sweden and Mexico.{{cite web|url=https://dbu.dk/nyheder/2018/marts/sejr-til-danmark-efter-taalmodigt-spil/|title=SEJR TIL DANMARK EFTER TÅLMODIGT SPIL|publisher=Denmark Football Association|language=Danish|date=22 March 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912191904/https://dbu.dk/nyheder/2018/marts/sejr-til-danmark-efter-taalmodigt-spil/|archivedate=12 September 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://dbu.dk/nyheder/2018/marts/tempo-men-ingen-maal-i-aalborg/|title=TEMPO – MEN INGEN MÅL – I AALBORG|publisher=Denmark Football Association|language=Danish|date=27 March 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912191659/https://dbu.dk/nyheder/2018/marts/tempo-men-ingen-maal-i-aalborg/|archivedate=12 September 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://dbu.dk/nyheder/2018/juni/nulloesning-paa-friends-arena/|title=NULLØSNING PÅ FRIENDS ARENA|publisher=Denmark Football Association|language=Danish|date=2 June 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912191944/https://dbu.dk/nyheder/2018/juni/nulloesning-paa-friends-arena/ |archivedate=12 September 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Danmark viste VM-form: Eriksen lynede i comeback|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/vm2018/danmark-viste-vm-form-eriksen-lynede-i-comeback/7192025|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=9 June 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020}} In May 2018, Kjær was named in Denmark's 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.{{cite web|url=https://dbu.dk/nyheder/2018/juni/her-er-danmarks-vm-trup/|title=HER ER DANMARKS VM-TRUP|publisher=Denmark Football Association|language=Danish|date=4 June 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116014359/https://dbu.dk/nyheder/2018/juni/her-er-danmarks-vm-trup/|archivedate=16 November 2019|url-status=live}} He served as Denmark's captain at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/world-cup-2018-introducing-the-captains/3|title=World Cup 2018: Introducing the captains |date=14 June 2018 | access-date = 14 February 2019}}{{cite news|title=Danmark hjælper VM-rival: Anfører sender opsigtsvækkende erklæring|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/vm2018/danmark-hjaelper-vm-rival-anfoerer-sender-opsigtsvaekkende-erklaering/7166056|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=22 May 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Kjær captained his first World Cup match against Peru and helped the national side win 1–0 on 16 June 2018.{{cite news|title=Schmeichel reddede Danmark i VM-sejr|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/vm2018/schmeichel-reddede-danmark-i-vm-sejr/7200820|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=16 June 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020}} He helped the national side reach the knockout stage following a draw against Australia and France.{{cite news|title=Danmark blev offer for VAR igen: Men VM-håbet lever|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/vm2018/danmark-blev-offer-for-var-igen-men-vm-haabet-lever/7207834|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=21 June 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Hareides mesterstykke: Første VM-triumf i 16 år|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/vm2018/hareides-mesterstykke-foerste-vm-triumf-i-16-aar/7213155|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=26 June 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Denmark ultimately progressed from their group after which they were drawn with Croatia in the Round of 16. There they were defeated after a penalty shoot-out, with Kjær being one of the two players to have his spot-kick successfully converted.{{cite news|title=Kæmpe drama og straffenedtur sendte Danmark ud|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/vm2018/kaempe-drama-og-straffenedtur-sendte-danmark-ud/7219161|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=1 July 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
Following the World Cup, Kjær captained three more matches for the national side's matches by the end of the year and helping them keep three consecutive clean sheets against Wales, Republic of Ireland and Austria.{{cite web|url=https://dbu.dk/nyheder/2018/september/perfekt-dansk-start-i-nations-league/|title=PERFEKT DANSK START I NATIONS LEAGUE|publisher=Danish Football Association|language=Danish|date=9 September 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912193915/https://dbu.dk/nyheder/2018/september/perfekt-dansk-start-i-nations-league/|archivedate=12 September 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://dbu.dk/nyheder/2018/oktober/chancefattig-affaere-endte-logisk-nok-0-0/|title=CHANCEFATTIG AFFÆRE ENDTE LOGISK NOK 0-0|publisher=Danish Football Association|language=Danish|date=13 October 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912193917/https://dbu.dk/nyheder/2018/oktober/chancefattig-affaere-endte-logisk-nok-0-0/|archivedate=12 September 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://dbu.dk/nyheder/2018/oktober/lerager-droenede-og-braithwaite-lukkede-og-slukkede/|title=LERAGER DRØNEDE OG BRAITHWAITE LUKKEDE OG SLUKKEDE|publisher=Danish Football Association|language=Danish|date=16 October 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912193919/https://dbu.dk/nyheder/2018/oktober/lerager-droenede-og-braithwaite-lukkede-og-slukkede/|archivedate=12 September 2020|url-status=live}} He then played an important role for Denmark by setting up two goals, in a 5–1 win against Georgia on 10 June 2019.{{cite news|title=Dobbelt-berg slog til: Danmark uddelte tæsk|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/dobbelt-berg-slog-til-danmark-uddelte-taesk/7668153|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=10 June 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}} This was followed up by keeping four consecutive clean sheets against Gibraltar, Georgia, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Gibraltar.{{cite news|title=Gigantisk udesejr: Største siden 1913|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/gigantisk-udesejr-stoerste-siden-1913/7778857|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=5 September 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Danmark tager stort skridt mod EM efter sejr over Schweiz|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/danmark-tager-stort-skridt-mod-em-efter-sejr-over-schweiz/7830386|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=12 October 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Sjov på rød stue: Betyder intet!|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/kommentarer/allanolsen/sjov-paa-roed-stue-betyder-intet/7875955|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=15 November 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Kjær captained the side against Republic of Ireland on 18 November 2019 and helped Denmark to qualify for UEFA Euro 2020.{{cite news|title=Danmark klar til EM|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/danmark-klar-til-em/7878421|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=18 November 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}} On 14 October 2020, Kjær played his 100th match for Denmark in a 1–0 away win against England.{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/match/2030062--england-vs-denmark/?iv=true |title=England 0–1 Denmark |website=UEFA |date=14 October 2020 }}
He captained the side for the UEFA Euro 2020. On 12 June 2021, while playing their opening match against Finland, when Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch,{{Cite news|last=Das|first=Andrew|date=12 June 2021|title=Denmark's Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field. He is responsive and awake.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/12/sports/soccer/denmark-christian-eriksen-collapse.html|access-date=13 June 2021|issn=0362-4331}} Kjær was the first to help him and summon the medical team to quickly get onto the pitch. He also made sure that Eriksen's airways stayed unobstructed when he was unconscious. Afterwards, he guided his teammates to cover Eriksen while he received medical treatment, and consoled Eriksen's wife Sabrina afterward.{{Cite web|last=Meade|first=Samuel|date=12 June 2021|title=Eriksen's heroic Denmark captain gave CPR to stricken star before medics|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/denmark-kjaer-christian-eriksen-cpr-24306820|access-date=13 June 2021|website=Daily Mirror|language=en}} Eriksen was taken off the pitch on a stretcher and the match was suspended.{{Cite web|date=12 June 2021|title=In scary scene at Euro 2020, Eriksen collapses on the field|url=https://apnews.com/article/Eriksen-denmark-finland-europe-euro-2020-soccer-9911d934556c6b181636f47dedf20888|access-date=13 June 2021|website=AP NEWS}} Around an hour after the incident, UEFA and Danish Football Association officials confirmed from the Rigshospitalet that Eriksen had been stabilized and was awake.{{Cite news|title=Eriksen 'awake' after collapsing|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57456002|access-date=13 June 2021}} The match re-commenced later that evening, resulting in 1–0 victory for Finland.{{Cite news|title=Finland win first game at major finals|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51197533|access-date=13 June 2021}} Despite the opening loss, Denmark went on to advance to the semi-finals of the UEFA Euro 2020 losing to England in extra time.{{Cite news|title=England 2 -1 Denmark|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51198755|access-date=7 July 2021}} On 27 August 2021 Kjær was awarded the UEFA President's Award together with the medical team that stabilized Eriksen at the Finland game.{{Cite news|title=Danish medics and national team captain Simon Kjær receive 2021 UEFA President's award|language=en-GB|work=UEFA|url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/026c-131913144290-17a35c15f3fc-1000--danish-heroes-receive-2021-uefa-president-s-award/|access-date=27 August 2021}}
On 22 August 2024, Kjær announced his retirement from international football. He scored five goals in 132 international appearances.{{cite news |last1=Selmann |first1=Philip |title=Simon Kjær stopper på fodboldlandsholdet |url=https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/indland/simon-kjaer-stopper-paa-fodboldlandsholdet |access-date=25 August 2024 |work=DR |date=22 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824023648/https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/indland/simon-kjaer-stopper-paa-fodboldlandsholdet |archive-date=24 August 2024 |language=da-DK}}
Personal life
In addition to speaking Danish, Kjær speaks five languages, including English and Italian (having learnt the language from his time at Palermo).{{cite news|title=Kjær: Teknisk og taktisk bedre|url=https://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/Kjaer-Teknisk-og-taktisk-bedre/|publisher=Bold.dk|language=Danish|date=5 November 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Palermo, Kjaer: "Più facile emergere con tanti giovani"|url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/altre-notizie/palermo-kjaer-piu-facile-emergere-con-tanti-giovani-127635|publisher=Tutto Mercato Web|language=Italian|date=3 November 2008| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title= LOSC : Simon Kjaer, un roc à la recherche du temps perdu|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/losc-simon-kjaer-un-roc-a-la-recherche-du-temps-perdu-ia182b204n1456722|publisher=La Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=5 August 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=LILLE – MONACO: Simon Kjaer, la nouvelle étoile du Nord qui veut briller|url=https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/art/sports/simon-kjaer-la-nouvelle-etoile-du-nord-qui-veut-briller-ia182b204n1663901|publisher=La Voix Du Nord|language=French|date=1 November 2013| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Dil uzmanı|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/dil-uzmani-2286349|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=30 July 2016| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Growing up, he idolised John Terry and Fabio Cannavaro and supported Liverpool.{{cite news|title=Simon Kjaer: 'Baskı beni motive ediyor'|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/skorer/simon-kjaer-baski-beni-motive-ediyor-2141626|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish|date=2 November 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}} While his father was supportive of him becoming a footballer, his mother, a teacher, was not.
Despite not liking studying while attending school, Kjær was able to receive his diploma. He married his long-term girlfriend, Camilla. They have known each other since they were fifteen.{{cite news|title=Kjaer, il gigante bambino tra McDonald' s e panelle|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2009/10/14/kjaer-il-gigante-bambino-tra-mcdonald-panelle.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=Italian|date=14 October 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}} However, they broke up and at some point, Kjær began a relationship with Elina Gollert, a Swedish national.{{cite news|title=Agent landet i Istanbul: Kjærs konge-kontrakt skal på plads|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/agent-landet-i-istanbul-kjaers-konge-kontrakt-skal-paa-plads/5608450|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=15 June 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Derfor græd Kjærs kone efter triumfen|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/vm2018/derfor-graed-kjaers-kone-efter-triumfen/7213440|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=26 June 2018| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Fodboldstjernens valg kan ændre familiens liv på et splitsekund|url=https://zulu.tv2.dk/kendte/2019-05-31-simon-kjaers-karriere-kan-aendre-familiens-liv-paa-et-splitsekund-derfor-er|publisher=TV2|language=Danish|date=31 May 2019| access-date = 12 September 2020}} Together, they have two children, Milas and Viggo.{{cite news|title=Derfor er Simon Kjær i karrierens største dilemma|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/udenlandsk_fodbold/derfor-er-simon-kjaer-i-karrierens-stoerste-dilemma/5609000|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=16 June 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title= Kjær klar til EM-brag: Konens fødsel blev sat i gang|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/kjaer-klar-til-em-brag-konens-foedsel-blev-sat-i-gang/5820745|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=10 November 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Lykkelig Kjær: Jeg ville ikke misse fødslen|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/landsholdsfodbold/lykkelig-kjaer-jeg-ville-ikke-misse-foedslen/5822868|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=11 November 2015| access-date = 12 September 2020}} In the summer of 2017, they were married.{{cite news|title=Transfer-rygter svirrer forgæves: Derfor er Danmarks anfører i Italien|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/udenlandsk_fodbold/transfer-rygter-svirrer-forgaeves-derfor-er-danmarks-anfoerer-i-italien/6648061|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=8 May 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020}}{{cite news|title=Sådan kan Simon Kjær komme til AC Milan|url=https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/udenlandsk_fodbold/italienskfodbold/saadan-kan-simon-kjaer-komme-til-ac-milan/6726901|publisher=Ekstrabladet|language=Danish|date=29 June 2017| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
Kjær talked about superstitions, saying: "I am a believer but not a practitioner. The first sock I wear is always the right one. But not just before every game. I do it every morning."
Career statistics
=Club=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition{{cite web|title=Simon Kjær » Club matches|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/simon-kjaer/2/|website=WorldFootball.net| access-date = 7 January 2018}}{{cite web|title=S. Kjær|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/simon-kjar/11744/|website=Soccerway| access-date = 7 January 2018}} !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes Danish Cup, Coppa Italia, DFB-Pokal, Coupe de France, Turkish Cup, Copa del Rey}} !colspan="2"|Europe !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midtjylland
|19 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 21 | 0 | |||
| rowspan="3"|Palermo
|rowspan="2"|Serie A |27 | 3 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 27 | 3 | |||
| 2009–10
|35 | 2 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 38 | 2 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!62 | 5 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 65 | 5 | |||
| rowspan=4|VfL Wolfsburg
|rowspan="3"|Bundesliga |32 | 1 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 34 | 1 | |||
| 2011–12
|3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 4 | 0 | |||
| 2012–13
|22 | 2 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 25 | 2 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!57 | 3 | 6 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 63 | 3 | |||
| Roma (loan)
|Serie A |22 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 24 | 0 | |||
| rowspan="3"|Lille
|rowspan="2"|Ligue 1 |35 | 0 | 2 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 37 | 1 | |||
| 2014–15
|31 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9{{efn|Four appearances in UEFA Champions League, five appearances and one goal in UEFA Europa League}} | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 42 | 3 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!66 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 9 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 79 | 4 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Fenerbahçe
|rowspan="2"|Süper Lig |28 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 11{{efn|Two appearances in UEFA Champions League, nine appearances in UEFA Europa League}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 45 | 2 | ||
| 2016–17
|27 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 11{{efn|Two appearances in UEFA Champions League, nine appearances and two goals in UEFA Europa League}} | 2 | colspan="2"|— | 43 | 3 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!55 | 3 | 11 | 0 | 22 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | 88 | 5 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Sevilla
|rowspan="2"|La Liga |20 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6{{efn|name=UCL|Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League}} | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 27 | 3 | ||
| 2018–19
|26 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}} | 0 | 1{{efn|Appearance in Supercopa de España}} | 0 | 37 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!46 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 64 | 3 | |
| Atalanta (loan)
|rowspan="6"|Serie A |5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 6 | 0 | ||
| Milan (loan)
|15 | 0 | 4 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 19 | 0 | |||
| rowspan="5"|Milan
|28 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10{{efn|name=UEL}} | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 39 | 1 | ||
| 2021–22
|11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 14 | 0 | ||
| 2022–23
|17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | 1{{efn|Appearance in Supercoppa Italiana}} | 0 | 24 | 0 | |
| 2023–24
|20 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4{{efn|One appearance in UEFA Champions League, three appearances in UEFA Europa League}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 25 | 0 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!91 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 23 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 121 | 1 | |
| colspan="3"|Career total
!422 | 14 | 39 | 2 | 68 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 531 | 21 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals | ||
| rowspan="16"|Denmark
|2009 | 7 | 0 |
| 2010 | 8 | 0 |
| 2011 | 6 | 0 |
| 2012 | 10 | 0 |
| 2013 | 7 | 1 |
| 2014 | 8 | 1 |
| 2015 | 10 | 0 |
| 2016 | 10 | 1 |
| 2017 | 8 | 0 |
| 2018 | 11 | 0 |
| 2019 | 10 | 0 |
| 2020 | 7 | 0 |
| 2021 | 17 | 2 |
| 2022 | 3 | 0 |
| 2023 | 8 | 0 |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 |
| colspan="2"|Total||132||5 |
|---|
:Scores and results list Denmark's goal tally first.{{cite web|url=http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/31808/Simon_Kjar.html|title=Kjær, Simon|website=National Football Teams|access-date=31 May 2017}}
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Simon Kjær ! No. !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition | ||||||
| 1. | 22 March 2013 | Andrův stadion, Olomouc, Czech Republic | {{fb|CZE}} | align=center | 2–0 | align=center | 3–0 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 2. | 14 November 2014 | Partizan Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia | {{fb|SRB}} | align=center | 2–1 | align=center | 3–1 | UEFA Euro 2016 qualification |
| 3. | 3 June 2016 | Toyota Stadium, Toyota, Japan | {{fb|BIH}} | align=center | 1–0 | align=center | 2–2 {{pen|3–4}} | 2016 Kirin Cup |
| 4. | 7 September 2021 | Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark | {{fb|ISR}} | align=center | 2–0 | align=center | 5–0 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 5. | 9 October 2021 | Zimbru Stadium, Chișinău, Moldova | {{fb|MDA}} | align=center | 2–0 | align=center | 4–0 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |
Honours
AC Milan
- Serie A: 2021–22{{cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/news/football/ac-milan-secure-1st-serie-a-title-in-11-years-5225965.html |title=Milan Secure 1st Serie A Title in 11 Years |website=news18.com |date=23 May 2022 |access-date=23 May 2022}}
Individual
- Danish Talent of the Year: 2009{{cite news|title=Simon Kjær Aarets Talent 2009|url=https://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/danmark/simon-kjaer-aarets-talent-2009|publisher=Tipsbladet|language=Danish|date=8 December 2009| access-date = 12 September 2020}}
- Danish Player of the Year: 2009, 2021{{Cite web|last=Malik|first=Muqaddam|date=22 January 2022|title=AC Milan Defender Adds Another Award To Unbelievable Season As Danish Player Of The Year|url=https://acmilan.theoffside.com/2022/1/22/22895495/ac-milan-defender-adds-another-award-unbelievable-season-danish-player-of-the-year-simon-kjaer-news|access-date=17 February 2022|website=The AC Milan Offside|language=en}}
- The Guardian Footballer of the Year: 2021{{Cite web|date=31 December 2021|title=The Guardian Footballer of the Year Simon Kjær: 'Football has become secondary for me'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/dec/31/the-guardian-footballer-of-the-year-2021-simon-kjaer-denmark-interview|access-date=17 February 2022|website=the Guardian|language=en}}
- Ballon d'Or nominee: 2021{{cite news |title=La liste complète des nommés pour le Ballon d'Or 2021 |trans-title=The full list of nominees for the 2021 Ballon d'Or|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/La-liste-complete-des-nommes-pour-le-ballon-d-or-2021/1290895 |language=fr |publisher=L'Équipe |date=8 October 2021 |access-date=17 January 2025}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{DBU player|5839}}
- [http://www.gazzetta.it/speciali/risultati_classifiche/2010/calcio/seriea/giocatori/giocatore_simon_kjaer_272431624.shtml La Gazzetta profile] {{in lang|it}}
- [http://danskfodbold.com/spiller.php?ligaid=2001&spillerid=10956 Danish Superliga statistics] {{in lang|da}}
- {{UEFA player}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Denmark squads
| bg = #E11B22
| fg = white
| bordercolor = #AC181E
| list1 =
{{Denmark squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Denmark squad UEFA Euro 2012}}
{{Denmark squad 2018 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Denmark squad UEFA Euro 2020}}
{{Denmark squad 2022 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Denmark squad UEFA Euro 2024}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
| fg = navy
| list =
{{Danish Football Player of the Year}}
{{UEFA President's Award}}
{{Premio Scirea}}
{{Italian Football Hall of Fame}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kjaer, Simon}}
Category:Footballers from Horsens
Category:Danish men's footballers
Category:Denmark men's youth international footballers
Category:Denmark men's under-21 international footballers
Category:Denmark men's international footballers
Category:FC Midtjylland players
Category:Men's association football central defenders
Category:VfL Wolfsburg players
Category:Fenerbahçe S.K. footballers
Category:Danish Superliga players
Category:2010 FIFA World Cup players
Category:UEFA Euro 2012 players
Category:2018 FIFA World Cup players
Category:UEFA Euro 2020 players
Category:2022 FIFA World Cup players
Category:UEFA Euro 2024 players
Category:FIFA Men's Century Club
Category:Danish expatriate men's footballers
Category:Danish expatriate sportspeople in Italy
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Category:Danish expatriate sportspeople in England
Category:Danish expatriate sportspeople in Turkey
Category:Danish expatriate sportspeople in France
Category:Danish expatriate sportspeople in Spain
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Germany
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in France
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain