Statue of Allan Simonsen to stand outside Vejle Stadium

Denmark’s only Ballon d’Or winner, Allan Simonsen, will be honoured with a statue outside Vejle Stadium, where his career began and where he won three Danish championships with Vejle Boldklub in 1971, 1972 and 1984.

A private initiative, led by former sports journalist Tommy Poulsen and other figures tied to the club, has raised funds for the statue, which is estimated to cost around 1.1 million kroner. Vejle Municipality’s Economy and Business Committee has now approved a contribution of half the sum.

Poulsen, known as Tommy “Kuglepen,” argued that Simonsen’s legacy as one of Vejle’s greatest footballers and ambassadors made the statue a natural tribute. Locals in Vejle have welcomed the decision, with residents citing his skill, humility, and iconic status.

Council members, including Dan Arnløv, chairman of the Culture and Sports Committee, echoed the sentiment, describing Simonsen as a figure of deep local pride. The statue, to be sculpted by Danish artist Misja Rasmussen, is scheduled for unveiling on 3 May 2027—Vejle Boldklub’s anniversary and the 50th anniversary of Simonsen’s Ballon d’Or win.

Simonsen, now 73, earned 56 caps for Denmark, scoring 21 goals. His penalty against England in 1983 helped secure Denmark’s first-ever European Championship qualification in 1984.