Rikke Sevecke, a former professional footballer from Denmark, has been diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a heart condition that causes irregular heartbeats, forcing her to retire from the sport at the age of 27. This diagnosis came to light in the summer of 2023 during a medical examination in Italy, where Sevecke was planning to move. Despite the initial findings, she played in the World Cup with Denmark’s national team before undergoing further testing in the United States where the diagnosis was confirmed.
Sevecke, who also played for clubs like Brøndby, Fleury 91, Everton, and most recently Portland Thorns, has since returned to Denmark to adjust to life beyond professional sports. She has become an ambassador for the Danish Heart Foundation, aiming to raise awareness of heart diseases, particularly in sports. Sevecke has criticized the inconsistencies in health testing across football leagues and has advocated for comprehensive health checks for all athletes through a letter written to FifPro.
As for her future, Sevecke is exploring various career paths and educational opportunities, including studies in anthropology, sociology, and architecture. She is also involved with Visa’s Second Half program, which assists athletes in transitioning to new careers post-retirement.