Mads Roerslev
Full nameMads Roerslev Rasmussen[1]
Birth date24 June 1999 (age 27)
Birth placeCopenhagen, Denmark[1]
Height1.84 m[1]
PositionRight-back, right wing-back
CurrentclubSouthampton
Clubnumber2
Youthyears 1–2017
Youthclubs 1Copenhagen
Years 12017–2019
Clubs 1Copenhagen
Caps 15
Goals 10
Years 22017
Clubs 2→ Halmstads BK (loan)
Caps 21
Goals 20
Years 32019
Clubs 3→ Vendsyssel (loan)
Caps 34
Goals 30
Years 42019–2025
Clubs 4Brentford
Caps 4121
Goals 42
Years 52025
Clubs 5→ VfL Wolfsburg (loan)
Caps 57
Goals 50
Years 62025–
Clubs 6Southampton
Caps 69
Goals 60
Nationalyears 12015–2016
Nationalteam 1Denmark U17
Nationalcaps 116
Nationalgoals 10
Nationalyears 22016–2017
Nationalteam 2Denmark U18
Nationalcaps 23
Nationalgoals 20
Nationalyears 32017–2018
Nationalteam 3Denmark U19
Nationalcaps 310
Nationalgoals 31
Nationalyears 42018–2019
Nationalteam 4Denmark U20
Nationalcaps 44
Nationalgoals 40
Nationalyears 52019–2021
Nationalteam 5Denmark U21
Nationalcaps 56
Nationalgoals 50
Nationalyears 62024–
Nationalteam 6Denmark
Nationalcaps 61
Nationalgoals 60
Club-update18:04, 8 November 2025 (UTC)
Nationalteam-update15:13, 1 July 2025 (UTC)

Mads Roerslev Rasmussen (ˈmas ˈʁɶɐ̯s.le̝w; born 24 June 1999) is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a right-back or right wing-back for club Southampton and the Denmark national team.

Roerslev is a product of the FC Copenhagen academy. A fringe player after signing a professional contract, he transferred to English club Brentford in 2019 and was a part of the squad which was promoted to the Premier League in 2021. He made 146 appearances for the club prior to his transfer to Southampton in 2025. Roerslev was capped by Denmark at youth level and made his senior debut in 2024.

Club career

FC Copenhagen

A right-back, Roerslev progressed through the academy at F.C. Copenhagen and made his senior debut as a second-half substitute for Frederik Bay in a Danish Cup third round match versus Jammerbugt FC on 26 October 2016.[1][2] He capped a dream debut with a goal in the 6–1 victory.[3] Roerslev made four further appearances during the 2016–17 season and signed a new four-year contract in May 2017.[1][4] He worked to improve his one-on-one defending with experienced right-back Tom Høgli.[5]

Down the pecking order at the Parken Stadium,[6] Roerslev appeared sparingly during the 2017–18 and 2018–19 seasons.[1] He spent time away on loan at Halmstads BK and Vendsyssel FF,[7][8][9] but made few appearances for either club,[1] which hindered his development.[6] Entering the 2019–20 season completely out of favour,[10] Roerslev departed FC Copenhagen in August 2019,[6] after making 13 appearances and scoring one goal during three seasons as a senior player at the club.[1]

Brentford

2019–2022

On 7 August 2019, Roerslev moved to England to join the B team at Championship club Brentford on a two-year contract, with the option of a further year, for an undisclosed nominal fee.[2][11] Roerslev broke into the first team squad in October 2019 and by March 2020, after 10 appearances, his performances led to him signing a new four-year contract and promotion into the first team squad.[12] Roerslev ended the 2019–20 season with 14 appearances.[13]

A metatarsal injury suffered on international duty saw Roerslev miss the first four months of the 2020–21 season.[14] He returned to match play in early January 2021 and after a number of substitute cameos, an injury to his mentor, Henrik Dalsgaard, allowed him to break into the starting lineup in early April.[14][15] He held onto his place until the end of the regular season and through the playoffs,[16] which culminated in promotion to the Premier League after victory in the 2021 Championship play-off final, during which he assisted Emiliano Marcondes for one of the goals.[17] Roerslev finished a breakthrough 2020–21 season with 22 appearances.[16]

Following the release of first-choice right back Henrik Dalsgaard,[18] a change in formation to 3-5-2 saw Roerslev begin the 2021–22 season behind stand-in right wing back Sergi Canós in the pecking order.[19] The pair traded the position during the season.[19] Approaching the midway point of the season, mounting injuries in the central defensive positions saw Roerslev deployed in a right centre back role.[20][21][22] He finished the 2021–22 season with 26 appearances and one goal, scored with the winner in a 2–1 Premier League victory over Aston Villa on 2 January 2022.[23]

2022–2024

After beginning the 2022–23 season behind new signing Aaron Hickey and right-sided defender Kristoffer Ajer in the right back pecking order,[24] injuries to both players led to Roerslev assuming the starting right back role in mid-October 2022.[15] He signed a new three-year contract in February 2023 and finished the season with 23 appearances.[25][26]

The early months of 2023–24 mirrored that of the previous season, with injury to Aaron Hickey in late-October 2023 allowing Roerslev to take over the starting right back role.[15][27] He ended the campaign with a season-high 38 appearances and one goal, scored in a 2–2 draw with Chelsea on 2 March 2024.[28]

2024–2025

Owing to Brentford entering the 2024–25 season without either first-choice full back,[29] Roerslev was again the only recognised right back available and competed for the position with stand-ins Kristoffer Ajer and Sepp van den Berg.[30] He made 23 appearances prior to joining Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg on loan for the remainder of the season on 27 January 2025.[31][32] Roerslev made just seven appearances during the remainder of the season, predominantly as a substitute.[15] The loan had included an option to buy at the end of the 2024–25 season,[32] which was not taken up.[33]

With former loan right back Michael Kayode signed permanently and dual-sided Aaron Hickey fit again,[34][35] Roerslev remained an unused substitute during the opening match of the 2025–26 season.[15] Four days later, he transferred out of the club.[36] Roerslev ended his Brentford career on 146 appearances and two goals.[15]

Southampton

On 21 August 2025, Roerslev transferred to Championship club Southampton and signed a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[37] He made his first appearance for the club on 23 August in a 2–1 home defeat against Stoke City.[38][39] Following his return from international duty in October, Roerslev missed the next two matches due to Achilles bursitis.[40] On 25 October, he returned from injury in a 2–1 defeat against Blackburn Rovers.[41][42] In February 2026, manager Tonda Eckert revealed Roerslev underwent successful surgery on his Achilles tendon and was expected to miss the remainder of the season.[43]

International career

Roerslev was capped Denmark at every level between U17 and U21.[44] He was a member of the Danes' 2016 U17, 2018 U19 and 2021 U21 UEFA European Championship squads.[44][45]

In May 2022, Roerslev was called into the senior team's training camp prior to its opening 2022–23 Nations League A matches.[46] Following the withdrawal of Alexander Bah, Roerslev won his maiden call into the Denmark squad for a pair of friendly matches in March 2024 and he remained an unused substitute in both.[15][47] Two defensive suspensions saw Roerslev win his second call-up for a Nations League A match versus Switzerland on 15 October 2024 and he again remained an unused substitute.[15][48] Injury to Joakim Mæhle saw Roerslev receive his third call-up for the following pair of Nations League A matches in November 2024.[10] He made his debut with a start in the second match, a 0–0 draw with Serbia.[44]

Style of play

A right-back, Roerslev "is very good offensively – he is a good crosser of the ball, very good one-on-one, quick and energetic to get up and down the pitch. He is also good defending one-on-one".[12]

Personal life

Roerslev was a Manchester United supporter while growing up.[49]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational cup[a]League cup[b]EuropeOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Copenhagen2016–17[1]Danish Superliga3021―00―51
2017–18[1]Danish Superliga2010―00―30
2018–19[1]Danish Superliga0010―4[c]0―50
Total5041―40―131
Halmstads BK (loan)2017[1]Allsvenskan10――――10
Vendsyssel FF (loan)2018–19[1]Danish Superliga4010――1[d]060
Brentford2019–20[13]Championship1102000―1[e]0140
2020–21[16]Championship1702000―3[e]0220
2021–22[23]Premier League2012030――261
2022–23[26]Premier League2001020――230
2023–24[28]Premier League3412020――381
2024–25[31]Premier League1901030――230
2025–26[50]Premier League00――――00
Total1212110100―401462
VfL Wolfsburg (loan)2024–25[15]Bundesliga7000―――70
Southampton2025–26[50]Championship900010—00100
Career total149215111040401933
  1. ^ Includes Danish Cup, FA Cup, DFB-Pokal
  2. ^ Includes EFL Cup
  3. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  4. ^ Appearance in Danish Superliga relegation play-offs
  5. ^ Appearance(s) in Championship play-offs

International

[44]

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Denmark202410
Total10

Honours

Brentford

References

  1. ^
  2. ^ "Mads Roerslev Rasmussen signs for Brentford B". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 7 August 2019.
  3. ^ "To debutanter – tre mål" (in Danish). F.C. København. 26 October 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  4. ^ "F.C. København forlænger med Mads Roerslev" (in Danish). F.C. København. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
  5. ^ "Roerslev discusses his best defensive displays". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
  6. ^ "Mads Roerslev solgt til Brentford FC" (in Danish). F.C. København. Retrieved 7 August 2019.
  7. ^ "FCK bekræfter: Sender Keita til Halmstad". bold.dk. 21 March 2017. Retrieved 7 August 2019.
  8. ^ "Ung FCK'er forlader Halmstad efter fodfejl". bold.dk. 11 May 2017. Retrieved 7 August 2019.
  9. ^ "Mads Roerslev udlejet til Vendsyssel FF" (in Danish). F.C. København. Retrieved 28 December 2018.
  10. ^ Jensen, Anders (12 November 2024). "Dømt helt ude: 'Du bliver nødt til at hjælpe'". Tipsbladet.dk. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  11. ^ Harris, Jay. "Brentford's 25 B team players: Where are they now?". The Athletic. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
  12. ^ "Mads Roerslev signs new contract". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  13. ^
  14. ^ Marshall, Sam. "The Long Read: Mads Roerslev". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  15. ^
  16. ^
  17. ^ Vincent, Gareth (29 May 2021). "Brentford 2–0 Swansea City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
  18. ^ "Farewell to Henrik Dalsgaard". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  19. ^ Bennett, Dan (21 June 2022). "Four areas Brentford need to strengthen this summer". West London Sport. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  20. ^ ""We will try to be as aggressive and front-footed as normal"". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
  21. ^ "Howe influenced Newcastle from hotel room". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
  22. ^ Majid, Uzzi (12 December 2021). "Roerslev praises Brentford belief after mounting late comeback win vs Watford". Football.London. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
  23. ^
  24. ^ Bennett, Dan (28 December 2022). "Brentford set to recall Stevens from Swansea loan". West London Sport. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  25. ^ "Roerslev signs new contract". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
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  27. ^ "Hickey suffers injury setback". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
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  29. ^ "Frank staunchly defends Roerslev after Fulham performance". hounslowherald.com. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  30. ^ "Aaron Hickey's latest setback labelled "tough and devastating" by Thomas Frank". Vavel. 30 August 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  31. ^
  32. ^ "Roerslev joins Wolfsburg on loan". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
  33. ^ "Brentford confirm summer departures". Brentford FC. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
  34. ^ "Brentford make Michael Kayode transfer permanent from Fiorentina". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  35. ^ Tabuteau, Sam (29 July 2025). "Fit-again Brentford full-back Aaron Hickey ‘looking forward’ after injury nightmare". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  36. ^ "Mads Roerslev joins Southampton". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  37. ^ "Saints secure Roerslev signing". Southampton FC. 21 August 2025. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  38. ^ "Report: Saints suffer first defeat against leaders Stoke". Southampton FC. 23 August 2025. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  39. ^ "Southampton 1–2 Stoke City". BBC Sport. 23 August 2025. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  40. ^ House, Alfie (22 October 2025). "Southampton lose two defenders to injury as details revealed". Southern Daily Echo. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
  41. ^ "Fellows to miss Blackburn trip". Southampton FC. 24 October 2025. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
  42. ^ "Roerslev: Only we can turn this around". Southampton FC. 25 October 2025. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
  43. ^ Rees-Julian, George (20 February 2026). "Roerslev undergoes successful surgery on Achilles tendon". Southern Daily Echo. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
  44. ^
  45. ^ "Mads Bech Sørensen and Mads Roerslev in Denmark's Under-21 Euros squad". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
  46. ^ "Mads Bech receives first senior call-up for Denmark". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  47. ^ "Endelig! Mads Roerslev er indkaldt til landsholdet". Tipsbladet.dk. 19 March 2024. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  48. ^ "Mads Roerslev indkaldes til Herrelandsholdet Lars Knudsen har efter karantæner til Victor Kristiansen og Morten Hjulmand indkaldt Brentfords Mads Roerslev, så truppen til kampen mod Schweiz nu er på 23. 📸 @fbbillederdk #ForDanmark". No. 1845389282556485644.
  49. ^ "Mads Roerslev". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
  50. ^