Overview

The Unhappy Hero delves into the emotionally turbulent life of Denmark and Luton Town hero Lars Elstrup. Elstrup captivated Europe by scoring the pivotal goal for Denmark against France in the 1992 European Championship, and became a hero at Luton as he helped rescue them from relegation. But despite his footballing success, he endured an ongoing struggle with paralysing performance anxiety and depression. He left top-level football in 1993, seeking a fresh start and embarking on a spiritual path. He joined the cult of The Heart of the Sun, but found he could not escape his demons. This is an intimate portrait of one of football's most scandalous figures, exploring the psychological pressure and performance culture prevalent in the clubs he played for, including Feyenoord and Luton. The book shines a light on mental health in sport and the immense pressures faced by athletes, to spark a broader conversation around mental well-being in society and the need for discussion and support.

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9781801506625

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"""Lars's ups and downs with football AND ups and downs with depression are sympathetically described as well as his unusual involvement with the so-called Heart Of The Sun cult… Lars Elstrup is quoted in the book as saying, 'A football match is a team effort'. Just as this book is, taking two to write it, and well."" -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *"

Author Information

Carsten Hansen is a communication and psychology teacher and writer. He is the author of three previous books. His writing covers topics such as education, communication and social sciences. Jens 'Jam' Rasmussen is a journalist and author specialising in music, culture and football. He has published ten books including his 2004 debut, an acclaimed biography of world-famous Danish drummer and Metallica co-founder Lars Ulrich.

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