Former Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner is now living a very different life as he turns 38. Branded with his infamous “Lord Bendtner” status, the Dane has become something of a meme in Premier League folklore. His career was littered with controversy, including a UEFA ban for revealing betting logos on his underwear during a goal celebration, a jail sentence for assaulting a taxi driver, clashes with teammates, and a level of self-belief that often bordered on arrogance.
Yet, Bendtner also did plenty of good things for the Gunners in the early stages of his career. He registered 47 goals and 22 assists in 171 appearances, numbers that suggested a player on a clear upward trajectory from the outset. That early promise flattered to deceive, however, and in 2021 - after spells with Sunderland, Birmingham City, Wolfsburg and Juventus, where he won a Serie A title - he retired from football at the age of 33.
In the modern era of the game, that is a relatively young age to call it a day, but there are many examples of former footballers finding success elsewhere. Fabien Barthez reinvented himself as a racing driver, while Dani Osvaldo swapped the pitch for the stage as a rock musician. While not as stunning as those career changes, Bendtner has discovered his own sense of purpose away from the pitch.
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Nicklas Bendtner Now Owns His Own Gaming Company
Nicolas Bendtner celebrates scoring for Arsenal.Photo courtesy of Reuters.
Like many, Bendtner’s newfound passions were discovered during the 2020 lockdown, when he found himself playing 'Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.' According to Esports Insider, the former striker went on to create his own group, which he calls Legendary Gaming Group, as he revealed back in 2024, as per The Sun:
“My own role in the company will be an active one, but what the exact title will be is not 100% decided yet, as it also depends on what roles the other sports profiles coming in will have.”
The new company has already acquired majority stakes in several esports firms, including New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and a yet-to-be-named esports and gaming brand. Esports Insider also learned that Legendary Gaming Group had acquired 100% of the Danish esports organisation Team Singularity.
In May 2025, the group added Peter Ankersen, professional footballer and retired Copenhagen star, to its ownership team. “I’m thrilled to join this visionary project,” Ankersen said, as per ESports News. “Gaming and esports have always been passions of mine, and Legendary Gaming Group is creating something truly unique that unites communities and inspires the next generation.
“When Nicklas Bendtner approached me with this opportunity while we were playing Counter-Strike together, I couldn’t pass the opportunity.”
The Highs and Lows of Bendtner's Playing Days
Nicklas Bendtner in action for Juventus
Bendtner burst onto the scene as a prodigious talent, joining Arsenal’s Hale End academy at 16 and making his senior debut at 17. Hailed for his physicality and goalscoring potential, he showed early promise during loans at Birmingham City and with key goals for the Gunners, with his best term seeing him score 14 goals in the 2009/10 season. His self-confidence was legendary, at one point declaring himself among the world’s best strikers.
Nowadays, he can never lay claim to being within the top 100 strikers of his generation, let alone in history. But one thing he can boast is having set a Premier League record that should prove insurpassable when he scored just 1.8 seconds after being subbed on, heading in a Cesc Fabregas corner to win the North London Derby 2-1 in 2007. Watch the goal below:
However, Bendtner’s career ultimately derailed due to inconsistency, injuries, and attitude issues. At the end of the summer 2019 transfer window, Bendtner decided to return to his boyhood club, Copenhagen. He had mixed fortunes with Wolfsburg, Nottingham Forest and Rosenborg during the twilight of his career, but seemed determined to end on a high. Fans flocked to the club shop to don the name of their hero, but would you believe it, they sold out of Bendtner home shirts.
"There has been huge interest in securing our new home jersey with Bendtner 32 on the back," shop manager Martin Nohr said, according to GOAL. "This has meant the jersey is sold out in all adult sizes. Swift work will be done and the jersey will be in stock in all sizes again in seven to 14 days."
Nicolas Bendtner celebrates scoring for Arsenal. Related
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The retired former Denmark international got along with almost everyone during his time in England, except for his own strike partner.
Bendtner's return to the capital club was short-lived. He was clearly well below standard and managed only one goal in nine appearances before calling it quits, leaving and joining part-time side Tarnby FF in the lower divisions of Denmark before finally retiring in 2021.
Off-pitch antics only compounded his decline, from heavy partying and a £400,000 gambling loss to drunk driving convictions and the infamous Paddy Power pants incident - turning a player of genuine potential into the punchline of many football jokes.