Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup Opens Up About Sharing Explicit Content
Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup has publicly addressed a November 2025 conviction related to sharing sexual content involving minors. The incident, stemming from actions while he played for Nordsjælland two years prior, led Schjelderup to believe his career was over.
The Incident and Initial Reaction
According to an interview with Norwegian broadcaster TV2, Schjelderup received a phone call from Danish police on June 23, 2025, informing him of the accusation. He admitted to sharing a video with a group of friends on Snapchat, describing the act as “reckless” and expressing deep regret. “I didn’t know what to do. It’s something I’m not proud of,” he stated, characterizing the moment as a “brain hemorrhage.”
A Moment of Self-Reflection
Schjelderup reflected on a past he perceived as flawless, stating, “Until then, I felt like I had lived my life without making a single mistake. I always did quality and was a good example.” He acknowledged his role as a public figure, adding, “I know I have been a role model for many, I am aware of it. I felt like I had made a mistake myself and that I wanted to fix it myself.”
Support from Family
The footballer described the period following the accusation as a time of immense personal crisis, stating, “It felt like the world was collapsing on me. At that moment, you think your life is over.” He credited his father and family with providing crucial support and helping him regain composure.
Benfica’s Response
Despite the conviction, Benfica has publicly supported Schjelderup. This decision has sparked debate regarding accountability within European football, as reported by The Portugal Post.
Andreas Schjelderup: Career Overview
Andreas Rædergård Schjelderup (born June 1, 2004) is a Norwegian professional footballer who currently plays as a left winger or forward for Benfica and the Norway national team. As of March 21, 2026, he has made 42 appearances for Benfica, scoring 5 goals. He also has 8 caps for the Norway national team, with no goals scored. Wikipedia provides a detailed overview of his career.
Early Career and Nordsjælland
Schjelderup began his youth career at Bodø/Glimt before moving to Nordsjælland in July 2020. He made his senior debut for Nordsjælland on February 7, 2021, becoming the 13th youngest player in Superliga history at 16 years and 248 days aged. He scored his first senior goal for the club on March 12, 2021.
Move to Benfica
Benfica secured Schjelderup’s transfer from Nordsjælland in January 2023 for a reported €9 million, beating out interest from Saint-Étienne. Transfermarkt notes that Nordsjælland retains a 20% sell-on clause, and Benfica has a €100 million release clause for the player.
Recent Loan
Schjelderup was loaned back to Nordsjælland in 2023, where he made 26 appearances and scored 9 goals.
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