A true Lion says goodbye: Mathias Zanka Jørgensen to leave F.C. Copenhagen
Mathias Zanka Jørgensen will pull on the white shirt for the final time on Sunday when the 2025/2026 season comes to an end.
But the lion will forever remain in the heart of the 36-year-old club legend from Østerbro.
With 315 official appearances for the Lions, Zanka holds a rare place in the club’s history. Since making his debut at just 17 years of age against FC Fredericia in September 2007, he has become synonymous with F.C. Copenhagen. His time in the white shirt has resulted in no fewer than five Danish league titles and five Danish Cups.
Zanka has therefore contributed to half of the club’s Danish Cups and one third of the club’s Danish championships, underlining his special status as one of the most successful players in F.C. Copenhagen history.
A circle completed
For Zanka, it is an emotional farewell to the club that has helped shape him for nearly 20 years.
“I’m very grateful that I got the opportunity to return to F.C. Copenhagen one last time. This is where I belong, and the club will forever be a huge part of who I am. It’s difficult to find the right words for what the club means to me – it simply can’t be described,” says Zanka.
Although recent months have brought sporting challenges, the defensive leader looks back on his final period at the club with great joy – especially on a personal level.
“Not everything has been perfect on the pitch, but for me it has been a dream to come home and represent the club that has meant so much to me throughout my entire career," he adds. "I’m especially happy that my son had the opportunity to see me play in Parken with the lion on my chest. That means far more than people might imagine.”
Leaving with deep gratitude
The main man leaves the club with deep gratitude and a belief that the club is heading towards a bright future.
“Our fantastic fans especially hold a huge place in my heart. Parken is always there for us. It has been truly overwhelming, and I’m so happy that I got the chance to experience it again,” says Zanka.
“I understand that the club wants to move forward with a focus on the future, and that it doesn’t involve me. I was aware that my final spell here could be very short, but that doesn’t make it any easier to say goodbye.
“After the season, I’ll take some time off with my family, and then I’ll spend some time figuring out what comes next. But there’s one thing I especially hope for – and that is for F.C. Copenhagen to very soon return to where the club belongs."
F.C. Copenhagen and Parken will honour Zanka during the club’s final Superliga home match of the season against Randers FC on Sunday.
Read about the decision not to extend Mathias Zanka Jørgensen’s contract here.