Mads Junker

Mads Junker is a Danish striker for KV Mechelen. He was born on 21 April 1981 in Copenhagen.

At the start of his youth career Junker played for several youth clubs such as Humlebæk, Helsingør and Oure. In the late 1990s, Mads joined the academy of Svendborg fB where he trained until 1999.

In the summer of 1999 Junker penned his first professional contract with the Danish Superliga side Lyngby BK. For one year of performances at the club the footballer netted 4 goals in 23 appearances. In the summer of 2000 the club’s management decided to send Mads on loan so that he didn’t lose the game experience.

Junker’s temporary club for the 2000/01 season became Fremad Amager where he earned 27 appearances delivering 16 goals. At the start of 2002, Brøndby IF welcomed Mads into the fold. Despite the managers’ hopes, he was never a great success and went on a season-long loan to the Danish 1st Division side Ølstykke FC. During one season the Dane appeared in 30 games scoring 23 goals, which was a record in his career.

In 2004 Junker was acquired by FC Nordsjælland. In the 1st half of the season he fired 11 goals convincing the management that the purchase was worth the money. The start of the 2005/06 season turned out to be gloomy for Mads as he was caught red handed cheating his team mates in a series of poker games. After the gambling incident was over, Junker regained the confidence of the coach and his team mates. In the ongoing season he netted 15 goals attracting the attention of foreign clubs.

During the winter transfer period, the striker moved to Dutch Eredivisie side Vitesse Arnhem for 10 mln DKK. Mads debuted for the new team in the match versus Feyenoord, but had to be substituted due to a hip injury. In the 2004/05 season the striker kicked 9 goals for Vitesse. During the following season Junker lost his excellent form and was replaced in the starting line-up by Anduele Pryor. Mads was not happy with the situation and began to think about the possibility of changing the club.

In the summer of 2009, the footballer went on a season-long loan to Roda JC where he had no difficulties in becoming a regular starter. Junker proved to the whole team that he was the key striker having netted 21 goals in 34 league appearances. In July 2010, Roda JC reached an agreement with Vitesse on the acquisition of the footballer. For two years Mads scored 25 goals in 52 matches for Roda JC.

In June 2012, the Dane signed for Belgian side KV Mechelen.

Starting from 2006 Mads has been a member of the Danish national team. All in all, he has played 6 games delivering 1 goal.