Together for years, apart at last: The Holmgaard twins’ football story

Our Twin Stories section usually looks at pairs from the world of women’s football who share something in common or whose careers are closely connected. This time, though, the link is far more literal. Karen and Sara Holmgaard are identical twins, Denmark internationals who until recently even played for the same club.

Siblings sharing the same sport is nothing unusual. Football alone offers plenty of examples: Lauren and Reece James, Manchester United captain Maya Le Tissier and her step brother Alex Scott, or the Bellingham brothers. Beyond football, the Williams sisters immediately come to mind. Identical twins competing at the top level, however, remain relatively rare.

Karen and Sara Holmgaard were born on January 28, 1999, in the Danish town of Bording. Like many future stars, they first kicked a ball on a local pitch. Their journey began at Bording IF before continuing at Vejle BK and the sports academy Vejle Idrætsefterskole. What started as a pastime soon became something far more serious. For the two talented sisters, football marked the beginning of a shared path that would eventually take them across Europe.

Together on their way

For years, their careers moved almost perfectly in sync — even if their roles on the pitch differ. Karen operates in defence, while Sara plays in midfield. A major step for both came in 2017 when they signed for Fortuna Hjørring, one of Denmark’s strongest clubs and a launchpad for young talent. There, they collected their first major honours — including the Danish title and domestic cup — while also gaining valuable experience in the  Women’s Champions League.

The next stop was Germany. In 2020 the twins moved together to Turbine Potsdam, joining a Frauen-Bundesliga that was rapidly strengthening and becoming one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. Once again, their careers unfolded side by side. They arrived together — and left together too.

Their next destination was England. Everton signed both Danish internationals in the same move, with head coach Brian Sørensen describing them as two of the brightest talents coming through Danish football. Sara gradually established herself on the left side of defence, while Karen became an important presence in midfield.

National team debuts

By that stage, both had also become regular figures in the Danish national team. As in their club careers, their international journeys closely mirrored each other. They progressed through the youth teams from U17 to U19 before stepping into the senior setup. Karen made her debut first, in 2018, with Sara following a year later. By Euro 2022, they were part of the same tournament squad.

The first real divergence in their careers came in 2025. Spanish giants Real Madrid began to show interest in Sara — the kind of opportunity few players turn down. A club regularly competing in the Champions League and fighting for domestic titles offered a new challenge. Sara opted to test herself in Spain’s Liga F, while Karen remained at Everton, where she enjoys regular minutes and an important role in the squad.

Sara has gradually earned the trust of both the coaching staff and supporters in Madrid. She has scored twice in 17 appearances so far and once again experienced Women's Champions League football. Real now face a major test in the quarter-finals against their fierce rivals Barcelona.

Karen, meanwhile, is currently dealing with an injury and facing the challenge of returning to the pitch and reclaiming her place in the team.

One thing, however, remains unchanged. When Denmark take the field, the twins will meet again in the same shirt — aiming to help their country secure a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.