Bente Schmeichel: A Remarkable Life Beyond the Spotlight
Bente Schmeichel is a name often associated with Danish football royalty, yet her life and career extend far beyond her famous family ties. Known primarily as the former wife of legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel and the mother of professional footballer Kasper Schmeichel, Bente has carved out a distinctive path marked by philanthropy, professional achievement, and dedication to meaningful causes. This article delves deep into the life of Bente Schmeichel — exploring her age, marriage, family, career ventures, and impactful roles in various organizations.
Who Is Bente Schmeichel?
Bente Schmeichel is a Danish businesswoman and philanthropist who has played influential roles in the worlds of brand integration, charity, and sports coaching. While her connection to football is widely recognized due to her marriage to Peter Schmeichel and her children Kasper and Cecilie Schmeichel, Bente’s personal and professional endeavors highlight a multifaceted individual committed to making a difference in both corporate and humanitarian fields.
Bente Schmeichel Age and Early Life
Born in 1963, Bente Schmeichel is currently 61 years old (as of 2025). Although details about her early life are relatively private, her Danish roots have strongly influenced her life’s trajectory, particularly in terms of her commitment to community work and health advocacy. Her age signifies a lifetime of experience, both within her family and professional realms, which she leverages to positively impact those around her.
Wedding and Marriage: The Story of Bente and Peter Schmeichel
Bente’s life entered the global limelight when she married Peter Schmeichel, one of football’s most celebrated goalkeepers. The couple tied the knot in 1982 and spent over three decades together before their separation in 2013. During this period, they became one of Denmark’s most recognized sports families, supporting each other through the highs and lows of a career that saw Peter become a Manchester United icon.
Though the details surrounding their separation remain private, their shared legacy continues through their children and mutual respect. Bente has since maintained a private personal life and has not remarried.
Kasper Schmeichel and Cecilie Schmeichel: The Children of Bente Schmeichel
Bente and Peter’s children have both carved their own identities, reflecting the strong influence of their parents.
Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper Schmeichel, born on November 5, 1986, has followed in his father’s footsteps to become a highly regarded professional goalkeeper. Known for his time at Leicester City, where he played a pivotal role in their historic Premier League win, Kasper has also represented the Denmark national team with distinction. His relationship with Bente has always been close, with Bente offering unwavering support throughout his career.
Cecilie Schmeichel
Cecilie Schmeichel, the younger sibling, is known for her work as a blogger and influencer. Though less in the public eye compared to her father and brother, Cecilie embodies the family’s spirit of dedication and involvement in meaningful pursuits.
Bente Schmeichel’s Professional Journey
Bente Schmeichel’s career is a testament to her versatility and passion for making a positive impact. She has embraced diverse roles that showcase her leadership, coaching abilities, and philanthropic spirit.
Brand Integration and Film: Epos Film and Freelance Work
In recent years, Bente has focused on brand integration within the film industry. Since January 2025, she has been working as a freelance professional for Epos Film in Copenhagen. This role involves creatively weaving brands into film narratives in ways that engage audiences without disrupting storytelling — a challenging and valuable skill in modern media marketing.
Contract Work and Open Opportunities
Aside from her ongoing film work, Bente has remained open to new opportunities. Since October 2024, she has been engaged in contract roles within the Region Sjælland area of Denmark, operating under a hybrid work model. This flexibility highlights her adaptability in a dynamic professional landscape.
Volunteering: Karlebo Bokseklub and Parkinson’s Support
Bente’s commitment to community health is exemplified by her role as a volunteer boxing assistant coach at Karlebo Bokseklub, starting in March 2024. This position focuses on supporting individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease, combining fitness, camaraderie, and therapeutic activity. Her hands-on involvement reflects her compassionate nature and desire to give back beyond the business world.
Brand Ambassador and Leadership: Praesidio Group
Since September 2016, Bente has served as a brand ambassador for Praesidio Group, a company specializing in security, intelligence, and cyber solutions. Her position involves preparedness consulting, workshop facilitation, and event management — demonstrating her capability to handle high-responsibility roles with global impact.
Between March 2019 and March 2023, she also served as Vice President at Praesidio Academy, further emphasizing her leadership in training and development within the security sector.
Life, Sport, and Entertainment Coach
Since July 2020, Bente has worked as a freelance sport, entertainment, and life coach and consultant in the Sjælland region of Denmark. Her coaching philosophy integrates physical wellbeing, mental resilience, and personal growth, tailored to individuals and groups in varied industries.
Philanthropy and Ambassador Roles
Bente’s heart has long been committed to supporting critical health causes.
Goodwill Ambassador for The Eve Appeal and Mermaid Projektet
For nearly two decades, from 2005 to 2023, Bente was actively involved as a goodwill ambassador for The Eve Appeal, a prominent gynecological cancer research charity based in London and Manchester. She played a key role in organizing charity events, including the annual Mothers Day Ball in Manchester.
Building on this, from 2008 to 2023, she supported Mermaid Projektet, an influential Danish institution dedicated to funding and leading groundbreaking research in gynecological cancers. Bente joined these causes after recognizing the urgent need for awareness and research into these cancers, helping to promote early detection and improved treatments.
Her work here highlights her dedication to making a tangible difference in women’s health — combining advocacy with hands-on event organization and public engagement.
Licenses & Certifications
Bente has invested in her professional development through certifications such as the Life & Business Coach license obtained in July 2020 from Sofia Manning. This certification complements her coaching career, underscoring her commitment to continuous learning and delivering high-quality guidance.
Summary: The Woman Behind the Schmeichel Name
While many may know Bente Schmeichel as Peter Schmeichel’s former wife or Kasper Schmeichel’s mother, her story is rich with her own achievements and meaningful contributions. She balances a vibrant career in brand integration and leadership with profound dedication to charity, health, and coaching.
Her ongoing work in film, sports coaching, and philanthropy portrays a woman who transcends the fame of her family name, making a lasting impact in multiple fields. Bente Schmeichel embodies resilience, leadership, and heart — qualities that continue to inspire those around her.
