Kristen Nygaard Kristensen (born 9 September 1949) is a Danish former professional footballer who played for Dutch team AZ Alkmaar and several French clubs.

Born in Sunds near Herning, Nygaard started playing football with Holstebro BK.

He moved to IHF Aarhus, whom he helped win promotion from the Danish 3rd Division in 1969, by scoring 25 goals in 22 league games.

He played on for IHF Aarhus, but could not win promotion for the top-flight Danish 1st Division with the team.

With Alkmaar, he reached the finals of the international 1980–81 UEFA Cup tournament, which the team lost to English club Ipswich Town on aggregate.