Finnish soccer has grown in global recognition over the years, producing world-class talents who shine in top leagues. As of 2025, these players combine technical skill, leadership, and consistency to stand out. Below is a list of the 10 best Finnish soccer players making waves internationally this year.
1. Kaan Kairinen
Position: Central Midfielder
Club: AC Sparta Prague (Czech Republic)
Market Value: €6.5 million
Kaan Kairinen is Finland’s most valuable player in 2025. Known for his precise passing and versatility, he dominates the midfield with an 88.22% pass accuracy and averages 50.6 passes per game. In the 2024/25 Czech First League, he provided 1 assist in 15 matches and created 1.13 key chances per game. His stamina and vision make him indispensable for both club and country.
2. Glen Kamara
Position: Central Midfielder
Club: Al-Shabab (Saudi Pro League, on loan from Stade Rennais)
Market Value: €6 million
Kamara’s composure and defensive awareness have earned him a spot in top European and Saudi leagues. In 2024/25, he completed 72% of his tackles in Ligue 1 and played 260 minutes across 4 matches. A key figure for Finland’s national team, he brings experience from clubs like Rangers and Leeds United, where he won league titles and earned UEFA Europa League recognition.
3. Lukas Hradecky
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Bayer 04 Leverkusen (Germany)
Market Value: €2.5 million
Hradecky is Finland’s veteran goalkeeper and captain. In the 2024/25 Bundesliga, he kept 2 clean sheets in 17 matches and made 43 saves with a 65.15% save rate. He holds the record for the most Bundesliga appearances by a foreign goalkeeper (300+ games) and led Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga title in 2024.
4. Teemu Pukki
Position: Striker
Club: HJK Helsinki (Finland)
Market Value: €1 million
Finland’s all-time top scorer (42 goals in 127 caps), Pukki returned to HJK Helsinki in 2025 after a stellar career in England and Germany. In the 2024 Veikkausliiga, he scored 6 goals in 9 appearances, showcasing his lethal finishing. His leadership and work rate remain unmatched, even at 34.
5. Joel Pohjanpalo
Position: Striker
Club: Venezia FC (Italy)
Market Value: €5.5 million
Pohjanpalo thrives in Serie A with Venezia, scoring 6 goals in 20 matches in 2024/25. His aerial strength and positioning earned him a 28% shot conversion rate, while his 1.47 shots per game highlight his attacking threat. He also ranks 8th among Finland’s top scorers with 16 international goals.
6. Robin Lod
Position: Midfielder/Winger
Club: Minnesota United FC (USA)
Market Value: €2 million
Lod is a creative force in MLS, known for his versatility and stamina. In 2024, he became Minnesota United’s all-time leading scorer (28 goals) and contributed 10 assists. His ability to play across midfield and forward positions makes him a tactical asset.
7. Benjamin Källman
Position: Striker
Club: FC Inter Turku (Finland)
Market Value: €1.5 million
Källman is a rising star in the Veikkausliiga, scoring 11 goals in 6 matches for Finland’s national team in 2024. His physicality and knack for scoring in tight spaces have drawn interest from European clubs.
8. Oliver Antman
Position: Winger
Club: FC Nordsjælland (Denmark)
Market Value: €1 million
Antman’s pace and dribbling terrorize defenders. At 23, he’s already a regular for Finland, scoring 3 goals in 6 appearances in 2024. His potential has made him one of Scandinavia’s most exciting young talents.
9. Robert Ivanov
Position: Center-Back
Club: Warta Poznań (Poland)
Market Value: €750,000
Ivanov anchors Finland’s defense with his aerial dominance and tackling. In 2024/25, he won 75% of his duels in Poland’s Ekstraklasa and led his team in interceptions (4.2 per game).
10. Rasmus Schüller
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Club: Minnesota United FC (USA)
Market Value: €400,000
Schüller’s tenacity and ball-winning skills shine in MLS. He averages 5 tackles per game and has 84 caps for Finland. His leadership and work ethic set the tone for both club and country.
Bottom Line
From goalkeeping legends like Lukas Hradecky to midfield maestros like Kaan Kairinen, Finnish players continue to impress globally. These athletes blend technical skill with determination, ensuring Finland’s growing influence in soccer. Whether in Europe, the Middle East, or North America, they prove that talent from the “Land of a Thousand Lakes” can compete at the highest level.