Famous Finnish Sportspersons

Lauri Markkanen is a professional basketball player for the Utah Jazz in the NBA and the Finland national team. He began his career with HBA-Märsky in Finland before moving to the United States to play college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats. Markkanen was drafted in 2017 by the Minnesota Timberwolves and traded to the Chicago Bulls. After a stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he found success with the Jazz, earning an All-Star selection and the Most Improved Player Award in 2023.

Mika Häkkinen, also known as "The Flying Finn," is a former Finnish racing driver who achieved significant success in Formula One. He won the World Drivers' Championship in 1998 and 1999 while driving for McLaren. Häkkinen secured a total of 20 race victories during his Formula One career and played a key role in helping McLaren win the Constructors' Championship. After retiring from Formula One, he transitioned to the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) series before eventually moving into driver management and brand ambassador roles for various companies.

Keke Rosberg is a Finnish former racing driver who achieved success in Formula One by winning the 1982 World Championship. He made history as the first Finnish driver to clinch the championship title. Rosberg's career was marked by his skillful driving, strategic racing tactics, and determination to succeed at the highest level of motorsport. His legacy is further solidified by the fact that his son, Nico Rosberg, followed in his footsteps and also became a Formula One World Champion in 2016.

Tuukka Rask is a Finnish former professional ice hockey goaltender who played his entire 15-season NHL career with the Boston Bruins. He was consistently successful, winning the Stanley Cup as a backup in 2011 and leading the Bruins to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2013 and 2019. Rask won the Vezina Trophy in the 2013-14 season and was a finalist in 2019-20. He also holds numerous records for the Boston Bruins and ranks highly in various statistical categories among NHL goaltenders. Rask's career ended in 2022 due to hip issues.

Kimi-Matias Räikkönen, also known as "The Iceman," is a Finnish racing driver who competed in Formula One from 2001 to 2021 for Sauber, McLaren, Ferrari, Lotus, and Alfa Romeo. He won the 2007 Formula One World Championship with Ferrari and achieved several accolades, including the most podium finishes, third-most fastest laps, and second-most race starts in Formula One history. Räikkönen also had success with Lotus and returned to Ferrari before finishing his career with Alfa Romeo. Additionally, he competed in the World Rally Championship and NASCAR series.

Teemu Selänne is a Finnish former professional ice hockey winger who played 21 seasons in the NHL for the Winnipeg Jets, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, and Colorado Avalanche. Known as "the Finnish Flash," he is the highest scoring Finn in NHL history, with 684 goals and 1,457 points. Selänne achieved numerous accolades, including the Calder Memorial Trophy, Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, and a Stanley Cup championship with the Ducks. He also excelled internationally, winning medals in various World Championships and Olympics.

Teemu Pukki is a Finnish professional footballer. He began his career with KTP before moving to clubs in Spain, Finland, Germany, Scotland, and Denmark. Pukki joined Norwich City in 2018 and was named The Player of the Season in the 2018-19 EFL Championship. He has also represented the Finland national team since 2009, earning over 120 caps and scoring 42 goals. Pukki's impressive performance in the UEFA Euro 2020 qualification campaign helped Finland secure their first-ever spot in a major international tournament.

Matti Nykänen was a highly successful Finnish ski jumper who competed from 1981 to 1991, establishing himself as one of the greatest in the sport's history. He secured multiple Olympic, World Championship, and Finnish Championship medals, showcasing his exceptional talent on the slopes. Nykänen's remarkable achievements include winning gold medals at the Winter Olympics, World Championships, Ski Flying World Championships, and Four Hills Tournament, as well as clinching World Cup titles. He is revered for being the sole ski jumper to have triumphed in all five major individual competitions.

Paavo Nurmi was a Finnish middle-distance and long-distance runner known as the "Flying Finn" or the "Phantom Finn." He dominated distance running in the 1920s, setting 22 official world records between 1,500 metres and 20 kilometres. Nurmi achieved significant success at the Summer Olympic Games, winning nine gold and three silver medals in his 12 events. He remained undefeated in 121 races at distances from 800 meters upwards at his peak and maintained a flawless record in cross country events and the 10,000 meters throughout his 14-year career.

Heikki Kovalainen is a Finnish racing driver known for his successful career in Formula One and the Japanese Super GT series. He competed for teams such as Renault, McLaren, Team Lotus, Caterham, and Lotus F1, achieving a victory at the 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix. Kovalainen also won the World Series by Nissan championship, finished runner-up in the GP2 series, and earned his first pole position and victory while racing for McLaren. He later transitioned to the Japanese Super GT series, winning the championship in 2016.

Lukáš Hrádecký is a Finnish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen and the Finland national team. He began his senior club career with TPS and later joined Esbjerg fB, where he achieved success by winning the Danish 1st Division and the Danish Cup. Named the Finnish Footballer of the Year multiple times, he captained Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title. Hrádecký has represented Finland at various youth levels and played a key role in their qualification for the UEFA Euro 2020.

Pekka Rinne is a Finnish former professional hockey goaltender known for his successful career with the Nashville Predators in the NHL. He was drafted by the Predators in 2004 and went on to become their starting goaltender in 2008. Rinne won the Vezina Trophy in the 2017-18 season and was a finalist for the award four times. He led the Predators to their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 2017 and holds various franchise and league records, including most wins by a Finnish-born goaltender. Rinne is also recognized for scoring a goal in a game, a rare feat for NHL goaltenders.

Jari Kurri is a Finnish former professional ice hockey player known for his successful career in the NHL, playing right wing for five different teams. He played 17 seasons in the league, winning five Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers. Kurri was the first Finnish player to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and was named one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players' in 2017. He also had success internationally, playing for the Finland national team and being inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame. Currently, he serves as the general manager and owner of Jokerit.

Henri Toivonen was a highly talented Finnish rally driver who achieved notable success in the World Rally Championship. He secured his first victory at the 1980 Lombard RAC Rally and later drove for renowned teams such as Opel, Porsche, and Lancia. Despite facing a serious injury in 1985, he made a remarkable comeback and continued to excel in rallying. Tragically, his career was cut short when he lost his life in a fatal crash during the Tour de Corse rally in 1986, leading to significant changes in rally car regulations.

Robert Helenius is a successful Finnish professional boxer known for his achievements in the heavyweight division. He has held the European title twice between 2011 and 2016 and has won multiple regional championships throughout his career. As an amateur, he earned a silver medal at the 2006 European Championships. Notable victories in his professional career include wins over former world heavyweight champions Lamon Brewster, Samuel Peter, and Siarhei Liakhovich. Helenius has established himself as a formidable force in the boxing world with his impressive track record.

Mika Salo is a Finnish former professional racing driver who competed in Formula One from 1994 to 2002. His career highlights include standing in for Michael Schumacher at Ferrari in 1999, achieving his best ranking of 10th in the world championship that year. Salo secured two podium finishes during his time at Ferrari, contributing to the team's constructors' championship win. Additionally, he won the GT2 class in the 2008 and 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans, showcasing his versatility and skill across different racing formats.

Joel Pohjanpalo is a Finnish professional footballer who plays as a forward for Serie A club Venezia. He began his career with HJK in Helsinki and later moved to Germany to join Bayer Leverkusen. After successful loan spells in Germany and Turkey, he joined Venezia in 2022 where he became a fan favorite and team captain. Pohjanpalo has represented the Finland national team in over 60 appearances, including participating in FIFA World Cup qualifiers and UEFA Euro 2020.

Lasse Virén is a Finnish former long-distance runner who achieved great success at the 1972 and 1976 Summer Olympics, winning a total of four gold medals. He is renowned for reviving the legacy of the "Flying Finns" from the 1920s. Virén was honored as the Finnish Sportsman of the Year in 1972 and 1976. Following his athletic career, he transitioned into politics and served as a member of Finland's parliament during multiple terms from 1999 to 2007 and 2010 to 2011.

Tommi Antero Mäkinen is a highly accomplished Finnish racing executive and former rally driver. He is renowned as one of the most successful World Rally drivers, having secured four championships and 24 rally wins. Mäkinen's impressive career includes being a four-time World Rally Champion, winning the 2000 Race of Champions, and aiding Mitsubishi to the 1998 world constructors' title. Notably, he made history by becoming the first person to win a Championship both as a driver and as a team principal.

Esa Tikkanen is a retired Finnish professional ice hockey forward known for his successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for several teams during his career, including the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, New Jersey Devils, Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, and the Washington Capitals. Tikkanen achieved significant success in the NHL, winning the Stanley Cup five times, with the Oilers in 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990, and with the Rangers in 1994.

Mikael Granlund is a Finnish professional ice hockey centre who currently plays for the San Jose Sharks in the NHL. He began his professional career in Finland with Oulun Kärpät and HIFK, showcasing his skills in the SM-liiga. In 2010, he was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the NHL Entry Draft, where he played before joining the Sharks. Granlund's impressive performance on the ice has solidified his reputation as a talented and versatile player in the league.

Saku Koivu is a Finnish former professional ice hockey player known for his successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He started his NHL journey with the Montreal Canadiens after playing in the Finnish SM-liiga. Koivu made history by being the first European player to captain the Canadiens, holding the position for ten years. He also captained the Finnish national men's ice hockey team and was honored with induction into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2017.

Marcus Grönholm is a Finnish former rally and rallycross driver known for his success in the World Rally Championship. He achieved 30 rally wins and secured two championships in 2000 and 2002. Grönholm initially drove for Peugeot before moving to Ford in 2006, where he narrowly missed out on the drivers' world championship twice. After retiring in 2007, he made brief comebacks in 2009 and 2019 driving for Subaru and Toyota, respectively, showcasing his enduring talent and passion for the sport.

Jari-Matti Latvala is a Finnish rally driver renowned for his aggressive driving style in the World Rally Championship (WRC). With 18 event victories, he holds a notable record, despite not having won a championship. Often compared to the legendary Colin McRae, Latvala's skill and determination have earned him widespread acclaim. In 2021, he transitioned to a new role as the team principal of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, succeeding Tommi Mäkinen, showcasing his continued dedication to the sport.

Jari Litmanen is a Finnish former professional footballer known as one of the greatest players in Finland's history. He played as an attacking midfielder or second striker, captaining the Finland national team and achieving success with clubs such as Ajax, Barcelona, and Liverpool. Litmanen was a key player in Ajax's Champions League victory in 1995 and was once considered among the best attacking midfielders globally. Despite struggles with injuries later in his career, he remains highly regarded for his talent and contributions to the sport.

Miikka Kiprusoff is a retired Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the NHL for the San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames from 2000 to 2013. He began his career with TPS in Finland before moving to North America in 1999. Kiprusoff excelled in the AHL before making his NHL debut with the Sharks. A trade to the Flames in 2003 led to him becoming a starting goaltender. He set a record for lowest GAA in the NHL and won the Vezina Trophy in 2006. Kiprusoff holds multiple franchise records for the Flames.

Rasmus Ristolainen is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Philadelphia Flyers in the NHL. He was drafted eighth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Ristolainen has established himself as a key player on the blue line, known for his physicality and offensive contributions. Throughout his career, he has consistently displayed strong defensive skills and a powerful shot from the point. Ristolainen's presence on the ice brings a valuable combination of skill and toughness to his team.

Robin Lod is a Finnish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Minnesota United and the Finland national team. He began his senior club career with Klubi 04 before moving to HJK, where he helped the team secure multiple Veikkausliiga titles, Cups, and League Cups. Lod made his international debut for Finland in 2013 and has accumulated over 60 caps, participating in FIFA World Cup qualifications. He continues to be a key player for both his club and national team.

Emilia Pikkarainen is a highly accomplished Finnish swimmer with impressive records in various butterfly and individual medley events. She has represented Finland in multiple Olympic Games, showcasing her talent and dedication on the international stage. Pikkarainen's professional career is marked by her exceptional performances in swimming competitions, where she has consistently demonstrated her skill and prowess in the pool. Her achievements in the sport have solidified her reputation as a top-level athlete in the swimming world.

Kaisa Leena Mäkäräinen is a retired Finnish biathlete, known for her exceptional career achievements. With a remarkable record of being a former world champion and winning the world cup three times, she has showcased her talent and dedication in the sport. Competing for Kontiolahden Urheilijat, Mäkäräinen has demonstrated her prowess on the biathlon track. Alongside her sporting career, she is currently pursuing studies to become a Physics teacher at the University of Eastern Finland, highlighting her commitment to education. Supported by her team coach Jonne Kähkönen and ski coach Jarmo Punkkinen, Mäkäräinen has carved a successful path in both sports and academia.

Aleksander Barkov is a Finnish professional ice hockey centre and captain of the Florida Panthers in the NHL. Known for his elite two-way play, he was drafted second overall by the Panthers in 2013. Barkov debuted as the youngest player in the league and steadily improved despite early injuries. He set franchise records, won awards like the Selke Trophy, and led the Panthers to multiple playoff appearances. In 2024, he captained the Panthers to their first Stanley Cup victory.

Emil Ruusuvuori is a Finnish professional tennis player currently ranked World No. 37 in singles and achieved a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 179. As a junior player, he reached World No. 4 in the ITF combined junior rankings and had notable performances in Grand Slam events. Ruusuvuori has represented Finland in the Davis Cup with a win-loss record of 5-5, including a significant victory over Dominic Thiem. His professional career showcases his talent and potential as a rising star in the tennis world.

Jarkko Kalervo Nieminen is a retired Finnish professional tennis player who achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 13 in July 2006. He holds the Finnish record for the highest ranking. Throughout his career, Nieminen won two ATP singles titles and five doubles titles. He notably reached the quarterfinals of the 2005 US Open, the 2006 Wimbledon Championships, and the 2008 Australian Open. Nieminen is the first Finnish player to win an ATP singles title and reach the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam event.

Erik Murphy is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Kawasaki Brave Thunders in the Japanese B1 league. He was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 2013, marking the beginning of his professional career. Murphy also proudly represents the Finnish national team in international competitions, showcasing his skills on a global stage. With a successful career spanning multiple teams and countries, Erik Murphy continues to make a name for himself in the world of basketball through his talent and dedication to the sport.

Arto Saari is a renowned Finnish professional skateboarder and photographer. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, Saari has solidified his status as a pioneering figure in the skateboarding world. Known for his technical prowess and fearless style, he has pushed the boundaries of what is possible on a skateboard. In addition to his success as a skateboarder, Saari has also made a name for himself as a talented photographer, capturing stunning images that reflect his unique perspective and creative vision.

Ari Vatanen is a renowned Finnish rally driver and former politician. He achieved great success in the world of rally driving, winning the World Rally Championship drivers' title in 1981 and the Paris Dakar Rally four times. Vatanen also secured victory in the 1997 FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies. Transitioning into politics, he served as a Member of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2009. Vatanen's career is marked by his exceptional skills on the race track and his contributions to European politics.

Janne Petteri Ahonen is a retired Finnish ski jumper and drag racer, known for his remarkable career spanning from 1992 to 2018. Ahonen's legacy is marked by his exceptional success in ski jumping, where he achieved numerous accolades, including two World Cup overall titles, five Four Hills Tournament victories, two individual gold medals at the World Championships, and a triumph in the Nordic Tournament. Despite not winning an individual Winter Olympics medal, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest ski jumpers in history.

Sami Hyypiä is a Finnish former professional football player and current manager. He began his career at MyPa before moving to Willem II, where he became team captain. In 1999, he joined Liverpool, where he enjoyed great success, winning multiple trophies including the Champions League in 2005. After leaving Liverpool, he played for Bayer Leverkusen before transitioning to a managerial role. He managed Bayer Leverkusen, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Zürich, earning recognition for his contributions to Finnish football.

Leo Komarov is a versatile professional ice hockey player known for his ability to play all three forward positions. He currently plays for HIFK in the SM-liiga league and represents Finland internationally. Komarov has successfully transitioned from a natural center to a player capable of filling various roles on the ice. He made history as the first NHL player born in Estonia and has achieved success with the Finnish national team, winning gold medals in the 2011 IIHF World Championship and 2022 Winter Olympics.

Olli Jokinen is a Finnish former professional ice hockey player known for his extensive career in the NHL. He was drafted third overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 1997 and went on to play for various teams including the Florida Panthers, Calgary Flames, New York Rangers, and more. Jokinen had a successful tenure with the Florida Panthers, serving as captain and participating in the 2003 All-Star Game. Internationally, he represented Finland in multiple tournaments, earning accolades such as leading his team to a gold medal at the 1998 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and winning medals at the Winter Olympics and World Championships.

Mikko Hirvonen is a Finnish former rally driver known for his successful career in the World Rally Championship. He achieved numerous accolades, including placing third in the drivers' championship and contributing to Ford's manufacturers' titles in 2006 and 2007. Hirvonen also finished as the runner-up to Sébastien Loeb in multiple seasons. Throughout his career, he had experienced co-drivers such as Jarmo Lehtinen and Miikka Anttila, showcasing his adaptability and skill in the competitive world of rally racing.

Tim Sparv is a former professional footballer from Finland, known for his role as a defensive midfielder. After starting his career in the youth team of Norrvalla FF and Southampton's junior organization, he played for clubs such as Halmstad and Groningen. Sparv also served as an assistant coach for Sparta Prague in the Czech First League and the Finland national football team. He made his international debut for Finland in 2009 and went on to earn 84 caps, participating in FIFA World Cup qualifications in 2010, 2014, and 2018.

Karl Fazer was a renowned Finnish chocolatier and sport shooter. He established himself as a prominent figure in the confectionery industry, founding the iconic Fazer company which became synonymous with high-quality chocolates and confectionery products. Fazer's dedication to craftsmanship and innovation led to the creation of a wide range of beloved chocolate recipes and confectionery treats. In addition to his success in the chocolate business, Fazer was also known for his skills as a sport shooter, showcasing his versatility and passion for excellence in various fields.

Alexei Eremenko had a successful professional football career, playing as a versatile midfielder and set piece specialist for various clubs including HJK, Lecce, Saturn, Metalist Kharkiv, Kilmarnock, and clubs in Finland. He was known for his impressive performances and was nominated for the Players' Player of the Year award during his loan spell at Kilmarnock. Eremenko also represented Finland in international matches, scoring goals and making significant contributions to the team during his career.

Lauri Dalla Valle is a Finnish former professional footballer who played as a striker. He began his career in youth football with JIPPO and Inter Milan before moving to England in 2008 to join Liverpool. Dalla Valle later played for Fulham, Bournemouth, Dundee United, Exeter City, and Crewe Alexandra. He also had stints in Norway with Molde and in Belgium with Sint-Truiden before returning to England in 2014 to rejoin Crewe Alexandra. Dalla Valle represented Finland at various youth levels, including under-21.

Makwan Amirkhani is a Finnish retired mixed martial artist known for competing in the Featherweight division, particularly during his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He gained recognition for his impressive performances and fighting skills in the UFC. Amirkhani was known for his agility, striking abilities, and submission techniques, which made him a formidable opponent in the Featherweight division. Throughout his professional career, he showcased his talent and dedication to the sport, leaving a lasting impact on the MMA community.

Edis Tatli is a successful Finnish professional boxer known for his achievements in the lightweight division. He has held the European lightweight title on two separate occasions, showcasing his dominance and skill in the ring between 2015 and 2018. In 2014, Tatli also had the opportunity to challenge for the WBA lightweight title, highlighting his ambition to compete at the highest level in the sport. His career is marked by perseverance, determination, and a strong competitive spirit, making him a respected figure in the boxing world.

Kari Lehtonen is a Finnish former professional ice hockey goaltender who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Atlanta Thrashers and Dallas Stars. He was selected second overall in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by the Thrashers. Lehtonen is known for being the highest-drafted European goaltender at the time of his selection. He shares the distinction of being tied with Patrik Laine, Alexander Barkov, and Kaapo Kakko for the highest-drafted Finnish player in NHL history.

Jussi Jääskeläinen is a Finnish professional football coach and former player known for his goalkeeping skills. He notably played for Bolton Wanderers for 15 years, making 530 appearances and contributing to the club's rise in the Premier League. After leaving Bolton, he had stints at West Ham United and Wigan Athletic, where he won the League One title. He also represented the Finland national team, earning 56 caps before retiring in 2010. Currently, he serves as a goalkeeping coach for Ykkösliiga club PK-35.

Valtteri Bottas is a Finnish racing driver who has competed in Formula One for various teams. He started his career in karting before moving up to single-seater championships. Bottas joined Williams as a full-time driver in 2013, achieving multiple podium finishes. In 2017, he was signed by Mercedes as a replacement for Nico Rosberg and enjoyed successful years with the team, contributing to Constructors' Championship wins and finishing as a runner-up in the Drivers' Championship twice. He joined Alfa Romeo for the 2022 season.

Mika Myllylä was a Finnish cross-country skier who achieved great success in his career. He won multiple medals at both the Winter Olympics and the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, showcasing his talent and skill on the international stage. However, his career took a hit when he was caught doping during the Finnish 2001 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships scandal. Despite attempts to make a comeback, he ultimately retired in 2005 after struggling to return to the same level of success.

Kimmo Timonen is a Finnish former professional ice hockey defenseman with a remarkable career spanning 16 seasons in the NHL. He played for the Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers, and Chicago Blackhawks, amassing over 1,100 games. Timonen showcased his skills in various international competitions, including World Junior Championships, World Championships, World Cups, and the Olympics. In his final game, he secured a Stanley Cup victory with the Blackhawks in 2015. Timonen's exceptional contributions to the sport led to his induction into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2020.

Kalle Rovanperä is a Finnish professional rally driver competing in the World Rally Championship for Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT with co-driver Jonne Halttunen. He gained recognition for starting rallying at a young age and has achieved notable successes in his career. Rovanperä won titles in Latvia, made his WRC debut in 2017, and won the World Rally Championship-2 Pro in 2019. He became a works driver for Toyota in 2020 and went on to win his first WRC event in 2021, becoming the youngest driver to do so. In 2022, he became the youngest World Champion after winning the Rally New Zealand.

Kasper Woldemar Hämäläinen is a Finnish former professional football attacking midfielder who played for TPS and Djurgården. He made his international debut for Finland in 2008 and earned over 60 caps. Hämäläinen played a key role in Finland's UEFA Euro 2020 campaign, helping the national team secure its first place in the group stage. He returned to TPS in 2021 and concluded his professional career with the club in 2023.

Kasperi Kapanen is a Finnish professional ice hockey right wing playing for the St. Louis Blues in the NHL. He began his career playing for KalPa in the SM-liiga. Kapanen was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Notably, he played in an SM-liiga game alongside his father Sami Kapanen in 2013. Known for his speed and scoring ability, Kapanen continues to make a significant impact in professional hockey.

Tapio Rautavaara was a multi-talented Finnish individual known for his accomplishments in various fields. He gained recognition as a talented singer with a deep bass-baritone voice, captivating audiences with his performances. Rautavaara also excelled as an athlete, particularly in the javelin throw, winning a gold medal at the 1948 Olympics. Additionally, he showcased his acting skills on the big screen, further showcasing his versatility and talent. Throughout his professional life, Rautavaara left a lasting impact in the worlds of music, sports, and film.

Jesse Joronen is a prominent Finnish professional footballer known for his role as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Venezia and the Finland national team. He has established himself as a key player with his exceptional skills and performance on the field. Joronen made his senior debut for the Finland national team in 2013, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport. His presence in goal has been instrumental in various matches, earning him recognition and respect within the football community.

Hannes Kolehmainen was a Finnish four-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in middle- and long-distance running. He was a member of the Irish American Athletic Club in the United States and served in the National Guard of New York. Kolehmainen was known for his vegetarian lifestyle and was a skilled bricklayer. His athletic career was highlighted by victories at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm and the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp. He was a prominent figure in Finnish and international athletics until the rise of Paavo Nurmi.

Tyler Varga is a former professional American football fullback who began his career when he was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2015. He had a successful collegiate career playing football at the University of Western Ontario and Yale. Varga's talent and dedication were evident as he earned recognition as the OUA Rookie of the Year during his time at the University of Western Ontario. Throughout his professional career, he showcased his skills and commitment to the sport.

Eva Wahlstrom is a Finnish former professional boxer who competed from 2010 to 2020. She held the WBC female super-featherweight title from 2015 to 2020 and the European female super-featherweight title from 2012 to 2015. As an amateur, she achieved success by winning a silver medal at the Women's European Championships and representing Finland at the Women's World Championships. Wahlstrom is the most successful professional boxer from Finland, being the first and only Finn to have won a world title from one of the major boxing sanctioning bodies.

Emir Sulejmanović is a talented Bosnian professional basketball player currently playing for Casademont Zaragoza in the Liga ACB. Known for his versatility and strong presence on the court, he has showcased exceptional skills in both offense and defense. Sulejmanović's dedication to the sport, coupled with his hard work and commitment, has contributed to his success in the competitive world of professional basketball. With a promising career ahead of him, he continues to make significant contributions to his team and the sport as a whole.

Jouko Ahola is a Finnish former strongman, powerlifter, and actor known for his outstanding career achievements. He has won the World's Strongest Man title twice and Europe's Strongest Man title twice, establishing himself as one of the greatest strongmen in history. Ahola's exceptional strength and performance have earned him a reputation as one of the best pound-for-pound athletes in the world of strongman competitions. In addition to his success in strength sports, he has also pursued a career in acting, showcasing his versatility and talent beyond the realm of sports.

Hannu-Pekka Parviainen, also known as HP, is a well-known Finnish snowboarder and stunt performer. He is a member of the stunt group the Dudesons and has gained recognition for his daring and entertaining stunts. Parviainen's professional life has been marked by his fearless approach to extreme sports and his ability to captivate audiences with his performances. Despite facing challenges such as being unable to qualify for health insurance from companies in Finland, he continues to push the boundaries in his field and inspire others with his adventurous spirit.

Mikael Forssell is a retired Finnish professional footballer who played as a striker. He began his career at HJK Helsinki before moving to Chelsea in England. Despite several loan spells, he struggled to secure a regular spot in the Chelsea team. Forssell then joined Birmingham City before moving to Hannover 96 in Germany. He later had a brief stint at Leeds United before returning to HJK Helsinki. Forssell also had a successful international career, earning 87 caps for Finland and scoring 29 goals.

Sakari Mattila is a Finnish former professional footballer who played as a defender. He began his senior club career in Helsinki playing for Klubi-04 before moving on to HJK, where he made his league debut at age 18 in 2008. Mattila was the captain of the Finnish under-19 national team and went on to make his international senior level debut for Finland in March 2014. He represented Finland in various prestigious tournaments such as the 2016 UEFA European Championship qualifications and the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifications.

Ville Ritola was a highly accomplished Finnish long-distance runner known for his exceptional success in the 1920s. As one of the renowned "Flying Finns," he achieved remarkable feats in the Olympics, winning a total of five gold medals and three silver medals. His most impressive performance was at the 1924 Paris Olympics, where he secured four golds and two silvers, setting a record for the most athletics medals won at a single Games. Ritola's legacy in athletics remains significant, solidifying his place among the sport's elite.

Mikko Koivu had a successful professional ice hockey career, playing for the Minnesota Wild in the NHL for fifteen seasons, serving as captain for eleven of them. He was drafted in 2001 and joined the Wild in 2005 after playing four seasons in the SM-liiga. Koivu accumulated numerous franchise records in games played, assists, and points scored. He retired in 2021 after also playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Internationally, he captained the Finnish national team to a gold medal at the 2011 World Championship.

Petteri Koponen is a Finnish professional basketball coach and former player. He currently serves as the head coach of the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). Standing at 1.94 m (6 ft 4+1⁄2 in), he excelled in playing both point guard and shooting guard positions. Koponen was selected as the 30th pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2007 NBA draft, showcasing his talent and potential in the world of basketball at a young age.

Eero Antero Mäntyranta was a highly accomplished Finnish cross-country skier, renowned for his success in the sport. He participated in four Winter Olympics from 1960 to 1972, where he excelled by winning seven medals across three of the games. His exceptional performance at the 1964 Winter Olympics earned him the nickname "Mister Seefeld". In recognition of his achievements, the Finnish Ministry of Education honored him with the Pro Urheilu letter of recognition in 2000. Additionally, a museum dedicated to Mäntyranta exists in his birthplace of Pello.

Juha Kankkunen is a Finnish former rally driver known for his successful career in the World Rally Championship from 1983 to 2002. He achieved notable milestones including winning 23 world rallies and securing four drivers' world championship titles. Kankkunen's versatility was evident as he became a world champion with three different manufacturers. His achievements extend beyond WRC, with victories in the Dakar Rally and the Race of Champions. Post-retirement, he transitioned to business and politics, while also setting world speed records in Bentley cars.

Hjallis Harkimo is a Finnish businessman, sportsperson, and member of the Finnish Parliament. Initially a National Coalition Party MP, he later founded his own political party, Movement Now, due to dissatisfaction with traditional party politics. Harkimo has been vocal about his criticisms of government leadership and policies, despite initially supporting the Rinne Cabinet. He has actively participated in opposition activities and interpellations, advocating for change and reform in the political landscape.

Pekka Markkanen is a Finnish former professional basketball player who achieved recognition for his skills and contributions to the sport. Throughout his career, he received the prestigious title of Finnish Basketball Player of the Year three times, in 1989, 1993, and 1996. Markkanen's talent and dedication on the court made him a standout player in the Finnish basketball scene, earning respect from sports journalists and fans alike for his impressive performances and achievements.

Marja-Liisa Kirvesniemi is a Finnish former cross-country skier known for her successful professional career. She competed in multiple Winter Olympic Games and World Championships, winning numerous medals. Kirvesniemi was particularly dominant in long-distance events, showcasing her endurance and stamina on the ski trails. Throughout her career, she displayed a strong work ethic and dedication to her sport, earning her a reputation as one of the top cross-country skiers of her time.

Antti Mikko Niemi is a Finnish former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He had a successful career playing in the Scottish Premier League with Rangers and Heart of Midlothian, as well as in the English Premier League with Southampton and Fulham. Niemi announced his retirement in 2008 due to injury but made a brief comeback with Portsmouth in 2009. He has also been active as a goalkeeping coach, working with various teams including the Finland national team and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Sara Mustonen was a talented Finnish alpine skier who achieved remarkable success in a short but impactful career. She won numerous medals in Finnish alpine ski championships, showcasing her skill in various disciplines. Mustonen represented both her local club and the Finnish national team, demonstrating her dedication to the sport. Her accomplishments include competing in international championships and being recognized as the best alpine skier in Finland multiple times. Tragically, her promising career was cut short by a fatal skiing accident in Austria.