Karl Jakob Hein

Karl Jakob Hein is an Estonian goalkeeper born in Põlva on 13 April 2002. He developed with JK Loo and FC Nõmme United, making his first-team debut for Nõmme United at 16. In 2018, he moved to Arsenal, progressing through the club’s academy and signing a professional contract in 2019. Hein made his senior Arsenal debut in a 2022 Carabao Cup tie against Brighton and later gained experience on loan at Reading. He moved to Real Valladolid for the 2024–25 season, starting 31 La Liga matches and recording five clean sheets despite the club’s relegation. His subsequent loan move to Werder Bremen placed him in the Bundesliga, where he stepped into the starting lineup after an injury to Mio Backhaus. Hein made his Estonia senior debut in September 2020 and has established himself as a regular international goalkeeper, combining a 1.93-metre frame with shot-stopping and distribution.