Santeri Leevi Oliver Väänänen

Santeri Väänänen is a Finnish midfielder known for disciplined work in central areas. He began at Pajamäen Pallo-Veikot before joining the HJK Helsinki academy at seven, developing alongside Matti Peltola in a local youth team. Väänänen made his senior debut for HJK’s reserve side, Klubi 04, in 2018, and later that year appeared for HJK’s first team at 16. Between 2018 and 2022, he helped HJK win four league titles and the Suomen Cup, while also gaining European experience in the Europa Conference League and Europa League. In December 2022, Väänänen agreed a four-year deal with Rosenborg, where his role developed from defensive screening towards a broader box-to-box midfield function. He made his senior Finland debut against Sweden in January 2023 and has also captained Finland Under-21s; he is listed with Karlsruher SC.