# Jussi Jääskeläinen > Finnish footballer **Wikidata**: [Q296375](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q296375) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jussi_Jääskeläinen) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jussi-jaaskelainen ## Summary Jussi Jääskeläinen is a Finnish former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper from 1994 to 2018. He is best known for his remarkable 15-year tenure with Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League, where he made 474 appearances and established himself as one of the league's most reliable shot-stoppers. ## Biography - Born: April 19, 1975 in Mikkeli, Finland - Nationality: Finnish - Education: Not provided in source material - Known for: Professional football career as a goalkeeper spanning 24 years - Employer(s): Mikkelin Palloilijat (1992-1995), Vaasan Palloseura (1996-1997), Bolton Wanderers (1997-2012), West Ham United (2012-2015), Wigan Athletic (2015-2017), ATK (2017-2018), Finland national football team (1998-2010), Finland national under-21 football team - Field(s): Association football (soccer) ## Contributions Jussi Jääskeläinen's primary contributions were in the field of professional football as a goalkeeper. During his 24-year career: - Played for Mikkelin Palloilijat (1992-1995), making 64 appearances - Played for Vaasan Palloseura (1996-1997), making 54 appearances and scoring 1 goal - Played for Bolton Wanderers (1997-2012), making 474 appearances - his longest tenure - Played for West Ham United (2012-2015), making 57 appearances - Played for Wigan Athletic (2015-2017), making 44 appearances - Played for ATK (2017-2018), making 1 appearance - Represented Finland's national football team (1998-2010) - Represented Finland's national under-21 football team ## FAQs 1. What national teams did Jussi Jääskeläinen represent? Jussi Jääskeläinen represented Finland at both the senior national team level (1998-2010) and the under-21 national team level during his career. 2. How long did Jussi Jääskeläinen play for Bolton Wanderers? Jussi Jääskeläinen had his longest professional tenure with Bolton Wanderers, playing for the club from 1997 to 2012, a span of 15 years. 3. What physical attributes did Jussi Jääskeläinen have as a goalkeeper? Jussi Jääskeläinen was 191 cm tall and weighed 80 kg, physical attributes that suited him well for the goalkeeper position. 4. What was the length of Jussi Jääskeläinen's professional career? Jussi Jääskeläinen's professional football career spanned from 1994 to 2018, lasting approximately 24 years. 5. Which position did Jussi Jääskeläinen play during his career? Jussi Jääskeläinen played exclusively as a goalkeeper throughout his professional football career. ## Why They Matter Jussi Jääskeläinen matters as one of Finland's most successful football exports who demonstrated that players from smaller nations could thrive in one of the world's most competitive leagues. His 15-year tenure in the Premier League with Bolton Wanderers established him as one of the league's most consistent performers and longest-serving foreign players. His reliability and professionalism set a standard for Finnish players aspiring to compete internationally. Beyond his on-field contributions, Jääskeläinen's career helped raise the profile of Finnish football and served as inspiration for future generations of Finnish players. ## Notable For - One of Finland's most capped goalkeepers at the national team level - Played 474 matches for Bolton Wanderers, making him one of their most played players - One of the longest-serving foreign players in Premier League history - Known for exceptional longevity in professional football, playing from 1994 to 2018 - Represented Finland at both senior and under-21 international levels - Maintained a consistent level of performance across multiple clubs and international competitions ## Body ### Early Life and Career Beginnings Jussi Jääskeläinen was born on April 19, 1975, in Mikkeli, Finland. He began his professional football career in his home country, joining Mikkelin Palloilijat in 1992. During his time with the club (1992-1995), he made 64 appearances without scoring any goals. In 1996, he moved to Vaasan Palloseura, where he spent two seasons, making 54 appearances and notably scoring 1 goal during the 1997 season. ### Bolton Wanderers Era The most significant period of Jääskeläinen's career came in 1997 when he joined Bolton Wanderers. He would remain with the club for an impressive 15 years (1997-2012), making 474 appearances. This tenure established him as one of Bolton's most played players and one of the longest-serving foreign players in Premier League history. During this period, he developed a reputation for reliability, agility, and shot-stopping ability, becoming a fan favorite and an integral part of the team that maintained Premier League status and even qualified for European competition during the 2006-2007 season. ### Premier League Career Continuation After leaving Bolton Wanderers, Jääskeläinen continued his Premier League career with West Ham United. He joined the club in 2012 and played for three seasons, making 57 appearances. His experience and professionalism were valuable assets to the team during this period. In 2015, he moved to Wigan Athletic, where he spent two seasons, making 44 appearances before concluding his English club football journey. ### Final Career Years Jääskeläinen's professional football career concluded with a brief stint at ATK in India during the 2017-2018 season, where he made 1 appearance before retiring from professional football in 2018. This brought his total professional playing career to 24 years, an exceptional testament to his longevity and commitment to the sport. ### International Career Jussi Jääskeläinen represented Finland on the international stage from 1998 to 2010, playing for the senior national football team. He was also part of Finland's national under-21 football team earlier in his career. His international appearances contributed significantly to Finland's development as a football nation and provided valuable experience for the national team during his 12-year tenure with the senior squad. ### Physical Profile Standing at 191 cm tall and weighing 80 kg, Jussi Jääskeläinen's physical attributes were well-suited for the goalkeeper position. His height provided an advantage in aerial situations, while his weight offered stability in goal. These physical characteristics, combined with his technical skills and experience, made him an effective goalkeeper throughout his career. ### Personal Life Jussi Jääskeläinen has a son named Will Jääskeläinen, who is also pursuing a career in football, continuing the family's connection to the sport. Jääskeläinen's native language is Finnish, reflecting his Finnish heritage and nationality. ### Legacy Jussi Jääskeläinen's legacy in football is defined by his remarkable longevity, consistency, and professionalism. His 24-year professional career, particularly his 15-year tenure in the Premier League with Bolton Wanderers, set a standard for excellence and dedication. He served as an ambassador for Finnish football in England and demonstrated that players from smaller nations could excel in one of the world's most competitive leagues. His career achievements continue to inspire aspiring Finnish footballers and contribute to the growing reputation of Finnish football internationally. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.iltalehti.fi/valioliiga/a/b8448326-f0e1-4493-9dbc-337098adbab9) 2. Transfermarkt 3. FBref 4. Argentine Soccer Database 5. As 6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013