The White & Blue Reach 32

HJK Helsinki brings home its 32nd Veikkausliiga trophy, proving once again that it is the best team in Finnish soccer history. This piece of silverware further widens the gap between HJK and FC Haka, the team with the second-most league trophies in Veikkausliiga history. This year, the runner-up was Kuopion Palloseura, better known as KuPS, which finished just one point behind HJK. The last game was packed with emotion, not only because of the presentation of the medals and trophy, but also because both Saksela and Riku Riski are heading into retirement at the end of this season. The fans had the chance to celebrate their team’s achievement and bid farewell to the two players heading into retirement.

It has not been the easiest path to the trophy. In fact, HJK did not have the best defense or the best offense in the league, but what made the difference was its performances against contending teams: in the biggest games, it always managed to deliver. The stats show that FC Honka was the best-performing team with a goal difference of 26, compared to HJK’s 18. As everyone knows, stats don’t always paint the full picture, and like any protagonist in a great film, HJK wasn’t sure it would be crowned champion until the very last moment. Ultimately, this season has been a testament to the grit and tenacity of this team, which had to fight through adversity to win its third straight league title.

It is always sad to see players leave the team to head into retirement, especially players who have served the team for a considerable amount of time and left their mark on the club’s history. For that very reason, it is important to cherish what they have done for the club and to wish them the best for their future outside of playing soccer. The first player set to retire is fullback Janne Saksela, who has been playing for HJK since April 2, 2021. During his time in Helsinki, he appeared in 33 games and contributed to 5 goals, while proving to be a reliable player game in and game out. The second player who is heading into retirement is Riku Riski, a player with more than 130 appearances for Klubi and more than 50 goal contributions. Having joined on February 8, 2018, he has been a cornerstone of HJK’s last three consecutive league titles. Both players will be dearly missed, and HJK will have to find replacements, but the emotions the fans have experienced thanks to these athletes can never be replaced.

Every HJK Helsinki jersey features our MatchWornShirt logo on the sleeve, and it cannot be overstated how proud we are to be featured on the jerseys of the players who lifted this year’s Veikkausliiga trophy and represent the biggest club in Finnish soccer history.

Head to the auction if you want to own a piece of HJK Helsinki history.