HJK ruling the Finnish roost

Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi (HJK), nicknamed “Klubi” and based in Helsinki’s Toolo suburb, are one of the world’s most decorated football teams. A current period of domestic dominance has seen them claim ten of the last13 Veikkausliiga titles, taking them to a total of 31 Finnish top-flight crowns since their foundation in 1907. They have qualified for the Champions League and Europa League group stages in the modern era, in addition to recording memorable victories in competitive games against the likes of Celtic, Benfica, Schalke and Torino.

They have long been the backbone of the Finnish national team, with 15 of the players called up for June’s international fixtures having played for the club, and an additional seven current players called up in the last12 months. Finland’s record cap holder, Jari Litmanen, and all-time top scorer, Teemu Pukki, are both Klubi alumni, as are former international stars Antti Niemi, Teemu Tainio and Shefki Kuqi. All this