Jari Litmanen, the legendary Finnish footballer, is lacing up his boots once more at the age of 55 after being registered to play for Tallinna Kalev’s third team in Estonia.
Litmanen, an iconic figure in the world of football, made his mark at Ajax, contributing significantly to the club’s UEFA Champions League triumph in 1995. He also had memorable stints at Liverpool and FC Barcelona. His last professional appearance was with HJK Helsinki in 2011, a season during which he clinched his solitary Finnish league title.
The former Finnish international, who represented his country an impressive 137 times, hung up his boots in 2011 at the age of 40. However, he is set to return to the pitch with Tallinna Kalev’s third team, as confirmed by the club, which is owned by former Liverpool player Ragnar Klavan.
Known affectionately as Kuningas or The King, Litmanen has resided in Estonia’s capital since at least 2010, balancing his life between Tallinn, where his family is based, and Helsinki, where he serves as a commentator for Finnish television.
In October, Litmanen made a cameo for Tallinna Kalev III, competing in the fourth tier of Estonian football, joining forces with his two teenage sons when the squad was short on players.
“They suddenly had a small squad, and since I had been training on the pitch, their coach approached me and asked: ‘Is it possible for you to join us in training so we can have one more player?'” Litmanen recounted in an interview with The Athletic in late 2025.
Tallinna Kalev will mark the tenth club in Litmanen’s illustrious career, adding to his extensive repertoire that includes FC Lahti, HJK Helsinki, MyPa, Ajax, FC Barcelona, Liverpool, Hansa Rostock, Malmö FF, and Fulham.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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