Henri Toivomäki (born 21 February 1991) is a Finnish former professional footballer, who last played as a defender for KuPS. He previously played for Sarpsborg 08, FC Lahti, Atalanta, FC Hämeenlinna, AFC Ajax and Almere City FC.
On 3 October 2023, Toivomäki announced that he is forced to end his professional career due to a head injury he suffered in a UEFA Europa Conference League match against Derry City in July 2023.
Career
FC Lahti A product of the FC Lahti youth system, Henri Toivomäki made 45 appearances for the Finnish club. On 2 December 2009, he was on trial with the French club Racing Club de Lens. On 31 January 2010 Toivomäki was loaned to Atalanta, playing in Serie A, with an option to buy at the end of the 2009–10 Serie A season. The option was never activated and Toivomäki returned to Lahti, who were struggling against relegation in Veikkausliiga.
AFC Ajax On 3 January 2011, Toivomäki signed a -year contract with Dutch club AFC Ajax. Upon his arrival, Toivomäki stated that the influence of FC Lahti teammate Jari Litmanen was decisive in his decision to join the Amsterdam-based side. In the first instance, Toivomäki joined the selection of Jong Ajax. Sidelines for the entire 2011–12 season due to a groin injury, on 27 June 2012 it was announced that Henri would play for Almere CIty on loan from Ajax until July 2013 to find his form after recovery. Making a total of 8 league appearances in the Dutch Eerste Divisie for the side form Almere, and one appearance in the KNVB Cup, not being offered a contract extension following his loan spell however, Toivomäki was released from Ajax, returning to his native Finland.
Return to FC Lahti On 23 July 2013 it was announced that Henri Toivomäki had signed with his former club FC Lahti, following the announcement of the club manager Juha Malinen.
Sarpsborg 08 On 24 November 2015 he signed with Sarpsborg 08.
HJK Helsinki On 31 December 2018, Toivomäki signed with HJK Helsinki.KLUBIN PUOLUSTUS VAHVISTUU, hjk.fi, 31 December 2018
International career He has represented Finland at different youth levels, currently he is part of the Finland national under-21 football team. He is considered as one of the most talented junior players in Finland. He was selected to represent Finland U21 against Liechtenstein on 7 September 2010.
Toivomäki was called up to the senior Finland national football team, and made his debut in a 2–0 friendly loss to Romania on 5 June 2018.
Career statistics
Club performance League Cup Continental Other Total Season Club League Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Finland League Finnish Cup Europe1 Other2 Total2008FC LahtiVeikkausliiga150------1502009240106040350 Italy League Coppa Italia Europe1 Other2 Total2009–10Atalanta (loan)Serie A00------00 Finland League Finnish Cup Europe1 Other2 Total2010FC Hämeenlinna (loan)Ykkönen10------10FC LahtiVeikkausliiga90------90 Netherlands League KNVB Cup Europe1 Other2 Total2010–11AjaxEredivisie00------002011–1200------002012–13Almere City (loan)Eerste Divisie8010----90 Finland League Finnish Cup Europe1 Other2 Total2013FC LahtiVeikkausliiga110------110 Norway League Norwegian Football Cup Europe1 Other2 Total2016Sarpsborg 08 FFTippeligaen10040----140 Total Finland600106040710 Italy00------00 Netherlands8010----90 Norway10040----140TotalClub780606040940
1 Includes UEFA Europa League Qualifier matches.
2 Includes Liigacup and Johan Cruijff Shield. Honours Individual Veikkausliiga Team of the Year: 2022
References
External links
Henri Toivomäki at Altomfotball