Saara Katariina Kosola ( born 24 February 2001) is a Finnish professional footballer who plays as a wing-back for Toppserien club Vålerenga and the Finland national team. She is seen as one of the rising stars of the Finland national team.
Early career Born in Hämeenlinna, Kosola started football with local club Hämeenlinnan Jalkapalloseura. She also played briefly for youth teams of Ilves, Hämeenlinnan Härmä, and Helsinki-based HFA Märsky. She made her senior debut with Härmä in 2018, playing in third-tier and scoring nine goals in six appearances.
Club career For the 2020 Kansallinen Liiga season, Kosola joined reigning champions HJK Helsinki. On 21 August 2020, it was announced that Kosola would continue with the club. During her time at HJK, she scored 9 goals in 41 games, and became one of the best wingers in the league.
In 2022, Kosola was announced by Damallsvenskan club Umeå IK.
In 2023, Kosola was announced at KIF Örebro, signing for the 2023 season.
On 29 August 2023, Kosola was announced at BK Häcken, signing a three-year deal with the club for an undisclosed fee. On 23 November 2023, Kosola scored the 2nd goal in a 2–1 win over Real Madrid in the UEFA Women's Champions League, scoring in the 76th minute. In April 2024, she suffered a serious ankle injury that kept her out for months.
On 7 January 2025, Kosola signed with Malmö FF on a three-year deal.Katariina Kosola siirtyy Malmön riveihin, Yle, 7 January 2025
International career Kosola represented Finland U17 at the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Uruguay.
Whilst playing for Umeå IK, Kosola got her first call up to the Finland national team, joining teammate Vilma Koivisto.
Kosola scored two goals against Slovakia in the 2023–24 UEFA Women's Nations League B.
Kosola was part of the Finland squad that won the 2023 Cyprus Women's Cup for the first time.
On 19 June 2025, Kosola was called up to the Finland squad for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025. On 2 July, in the first match of the tournament, Kosola scored the match winner for Finland in a 1–0 win against Iceland,Katariina Kosola kertoi, mitä kulisseissa tapahtui Suomen voitonjuhlissa, Ilta-Sanomat, 2 July 2025 winning also the Player of the Match award.Player of the Match: Katariina Kosola, UEFA, 2 July 2025
Career statistics Club Katariina Kosola , Swedish Football Association + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupEuropeOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsHämeenlinnan Härmä2018Naisten Kakkonen69–––69HJK2020Kansallinen Liiga1832110–2142021Kansallinen Liiga23643––279Total4196410004813Umeå IK2022Damallsvenskan24243––285KIF Örebro2023Damallsvenskan17030––200BK Häcken2023Damallsvenskan9151102–2442024Damallsvenskan400000–40Total1315110200284Malmö FF2025Damallsvenskan11030––140Career total112212181120014431
International
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsFinland20221020231132024502025121202651Total345
International goals Scores and results list Finland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Kosola goal.
+ List of international goals scored by Katariina Kosola No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition1. 7 April 2023 NTC Senec, Senec, Slovakia 1–0 1–0 Friendly2. 22 September 2023 Veritas Stadium, Turku, Finland 3–0 4–0 2023–24 UEFA Women's Nations League 3. 4–0 4. 2 July 2025 Arena Thun, Thun, Switzerland 1–0 1–0 UEFA Women's Euro 2025 5. 14 April 2026 Töölö Football Stadium, Helsinki, Finland 1–0 4–2 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
References
External links