Ilari Kangasniemi

Ilari Akseli Kangasniemi (born 2 May 2007) is a Finnish professional footballer who plays as a centre back for club Leicester City.

Early career Kangasniemi began with local side Sepsi-78 before advanced through the ranks of the youth sector of SJK Seinäjoki.

In 2022, he made his senior debuts with the club's youth teams, playing in the sixth-tier Vitonen and the fourth-tier Kolmonen.

Club career During the 2023 season, Kangasniemi made six appearances with the club's academy squad SJK II, playing in Finnish second-tier Ykkönen. He also made one appearance in 2023 Finnish Cup for SJK II. On 25 September 2023, his deal with SJK academy was extended.

On 31 January 2024, Kangasniemi moved to Italy and signed a permanent contract with Inter Milan for an undisclosed fee. He was registered as a youth player in Inter Milan U17 squad.

On 26 August 2025, Kangasniemi returned to Finland and signed with Veikkausliiga club Inter Turku on a deal until the end of 2028. On 11 April 2026, he scored his first league goal, a winning goal on a stoppage time in a 2–1 home win over Ilves.

On 26 August 2026, he joined Leicester City on a five year contract, for a €2.5 million fee, making it the record transfer fee of Veikkausliiga.

International career Kangasniemi is a regular Finnish youth international, and has represented his country at under-16, under-17 and under-18 level.

Personal life His father Tapio is a Finnish volleyball player who has represented the Finland men's national volleyball team.

Career statistics