Jani Lyyski

Jani Pekka Lyyski (born 16 March 1983) is a Finnish former professional footballer who represented IFK Mariehamn, VPS, Djurgården, and the Finland national team, leading IFK Mariehamn to the 2016 Veikkausliiga win as their captain.

Club career Early years and IFK Mariehamn Born on Åland, Lyyski started his football career in IFK Mariehamn. During 2000 and 2001, he resided in Stockholm and played with Spånga IS and youth football with Brommapojkarna.

After the 2008 season, he moved to Vaasa and the club Vaasan Palloseura in November 2008.

Djurgården On 26 November 2009, he signed on for Swedish side Djurgårdens IF. Upon arrival, he was one of four Finnish players in the squad, together with Kasper Hämäläinen, Joona Toivio, and Joel Perovuo. Lyyski made his Allsvenskan debut for Djurgården on 14 March 2010 against BK Häcken. Lyyski and Toivio started the season as the central defender dup, but Prince Ikpe Ekong was soon chosen over Lyyski.

Lyyski left the club after the 2011 season.

Return to IFK Mariehamn In March 2012, Lyyski returned to IFK Mariehamn. Lyyski became captain of the team and led them to win the 2015 Finnish Cup and the 2016 Veikkausliiga title. In 2017, after a total of 15 seasons with IFK Mariehamn, he played his last match for the club as no contract renewal was offered.

International career Lyyski received a call-up to the Åland official football team in 1999 but didn't make any appearance for them.

On 18 January 2010, Lyyski made his first appearance for the Finland national team, in friendly match against South Korea in Málaga, Spain. He was in the starting line-up and played the whole match.

Personal life His father Pekka Lyyski is a former manager of IFK Mariehamn.

Lyyski has worked as a football commentator for Swedish-speaking YLE.

Career statistics Club

International

Honours IFK Mariehamn Veikkausliiga: 2016 Finnish Cup: 2015

Individual Veikkausliiga Team of the Year: 2016 Veikkausliiga Defender of the Year: 2016 Veikkausliiga Player of the Month: October 2017