Julius Paananen

Julius Paananen (born 26 November 2006) is a Finnish professional football midfielder for Veikkausliiga side AC Oulu.

Club career Paananen signed his first professional contract with AC Oulu on 18 June 2023, on a deal until the end of 2024 with an option to extend. He made his debut in Veikkausliiga on 6 October 2023, in away game against Ilves. His contract was extended in April 2025 on a two-year deal with a one-year option, and later Paananen scored his first Veikkausliiga goal on 26 April, in a home loss against Inter Turku.

International career Paananen has represented Finland at under-17, under-18 and under-19 youth international levels. He was chosen to the mens under-21 team Finland in the spring and summer of 2026.

Personal life His older brother Kasper Paananen is also a professional football player for SJK.

Career statistics

Honours Finnish FA, Northern Finland: Boy Player of the Year 2023