Kasper Paananen

Kasper Vili Valtteri Paananen (born 16 March 2003) is a Finnish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder or winger for Allsvenskan club Kalmar FF, on loan from SJK Seinäjoki and the Finland national team.

Career Paananen was born in Helsinki but moved to Oulu with his family at an early age. He played for OLS, OPS, and OTP in his youth years, before he moved to Italy in 2019 and signed with Bologna organisation. Paananen spent four years in Italy, played 61 matches, and scored 20 goals in total for the youth academy teams of Bologna, before leaving in 2023.

He spent time with AIK, Trelleborgs FF, and played one match for Honka in Finnish League Cup, before signing with SJK Seinäjoki. He was first registered to the club's academy squad SJK Akatemia, playing in the second tier Ykkönen. For the next 2024 Veikkausliiga season, Paananen was promoted to the first team. In his first season in the league, Paananen made 28 appearances and scored eight goals. He started the 2025 season strong and scored four goals in the first four matches, helping SJK to start the season with the club's record-breaking four consecutive wins. Paananen was named the Veikkausliiga Player of the Month for April and August 2025.

Personal life His younger brother Julius Paananen is also a professional football player for AC Oulu. The former professional ice hockey player Jari Viuhkola is his maternal uncle.

Career statistics

International

Honours Finland FIFA Series: 2026

Individual Veikkausliiga Player of the Year 2025 Veikkausliiga Striker of the Year 2025 Veikkausliiga Top Goalscorer 2025 Ruutu Star Player of the Year 2025 Veikkausliiga Player of the Month: April 2025, August 2025