Nikolai Alho

Nikolai Aleksanteri Alho (born 12 March 1993) is an Afro-Finnish professional footballer who plays as a right-back for HJK. Initially a winger, Alho moved to a more defending role during his second stint with HJK. Beyond football, Alho is known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting various causes related to children and young people in Finland.

Club career HJK A product of his local side HJK, Alho came through its reserves, Klubi 04, before signing a professional contract on 2011, keeping him with the Helsinki-based side until 2014.

On 13 June 2013, he played his first league game for HJK and went on scoring twice in a 6−0 home win over FC Inter. On 17 September 2013, he signed a contract that was effective until the end of 2015.

In 2014 HJK qualified for the Europa League group stage. Alho scored the decisive goal against Rapid Wien in the qualifying play-off round match.

Loan to Lahti

On 22 August 2012, Alho was announced at Lahti on loan for the rest of the season.

Halmstad

Alho moved to Allsvenskan side Halmstads BK in January 2017. He left after one season. After a difficult season the team was relegated back to Superettan.

Return to HJK

Alho moved back to HJK for the 2018 season. After a successful season HJK won the Veikkausliiga. This was Alho's 4th domestic championship.

During the 2018 season Alho was also played as a right back by former HJK manager Mika Lehkosuo. Alho, known for his speed, aggressiveness and crossing ability, he was a perfect fit for a modern-day right back. Alho made the switch and had a successful season as right back during the 2019 season.

MTK Budapest He signed for Hungarian Nemzeti Bajnokság I (NB I) side MTK Budapest at the beginning of the 2021 winter transfer window.

Volos He signed for Super League Greece club Volos F.C. at the beginning of the 2022 winter transfer window, for an undisclosed fee. On 19 December 2022, his contract was extended until the end of the 2023–24 season. During the 2022–23 season, his first full season with the club‚ he played more minutes than any other player in his team, in all competitions combined. After the 2023–24 season, he announced he would depart from the club.

Asteras Tripolis On 17 June 2024, Alho signed a two-year deal with a fellow Super League Greece club Asteras Tripolis on a free transfer.

Second HJK return On 24 August 2026, HJK announced that Alho ahd return to the club on a contract until the end of the 2027 season.

International career He made his senior debut for the Finland national football team on 24 January 2014 at Nizwa Sports Complex in Nizwa, Oman, in a friendly match against Oman.

Alho was called up for the UEFA Euro 2020 pre-tournament friendly match against Sweden on 29 May 2021.

He announced his international retirement on 14 August 2026, having made 51 appearances.

Personal life Alho's biological father is Ghanaian and his mother is Finnish. He was adopted soon after by his English mother and Finnish father and was raised in Espoo with his younger sister, also adopted. He is a native speaker of both Finnish and English.

Alho attended the International School of Helsinki for the majority of his childhood, before transferring to Sports High School, the Mäkelänrinne Upper Secondary School.

Outside football Alho is also well known for making music. His debut single "Standing Right Here" went viral on YouTube and also hit radio stations in Finland in 2013. Alho was noticed by JVG the same year and signed a deal with their label, PME Records and WMG in December 2013. His contract with PME Records and WMG ended in November 2014. Alho has stated that he will continue to make music as a hobby but not sign again with a major label until after his football career is over. Football is and always has been his first priority.

Alho is also the owner of an independent record label, 325 Media. Other owners include Jesse Joronen and Valtteri Moren.

Career statistics Club

International

Honours HJK Veikkausliiga: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2020 Finnish Cup: 2014, 2020 Finnish League Cup: 2015

Finland FIFA Series: 2026

Individual Veikkausliiga Team of the Year: 2020