As the UEFA Women's Euros 2025 continues, the football world eagerly anticipates the emergence of fresh talent ready to leave an indelible mark on the tournament.
A name that warrants close attention within Finland's squad is Katariina Kosola, a dynamic left winger for Damallsvenskan club Malmo FF.
At 24 years old, Kosola has already proven her ability to perform on big stages, including the UEFA Women's Champions League and Nations League. With qualification to the quarterfinals to be decided on matchday three of the group stage, she is poised to be a key figure for her national team when it comes to their hopes of progressing.
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Katariina Kosola: Finnish fabrication to Swedish success
Katariina Kosola's football journey began in Finland, where she quickly made a name for herself as a promising winger with HJK. Her impressive performances in the Kansallinen Liiga, where she became one of the league's best wingers, earned her a move to Sweden's top flight, the Damallsvenskan. She played for Umea IK and KIF Orebro before joining BK Hacken, where she gained valuable Champions League experience, even scoring a decisive goal against Real Madrid. In January 2025, she made a significant move to Malmo, further solidifying her presence in one of Scandinavia's top leagues.
Kosola's playing style is characterised by her explosive pace, directness, and ability to create and score goals. As a winger, she thrives on taking on defenders, using her quick acceleration and dribbling skills to get into dangerous positions. She is adept at cutting inside to unleash powerful shots or delivering precise crosses into the box, as seen in her impressive run and finish for the opening goal of the tournament. Her background also includes playing as a wing-back, which has honed her defensive awareness and work rate, making her a more complete player capable of contributing across the pitch.
Lift off!
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 2, 2025
Katariina Kosola bags the first goal of the tournament to fire Finland to their first win at the Euros since 2009! #BBCFootball #WEuro2025 pic.twitter.com/BPsyPUQuDu
Katariina Kosola: Why should we remember her name?
Katariina Kosola is already drawing signification attention this summer. Here's why:
- Game-changing pace and dribbling: Kosola's most electrifying attribute is her blistering pace and direct dribbling. She is incredibly difficult to contain in wide areas, constantly looking to drive past defenders and penetrate the opposition's rearguard. This ability to stretch the play and create one-on-one situations will be a vital weapon for Finland, especially against teams that play a high defensive line.
- Goal-scoring threat from wide areas: While primarily a winger, Kosola has a keen eye for goal. She is not afraid to shoot from distance and has a knack for finding the top corner, as demonstrated by her crucial match-winner against Iceland in the Euro 2025 opener. Her ability to score from wide positions adds an unpredictable element to Finland's attack.
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- Versatility and work rate: Kosola's experience as both a winger and a wing-back means she possesses a strong understanding of defensive responsibilities, often tracking back to support her full-back. This versatility allows her to adapt to different tactical setups and contribute significantly to both attacking and defensive phases, making her a valuable asset for the Finnish national team.
- Big-game experience: Having scored in the UEFA Women's Champions League against a team like Real Madrid and netting a winner in the Euro 2025 opener, Kosola has proven she can perform on the biggest stages. This experience and confidence in high-stakes matches will be crucial for Finland's hopes of continuing into the knockouts.
Katariina Kosola: Euro 2025 impact and future prospects
For Finland, Kosola is a key attacking force. Her ability to create chances, stretch defences, and score crucial goals will be paramount to their success at Euro 2025. Having already delivered a match-winning performance, she has shown she can be the difference-maker for her team. She has the potential to be one of the tournament's standout wingers, solidifying her status as a top-tier player.
Long-term, Kosola's career prospects are exceptionally bright. Playing in a competitive league like the Damallsvenskan and having Champions League experience provides an excellent platform for her continued development. With her combination of pace, technical skill, and goal-scoring ability, she has all the attributes to become a long-term fixture for the Finnish national team and a highly sought-after talent in women's football for the foreseeable future.
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