Jussi Jaaskelainen, born on April 19, 1975 at Mikkeli, is a Finnish goalkeeper. He played for the Finnish national team on March 25, 1998 against Malta. He also participated in the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World cup qualifier matches in 2002 and 2006, as part of the Finland national football team. He became the goalkeeper for Finland by 2005, after the retirement of Antti Niemi, the former goalkeeper of the Finland national team. As of 2008, he has made 10 international caps representing his motherland.
He entered the football world in 1992 when he was signed by MP Mikkeli, a Finnish football club at Veikkausliiga, and became the club's prominent goalkeeper in 1994. After making 64 appearances for the club, Jussi Jaaskelainen was signed by VSP Vaasa where he lasted two seasons.
In 1997, Bolton Wanderers signed Jussi Jaaskelainen for a whopping £1 million for which he has made 346 league appearances. In 2001, Jussi Jaaskelainen made a commendable save for Bolton Wanderers at the premiership, winning the game 2-1 against Lancashire.
Jussi Jaaskelainen was voted the best goalkeeper in 2002-03 by Barclaycard. As a token of recognition for his achievement, Bolton Wanderers named him ‘Player of the Year’ in 2007. His knack in the game helped them secure a place in the UEFA Cup.
