13 Facts About Hannu Tihinen

Hannu Tihinen was born on 1 July 1976 and is a Finnish former professional footballer who played as a centre-back.

In October 2022, Tihinen was appointed as an expert adviser of FIFA in Global Football Development Division High-Performance -unit.

Hannu Tihinen has played for clubs in Finland, Norway, England, Belgium and Switzerland.

Hannu Tihinen achieved five championships in three countries in a career that ended in 2010, a cup title in two countries and captained almost all of his club teams.

Hannu Tihinen scored a decisive own goal in the final of the Norwegian Cup in 2000 but won the Cup championship the following year and headed the goal into the right goal.

Hannu Tihinen spent two and a half seasons with Viking, while having a brief loan spell at West Ham United in the English Premiership.

Hannu Tihinen played in Belgium for four years, winning two Belgian championships.

Hannu Tihinen's last game was an away draw against Neuchatel Xamax on 16 May 2010.

Hannu Tihinen made his debut for the Finland national team on 5 June 1999 against Turkey.

Hannu Tihinen scored five goals in the national team matches and formed Finland's regular central defensive pairing with Sami Hyypia for most of the 2000s.

Hannu Tihinen captained the national team in a match known as the eagle-owl match against Belgium in June 2007.

Hannu Tihinen was very good with his head, which he used to score most of his goals.

In October 2022, Hannu Tihinen was appointed as an expert adviser of FIFA in Global Football Development Division High-Performance -unit.