25 Facts About Teemu Tainio

Teemu Mikael Tainio was born on 27 November 1979 and is a Finnish football coach and former player.

Teemu Tainio mostly played in a variety of midfield positions during his career, and at right-back under Juande Ramos at Tottenham.

Teemu Tainio was promoted to the first team of his hometown club TP-47 in Kakkonen, Finland's third tier, at the age of fourteen.

Teemu Tainio was signed by Veikkausliiga club FC Haka for the 1996 season.

Teemu Tainio won the Coupe de France with Auxerre twice, and gained UEFA Champions League experience.

Teemu Tainio became a regular for Spurs in his first season, playing in various midfield positions.

Teemu Tainio scored his first goal for his new club in December 2005 against Newcastle United during a Premiership match at White Hart Lane.

Teemu Tainio was one of ten Spurs squad members struck down by a virus on the evening of 6 May 2006 before their crucial final game of the season against West Ham.

Teemu Tainio nevertheless played in the match, which Spurs lost, missing out on a place in the Champions League.

Teemu Tainio then was booked with five more minutes left in the game for time wasting on a throw in.

Teemu Tainio became their first summer signing and the first Finnish player ever for Sunderland.

Teemu Tainio scored his first goal for Sunderland in a second round League Cup game at Norwich on 24 August 2009.

Teemu Tainio left Sunderland on 31 August 2010, when the club terminated his contract by mutual consent.

Teemu Tainio signed a one-year contract with AFC Ajax on the very same day after he was released by Sunderland.

Teemu Tainio joined New York Red Bulls during their pre-season training for the 2011 Major League Soccer season.

Teemu Tainio has quickly become a fan favorite early in the season with multiple assists and good play to his name.

On 2 January 2013, it was announced that the 33-year-old Teemu Tainio had signed a two-year contract with the reigning Finnish champions, HJK Helsinki.

On 14 February 2015, Teemu Tainio announced his retirement as a player.

Teemu Tainio made his debut for the Finland national team on 5 February 1998 against Cyprus, and was a regular for the team through most of the 2000s.

On 1 November 2018, Teemu Tainio was appointed as manager of Ykkonen side FC Haka, having previously worked as an assistant coach for the side.

On 28 October 2023, it was reported that Teemu Tainio starts working as the assistant coach of AEL Limassol in Cypriot First Division.

On 22 January 2024, the club announced the termination of the contract of head coach Toni Koskela by mutual agreement, and simultaneously Teemu Tainio's contract was terminated as well.

On 7 March 2024, Teemu Tainio was named the assistant coach of Tallinna Kalev in Estonian Meistriliiga.

On 17 June 2024, Teemu Tainio was named an assistant coach of the Finland national football team.

Teemu Tainio's son Maximus Tainio is a Finnish professional footballer for Ykkosliiga club Salon Palloilijat.