Nanne Ruuskanen

Nanne Ruuskanen
Personal information
Date of birth (2001-11-19) 19 November 2001
Place of birth Finland
Position(s) Centre back
Team information
Current team
 Djurgården
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2018 Pallokissat 3 (0)
2019–2022 KuPS 83 (6)
2023–2024 Brann 11 (0)
2025– Djurgården 0 (0)
International career‡
2019 Finland U18 1 (0)
2022– Finland U23 3 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 30 December 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 3 December 2024

Nanne Rebekka Ruuskanen (born 19 November 2001) is a Finnish professional footballer who plays as a centre back for Damallsvenskan club Djurgården. Known for her defensive versatility, physicality, and leadership, Ruuskanen has established herself as a prominent figure in Finnish women's football, with a career spanning Finland, Norway, and Sweden.[1][2][3][4]

Early life

Nanne Ruuskanen was born in Helsinki, Finland, on 19 November 2001. Raised in a football-oriented family, she was inspired by her siblings, several of whom pursued careers in the sport. Her sister, Nelli Berg, played professionally in Italy, while her other sisters, Neea Berg, Ninni Berg, and Natasa Ruuskanen, have competed in Finland’s Kansallinen Liiga. This environment fostered Ruuskanen’s competitive spirit and passion for football, leading her to join local youth teams before progressing to senior-level competition.[2]

Club career

Pallokissat (2018)

Ruuskanen began her professional career with Pallokissat in the Kansallinen Liiga in 2018, making her senior debut at age 16. She appeared in several matches, showcasing her potential as a reliable defender and attracting attention from larger clubs.[2]

Kuopion Palloseura (KuPS) (2019–2022)

In 2019, Ruuskanen joined Kuopion Palloseura (KuPS), one of Finland’s most successful women’s clubs. Over four seasons, she became a cornerstone of the team’s defense, playing 86 league matches and scoring six goals. Her first goal came in July 2019 against Turun Palloseura, with three goals in 2021 and two in 2022. Ruuskanen’s contributions helped KuPS win consecutive Kansallinen Liiga titles in 2021 and 2022.[2][1]

SK Brann (2023–2024)

In January 2023, Ruuskanen signed with Norwegian club SK Brann in the Toppserien. She debuted in the 2023 season, appearing in ten matches, starting seven. Injuries, particularly a ligament injury in 2024, limited her to minimal appearances that year. She left the club in November 2024.[3][5][6]

Djurgården (2025–present)

On 16 January 2025, Ruuskanen signed with Djurgården in the Damallsvenskan, wearing the number 4 jersey[7] [1]

International career

Ruuskanen debuted for the Finland women’s national team in February 2023 against Croatia in a friendly. By the end of 2023, she had earned two caps. In June 2025, a clerical error by coach Outi Saarinen saw 51-year-old retired player Stina Ruuskanen mistakenly named to the squad for a UEFA Women's Nations League match against Serbia, preventing Nanne from playing in the 1-1 draw.[4][8][9]

Playing style

Ruuskanen is a versatile centre back known for her physicality, aerial ability, and composure. Standing at 1.75 m, she excels in duels and organizing the defense. Her right-footed play aids in build-up, and her six goals in 86 Kansallinen Liiga matches highlight her set-piece contributions.[3]

Personal life

Ruuskanen comes from a footballing family, with sisters Nelli, Neea, Ninni, and Natasa involved in the sport. Their support has been pivotal to her career. She is known for her professionalism, notably handling the 2025 national team error gracefully.[2]

Honours

KuPS

Brann

References

  1. ^ a b c "Nanne Ruuskanen (Djurgarden) Stats - Profil du Joueur". Flashscore. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Nanne Ruuskanen – Spielerinnenprofil". Soccerdonna. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "Nanne Ruuskanen stats and ratings". Sofascore. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
  4. ^ a b "La sélectionneuse de la Finlande convoque par erreur une joueuse de 51 ans". L’Équipe. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
  5. ^ Nanne Ruuskanen palasi pelikentille yli vuoden tauon jälkeen, Yle, 19 November 2024
  6. ^ Kuopiolaispelaaja jätti jäähyväiset norjalaiselle suurseuralle, Savon Sanomat, 17 November 2024
  7. ^ "Officiellt: Djurgården värvar Ruuskanen och Ulenius".
  8. ^ "Finland national coach accidentally names retired 51-year-old Stina Ruuskanen". ABC News. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
  9. ^ "Finland accidentally call-up 51-year-old for women's match against Serbia". BBC Sport. 2025-06-04. Retrieved 2025-06-05.
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