Ahtinen on Euro 2025: “It’s a big honour to represent my country”

Olga Ahtinen is excited to compete in just her second UEFA Women’s European Championship this summer.

After making her senior international debut in January, 2017, the midfielder has become an integral part of her nation’s side, earning 75 caps to date, scoring four goals, and was part of the 2022 UEFA Euros – her first major international tournament.

Heading to Switzerland next month, the Boreal Owls will face the host nation, Norway and Iceland in Group A, and will face the latter in the opening game of the tournament on Wednesday 2 July (5pm UK).

Named in Finland’s squad earlier this month, alongside fellow team-mate Eveliina Summanen, the 27-year-old spoke of her pride to represent her country next month and is looking to embrace the opportunity once again.

“We’ve been working really hard to get to this point so, for the whole country, it’s a big thing that we’re there,” she told us.

“We’re playing against 15 of the best countries in Europe so, of course, it feels like a big honour that I get to be part of this team and represent my country.”

Asked about what she learnt from her first European Championship, she added: “I feel like I’m more aware of what is going to come during the Championships so, maybe, not feeling too nervous this time and try to enjoy the moments we’ve out there.

“You don’t get too many of these opportunities in your career so it will be all about taking it all in.”

Alongside Eveliina & Olga receiving a call-up to Euro 2025, Amanda Nilden of Sweden, Lize Kop of the Netherlands and Luana Buhler of Switzerland will also be part of this summer’s tournament.