Pro footballer: Takes more than playing ball

Santeri Väänänen has worked for Norwegian Rosenborg BK (RBK) in Trondheim for nearly two years.

“It is good to be here. Living in Trondheim is pretty similar to living in Finland. The similarities made it quite easy for me to move here. Nearly everyone speaks English,” he says happily.

Are you learning Norwegian?

He laughs and points out that Finnish and Norwegian are two very different languages. 

“I try to learn a little bit,” he smiles.

“I play football, which I love. I have always played football. When you are a professional it is a bit more than just having your hobby as a job. You have to turn up on time and be ready to play or train. I have to look after my body,” he says.

You have to turn up on time and keep in shape when you are paid to play football for the top-tier club Rosenborg BK in Trondheim.

Can it be compared to an ordinary job?

“I don’t know. I haven’t had an ordinary job. But my job has some similarities I guess, because you try to get better. I cooperate in groups while I also have to be independent,” says Väänänen.

What about the future? He has no partner and no children.

“Having a family should be possible to combine with the football. It would be more responsibility, but I do think it is possible.”

How do you prepare for the years after your career – what about a pension?

“I am saving money, but I am not giving a pension that much thought,” he says.

What is your annual salary?

Väänänen laughs and looks around the training ground where we are meeting.

“I don’t think the club would let me answer that,” he says and smiles.

A comfortable life

But viewed with Finnish eyes, RBK as an employer is pretty similar to other employers when it comes to holidays and other rights.

“As far as I know, most things are well-regulated. The club takes good care of us. We eat breakfast and lunch together. You get help if you need a flat. I don’t have to stress with anything to do with my life outside of football. So for me, it is a comfortable life. It is a privilege to play for a club like this,” points out the 22-year-old.

What made you choose Trondheim and RBK?

“It was mostly about football. I didn’t know Trondheim before I had this chance, but I have made the right choice. RBK is a step up on my career path. The city is nice. The only thing I wish would be different is for shops to stay open on Sundays, but it is OK without.” 

Football player Santeri Väänänen (left) and coach Alfred Johansson do what they enjoy the most at work – playing with a ball.

Everyday life is the same

Väänänen has also played professional football in Finland and can see very few differences.

“Everyday life as a football player is pretty much the same wherever you work. A footballer's working life is very similar no matter where you might be. But I do get more follow-up here and the support team is bigger compared to in Finland,” he says. 

What do you consider to be your home town?

“Helsinki is my home town, even though I can call other places home too. As a professional footballer, your career changes quickly. That’s why I haven’t thought of Trondheim as my home town. But I am open to staying in Norway,” says Väänänen. 

“The nature is nice and everyday life is generally good,” the Finnish player points out.

More money in Norway

There are also many similarities to working as a professional footballer in Norway and Sweden, says RBK’s Swedish coach Alfred Johansson (24).

“The way football clubs are run by the members is pretty similar in Sweden and Norway. But as Norwegian football develops and secures more capital compared to Swedish football, salaries have become higher in Norway,” he says.

More professional in Denmark

There are more differences if you compare conditions within the Danish league. 

“From what I have seen here in Mid-Norway, most things are like they are in Sweden. But I have also worked for several years in Denmark. F.C. Copenhagen is not run by its members. You quickly feel that there is a more business-oriented mindset compared to here. In Denmark you talk about business models,” he says.

“The difference is obvious when it comes to things like management. There are also differences for players. In Denmark, expectations are high. It is expected that things should be good and improve. In Sweden and Norway it’s a bit more “like we’ve always done it”,” explains Johansson. 

In Denmark, the focus on business is clearly more prominent. 

“This also leads to differences in mentality. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the Swedish and Norwegian languages are more similar than Danish,” the coach says.