Retired since 2012, former Finnish star of Ajax Amsterdam, Jari Litmanen, aged 55, is going to play again with the reserve team of Kalev Tallinn, in the fourth Estonian division.
Once a footballer, always a footballer? Jari Litmanen will certainly lace up his boots at the age, which is remarkable for a high-level athlete, of 55 years. The former Finnish international, ex-star of Ajax Amsterdam, was registered as a player by Kalev Tallinn III (Estonia) for the upcoming season. The player who won the Champions League with the legendary Dutch club and then played for Liverpool and FC Barcelona will therefore return to the field in the fourth Estonian division as of next season.
Litmanen will play with his two sons
Retired since 2012 and after a last stint in his country at HJK Helsinki, the best Finnish player in history did not choose this club by chance: his two sons, Caro and Bruno Litmanen, play there. Last season, the father, still lively and alert, had already lent them a helping hand, as the team lacked players. Now, the former pro, who also played for Fulham and Hansa Rostock, will become a permanent member of the squad.
“Suddenly, they were short-staffed, and as I was training a little on the field, their coach asked me, ‘Could you train with us so we have one more player?'”, Litmanen recounted to The Athletic during an interview at the end of 2025. The former third-placed Ballon d’Or (in 1995), who only played a few exhibition matches, has now committed for the long term with this reserve team. As for the main team, which plays in the local second division, we may have to wait a little longer. You never know…
