Who Is Joel Pohjanpalo? Age, Biography and Wiki
Joel Pohjanpalo was born on September 13, 1994, making him 31 years old in 2025. Born in the picturesque city of Vantaa, Finland, Pohjanpalo developed a passion for football at a young age. He began his professional journey with the local club, eventually catching the eye of scouts and making his way to international leagues. Over the years, he has become a notable striker, known for his agility and goal-scoring prowess.
| Occupation | Footballer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 13, 1994 |
| Age | 31 Years |
| Birth Place | Helsinki, Finland |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Finland |
Popularity
Joel Pohjanpalo's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at approximately 1.82 meters (5 feet 11 inches) tall, Joel boasts a well-maintained athletic physique that complements his dynamic style of play. As of 2025, he weighs around 75 kg (165 lbs), a weight that allows him to maintain his speed and agility on the field. His body measurements reflect a healthy balance of muscle and endurance necessary for a professional athlete.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Joel Pohjanpalo is in a committed relationship, though he tends to keep his personal life private. He’s known to share glimpses of his life on social media, often to the delight of his fans. Information regarding his girlfriend is scarce, as both prefer to maintain a low profile. Pohjanpalo's family has always supported his football career, and he often credits them for his success.
Pohjanpalo and his German girlfriend Catharina Gericke were married in the midsummer 2022. The wedding ceremony was held in Southern France. They have a daughter, born in 2024. As of 2024, they have homes in Helsinki, Finland, Düsseldorf, Germany and Venezia, Italy.
Until 2025, Pohjanpalo was a co-owner of a physical therapy and physical coaching company Helsinki Athletic Lab, along with his national team and Venezia teammate Jesse Joronen.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Joel Pohjanpalo's estimated net worth is around $5 million. His earnings primarily come from his professional football career, including significant salaries from club contracts and endorsements. As a sought-after player in various leagues, Pohjanpalo's annual salary is reported to be in the range of $1 million to $2 million, making him one of the well-compensated players in the Finnish football scene.
On 3 February 2025, Pohjanpalo was acquired by Serie B club Palermo. He was offered a substantial salary raise and a contract valid until June 2029. The transfer fee was reported to be around €5.5 million. The next day after the transfer, Pohjanpalo received a warm welcome to the club from hundreds of Rosanero fans at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.
On 16 February, in his second match with the club, Pohjanpalo scored his first goal for Palermo, providing also an assist for his team in a 2–2 draw against Mantova. One week later, he scored his second goal for Palermo, in a 3–0 away win against Cosenza.
After scoring a goal in a 1–1 draw against Sampdoria on 8 March, Pohjanpalo had scored four goals in four consecutive matches. On 6 April, he scored his first hat-trick of for Palermo, in a 5–3 home win against Sassuolo, providing also an assist.
He was subsequently named the Serie B Player of the Week and included in the EA Sports FC 25 Team of the Week of week 30. He was voted the Palermo Player of the Month for April 2025 by the club's supporters. Later he was named also the Serie B Player of the Month, for the fifth time in his career.
Career, Business and Investments
Joel Pohjanpalo's career has seen him play for several clubs, including significant spells in the Finnish league and prominent European clubs. As of 2025, he plays for a top-tier club, further establishing his reputation as a key player. Outside of football, he has been investing in various businesses, particularly in fitness and health-related ventures, connecting his passion for sports with entrepreneurship.
Pohjanpalo began his career with HJK, making his Veikkausliiga debut on 26 October 2011 at the age of 17; he moved out to Germany at age nineteen in 2013.
After multiple successful loan spells in Germany and Turkey, Pohjanpalo left Bayer Leverkusen in 2022 and was acquired by Italian side Venezia, where he quickly became a fan favourite cult player, and as the team captain, helped Venezia promote to Serie A in 2024.
After two-and-a-half seasons with Venezia, Pohjanpalo was acquired by Palermo in February 2025 for around €5 million.
Social Network
Joel is quite active on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, where he shares moments from his training sessions, matches, and personal life. He engages with his fan base, providing insights into his daily routine and career. His authenticity and approachability have garnered him a significant following, making him a relatable figure in the sporting world.
Pohjanpalo made his senior national team debut on 14 November 2012 in a 3−0 victory against Cyprus when he replaced Teemu Pukki as a substitute on the 70th minute. He was close to scoring in a friendly against Slovenia when his shot hit the post and was then finished by Kasper Hämäläinen.
In the next friendly game against Hungary he finished his first international goal entering the field as a substitute and equalising the game. He made his UEFA European Championship qualification match debut on 7 September 2014 in a match against Faroe Islands when he entered as an 89th-minute substitute for Teemu Pukki.
He scored his first goal in a competitive match on 4 September 2015 in a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match in Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus against Greece.
Education
Though Joel Pohjanpalo is primarily known for his footballing skills, he has also emphasized the importance of education. He completed his secondary education in Finland while pursuing his football ambitions. His determination to balance academics and sports has set a strong foundation for his career, showcasing that education remains vital even for professional athletes.
