It was a symbolic moment when Finnish football passed its torch. In February 2009, during a match against Japan, Jari Litmanen was substituted off, replaced by an 18-year-old named Teemu Pukki.

Over 16 years later, in November 2025, Pukki will play his final matches for Finland, having surpassed Litmanen as the nation’s all-time top scorer, while Litmanen remains the only Finnish player with more caps.

The 35-year-old striker will have his last opportunities to add to his 131 caps and 42 goals when Finland conclude their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Group G campaign with a home fixture against Malta in Helsinki on 14 November, followed by a friendly against Andorra in Tampere three days later.

Having returned to his homeland and former club HJK for the 2025 season, it was clear that Pukki was entering the twilight of his career. Now, he has officially decided to retire from international duty.

“I am really proud that I have been able to do this for as long as I have,” Pukki told the Finnish FA. “It has been many years since my debut, and there have been quite a few matches and goals since then.”

“Lately I have had the feeling that now is the right time to leave these circles. The decision was not easy, but it feels right to make it public. There are two final games ahead, and I want to enjoy every moment as much as I can,” he added.

Pukki’s club career has had its highs and lows. While he enjoyed remarkable success with Norwich City and Brøndby, spells at Sevilla and Celtic were more testing. During difficult periods at club level, the national team provided a welcome refuge.

“When things were going badly at my club teams when I was younger, the national team was a kind of refuge,” he recalled. “There was always a good atmosphere here, and I found an enthusiasm for football that maybe wasn’t there at the club during the tough times. It has always been really special to come here.”

Pukki sits 10 goals clear of Litmanen on Finland’s all-time scorer list—the same number he netted in qualifying for UEFA EURO 2020, which led Finland to their first and only major tournament to date.

“There was a time when qualifying for prestigious competitions seemed a distant dream, but we did it. It’s done now, and hopefully it will happen again soon,” he reflected.

Even a large win over Malta is unlikely to secure Finland a second qualification, but Pukki’s focus remains on what he does best—scoring goals. He also acknowledges that both Malta and Andorra will present challenges.

“There will certainly be emotional moments ahead in both games. I hope I can also score my final goals for the national team, because that is the biggest thing for me as a striker. I want to increase my goal tally,” he said.

“You might think we are ‘only’ facing Malta and Andorra, but there are no easy international matches these days. We have to play well to get results.”

As Pukki steps off the international stage, he leaves behind a record and legacy that will define Finnish football for years to come—a torchbearer who carried the hopes of a nation with both talent and heart.