- Years with club: 2021
- Position: Defender (Left-Back / Right-Back / Centre-Back)
- Nationality: Finnish
- Acquisition: Acquired via trade from CF Montréal on January 28, 2021
Jukka Raitala is a veteran Finnish international defender who joined Minnesota United FC in 2021, reuniting him with his Finnish national teammate, Robin Lod. Raitala was a highly experienced player in Major League Soccer (MLS), having spent time with Columbus Crew SC and CF Montréal (where he served as captain). Known for his defensive flexibility and ability to play across the entire backline, he was brought in to provide experienced cover for the fullback positions.
Key stats with Minnesota United (MLS):
- MLS regular season appearances: 9 (5 starts)
- Goals: 0
- Assists: 0
- Total minutes played: 540
- Acquisition: Minnesota traded the rights of 2020 SuperDraft pick Andrew Booth to CF Montréal for Raitala’s rights.
- Departure: Contract expired at the end of the 2021 season; returned to Finland.
Memorable moments:
- Finnish connection: Raitala joined fellow Finnish international Robin Lod in Minnesota, strengthening the “Finnesota” connection at the club.
- International stalwart: He is a long-time member of the Finland national team, helping them qualify for the UEFA European Championship in 2020 (played in 2021), the nation’s first major tournament appearance. He earned over 50 caps for his country.
- European experience: Prior to MLS, Raitala had a distinguished career in Europe, with appearances for clubs in the top leagues of Germany (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, SC Paderborn 07), Spain (Osasuna), and the Netherlands (SC Heerenveen).
Where is he now?:
- After leaving Minnesota United, Raitala returned to Finland, signing with his former club HJK Helsinki for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, where he won the Veikkausliiga (Finnish league) title.
- In early 2024, he moved to another Finnish top-flight club.
- Jukka Raitala is currently an active defender for IF Gnistan in the Veikkausliiga (Finnish top division), a club he joined in February 2024. He is contracted with Gnistan until the end of 2025.