Roman Eremenko began his professional football career in 2004, appearing as a substitute for FF Jaro during a match against MYPA. Born in Moscow in 1987, he moved to Finland as a child and eventually became a prominent attacking midfielder representing the Finnish national team at the international level while maintaining dual citizenship with Russia.
Early Development and Veikkausliiga Debut
Eremenko entered the youth ranks of FF Jaro in 1994, later spending time in the youth sectors of Tromsø IL and HJK Helsinki. He returned to FF Jaro in 2003, eventually debuting in the Veikkausliiga in 2004. During that inaugural season, he played alongside his father, Alexei Eremenko Sr., and gained experience through loan spells at Jakobstads BK and GBK Kokkola.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →European Expansion and Dynamo Kyiv Tenure
In 2005, Eremenko signed a five-year contract with Serie A side Udinese. He made his league debut against Messina before spending time on loan at A.C. Siena. By 2008, he transferred to Dynamo Kyiv, where he competed in the Champions League and Europa League. During his three-year stay in Ukraine, he won the 2008–09 Ukrainian Premier League and two Ukrainian Super Cups.
Success and Suspension in Russia
Eremenko joined Rubin Kazan in 2011 for a record €13 million fee, the highest ever paid for a Finnish player at the time. He later moved to PFC CSKA Moscow in 2014, where he earned the Russian Football Premier League MVP title for the 2014–15 season. His career faced a significant interruption in October 2016 when he received a two-year ban following a positive test for cocaine.
Later Career Trajectory
Following his return to professional football in 2018, Eremenko played for Spartak Moscow and FC Rostov. His tenure at Rostov included a contract extension in 2019 before he departed by mutual consent in 2021. He subsequently returned to the Finnish league, playing for HIFK, Honka, and IF Gnistan. In 2025, he renewed his contract with Gnistan after a planned move to Scottish club St Johnstone failed due to work permit issues.
Fast facts
- Born: 19 March 1987, Moscow
- Citizenship: Finland, Russia
- International debut: 6 June 2007
- Highest transfer fee: €13 million
- Positions: Attacking midfielder
- Primary league: Veikkausliiga
Questions readers ask
Which major trophy did Roman Eremenko win with Dynamo Kyiv?
He won the 2008–09 Ukrainian Premier League title and the Ukrainian Super Cups in 2009 and 2011.
Why was Eremenko suspended for two years?
He was handed a two-year ban from football by UEFA and FIFA for testing positive for cocaine in 2016.
