Football legend Sami Hyypiä becomes Veikkaus brand ambassador
Veikkaus and football legend Sami Hyypiä have signed a long-term partnership agreement. Once already wearing Veikkaus’ “jersey” in the past, the greatest central defender in Finnish football history perfectly embodies the values Veikkaus stands for: courage, perseverance, and the constant pursuit of better.
- Sami Hyypiä is one of Finland's all-time footballers, who has been and still is a great role model for many. We are excited that Sami will be one of our brand ambassadors in the future, and we as a company will be able to work with him again, says Reija Laaksonen, EVP, People, Culture and Communications at Veikkaus.
Veikkaus and Hyypiä previously collaborated some 20 years ago during his active playing career.
- It’s a pleasure to put the Veikkaus jersey back on after all these years, I’m glad to partner with Finland’s national gaming company – one that has supported Finnish sports in many ways throughout its history, including my own career, says Hyypiä.
- Striving for better and pushing through difficult moments are values that matter deeply to both Veikkaus and me, Hyypiä adds.
Ville Peltoniemi, Manager of Sponsorships at Veikkaus, sees a strong alignment between Hyypiä’s story and the company’s values.
- We believe that getting better requires courage, the power of working together and the ability to care about each other, Peltoniemi says.
- Our goal is to continue to offer both entertaining and safe gaming experiences to our customers. For a better game - that's what we believe in, says Laaksonen.
Veikkaus’ partnership with Hyypiä will bring exciting, one-of-a-kind experiences to our customers.
- Keep an eye on our channels – there’s more to come, hints Peltoniemi.
10 X Sami Hyypiä
- Born in Porvoo, Finland in 1973
- Made his Veikkausliiga debut in 1992 and played for MyPa until 1995
- Debuted for the Finnish national team in a friendly match against Tunisia in 1992.
- His first international club was Willem II in the Netherlands
- In May 1999, transferred to Liverpool from Willem II for £2.5 million and spent 10 seasons at the club
- With Liverpool, he won two FA Cups, two League Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, one UEFA Cup, and one Champions League
- Finished his playing career at Bayer Leverkusen (2009–2011)
- Began his coaching career at Leverkusen, later coaching Brighton and FC Zürich
- Played 105 matches for Finland, scoring five goals
- Named Finland’s Athlete of the Year in 2001 and Coach of the Year in 2012
