Linda Räisänen, who plays for IF Gnistan in Finland, is eligible to play for Zambia, her father has confirmed in an exclusive interview with BolaNews. He also revealed that the family has been following Copper Queens’ matches because of their deep connection with Zambia.
Räisänen was born in 2003 to a Finnish father and a Zambian mother in Helsinki, Finland. She started organized football at the age of six, representing the youth teams of EBK, VJS, and HJK.
At 18, she joined NJS to play in the Finnish women’s top flight before moving to PK-35 Helsinki. The defender played alongside Zambian-born goalkeeper Chana Hausen, who told BolaNews in March about her desire to play for Zambia. They both grew up in Finland.
Following PK-35’s demotion, Räisänen signed for IF Gnistan ahead of the 2026 Kansallinen Liga. She played 20 matches across all competitions for the club, helping them secure their top-flight status.
Räisänen can double as a center-back and full back, often occupying the left side of the pitch.
“My family lived in Zambia”- Räisänen.
“Linda is known as a no-nonsense central defender, famous for her accurate long passing game and her sliding tackles,” revealed Vesa Räisänen, her father.
He told BolaNews about the Zambian background of his family, disclosing, “My family used to live in Zambia starting from the 1980s. So, as a wider family, we have always supported both the Chipolopolo and the Copper Queens, including following the girls national teams in tournaments.”
“We have always been a football family. Linda has two younger sisters who play football as well. I coached for about 20 years, so it’s natural that they got into football,” added Mr. Räisänen about his influence on Linda’s career.
When quizzed about Linda exploring football outside Finland, he revealed, “She would like to play abroad. She had a couple of offers but has not come to any agreement as of yet.
