Robin Lod


Robin Lod is a Finnish professional football attacking midfielder who plays for Minnesota United and the Finland national team. Lod was born in Helsinki, Finland. He began his senior club career playing for Klubi 04, before making his league debut for HJK at age 18 in 2011. After winning his first trophy, the Veikkausliiga, during his second season on league level, he helped HJK win three successive Veikkausliiga titles, Cup and League Cup.
Lod made his international debut for Finland in October 2013, at the age of 20 and has since had over 30 caps, including appearing in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifications.

Career

HJK Helsinki

Lod scored his first goal on his senior debut for HJK on 22 October 2011 in a 4−1 home win against MYPA.
During the 2012 season he played for VPS on loan from HJK. Having initially been loaned out on 9 August 2012 until 3 September 2012, the loan was extended subsequently until the end of the season.
After the 2014 season Lod was selected as Player of the Year for Veikkausliiga. Additionally, he was selected as both the best midfield player and the best player of the U21 National Team for the season. Lod featured in 120 games for HJK and netted 21 goals, while also contributing 17 assists.

Panathinaikos

On 6 May 2015, Lod agreed to terms with Panathinaikos to move to the club in the summer transfer window, signing a three-year contract. On 3 October 2015, he made his Superleague Greece debut against Xanthi. On 28 May 2017, he scored in a 1–0 win against Panionios at Leoforos Stadium. Three days later, another goal by Lod helped his club to secure a 3–2 away win against rivals PAOK on the last matchday of the 2016–17 Playoffs depriving PAOK of the possibility to participate in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round. After the first half of the 2017–18 season, Lod didn’t seem to want to sign a new deal in Greece, and Panathinaikos have financial troubles and could be forced to sell in January transfer window. On 19 February 2018, Panathinaikos finally won away from home in the SuperLeague, defeating AEL 1–0 thanks to a goal from the Finland international midfielder. Lod's goal ended an 11-match run without a victory away from their home stadium. On 10 March 2018, Lod struck a superb late equaliser to salvage a vital point for Panathinaikos against an impressive Asteras Tripolis at the Apostolos Nikolaidis stadium.
Following Lod's contract expiry with Panathinaikos on 30 June 2018, and despite attempts to reach a renewal agreement, the player left the club on a free transfer considering the debt-related limitations imposed on Panathinaikos regarding the transfer and re-signing of players over the age of 23.

Sporting de Gijón

On July 23, 2018 Lod signed with Segunda División team Sporting de Gijon. He made his debut appearance and also scored his first goal for Gijon on 26 August 2018 in a match against Gimnàstic de Tarragona.

Minnesota United FC

On July 16, 2019, Lod signed with MLS side Minnesota United.

International career

He made his debut for the Finnish national team on 30 October 2013 in a friendly match in Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego against Mexico. On 7 October 2016, Lod scored his first international goal in a 2018 FIFA World Cup preliminary game by giving a lead to Finland before they lost 3–2 in the very last minute from Iceland.

Career statistics

Club

International

Statistics accurate as of matches played on 11 June 2019''

International goals

No.DateVenueCapOpponentScoreResultCompetition
16 October 2016Laugardalsvöllur, Reykjavík, Iceland
11
2–1
2–3
2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
29 November 2017Telia 5G -areena, Helsinki, Finland
20
2–0
3–0
Friendly
39 November 2017Telia 5G -areena, Helsinki, Finland
20
3–0
3–0
Friendly

Honours and achievements

Club

Klubi 04
HJK Helsinki