Rasmus Højlund, born on February 4, 2003, in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a professional footballer renowned for his striking prowess and rapid ascent in European football.
Standing at an imposing 6 feet 3 inches, Højlund’s physical presence on the field is complemented by his agility, making him a formidable forward.
His journey from local Danish clubs to the grand stages of European football is one that deserves to be told, and Sportdailyfeeds is here for you.
Bio-Data of Rasmus Højlund
Full Name: Rasmus Winther Højlund
Date of Birth: February 4, 2003
Place of Birth: Copenhagen, Denmark
Nationality: Danish
Height: 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Weight: Approximately 79 kg (174 lbs)
Position: Striker
Preferred Foot: Left
Current Club: Manchester United (as of 2025)
Jersey Number: 11 (Manchester United), 9 (Denmark National Team)
Father: Anders Højlund
Mother: Unknown (publicly undisclosed)
Siblings: Emil Højlund and Oscar Højlund (both footballers)
Market Value (2025 Estimate): €50–€60 million
Agent: SEG (Sports Entertainment Group)
Source: Sportdailyfeeds
Early Life and Introduction to Football
Growing up in Hørsholm, a town in the Capital Region of Denmark, Højlund was introduced to football at a young age.
His father, Anders Højlund, a former footballer, helped in nurturing his passion for the sport. Rasmus began his youth career at Hørsholm-Usserød Idrætsklub, where his natural talent quickly became evident.
His early exposure to football, combined with a supportive family environment, laid a strong foundation for his future career.
Recognizing his potential, Højlund transitioned to Brøndby IF’s youth academy, one of Denmark’s premier football clubs.
His time at Brøndby was instrumental in honing his skills, particularly his goal-scoring ability and tactical understanding of the game.
In pursuit of further growth, Højlund joined the youth ranks of F.C. Copenhagen, Denmark’s most successful club.
Professional Debut and Rise
F.C. Copenhagen
Rasmus Højlund’s professional career commenced at F.C. Copenhagen, Denmark’s most successful football club. Joining their youth academy after stints with Hørsholm-Usserød Idrætsklub and Brøndby, Højlund rapidly ascended through the ranks, showcasing his potential as a forward.
His dedication and skill earned him a spot in the senior team, leading to his professional debut on October 25, 2020, at the age of 17.
Recognizing his burgeoning talent, F.C. Copenhagen extended Højlund’s contract in December 2020, securing his services until the end of 2023.
During the 2021–22 season, Højlund made notable strides, particularly in European competitions. He netted five goals in the UEFA Europa Conference League, spanning both the qualification rounds and the main tournament. A standout performance came on July 29, 2021, when he scored twice against FC Torpedo-BelAZ Zhodino.
Throughout his tenure with F.C. Copenhagen, Højlund amassed 31 appearances and scored five goals. His performances not only endeared him to the fans but also positioned him as one of Denmark’s promising young talents, attracting attention from clubs beyond the Danish Superliga.
In January 2022, Højlund embarked on a new chapter by transferring to Austrian Bundesliga side Sturm Graz. This move was seen as a strategic step to gain more first-team experience and further his development in a competitive European league.
F.C. Copenhagen’s sports director, Peter Christiansen, acknowledged the transfer as beneficial for all parties, emphasizing the club’s pride in Højlund’s progress and their support for his future endeavors.
Sturm Graz
Upon joining Sturm Graz in January 2022 for a reported fee of €1.8 million, Højlund quickly adapted to the Austrian Bundesliga’s demands.
His debut was nothing short of spectacular; he scored a brace against WSG Tirol, immediately endearing himself to the club’s supporters and signaling his intent to make a significant impact.
Højlund’s tenure at Sturm Graz was marked by consistent goal-scoring prowess. Over 21 appearances across all competitions, he found the back of the net 12 times. This impressive tally included crucial goals in both domestic league matches and European fixtures.
His performances did not go unnoticed. Højlund’s ability to combine physical strength with technical finesse made him a standout player in the Austrian league. His contributions helped Sturm Graz’s competitive endeavors during his stint there.
The culmination of his efforts at Sturm Graz came with a significant career move in August 2022. Atalanta, a prominent club in Italy’s Serie A, secured Højlund’s services for a reported €17 million.
Atalanta
Højlund’s arrival at Atalanta in August 2022 marked his introduction to Serie A, one of Europe’s top leagues. The club’s investment of €17 million showed a belief in his potential to bolster their attacking options.
Højlund justified this belief by making an immediate impact, scoring his first goal for the club on September 5, 2022, in a 2–0 victory against Monza.
Initially, Højlund’s role was primarily as a substitute. However, circumstances shifted in his favor as the season progressed. Injuries and a dip in the form of the team’s primary striker, Duván Zapata, provided Højlund with opportunities to step up.
He seized these chances, delivering a series of impressive performances that solidified his position as a key player in Atalanta’s attacking lineup.
A particularly remarkable period came in January 2023, when Højlund scored in four consecutive matches.
Højlund’s successful stint in Serie A further elevated his profile, leading to a high-profile transfer to Manchester United in July 2023.
The Premier League club secured his services for an initial fee of £64 million, with potential add-ons amounting to £8 million, reflecting his status as one of Europe’s most promising young strikers.
Manchester United
In July 2023, Manchester United announced the signing of Rasmus Højlund, marking a significant milestone in his career. The transfer was valued at an initial £64 million with additional performance-related clauses.
Rasmus Højlund’s transfer to Manchester United in July 2023 marked a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. The Premier League club secured his services for an initial fee of £64 million, with potential add-ons amounting to £8 million, reflecting their confidence in his abilities to enhance their attacking options.
Højlund agreed to a five-year contract with the option of an additional year.
He made his debut on September 3, 2023, coming on as a substitute in a match against Arsenal. Despite the team’s 3–1 defeat, Højlund’s introduction was a glimpse into his potential impact on the squad.
His first goal for Manchester United came on September 20, 2023, during a UEFA Champions League fixture against Bayern Munich, where he scored in a thrilling 4–3 away defeat.
Throughout the 2023–24 season, Højlund’s performances were characterized by a blend of youthful exuberance and growing maturity.
He scored twice in a Champions League match against Galatasaray on October 3, 2023, earning the Man of the Match accolade despite the team’s 3–2 loss. His domestic form also flourished, with his first Premier League goal coming on December 26, 2023, in a 3–2 victory over Aston Villa, where he netted the decisive goal.
His consistent performances led to him being awarded the Premier League Player of the Month in February 2024, making him the first Danish player to receive this honor.
The culmination of his inaugural season with Manchester United was marked by the team’s FA Cup triumph on May 25, 2024, where they secured a 2–1 victory over Manchester City. Højlund’s contributions throughout the season was ten Premier League goals and five in the Champions League.
The 2024–25 season presented new challenges for Højlund. Assigned the coveted number 9 jersey, he aimed to build on his previous successes. However, the season has been a mixed bag.
He scored his first goal of the season in a 3–3 draw against FC Porto in the UEFA Europa League on October 3, 2024, and ended a five-game winless streak for United by scoring the winner in a 2–1 victory over Brentford on October 19, 2024.
Despite these highlights, Højlund has faced criticism for a goal drought in the Premier League, having gone on a goal drought of 16 consecutive league matches, with his last goal dating back to December 7, 2024, although he has since scored.
Off the pitch, Højlund has received support from club legends and teammates. Following a brief appearance in a 1–1 draw against Arsenal, Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel was seen consoling him, offering words of encouragement during a challenging period.
Additionally, teammate Christian Eriksen acknowledged the pressure on the team to perform and defended Højlund, emphasizing the collective responsibility to improve goal-scoring.
As of March 2025, speculation surrounds Højlund’s future at Manchester United. Reports suggest that the club is considering a significant overhaul of their attacking lineup, with potential moves involving Højlund being discussed.
International Career and Achievements
Højlund’s international career began with appearances for Denmark’s youth teams, including the under-16, under-17, under-19, and under-21 levels.
His consistent performances at these levels paved the way for his senior national team debut in September 2022, during the UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia and France.
A standout moment in his international career occurred on March 23, 2023, when he made his first international start and scored a hat-trick in a 3–1 victory against Finland during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying. He concluded the qualification phase as Denmark’s top scorer with seven goals.
He has since established himself as a key player for the national team, demonstrating his knack for finding the back of the net. As of March 2025, he has earned 22 caps and scored seven goals for Denmark.
Playing Style and Personal Life
Højlund is often compared to Norwegian striker Erling Haaland due to his physical stature, playing style, and goal-scoring ability.
His strengths include exceptional pace, precise finishing, and the ability to read the game effectively. These attributes make him a versatile forward capable of adapting to various tactical systems and roles within the team.
Off the field, Højlund maintains a relatively private personal life. He is known to be in a relationship with Laura Rhod Sondergaard since 2022.
He also has two brothers, who are twins as well as being footballers and they share a close relationship.
His commitment to continuous improvement and humility has earned him respect among teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
Final Thoughts
Rasmus Højlund’s journey from a young football enthusiast in Denmark to a prominent figure in European football is inspiring.
His rapid rise through various leagues, consistent goal-scoring record, and impactful international performances highlight his exceptional talent and work ethic.
As he continues to develop and adapt to new challenges, the football world eagerly anticipates his future contributions and the heights he may reach in his career.
FAQs on Rasmus Højlund
Q: When and where was Rasmus Højlund born?
A: Rasmus Højlund was born on February 4, 2003, in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Q: What are Rasmus Højlund’s key strengths as a striker?
A: Højlund is known for his pace, physicality, movement off the ball, and clinical finishing. His ability to play as a target man while also making intelligent runs behind the defense makes him a versatile forward.
Q: Has Rasmus Højlund won any trophies?
A: Yes, he won the Danish Superliga title with F.C. Copenhagen in the 2021–22 season and lifted the FA Cup with Manchester United in the 2023–24 season.
Q:Who are Rasmus Højlund’s football idols?
A: Højlund has mentioned that he admires Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland for their goal-scoring abilities and playing styles.
Q: How tall is Rasmus Højlund?
A: He stands 1.91 meters (6 feet 3 inches) tall, which gives him a strong aerial presence and physical advantage against defenders.
Q: Does Rasmus Højlund have any siblings who play football?
A: Yes, his younger twin brothers, Emil and Oscar Højlund, are also footballers and play for F.C. Copenhagen.
Q: What is Højlund’s goal record for the Danish national team?
A: As of 2025, he has scored 7 goals in 14 appearances for Denmark’s senior national team.
Q: What is Rasmus Højlund’s market value?
A: His market value fluctuates based on performance, but as of early 2025, it is estimated to be around €50–€60 million.
Q: Has Rasmus Højlund played in the UEFA Champions League?
A: Yes, he has featured in the Champions League with Atalanta and Manchester United, scoring important goals in the competition.
Q: What is Højlund’s playing style compared to Erling Haaland?
A: While both are tall, physical, and quick, Højlund is often described as a more mobile and hardworking forward, whereas Haaland is a more direct, power-based striker. Højlund also contributes more to link-up play.
Q: What position does Rasmus Højlund play?
A: Rasmus Højlund primarily plays as a striker, known for his physical presence and goal-scoring abilities.
Q: Which clubs has Rasmus Højlund played for?
A: Højlund began his professional career at F.C. Copenhagen, followed by stints at Sturm Graz, Atalanta, and currently, Manchester United.
Q: How has Højlund performed at Manchester United?
A: In his debut season (2023–24), he scored ten Premier League goals and five in the Champions League. The following season has been challenging, with a notable goal drought in the Premier League.
Q: Has Rasmus Højlund represented Denmark internationally?
A: Yes, he has progressed through Denmark’s youth teams and made his senior debut in September 2022. He scored a hat-trick against Finland in March 2023 during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers.
