Dario Naamo

Dario Naamo (born 14 May 2005) is a Finnish professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Veikkausliiga club SJK and the Finland U21 national team.

Early career
Naamo started playing football for Tikkurilan Palloseura (TiPS) in Vantaa, before he moved to the renowned Käpylän Pallo (KäPa) youth academy in Helsinki. In 2018, he joined the youth sector of Honka in Espoo.

FC Honka
Naamo made his debut with Honka first team in Veikkausliiga on 2 July 2022 at the age of 17, in a 1–1 home draw against IFK Mariehamn. On 5 September 2023, he extended his contract with Honka, signing "a new long-term deal", according to the club. He scored his first goal in the league on 28 October 2023, the opening goal on the 3rd minute in a 5–0 home win against AC Oulu.

SJK
After Honka was declared bankruptcy after the 2023 season, it was announced that Naamo had signed a two-year deal with fellow Veikkausliiga club SJK on 27 November 2023.

International career
A regular Finnish youth international, Naamo has represented Finland at various youth national team levels.

He was named in the Finland U17 squad for the 2022 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification tournament in October 2021, against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Switzerland and Gibraltar. Finland finished 2nd in the group and advanced to the Elite round. In March 2022, Naamo was part of the Finland U17 squad in the Elite round matches against Portugal, Bulgaria and Ireland.

Naamo was part of the Finland U18 squad winning the friendly tournament Baltic Cup in June 2023.

In October 2023, Naamo was named in the Finland U19 squad in the 2024 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualification tournament, in three games against Romania, Czech Republic and San Marino.

On 7 November 2023, Naamo got his first call-up to the Finland under-21 national team, for a friendly match against Sweden, and for a UEFA Under-21 Euro Championship qualifying match against Armenia. He made his U21 debut in a 3–0 friendly loss to Sweden on 16 November 2023.

Personal life
Born and raised in Finland, Naamo is also eligible to represent Iraq. He holds a dual Finnish-Iraqi citizenship. After Naamo was allegedly contacted by the Iraq Football Association, he confirmed this in an interview in April 2024, and stated that his main goal is to represent Finland.

Honours
FC Honka
 * Finnish Cup runner-up: 2023

Finland U18
 * Baltic Cup: 2023