Emil Højlund

Emil Winther Højlund (born 4 January 2005) is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a forward for 2. Bundesliga club Schalke 04.

Early life
Højlund was born to former Danish footballer Anders Højlund, who played in the Danish Superliga with Boldklubben af 1893. He is the twin brother of Oscar Højlund, and the younger brother of Danish international and Manchester United footballer Rasmus Højlund.

Club career
Højlund began his career with local side Hørsholm-Usserød IK, a club affiliated with Superliga side Copenhagen, whom he joined alongside his brother Oscar at the age of thirteen. His first taste of senior football came on 9 December 2021, when he was named on the bench for a UEFA Europa Conference League fixture against Slovan Bratislava, though he did not feature as a goal from his brother Rasmus helped Copenhagen to a 2–0 win. He extended his contract with the club on 23 December 2021, alongside his brother Oscar.

On 10 March 2022, Højlund made his professional debut for Copenhagen, coming on as a late substitute for Lukas Lerager in a 4–4 away draw to PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Following the game, manager Jess Thorup said of both Højlund and fellow youth player Roony Bardghji, who had also featured in the game: "We are not afraid to use them, and they showed again that they are ready when it matters."

Højlund scored his first goal for the club in a friendly match against Silkeborg in a 2–1 win on 5 July 2023. He made his Superliga debut on 22 July, coming on as a substitute alongside his brother Oscar as Copenhagen beat Lyngby 2–1.

On 16 July 2024, German club Schalke 04 announced that they had signed Højlund until 30 June 2028.

International career
Højlund has represented Denmark from under-16 to under-19 level.

Style of play
Højlund has been described by Copenhagen's development director Sune Smith-Nielsen as a "complete striker who can play in the two front positions in the centre of the field", with good speed, technique, vision and finishing ability.