Julius Tauriainen

Julius Mikael Tauriainen (born 18 April 2001) is a Finnish professional footballer who plays as a defender for Veikkausliiga club Lahti.

Early life
Tauriainen grew up in Veikkola, Kirkkonummi and started playing football in the local club FC WILD, before joining the HJK organisation.

Klubi 04
On 18 February 2018 it was reported that HJK had signed a 2+1 year contract with its own protégé Julius Tauriainen.

SC Freiburg II
Following a successful loan stint with SC Freiburg youth academy, it was announced on 2 July 2020 that HJK had accepted an offer from SC Freiburg for a permanent transfer of Tauriainen, for an undisclosed fee. He was registered to the club's reserve team SC Freiburg II. After the season, the club gained promotion to 3. Liga.

Miedź Legnica II
Miedź Legnica announced on 15 September 2022 that Tauriainen had joined the club and that he would represent Miedź Legnica II. He departed the club after a few months.

FC Lahti
On 6 February 2023, Tauriainen returned to Finland and signed with Veikkausliiga side FC Lahti on a two-year deal.

International career
He has represented Finland at international youth levels and was in the starting eleven in 8 out of 10 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification matches.

Personal life
Tauriainen belongs to a football family. His grandfather Veikko Tauriainen played football in many clubs in Finland, his father is a former Finland international footballer Pasi Tauriainen, and his uncles Vesa Tauriainen and Kimmo Tauriainen are both former professional footballers. He is the older brother of Chelsea forward Jimi Tauriainen.

Career statistics
Notes

Honours
SC Freiburg II
 * Regionalliga Südwest: 2020–21