Matias Siltanen

Matias Siltanen (born 29 March 2007) is a Finnish professional football player who plays as a midfielder for Veikkausliiga club KuPS, and captains the Finland U17 national team.

Club career
Born in Kuopio, Siltanen started to play football in a youth team of the local club KuPS. He made his senior debut in 2022 at the age of 15, with the club's reserve team KuPS II playing in the third tier league Kakkonen.

On 12 January 2023, Siltanen signed his first professional contract with the club, on a two-year deal with an option for an additional year. He made his first team debut with KuPS on 11 February 2023, in a Finnish League Cup loss against Ilves.

After the 2023 season, Siltanen was named The Boy Player of the Year by the Football Association of Finland.

On 6 April 2024, Siltanen debuted in Veikkausliiga with KuPS first team, as a starter in the opening game of the 2024 season, in a 3–1 home win against HJK Helsinki. He scored his first goal in the league on 7 July 2024, in a 3–1 home win against IF Gnistan. On 10 July, the club exercised his option for the 2025 season.

International career
Siltanen was part of the Finland U16 squad that won the friendly tournament Baltic Cup in July 2023.

On 4 October 2023, he was named the captain of the Finland U17 squad in the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification tournament. In the tournament Finland drew with Ukraine 2–2 and with Germany 1–1, before winning Liechtenstein 3–0, placing 2nd in the group and advancing to the Elite round. Siltanen played in first two games and scored a goal against Ukraine.

Personal life
His father Marko Siltanen is a former footballer who played also for KuPS.

Honours
KuPS Finland U16 Individual
 * Finnish League Cup runner-up: 2024
 * Baltic Cup: 2023
 * Finnish FA: The Boy Player of the Year, 2023