Rasmus Højlund, born on February 4, 2003, in Copenhagen, Denmark, has rapidly ascended the ranks of professional football, establishing himself as a formidable striker for both club and country. Standing at 1.91 meters, his physical presence, combined with technical prowess, has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s elite forwards.
Early Life and Youth Career
Højlund’s football journey commenced in his hometown, where he played for local clubs Hørsholm-Usserød Idrætsklub and Brøndby. His potential was evident early on, leading to his enrollment in FC Copenhagen’s youth academy. Here, he honed his skills, preparing for the challenges of professional football.
Professional Debut with FC Copenhagen
At just 17, Højlund made his professional debut for FC Copenhagen on October 25, 2020. Despite limited opportunities, he showcased glimpses of his talent, participating in 19 matches. His contributions were instrumental in Copenhagen securing the Danish Superliga title in the 2021-22 season.

Breakthrough at Sturm Graz
In January 2022, seeking more first-team action, Højlund transferred to Austrian Bundesliga side Sturm Graz for a reported fee of €1.8 million. His impact was immediate; in 18 league appearances, he netted 9 goals, underscoring his potential as a prolific scorer.
Serie A Experience with Atalanta
Højlund’s rising stock caught the attention of Italian club Atalanta, who secured his services in August 2022 for €17 million. Competing in Serie A, he continued his upward trajectory, scoring 9 goals in 32 appearances. His performances in one of Europe’s top leagues highlighted his adaptability and skill.
Premier League Journey with Manchester United
The summer of 2023 marked a significant milestone as Højlund joined English giants Manchester United. Donning the iconic number 9 jersey, he quickly endeared himself to fans with his dynamic play. In his debut season (2023-24), he made 35 appearances across all competitions, scoring 15 goals, including 10 in the Premier League. His contributions were pivotal in United’s FA Cup triumph that season.
The 2024-25 season saw Højlund continue his impressive form. By January 2025, he had featured in 26 matches, netting 7 goals and providing 1 assist. Notably, he excelled in the UEFA Europa League, scoring 5 goals in 6 appearances, underscoring his knack for delivering on big European nights.
International Career with Denmark
Højlund’s international journey began with Denmark’s youth teams, progressing through the U16, U17, U19, and U21 levels. He earned his senior debut in September 2022. A standout moment came on March 23, 2023, when he scored a hat-trick against Finland in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match, leading Denmark to a 3-1 victory. By November 2024, he had accumulated 22 caps and 7 goals for the national team, solidifying his role as a key player for Denmark.
Playing Style and Strengths
Højlund is celebrated for his physicality, aerial prowess, and clinical finishing. His ability to hold up play and involve teammates makes him a versatile forward. Comparisons to elite strikers have been drawn, but Højlund continues to carve out his unique identity on the pitch.
Notable Achievements
Danish Superliga Champion: 2021-22 with FC Copenhagen
FA Cup Winner: 2023-24 with Manchester United
Danish Talent of the Year: 2023
Premier League Player of the Month: February 2024
Off the Pitch: The Air Guitar Celebration
Fans have been intrigued by Højlund’s unique goal celebration, where he mimics playing an air guitar. This gesture is a nod to a promise made to a friend and stems from receiving a guitar as a Christmas gift. It’s a personal touch that showcases his character and adds flair to his on-field exploits.
Future Prospects
At just 21, Højlund’s trajectory suggests a promising future. His performances in the Premier League and on the international stage have garnered attention, and he is poised to be a central figure for both Manchester United and Denmark in the coming years.
In summary, Rasmus Højlund’s journey from Copenhagen’s youth setups to the grand stages of European football exemplifies his talent, determination, and passion for the game. As he continues to develop, the football world keenly watches the rise of this Danish sensation.
FAQS
What are Rasmus Højlund’s current statistics for the 2024-2025 season?
As of January 30, 2025, Rasmus Højlund has made 18 appearances in the Premier League for Manchester United, starting 13 matches and coming on as a substitute in 5. He has scored 2 goals and provided 0 assists, with a total of 13 shots taken.
How does Rasmus Højlund’s Premier League performance compare to other forwards?
In the 2024-2025 season, Højlund averages 0.16 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes, placing him in the 30th percentile among forwards. He attempts 2.16 shots per 90 minutes, ranking in the 40th percentile. His assist rate is 0 per 90 minutes, and he creates 0.32 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes.
What is Rasmus Højlund’s overall record at Manchester United?
Since joining Manchester United, Højlund has made 48 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 1 assist. His shooting accuracy stands at 42%, with 5 of his 12 shots on target.
How does Rasmus Højlund’s performance in the 2024-2025 season compare to his previous seasons?
In the 2024-2025 season, Højlund has shown improvement in his defensive contributions, with a pass completion rate of 73%, up from 64% in his first season. However, his offensive metrics, such as touches and shots in the opposition penalty area, have decreased due to tougher fixtures against teams like Chelsea and Arsenal.
What challenges has Rasmus Højlund faced in the 2024-2025 season?
Højlund has struggled with consistency, with only two goals in 18 Premier League appearances. He has also faced challenges in adapting to Manchester United’s tactical system under manager Rúben Amorim, who admits that the team has not fully capitalized on Højlund’s strengths, particularly against deep-lying defenses.
How has Rasmus Højlund contributed defensively for Manchester United?
Under manager Rúben Amorim, Højlund has excelled in tackling and ball recovery, showing significant improvement with a 73% pass completion rate compared to 64% in his first season. His all-around game has become more polished, contributing to Manchester United’s solid team structure.
What is the outlook for Rasmus Højlund’s future at Manchester United?
Despite recent challenges, manager Rúben Amorim remains confident in Højlund’s potential. Amorim believes that with continued effort and adaptation to the team’s tactical system, Højlund can fulfill his potential and become a key player for Manchester United.
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