Rasmus Højlund is one of Europe’s most promising young strikers. From his early days at FC Copenhagen’s academy to becoming a Manchester United star and now playing for Napoli on loan, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. Let’s explore the biography and career of Rasmus Højlund!
Rasmus Højlund: Early Life and Background
Rasmus Winther Højlund (born February 4, 2003) is a professional Danish footballer who currently plays as a striker for Napoli (Serie A) on loan from Manchester United and is also a key player for the Denmark national team. Standing at 1.91 meters (6’3″), known for his powerful left foot and explosive style of play, Højlund is often compared to Erling Haaland, regarded as Denmark’s next great hope in football.
Højlund was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, and raised in Hørsholm, about 25 kilometers north of the capital. He comes from a footballing family: his father Anders Højlund played for Boldklubben af 1893 in the Danish Superliga, while his mother Kirsten Winther supported his career from an early age. His younger twin brothers, Emil (currently at Schalke 04) and Oscar (Eintracht Frankfurt), also pursued professional football.
Rasmus showed his talent early, playing for local club Hørsholm-Usserød IK (HUI) before joining Brøndby IF’s youth academy at age 11. At 14, he moved to FC Copenhagen’s renowned academy, where his physical strength, speed, and finishing ability quickly set him apart.
In October 2020, at just 17 years old, Højlund made his professional debut for FC Copenhagen in the Danish Superliga. Over 32 appearances, he scored five goals and helped his team win the 2021–22 league title. His breakthrough performances soon attracted the attention of clubs across Europe.
Professional Career: From Sturm Graz to Manchester United
Sturm Graz (Jan 2022 – Aug 2022):
In January 2022, Højlund joined Austrian Bundesliga side Sturm Graz for €1.8 million. He made an immediate impact, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists in 21 matches, playing a crucial role in the team’s title challenge. His meteoric rise put him on the radar of major European clubs.
Atalanta (Aug 2022 – Aug 2023):
Atalanta signed Højlund in August 2022 for €17 million. Initially a backup for Duván Zapata, he quickly earned a starting role thanks to his determination and consistent performances. He scored 10 goals in 34 matches across all competitions, including four goals in four consecutive games in January 2023, helping Atalanta reach the Europa League quarterfinals.
Manchester United (Aug 2023 – present):
In August 2023, Manchester United signed Højlund for £64 million (around €72 million), plus €8 million in add-ons, making him the most expensive Danish player in history. He debuted in the Premier League on September 3, 2023, against Arsenal.
In his first season (2023–24), he netted 16 goals, including 10 in the Premier League and five in the Champions League. Remarkably, he became the youngest player to score in six consecutive Premier League matches (February 2024) and was named the league’s Player of the Month.
Højlund also played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s FA Cup 2024 triumph, coming off the bench in the final to help secure a 2–1 victory over Manchester City. However, due to injuries and fierce competition, he joined Napoli on loan in September 2025, where he scored on his debut, hinting at another breakthrough season in Serie A.
International Career with Denmark
Højlund represented Denmark at youth levels from U16 to U21 before making his senior debut in September 2022 during a Nations League match against Croatia. In March 2023, he scored a stunning hat-trick against Finland in his first competitive start, during Euro 2024 qualifiers.
As of September 2025, he has over 20 international caps and seven goals for Denmark. He also featured at Euro 2024, where Denmark reached the round of 16 before falling to Germany. Today, he is the undisputed first-choice striker for his national team.
Playing Style and Achievements
Højlund is a modern striker who combines physical power, speed, and clinical finishing. Known for his aggressive pressing, aerial ability, and intelligent movement, he thrives both inside and outside the box. His strong left foot often produces goals from distance or sharp runs into the penalty area.
Notable Achievements (as of 2025):
- Danish Superliga Champion (2021–22, FC Copenhagen)
- FA Cup Winner (2024, Manchester United)
- Premier League Player of the Month (February 2024)
- Danish Young Player of the Year (2022)
- 59 career goals across club competitions (by 2025)
Personal Life
Despite his growing fame, Rasmus Højlund remains private about his personal life. He is not married and has not publicly confirmed any relationships. Outside of football, he enjoys music, traveling, and sharing glimpses of his life on Instagram (@rasmus.hoejlund), where he has over 2.4 million followers. Højlund is also active in charity work, especially supporting underprivileged children through FC Copenhagen’s community programs.
The Future Ahead
At just 22, Rasmus Højlund stands at a pivotal moment in his career. His loan spell at Napoli could be the stage where he matures further before returning to Manchester United stronger than ever. With his talent, work ethic, and relentless drive, he is set to carry the torch of Danish football, following in the footsteps of legends like Christian Eriksen and Michael Laudrup.
Keep an eye on Højlund’s journey—it’s only the beginning for Denmark’s “new Haaland.”