Raio Piiroja

Raio Piiroja, born on July eleventh, nineteen seventy-nine, is a distinguished former professional footballer from Estonia. Renowned for his role as a centre-back, Piiroja showcased his skills with several clubs, including Pärnu/Kalev, Lelle, Flora, Vålerenga, Fredrikstad, Vitesse, and Chengdu Blades.

His international career began on November twenty-first, nineteen ninety-eight, when he made his debut for the Estonia national team in a friendly match against Armenia. Piiroja's leadership qualities shone through as he captained the team from two thousand eight to two thousand eleven, ultimately earning a remarkable total of one hundred thirteen caps before his retirement in two thousand thirteen.

On March thirty-first, two thousand fifteen, Piiroja celebrated his legacy with a testimonial match against Iceland, marking his one hundred fourteenth and final appearance for Estonia. His contributions to the sport have not gone unnoticed, as he was honored as the Estonian Footballer of the Year five times, in the years two thousand two, two thousand six, two thousand seven, two thousand eight, and two thousand nine.