The Finnish defender began his career with MyPa Anjalankoski where his form attracted the attentions of Dutch team Willem II who he signed for in 1995. He captained Willem II to a place in the Champions League for the following season.

Sami was spotted by Liverpool chief scout Ron Yeats during a friendly game for Finland against Germany and he signed for the club in the summer of 1999.

Calm on the ball, commanding in the air and strong in the tackle he was the foundation of the defence from the beginning of the 1999/2000 season. And although the Finnish international is reaching the twilight of his professional career, he continues to be a reliable player for Liverpool.

Hyypia's performances for Liverpool earned him a reputation as one of the Premier Leagues best defenders but as his contract drew to a close he became more of a peripheral, if still influential, player. After a long-term injury to Daniel Agger allowed Hyypia to re-establish himself in the first-team.

Hyypia shared the captaincy at Anfield with Robbie Fowler during the 2000/01 treble season when the Reds won the Worthington Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup.

The centre-back relinquished the captain's armband at the start of the 2003/04 season after a dip in form. Manager Gerard Houllier believed the change would help the Finn rediscover his best form.

In 2004, new Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez moved Jamie Carragher from fullback to partner Hyypia in central defence - a move that rejuvenated the centre-back. And he was back to his best as Liverpool amazingly won the Champions League in 2004/05.

Hyypia passed 390 games for Liverpool in 2006/07 and climbed into the top 25 in the club's all-time appearances table. The Finnish legend has a collection of winner's medals that has already established him as a Liverpool legend.

Sami moved to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2009. On the 24th January 2010 he scored his first league goal for the side in a 2-0 win over Hoffenheim.