Kalevi Lehtovirta

Club

Lehtovirta started playing football in Maarian Kisa-Veikot. In 1947 he was promoted to senior squad of Turun Weikot. After 1950 season he transferred to Turun Pyrkivä where he spent 3 seasons. In 1953 he became second finnish footballer to play professionally when he moved to Red Star F.C. in French Division 2. In his second season for the club they nearly gained promotion to Ligue 1 but were not promoted due to bribery scandal between their manager and opposition goalkeeper. After 4 seasons in Paris he returned to Turku where he played for Turun Palloseura and Turun Toverit before ending his career at Turun Pyrkivä.

International

Lehtovirta earned 44 caps for Finland and scored 13 goals. He made his first appearance in 1947 in a defeat against Sweden played in Borås. His first goal was scored against Sweden in 1948. One of his most memorable moments was a winner in a friendly match against Yugoslavia in 1950.

While in Paris he married a local woman who gave birth to their twin sons. They lived in Montmartre neighbourhood. His children and grandchildren reside in France.