Career
He has played for clubs in Finland, Norway, England, Belgium and Switzerland. Tihinen started his career with KePS in the lower divisions before moving to Veikkausliiga club HJK for the 1997 season. Tihinen then joined Norwegian club in 2000.
He spent two and a half seasons with, while also having a brief loan spell at West Ham United in the English Premiership.
In 2002 Tihinen joined Belgian giants. He played in Belgium for four years, winning two Belgian championships.
After Tihinen"s contract with expired in the summer of 2006, he was snapped up by Zürich on a three-year deal. He was Captain of the 2006-2007 Swiss Championship and the 2008-2009 Swiss Championship winning team
On 30 September 2009, Tihinen scored the winning goal for Football Club Zurich after 10 minutes against A.C. (before Christ) Milan in the Group C game of the 2009-2010 Union of European Football Associations Champions League.
On 7 May 2010 Tihinen announced that he would retire after the 2009-2010 season, mainly because of his head injuries. His last game was an away draw (3-3) against Neuchâtel Xamax on 16 May 2010. After retiring, he will join as an assistant director
On 13 April 2012, the 35-year-old Tihinen announced his candidacy to run for the new president of the Football Association of Finland, as the post was left open after Sauli Niinistö was elected as President of Finland.
Tihinen made his debut for the Finnish national team on 5 June 1999 against Turkey. He formed Finland"s regular central defensive pairing with Sami Hyypiä for most of the 2000s.
International goals Finland’s score first. Tihinen injured his head many times during his career.
Because of that he wore a helmet during his last seasons.
He was also very good with his head, which he used to score most of his goals.