*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18 January 2025 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 16 November 2023
Hilmir Rafn Mikaelsson (born 2 February 2004) is an Icelandic professional footballer who plays as a forward for Eliteserien club Viking.
Club career
Early career
Born in Iceland and raised in the village of Hvammstangi,[1] Hilmir Rafn started his playing career at local grassroots club Kormákur, before joining Fjölnir at the age of 14,[1][2][3] after a successful trial during a training camp in Spain with the under-14 team.[1]
Venezia
In August 2021, Hilmir Rafn joined Serie A side Venezia, initially on a season-long loan with an option to buy.[1][4][5][6] After featuring for the club's under-19 side throughout the 2021-22 season, the forward made his Serie A debut on 22 May 2022, coming on as a substitute for Dennis Johnsen at the 73rd minute of a 0–0 draw against Cagliari.[7][8] At the end of the league campaign, Venezia made their deal for Hilmir Rafn permanent.[9][10]
On 7 August 2022, he was one of the fourteen youth players that received a call-up by head coach Ivan Javorčić for a Coppa Italia preliminary match against Ascoli, after thirteen members of Venezia's first-team tested positive for COVID-19.[11][12] Having taken the place of Mirza Hasanbegovic at the 57th minute of the game, he went on to score a brace between the 88th and 89th minutes, providing his team with the equalizer and taking the match to the extra-time, although Ascoli eventually gained a 2–3 win.[12] On 6 October 2022, Hilmir Rafn extended his contract with the club until June 2027.[13][14]
Loan to Tromsø
On 11 January 2023, Hilmir Rafn officially joined Norwegian side Tromsø IL on loan until the end of the year.[15][16]
He made his debut for the club on 12 March, starting the NM Cupen fourth round match against Start, which ended in a 5–6 win after penalties for his side.[17] One week later, on 19 March, he scored his first goal in the cup's quarter-final match against Lillestrøm, which ended in a 2–3 loss after extra time.[18]
Loan to Kristiansund
On 12 February 2024, Hilmir Rafn joined fellow Eliteserien club Kristiansund on loan for the 2024 season.[19]
International career
Hilmir Rafn has represented Iceland at various youth levels, having played for the under-19 and under-21 national teams.[3][13]
