Rasmus Hojlund returns to Naples with the small, private confidence of a forward who has spent the international break finding the net again. At 23, Napoli’s Danish striker is still shaping his own identity, even if his recent celebrations have nodded towards Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The next chapter begins at the Maradona against Frosinone, where individual revival must now meet the needs of the team.
The coach and the club
Massimiliano Allegri welcomed Hojlund back into full training at Castel Volturno on Tuesday. The coach had hoped to work with him during his time at Milan, and now has a centre-forward whose contribution cannot be measured only by his two Serie A goals so far.
Hojlund’s league strikes have come in defeats to Inter and Como, both moments of individual quality rather than the product of a sustained attacking flow. His last goal came against Inter on 5 September, and he wants to end that wait when Frosinone arrive on Saturday.
Napoli also need to give him a more consistent platform. Hojlund has recorded only 14 touches in the opposition box since the start of the league campaign, a modest return for a striker who thrives on loose balls, decisive runs and well-timed service. His work, however, extends beyond finishing: he drops towards the ball, protects possession with his back to goal, engages defenders and opens space through his movement before breaking forward again.
Kevin De Bruyne has the passing range to release him, while Matteo Politano, David Neres and Noa Lang are among the attacking players who can supply the final ball. The balance Napoli seek is clear: Hojlund must be supported by the side behind him, while the striker continues to put his movement and physical commitment at the service of the collective.
A striker formed between England and Naples
Hojlund joined Napoli at the end of August 2025 after Romelu Lukaku’s injury created a need for a new focal point in attack. The eventual cost of his loan and permanent transfer stands at €50 million, following two seasons at Manchester United between 2023 and 2025.
He left England with 26 goals, as well as the considerable expectations that had followed him since he was valued at around €80 million at the age of 20. Old Trafford also connected him to players he admired. Ronaldo made Manchester a major part of his career, Ibrahimovic spent two seasons there, and Lukaku was another of Hojlund’s references; the Dane once kept Lukaku’s shirt in his room and later shared a Napoli dressing room with him.
The admiration remains, but Hojlund is not simply imitating old heroes. His profile is that of a modern, mobile No. 9: capable of holding off defenders, retreating to help build play and then attacking the line when the moment arrives. Last season he scored 16 times, and Napoli will expect his current campaign to gather similar momentum.
International goals, club responsibility
During Denmark’s Nations League fixtures, Hojlund scored three goals and played a part in a fourth. Against Portugal, his celebration recalled Ronaldo. In the match with Wales, he converted a decisive penalty before stretching his arms and looking towards the distance in a gesture associated with Ibrahimovic.
Those moments brought colour to an encouraging international spell, but the more important task awaits in Serie A. Hojlund wants his goals to carry Napoli towards results rather than stand alone in losing performances. Frosinone offer the first opportunity after the break: a chance for the striker to resume scoring, and for the club to make his runs matter in the championship.
