List of Albania international footballers explained

The Albania national football team has represented Albania in international association football since 1946. The Albanian Football Association (Federata Shqiptare e Futbollit; FSHF)[1] was founded in 1930 and became a member of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) two years later. However, the team did not play its first official international match until 7 October 1946, suffering a 2–3 defeat to Yugoslavia in the 1946 Balkan Cup.[2] In 1954, Albania was one of the founding members of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and continues to compete as a member of the organisation,[3] which encompasses the countries of Europe and Israel.[4] As of November 2022, Albania have played 366 international fixtures, winning 95, drawing 77 and losing 194. They have played more fixtures against Romania than any other national side, losing 13 of the 19 matches between the sides.[2] In global and continental competitions, the team has competed in qualification groups for both the FIFA World Cup, since 1966, and the UEFA European Championship, since 1964.[2] The team has qualified for one international tournament during its history, UEFA Euro 2016,[5] where they were eliminated in the group stage.[6] In minor competitions, the team won the 1946 Balkan Cup and the 2000 Malta International Football Tournament.[7] [8]

As of January 2023, Albania's most capped player is Lorik Cana, who made 93 appearances for the senior team during his career.[9] [10] He made his international debut in June 2003 in a 2–3 defeat against Switzerland and won his final cap in June 2016 in a 1–0 victory over Romania at UEFA Euro 2016,[9] retiring from international duty after the tournament.[11] The nation's leading goalscorer is Erjon Bogdani, who scored 18 times during his international career between 1996 and 2013.[12] Bogdani overtook the previous record holder, Alban Bushi,[13] in September 2011 after scoring in three consecutive international fixtures.[12] Bushi had claimed the record from Altin Rraklli in 2004.[13]

The first player to reach 25 caps for Albania was Panajot Pano,[14] who reached the total in April 1973 in a match against East Germany.[15] Pano was later named as his country's "golden player" by the FSHF during the UEFA Jubilee Awards in 2004 as Albania's "single most outstanding player".[16] Foto Strakosha is the most capped goalkeeper in the national team's history and held the overall cap record until 2011,[17] when his total was surpassed by Altin Lala.[18] The current holder, Lorik Cana, claimed the record in 2014.[9]

Players

Appearances and goals are composed of FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship and each competition's required qualification matches, as well as UEFA Nations League matches and numerous international friendly tournaments and matches. Players are listed by number of caps. If the number of caps is equal, the players are then listed by time of debut. Statistics updated following match played on 19 November 2022.

Note: Albania played a friendly match against Kosovo on 13 November 2015,[19] before Kosovo became a member of FIFA or UEFA and is not recognised as an official match by either organisation but is recognised by the FSHF.[2] As such, the match is included from the totals in the table below and the '#1' symbol indicates which players appeared in the match.

Key
scope=col style="background:#87CEEB;"Still active for the national team
scope=col=Player is tied for the number of caps
scope=colGKGoalkeeper
scope=colDFDefender
scope=colMFMidfielder
scope=colFWForward
Albania national team footballers of all times[20] [21]
NamePositionNational team careerCapsGoalsHonours
DF93#11
MF1998–2011793
MF2001–2011776
FW1996–20137518
=MF2000–20117513 2000 Rothmans
=GK2012–202275#10
DF2013–202274#12
GK1990–2005730
=DF2005–2017733
MF2011–202271#15
DF2007–201870#10
FW1997–20076810
FW1995–20076714
=MF1995–2009673
DF2005–2013641
FW1992–20056311
DF1990–2001595 2000 Rothmans
MF2002–2015561
FW2014–202251#112
FW2006–20155011
=DF2012–2019503
=MF2013–2022501
DF1994–2002480
=FW2012–2022489
=DF2015–202248#11
DF2002–2009470
=MF2007–2018472
MF1983–1995451
=MF2013–202245#15
DF2006–2015441
=MF2010–202144#12
=MF2015–202244#10
GK1998–2011430 2000 Rothmans
=MF2000–2007432
MF1998–2006424 2000 Rothmans
FW2004–2014416
DF1992–2000401
MF1994–2002396
=MF1998–2007391 2000 Rothmans
FW2012–202038#112
MF1984–1995362
DF2008–2012350
DF1995–2005340 2000 Rothmans
=MF2013–201934#13
FW1987–19963110
=DF1995–2007310
=MF2012–201931#11
=MF2015–202231#17
MF1987–1996300
=MF1994–2003301
=MF2018–2022302
MF2002–2006298
FW1963–1973284
=FW1980–1989 282
=MF2018–2022285
MF1984–1992 271
=MF2012–2017270
=MF2007–2013271
=MF2009–2014273
FW1992–2002 251
=DF1995–2002 251
=FW2002–2006253
=MF2013–2019252
FW1946–19582461946 Balkan Cup
=MF2018–2022241
GK1981–1993 230
=MF2008–2013231
=MF2018–2022232
DF1980–1985223
=FW1980–1994221
=DF2014–202222#11
DF1970–1981210
=MF1984–1990210
=GK2017–2022210
=MF2019–2022210
DF1946–19532001946 Balkan Cup
=DF1946–19522001946 Balkan Cup
=FW1965–1973201
=MF1988–1996200
=KOSGK2008–2013200
=MF2020–2022200
MF1946–19501901946 Balkan Cup
=MF1985–1997 192
=MF1995–2006190 2000 Rothmans
=DF2006–2013190
=MF2008–2013190
=MF2011–2018190
MF1946–19521811946 Balkan Cup
=GK1989–2002180 2000 Rothmans
=MF1991–1997 181
MF1946–19501711946 Balkan Cup
=FW1996–2002170
=GK2005–2011170
=KOSFW2006–2009171
=MF2013–2016171
=MF2019–2022170
=MF2020–2022174
MF1982–1987162
=FW1993–2000161 2000 Rothmans
=FW2012–2016 164
MF1963–1970150
=MF1967–1976151
=FW1971–1981155
=MF1976–1985151
=DF1985–1990150
=DF1994–1996150
=MF2013–2015153
=MF2019–2021151
DF1947–1957140
=MF1963–1967140
=MF1980–1985140
=MF1982–1987143
=GK2002–2006140
=MF2002–2006140
FW1946–19521361946 Balkan Cup
=DF1946–1950130
=MF1996–1999131
=MF1996–2002130
=MF2015–201913#10
=MF2017–2019131
=MF2018–2022130
=MF2018–2022131
FW1948–1952123
=DF1957–1965120
=DF1963–1970120
=DF1971–1974121
=FW1993–2000120 2000 Rothmans
=DF2002–2006120
=DF2005–2013120
DF1946–19581101946 Balkan Cup
=GK1947–1953110
=DF1963–1965110
=FW1965–1971113
=MF1971–1976110
=MF1980–1984110
=DF1984–1993110
=DF1986–1993110
=FW1991–1994110
=MF2003–2005111
=MF2020–2022111
DF1982–1985100
=DF1987–1989100
=FW1988–1995101
=DF1990–1997100
=MF1991–1995100
=DF2006–2011100
=MF2019–2022101
=MF2021–2022100
FW1946–1950941946 Balkan Cup
=GK1964–196790
=DF1967–197190
=DF1970–197290
=FW1973–198391
=MF1986–199290
=MF1987–199691
=MF1995–200090 2000 Rothmans
=DF2002–200590
GK1946–1948801946 Balkan Cup
=FW1949–195881
=DF1963–197180
=MF1964–197180
=GK1967–197380
=DF1971–197680
=FW1976–198180
=DF1982–198380
=MF1982–198380
=MF1995–199880
=GK2010–20168#10
=FW2010–201380
=DF2017–202280
FW1963–196571
=MF1963–196570
=GK1971–197370
=DF1976–198171
=DF1980–199270
=DF1980–198170
=FW1988–199371
=MF1993–199670
=MF1995–199770
=DF2009–201370
=KOSMF2012–201572
=MF2020–202270
=DF2020–202170
=MF202270
MF1946–1948601946 Balkan Cup
=DF1949–195060
=FW1952–196361
=DF1970–197261
=FW1976–198260
=GK1976–198160
=DF1982–198560
=FW1987–198960
=GK1988–198960
=DF1991–199760
=MF1993–199660
=FW1995–200361 2000 Rothmans
=MF2000–200560 2000 Rothmans
=MF2006–201060
=MF2011–201461
=KOSMF2014–20166#10
=MF2016–201760
=MF2017–202160
=MF2018–201960
=MF2018–202260
MF1947–195050
=GK1950–196350
=MF1963–196750
=FW1963–196550
=DF1970–197150
=MF1980–198550
=FW1980–198350
=FW1981–198250
=MF1987–199250
=MF1990–199250
=DF1991–199750
=GK1993–199650
=DF1998–200351
=DF1999–200350 2000 Rothmans
=MF1999–200050
=DF2002–200550
=MF201750
=DF201850
=MF2021–202250
MF194740
=FW1950–195340
=FW1963–196540
=DF1967–197340
=GK1967–197340
=MF1972–197640
=DF1983–198440
=GK1987–199040
=DF1987–199040
=MF1990–199140
=DF1990–199140
=FW1991–199540
=DF1995–199840
=FW1995–200041 2000 Rothmans
=FW1996–199740
=GK1998–200040 2000 Rothmans
=MF1998–200040 2000 Rothmans
=FW2000–200241 2000 Rothmans
=DF2011–201340
=MF201240
=GK2015–202040
=MF2017–201840
=MF2019–202040
=MF2020–202240
=GK2021–202240
=DF202241
GK1946301946 Balkan Cup
=GK1947–195030
=FW1949–195030
=MF1950–195230
=DF1952–195330
=FW1953–195830
=FW1957–196332
=FW1964–196730
=FW1964–196531
=FW1965–196730
=MF196730
=MF1972–197330
=FW1973–197630
=MF197330
=FW197330
=DF198130
=MF1986–198730
=DF1989–199030
=FW1989–199030
=DF1989–199030
=FW1989–199030
=DF199030
=DF1992–199530
=MF199230
=GK199230
=MF1992–199531
=DF1995–199630
=MF1995–199730
=MF199830
=MF200230
=DF200230
=DF2006–200730
=DF200730
=FW201330
=MF2014–201930
=MF201830
=DF202230
=MF202230
=DF202230
=DF202230
MF194720
=FW195020
=GK1957–196320
=MF1957–195821
=DF1957–195820
=MF1957–195820
=FW1965–196720
=DF1965–196720
=FW197120
=DF1971–197220
=MF197320
=DF1980–198220
=FW1980–198220
=GK1981–198220
=MF198320
=MF1984–198520
=GK198720
=DF199020
=FW199020
=GK199020
=MF199020
=FW1992–199420
=MF1992–199720
=DF199320
=MF1994–199520
=FW199520
=FW1995–199620
=DF1996–199720
=MF199621
=MF1999–200120
=MF200020 2000 Rothmans
=MF200020 2000 Rothmans
=DF200020 2000 Rothmans
=DF200020
=DF200020
=FW200220 2000 Rothmans
=MF200220
=FW2002–200320
=MF2002–200320
=GK200320
=DF200420
=MF200620
=MF200920
=MF2010–201220
=MF201320
=KOSDF2014–20152#11#1
=KOSMF201420
=KOSMF201620
=FW201720
=DF201820
=FW201820
=FW2018–202220
=DF201820
=DF2020–202220
=DF2021–202220
=FW2021–202220
=GK202220
=FW202220
=MF202220
=DF202220
=DF202220
=DF202220
=DF202220
=MF202220
=MF202220
=FW202220
FW1946121946 Balkan Cup
=DF1946101946 Balkan Cup
=MF1946111946 Balkan Cup
=DF1946101946 Balkan Cup
=MF1946101946 Balkan Cup
=MF194710
=DF195210
=MF195210
=DF195310
=MF195710
=GK195710
=MF195710
=FW195710
=MF195810
=MF195810
=DF196310
=FW196310
=MF196310
=FW196410
=FW196510
=FW196710
=DF196710
=FW197110
=MF197310
=FW197310
=GK197310
=MF197610
=DF197610
=FW198110
=FW198110
=FW198110
=MF198310
=FW198310
=DF198311
=MF198310
=MF198510
=DF198510
=MF198810
=MF198810
=GK198910
=MF198910
=DF199010
=MF199010
=DF199110
=DF199110
=MF199210
=MF199210
=MF199210
=MF199310
=DF199410
=MF199410
=MF199410
=MF199510
=DF199510
=MF199510
=DF199610
=DF199610
=FW199610
=DF199610
=DF199810
=FW199810
=MF200110
=GK200210
=DF200210
=MF200210
=FW200210
=DF200310
=FW200710
=FW200810
=FW200910
=MF201010
=DF201010
=GK201010
=MF201110
=DF201110
=SUI-21MF201210
=MF201310
=MF201410
=DF201510
=DF201710
=MF201710
=DF202010
=DF202210
=MF202210
=DF202210
=MF202210
=MF202210
=FW202210
=GK202210
=MF202210
=GK202210
=MF202210

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Komiteti Ekzekutiv . FSHF . 7 January 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180430225141/http://fshf.org/komiteti-ekzekutiv/ . 30 April 2018 . live .
  2. Web site: Albania – International Matches – Overview . The Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation . Di Maggio . Roberto . 5 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181106004933/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesa/alba-intres.html . 6 November 2018 . live .
  3. Web site: Results Hint at Albanian Ascension . UEFA . 5 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181106053221/https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/member-associations/association=alb/index.html . 6 November 2018 . live .
  4. News: Why Does Israel's Football Team Play In Europe? . Sky News . 18 May 2015 . 7 January 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052325/https://news.sky.com/story/why-does-israels-football-team-play-in-europe-10359083 . 22 December 2017 . live .
  5. News: Armenia 0–3 Albania . The Guardian . 11 October 2015 . 5 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181106132147/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/oct/11/armenia-albania-euro-2016-qualifier-match-report . 6 November 2018 . live .
  6. Web site: Albania Leave France With Heads Held High After Historic Euro Campaign . ESPN . Mezahi . Maher . 23 June 2016 . 5 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181106053226/http://www.espn.com/soccer/club/albania/585/blog/post/2900244/albania-leave-france-with-heads-held-high-after-historic-euro-campaign . 2018-11-06 . live .
  7. Web site: Balkan Cup (For Nations) . The Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation . De Dekker . Guy . 7 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120722171040/http://rsssf.com/tablesb/balkancup.html#46 . 22 July 2012 . live .
  8. Web site: Rothmans Tournament 2000 . eu-football.info . 7 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181108025643/https://eu-football.info/_tournament.php?id=MIT-8 . 8 November 2018 . live .
  9. Web site: Lorik Cana – International Appearances . The Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation . Mamrud . Roberto . 7 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180303150748/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/lcana-intl.html . 3 March 2018 . live .
  10. News: Passion For Past Inspires Cana’s Future Ambitions . The Herald . MacPherson . Graeme . 17 November 2018 . 16 December 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181216210834/https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/17230753.passion-for-past-inspires-canas-future-ambitions/ . 16 December 2018 . live .
  11. Web site: Albania Get Heroes' Welcome Upon Return After Euro 2016 Exit . ESPN . 23 June 2016 . 7 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181107145417/http://www.espn.co.uk/football/albania/story/2900729/albania-get-heroes-welcome-upon-return-after-euro-2016-exit . 7 November 2018 . live .
  12. Web site: Erion Bogdani – Goals in International Matches . The Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation . Mamrud . Roberto . 7 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180222082648/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/bogdani-intlg.html . 22 February 2018 . live .
  13. Web site: Alban Bushi – Goals in International Matches . The Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation . Mamrud . Roberto . 7 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171213113726/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/bushi-intlg.html . 13 December 2017 . live .
  14. Web site: Albania – Record International Players . The Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation . Mamrud . Roberto . Hoxha . Florian . 7 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120612045133/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/alba-recintlp.html . 12 June 2012 . live .
  15. Web site: Panajot Pano . eu-football.info . 7 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180925142342/https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=15947 . 25 September 2018 . live .
  16. Web site: Golden Players Take Centre Stage . UEFA . 29 November 2003 . 2 October 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170917044757/http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=130150.html . 17 September 2017 . live .
  17. Web site: Foto Strakosha . The Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation . Mamrud . Roberto . 7 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080523195317/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/strakosha-intl.html . 23 May 2008 . live .
  18. Web site: Altin Lala . The Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation . Mamrud . Roberto . 7 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180303164159/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/alala-intl.html . 3 March 2018 . live .
  19. Web site: Kosovo 2–2 Albania . eu-football.info . 7 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170913091630/https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=1902 . 13 September 2017 . live .
  20. Web site: Most Albania Caps. EU-Football.info. 15 February 2023. 26 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230326054434/https://eu-football.info/_players.php?id=4&data=9. live.
  21. Web site: Albania . Soccerway . 7 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181107211236/https://int.soccerway.com/teams/albania/albania/77/ . 7 November 2018 . live .