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Albania national football team records and statistics

The following is a list of the Albania national football team's competitive records and statistics. Statistics are updated after each official match and are correct as of 31 March 2026.

Honours and achievements

Major

* Group stage (2): 2016, 2024

Regional

* Winner (1): 1946
* Fifth place (2): 1947, 1948

Minor

* Winner (1): 2000
* Third place (1): 1998

Individual records

Appearances

Most appearances

As of 31 March 2026

Longest Albania career span
Orges Shehi, 19 years, 5 September 1998 – 5 September 2017
Longest Albania career length
Erjon Bogdani, 16 years 11 months 2 days, 24 April 1996 – 26 March 2013
Oldest player
Foto Strakosha, 39 years 10 months 17 days, 9 February 2005, 0–2 vs. Ukraine
Youngest player
Ramën Çepele, 17 years 7 months 21 days, 11 November 2020, 0–2 vs. Kosovo
Most consecutive Albania's matches played
Etrit Berisha, 41 (16 October 2012 – 12 November 2016)
Most consecutive Albania's matches played by an outfield player
Kristjan Asllani, 28 (16 November 2022 – 10 June 2025)
Ervin Skela, 26 (11 October 2003 – 11 October 2006)
Elseid Hysaj, 24 (29 May 2016 – 10 September 2018)
Nedim Bajrami, 23 (27 March 2023 – 21 March 2025)
Most consecutive Albania's matches played in the past millennium
Mirel Josa, 19 (17 October 1984 – 8 March 1989)
Most appearances as a substitute
Odise Roshi, 32
Jahmir Hyka, 28
Bekim Balaj, 28
Edmond Kapllani, 24
Alban Bushi, 23
Devi Muka, 23
Most appearances in competitive matches (World Cup, European Championships, Nations League and qualifiers)
Elseid Hysaj (2013–2026), 66
Most appearances at the FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Ervin Skela & Lorik Cana, 28 each
Most appearances at the UEFA European Championship
Elseid Hysaj & Arlind Ajeti – 5 each
Most appearances at the UEFA European Championship qualifying
Foto Strakosha & Altin Lala – 29 each
Most appearances at the UEFA European Championship and UEFA European Championship qualifying
Lorik Cana, 29
Most European Championships part of the squad
Elseid Hysaj, Arlind Ajeti, Etrit Berisha, Amir Abrashi & Naser Aliji – 2 each (2016 & 2024)
Most minutes played in European Championship matches
Elseid Hysaj, 450 minutes
Arlind Ajeti, 445 minutes
Most UEFA European Championships played in
Elseid Hysaj & Arlind Ajeti, 2 each
Most consecutive starts at the UEFA European Championship
Elseid Hysaj & Arlind Ajeti, 5 each
Most appearances as a substitute at the UEFA European Championship
Arbër Hoxha, 3
Most UEFA European Championships matches won
14 players, all 1
Most UEFA European Championships points won
Elseid Hysaj & Arlind Ajeti, 4 each
Oldest player to feature at a UEFA European Championship match
Orges Shehi, 38 years 8 months 24 days, 19 June 2016, 1–0 vs. Romania
Oldest player to play at the UEFA European Championship
Klaus Gjasula, 34 years 6 months 5 days, 19 June 2024, 2–2 vs. Croatia
Youngest player to feature at the UEFA European Championship
Medon Berisha, 20 years 238 days, 15 June 2024, 1–2 vs. Italy
Most selections without playing at the European Championship finals
Naser Aliji, 2, 2016 & 2024
Diverse players with many appearances who have not played in a major tournament
Altin Lala, 79 (1998–2011). Played 51 games for FIFA World Cup qualification and UEFA European Championship qualifying, but never managed to qualify for final stages of a major tournament.
Ervin Bulku, 56 (2002–2014). Participated in one match for the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying without playing in it, and was not included in the final stages squad.
Hamdi Salihi, 50 (2006–2015). Played one time in the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying, but was not included in the squad for the final stages.
Jahmir Hyka, 47 (2007–2018). Played 38 games from 2007 until 2014, prior to the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, in which he was never invited to participate, neither in the final stages squad. Returned to the national team for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification but did not advance to the final stages.
Ardian Ismajli, 47 (2018–2026). Played most of UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying games, invited to the Final stages squad but never played. Continued with the national team after Euro 2024.
Myrto Uzuni, 47 (2018–2026). Played all UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying matches, but was not invited to the Final stages squad; continued playing afterward.
Marash Kumbulla, 26 (2019–2025). Played once in UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying, included in final squad but never played; continued afterward.
Naser Aliji, 19 (2015–2025). Selected for both UEFA Euro 2016 and UEFA Euro 2024 squads but did not play.
Most appearances in the UEFA Nations League
Elseid Hysaj, Thomas Strakosha & Ardian Ismajli, 13
Most appearances at the Balkan Cup
Loro Boriçi, Muhamet Dibra, Aristidh Parapani, Vasif Biçaku, & Sllave Llambi, 10 each.
Most Balkan Cup played in
Loro Boriçi, Muhamet Dibra, Aristidh Parapani, Vasif Biçaku, Sllave Llambi, Rexhep Spahiu, Bahri Kavaja, Giacomo Poselli, Bimo Fakja, & Besim Fagu, 3 each.
Most appearances at the Malta (Rothmans) International Tournament
Rudi Vata, 5
Most Malta (Rothmans) International Tournament played in
Rudi Vata, Arjan Beqaj & Armir Grimaj, 2 each
Most appearances at the Summer Olympics qualifications
Panajot Pano, 4
Most appearances in a calendar year
13 in 2024 – Nedim Bajrami, Kristjan Asllani, Jasir Asani, Mario Mitaj & Qazim Laçi
Most consecutive years of appearances
Foto Strakosha, 16, 1990 to 2005 inclusive
Most consecutive years of appearances for an outfield player
14 – Altin Rraklli, 1992 to 2005 inclusive, Altin Lala, 1998 to 2011 inclusive, Lorik Cana, 2003 to 2016 inclusive & Elseid Hysaj, 2013 to 2026 inclusive.
Most often teammates appearances
Etrit Berisha & Elseid Hysaj, 59 matches
Ervin Skela & Klodian Duro, 58 matches
Oldest debutant
Orges Shehi, 33 years 1 month 28 days, 17 November 2010, 0–0 vs. Macedonia
Oldest competitive debutant
Daniel Xhafaj, 30 years 2 months 29 days, 6 June 2007, 0–3 vs. Luxembourg
Oldest competitive debutant reaching dozens of appearances
Klaus Gjasula, 29 (2019–2024); debuted at 29 years 8 months 24 days, 7 September 2019, 0–0 vs. France
Oldest non-competitive debutant reaching dozens of appearances
Besnik Hasi, 43 (2000–2007); debuted at 28 years 10 months 21 days, 15 November 2000, 3–0 vs. Malta
Most matches completed
Lorik Cana, 80, 2003–2016
Most matches as a starter
Lorik Cana, 88, 2003–2016
Elseid Hysaj, 87, 2013–2026
Most consecutive matches as a starter
Etrit Berisha, 79, 16 October 2012 vs Slovenia – 3 June 2024 vs. Liechtenstein
Berat Djimsiti, 65, 29 March 2016 vs. Luxembourg – 31 March 2026 vs. Ukraine
Rudi Vata, 58, 30 May 1990 vs Iceland – 6 June 2001 vs. Germany
Foto Strakosha, 56, 30 May 1990 vs Iceland – 2 April 2003 vs. Bulgaria
Players with all appearances as a starter (Top 10)
Arjan Xhumba, 48, 1989–2003
Hysen Zmijani, 36, 1984–1995
Artur Lekbello, 30, 1984–1995
Panajot Pano, 28, 1963–1973
Muhedin Targaj, 22, 1980–1985
Muhamet Dibra, 20, 1946–1953
Rexhep Spahiu, 20, 1946–1952
Ramazan Rragami, 20, 1965–1973
Sllave Llambi, 19, 1946–1950
Players with all matches completed (Top 5)
Panajot Pano, 28, 1963–1973
Ramazan Rragami, 20, 1965–1973
Sllave Llambi, 19, 1946–1950
Lin Shllaku, 15, 1963–1970
Sabah Bizi, 15, 1967–1976
Players with most matches completed after 1988
Fatbardh Jera, 15, 1985–1990
Adnan Oçelli, 11, 1984–1993
Most appearances against the same opponent
Foto Strakosha, 8 vs. Greece
Most appearances against the same opponent by an outfield player
Igli Tare, 7 vs. Georgia
Elseid Hysaj, 6 vs. Israel
Jahmir Hyka, 5 vs. Macedonia
Elseid Hysaj, 5 vs. Poland
Myrto Uzuni, 5 vs. Poland
Most appearances without featuring in a competitive match
Orges Shehi, 8 (17 November 2010 – 29 March 2016)
Fewest appearances in total, having played at the European Championship finals
Shkëlzen Gashi, 17 (14 August 2013 – 5 September 2016) – Was selected in the squad for the UEFA Euro 2016 finals playing once under coach Gianni De Biasi
Most appearances playing on a winning team
Elseid Hysaj, 41 (98 total appearances)
Most appearances playing on a team that ended up taking a draw
20 – Lorik Cana, (93 total appearances), Klodian Duro (77 total appearances), Ansi Agolli (73 total appearances) & Armend Dallku, 20 (64 total appearances)
Most appearances playing on a team that never took a draw
Mehmet Dragusha, 11 (2003–2005)
Most appearances playing on a team that have the same number of win/loss and goals scored/conceded
Most appearances playing on a losing team
Foto Strakosha, 43 (73 total appearances)
Most appearances by an outfield player playing on a losing team
Altin Lala, 41 (79 total appearances)
Highest positive difference win/loss by an outfield player playing on a team
Jahmir Hyka, 20–14 (47 total appearances)
Highest positive goals difference by an outfield player playing on a team
Amir Abrashi, +11, 59–48, 51 total appearances
Most appearances playing on only a winning team conceding no goal
Roland Zajmi, 4 (1995–2000)
Most appearances without ever playing on a losing team
Arbnor Muja, 5 (2023–2024)
Most appearances without ever playing on a winning team
Fatbardh Jera, 15 (1985–1990)
Most appearances playing on only a losing team
Agim Bubeqi, 6 (1987–1989)
Highest negative win/loss & goal difference by a player
Sulejman Demollari, 5–33, 27–93 (45 total appearances)
Highest negative win/loss & goal difference by a player playing also in current millennium
Altin Rraklli, 12–38, 57–104 (63 total appearances)
Appearances in three different decades
Blendi Nallbani, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s
Arjan Xhumba, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s
Erjon Bogdani, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s
Altin Lala, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s
Arjan Beqaj, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s
Most appearances at one main national stadium
Erjon Bogdani 39 at Qemal Stafa Stadium
Lorik Cana 37 at Qemal Stafa Stadium
Etrit Berisha 13 at Elbasan Arena
Bekim Balaj 13 at Elbasan Arena
Odise Roshi 12 at Elbasan Arena
Etrit Berisha 6 at Loro Boriçi Stadium
Ledian Memushaj 6 at Loro Boriçi Stadium
Ansi Agolli 5 at Loro Boriçi Stadium
Taulant Xhaka 5 at Loro Boriçi Stadium
Berat Djimsiti 5 at Loro Boriçi Stadium
Mërgim Mavraj 5 at Loro Boriçi Stadium
Myrto Uzuni 19 at Air Albania Stadium
Ylber Ramadani 18 at Air Albania Stadium
Qazim Laçi 16 at Air Albania Stadium
First player to debut as a substitute in competitive era (after 1963)
Rifat Ibërshimi, 14 November 1971, 3–0 vs. Turkey
Most appearances as part of the same club
Altin Lala, 75, as part of Hannover 96
Most appearances for an Albanian club
Nevil Dede – 31 with Tirana
Most appearances with only one club
Nevil Dede of Tirana & Taulant Xhaka of Basel, 31
First appearance by a player who had never played for an Albanian club
Altin Lala (Borussia Fulda), 21 January 1998, 4–1 vs. Turkey
Club providing the most players in a major tournament squad
2 – Basel Nantes, Rijeka at UEFA Euro 2016 and Lecce at UEFA Euro 2024
Club providing the most Albania internationals in total
Partizani Tirana 98
Non-Albanian club providing the most Albania internationals in total
Lokomotiva Zagreb 7
Club providing the most players in a single match
Starting XI – Partizani Tirana – 9, 12 June 1971 vs. West Germany
Including substitutes – 17 Nëntori Tirana – 7, 30 October 1985 vs. Greece
Albanian clubs providing the most players in a single match during foreigner coaches era
9 November 2022 vs. Qatar, starting XI: 3, Partizani Tirana & Laçi, including substitutes: 5, Partizani Tirana
Albanian club providing the most players in a single unofficial match during foreigner coaches era
Partizani Tirana, 4, 26 October 2022 vs. Saudi Arabia
Albanian club providing the most players in a single match while all other clubs being foreigners
Skënderbeu Korçë, 3, 15 November 2013 vs. Belarus
Non-Albanian club providing the most players in a single match
Starting XI: 3 – Eintracht Frankfurt, 6 September 2003 vs. Georgia – Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, 3 March 2010 vs. Northern Ireland, 27 May 2010 vs. Montenegro & 2 June 2010 vs. Andorra – Basel, 11 October 2015 vs. Armenia – Empoli, 10 June 2022 vs. Israel
Including substitutes: 3 – Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, 27 May 2008 vs. Poland, Zürich, 4 September 2015 vs. Denmark & 11 October 2015 vs. Armenia – Basel, 13 November 2015 vs. Kosovo
Major tournament: 2 – Nantes, Lorik Cana & Ermir Lenjani, 11 June 2016, 0–1 vs. Switzerland & Rijeka, Bekim Balaj & Odise Roshi, 19 June 2016, 1–0 vs. Romania – Lecce, Ylber Ramadani & Medon Berisha, 24 June 2024, 0–1 vs. Spain
Most clubs represented by one player in an Albania career
Klodian Duro (25 April 2001 – 7 October 2011) & Ervin Skela (15 August 2000 – 6 September 2011), 10 each
Most appearances by a player from the second division of a country
Altin Rraklli, 34, 9 September 1992 – 18 February 2004, as part of SC Freiburg in the 1992–93 2. Bundesliga, Hertha BSC, SpVgg Unterhaching and SSV Jahn Regensburg in the 2. Bundesliga.
Ledian Memushaj, 29, 9 February 2011 – 28 March 2021, as part of Portogruaro, Carpi and Pescara in the Serie B.
Odise Roshi, 28, 15 August 2012 – 16 November 2022, as part of FSV Frankfurt in the 2. Bundesliga, Boluspor and Sakaryaspor in the TFF 1. Lig.
Edmond Kapllani, 27, 18 August 2004 – 8 June 2014, as part of Karlsruher SC, FC Augsburg, TuS Koblenz, SC Paderborn 07 and FSV Frankfurt in the 2. Bundesliga.
Adrian Aliaj, 23, 20 August 2003 – 11 October 2006, as part of Rot-Weiß Oberhausen in the 2. Bundesliga, Brest in the 2005–06 Ligue 2 and Solin in the 2006–07 Croatian Second Football League.
Ervin Skela, 23, 15 August 2000 – 12 October 2010, as part of Chemnitzer FC, SV Waldhof Mannheim, Eintracht Frankfurt and TuS Koblenz, all in the 2. Bundesliga.
Frédéric Veseli, 22, 6 October 2017 – 27 September 2022, as part of Empoli, Salernitana and Benevento in the Serie B.
Altin Lala, 21, 19 August 1998 – 17 April 2002, as part of Hannover 96 in the 2. Bundesliga.
Keidi Bare, 18, 7 September 2019 – 25 March 2024, as part of Málaga and Espanyol in the Segunda División.
Klaus Gjasula, 18, 4 September 2020 – 27 March 2023, as part of Hamburger SV in the 2020–21 2. Bundesliga and SV Darmstadt 98 in the 2021–22 2. Bundesliga and 2022–23 2. Bundesliga.
Qazim Laçi, 16, 7 September 2020 – 29 March 2022, as part of Ajaccio in the Ligue 2.
Myrto Uzuni, 9, 24 September 2022 – 19 November 2024, as part of Granada in the Segunda División.
Arlind Ajeti, 5, 31 March 2021 – 26 March 2026, as part of Reggiana in the Serie B & Bodrum in the TFF 1. Lig.
Anis Mehmeti, 4, 27 March 2023 – 31 March 2026, as part of Bristol City and Ipswich Town in the EFL Championship.
Most appearances by a player from the second division of Albania
Arjan Xhumba, 1, 29 January 1992, vs. Greece, as part of Shqiponja Gjirokastër in the 1991–92 Kategoria e Dytë.
Most appearances by a player from 3 different non-top divisions of a country
Florian Myrtaj, 25, 5 January 2002 – 1 March 2006, as part of Teramo in the Serie D, Cesena in the Serie C, Verona and Catanzaro in the Serie B.
Most appearances by a player from the third division of a country
Rey Manaj, 12, 4 September 2020 – 8 June 2021, as part of Barcelona B in the Segunda División B, third tier of Spanish football
Ilir Shulku, 10, 19 August 1998 – 9 October 1999, as part of Eintracht Nordhorn in the 1998–99 Regionalliga, third tier of German football
Most appearances by a player from the fourth division of a country
Florian Myrtaj, 4, 5 January 2002 – 17 April 2002, as part of Teramo in the Serie D, fourth tier of Italian football.
Ramën Çepele, 1, 11 November 2020, 0–2 vs. Kosovo, as part of Hannover 96 II in the 2020–21 Regionalliga, fourth tier of German football.
Most appearances by a player from the fifth division of a country
Zamir Shpuza, 3, 29 March 1997 – 7 June 1997, as part of SC Viktoria 06 Griesheim in the 1996–97 NRW-Liga, fifth tier of German football.
Most appearances by a player from a youth team
Maldini Kacurri, 1, 4 September 2025, as part of Arsenal U-21 in the Professional Development League, youth league of English football.
Appearances under the most managers
10, Erjon Bogdani, (24 April 1996 – 26 March 2013), Neptun Bajko (1 app.), Astrit Hafizi (11), Medin Zhega (7), Sulejman Demollari (3), Giuseppe Dossena (2), Hans-Peter Briegel (13), Otto Barić (13), Slavko Kovačić (caretaker) (2), Arie Haan (6), Josip Kuže (16), Džemal Mustedanagić (caretaker) (2) and Gianni De Biasi (8). Altin Haxhi (30 November 1995 – 14 October 2009), Neptun Bajko (3), Astrit Hafizi (17), Medin Zhega (9), Sulejman Demollari (2), Giuseppe Dossena (2), Hans-Peter Briegel (22), Otto Barić (13) and Slavko Kovačić (caretaker) (1).
Most appearances under the same manager
Etrit Berisha, 43 (27 May 2012 – 16 November 2016), under Gianni De Biasi
Most appearances under the same manager by outfield players
Andi Lila, 39 (29 February 2012 – 11 June 2017), under Gianni De Biasi
Odise Roshi, 39 (29 February 2012 – 11 June 2017), under Gianni De Biasi
Ansi Agolli, 38 (29 February 2012 – 24 March 2017), under Gianni De Biasi
Appearances under a single manager
Shkëlzen Gashi, 17 (14 August 2013 – 5 September 2016), under Gianni De Biasi
Edgar Çani, 16 (29 February 2012 – 12 November 2016), under Gianni De Biasi
Lorenc Trashi, 15 (14 October 2019 – 12 November 2021), under Edoardo Reja
Most appearances as a substitute without ever starting a game
Enkeleid Dobi, 6, 30 November 1995 – 12 February 2003
Most consecutive appearances without completing a full game
Jasir Asani, 16, 27 March 2023 – 7 September 2024
Most appearances for an outfield player without ever scoring
Andi Lila, 70, 21 November 2007 – 2 November 2018
Longest gap between appearances for a defender
Tefik Osmani, 6 years 6 months 12 days, 17 August 2005, 2–1 vs. Azerbaijan – 29 February 2012, 1–2 vs. Georgia
Longest gap between appearances for a midfielder
Iljaz Çeço, 5 years 11 months 19 days, 25 October 1964, 0–2 vs. Netherlands – 14 October 1970, 0–3 vs. Poland
Longest gap between appearances for a midfielder in new millennium
Ervin Bulku, 4 years 9 months 21 days, 17 April 2002, 0–2 vs. Andorra – 7 February 2007, 0–1 vs. Macedonia
Longest gap between appearances for a striker
Sefedin Braho, 6 years 10 months, 3 November 1973, 1–4 vs. East Germany – 3 September 1980, 2–0 vs. Finland
Pair of brothers playing in the same match
Haxhi Ballgjini and Shyqyri Ballgjini, 2 September 1981, 1–2 vs. Finland
Migjen Basha and Vullnet Basha, 14 August 2013, 2–0 vs. Armenia
Relatives
Sllave Llambi (b. 1919) 19 caps, 1946–1950 & Pavllo Bukoviku (b. 1939) 5 caps, 1963–1965 – Uncle & nephew
Zyhdi Barbullushi (b. 1926) 1 cap, 1947 & Ardian Barbullushi (b. 1968) 2 caps, 1990–1992 – Log
Zihni Gjinali (b. 1926) 12 caps, 1948–1952 & Frederik Gjinali (b. 1942) 1 cap, 1967 – Log
Sabri Peqini (b. 1926) 3 caps, 1950–1952 & Kastriot Peqini (b. 1974) 11 caps, 1992–1993 – Log
Enver Ibërshimi (b. 1939) 1 cap, 1963 & Rifat Ibërshimi (b. 1950) 8 caps, 1971–1976 – Log
Artur "Tushe" Lekbello (b. 1966) 30 caps, 1987–1996 & Artur Shkëlqim Lekbello (b. 1958) 2 caps, 1987 – Cousins
Muhamet Vila (b. 1928) 3 caps, 1952–1953 & Arben Vila (b. 1961) 2 caps, 1984–1985 – Father & Son
Pavllo Bukoviku (b. 1939) 5 caps, 1963–1965 & Millan Baçi (b. 1955) 7 caps, 1976–1981 – Uncle & nephew
Panajot Pano (born 1939) 28 caps, 1963–1973 & Ledio Pano (born 1968) 9 caps, 1987–1996 – Father & Son
Ali Mema (b. 1943) 14 caps, 1963–1967 & Ardian Mema (b. 1971) 8 caps, 1995–1998 – Father & Son – Sulejman Mema (b. 1955) 1 cap, 1983 – Their nephew
Gani Xhafa (b. 1946) 4 caps, 1967–1973 & Erion Xhafa (b. 1982) 3 caps, 2006–2007 – Father & Son — Cousins with Uran Xhafa (b. 1951) 1 cap, 1981 & Fjodor Xhafa (b. 1977) 1 cap, 2002 – Father & Son
Agim Janku (b. 1949) 1 cap, 1971 & Mikel Janku (b. 1941) 9 caps, 1964–1967 – Brothers – Foto Janku (b. 1919) 1 cap, 1946 & Stivian Janku (b. 1997) 2 caps, 2022 – Log
Haxhi Ballgjini (b. 1958) 15 caps, 1976–1985 & Shyqyri Ballgjini (b. 1954) 2 caps, 1981 – Brothers
Kreshnik Çipi (b. 1960) 8 caps, 1980–1992 & Geri Çipi (b. 1976) 34 caps, 1995–2005 – "Uncle & nephew
Foto Strakosha (b. 1965) 73 caps, 1990–2004 & Thomas Strakosha (b. 1995) 45 caps, 2016–2025 – Father & Son – Andrea Marko (b. 1956) 5 caps, 1980–1985 – Their cousin
Besnik Prenga (b. 1969) 73 caps, 1992–1994 & Herdi Prenga (b. 1994) 2 caps, 2018 – Father & Son
Xhevahir Kapllani (b. 1974) 5 caps, 1993–1996 & Edmond Kapllani (b. 1982) 41 caps, 2004–2014 – Brothers
Klodian Duro (b. 1977) 77 caps, 2001–2011 & Albert Duro (b. 1978) 5 caps, 1999–2000 – Cousins
Armando Sadiku (b. 1991) 39 caps, 2012–2023 & Taulant Xhaka (b. 1991) 1 cap, 2014–2019 – Cousins
Migjen Basha (b. 1987) 34 caps, 2013–2019 & Vullnet Basha (b. 1990) 1 cap, 2013 – Brothers
Klaus Gjasula (b. 1989) 29 caps, 2019–2024 & Jürgen Gjasula (b. 1985) 2 caps, 2013 – Brothers
Tedi Cara (b. 2000) 2 caps, 2022 & Mario Dajsinani (b. 1998) 3 caps, 2022–2025 – Cousins
Starting XI based on appearances:

Goals

Most goals

As of 26 March 2026, the players with the most goals for Albania are:

<small>* Active players</small>

First unofficial goal
Qamil Teliti, 22 August 1946, 5–0 vs. Montenegro
First official goal
Pal Mirashi, 7 October 1946, 2–3 vs. Yugoslavia
Most competitive goals
Erjon Bogdani 11 (4 in 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification, 1 in UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying, 3 in 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification, 2 in UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying & 1 in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification)
Most goals by a substitute
4 – Erjon Bogdani, Myrto Uzuni & Armando Broja
Oldest goalscorer
Erjon Bogdani, 35 years 10 months 23 days, 6 February 2013, 1–2 vs. Georgia
Youngest goalscorer
Haxhi Ballgjini, 18 years 4 months 19 days, 3 November 1976, 3–0 vs. Algeria
Youngest competitive goalscorer
Medin Zhega, 19 years 3 months 1 day, 2 May 1965, 0–1 vs. Switzerland
Youngest goalscorer in unofficial matches of the new millennium
Rey Manaj, 18 years 8 months 20 days, 13 November 2015, 2–2 vs. Kosovo
Youngest competitive goalscorer of the new millennium
Armando Broja, 19 years 11 months 26 days, 5 September 2021, 1–0 vs. Hungary
Oldest debutant scoring on his debut
Bajram Fraholli, 28 years 1 month 26 days, 9 November 1996, 1–1 vs. Armenia.
Fastest goal
Nedim Bajrami, 23 seconds, 15 June 2024, 2–0 vs. Italy, UEFA Euro 2024.
Fastest goal by a substitute
Rey Manaj, 12 seconds, 13 November 2015, 2–2 vs. Kosovo.
Fastest goal at the old Qemal Stafa Stadium
Jahmir Hyka, 46 seconds, 20 August 2008, 2–0 vs. Liechtenstein.
First goal by a substitute
Kolec Kraja, 15 September 1957, 2–3 vs. China.
Second goal by a substitute
Mahir Halili, 21 January 1998, 4–1 vs. Turkey.
First competitive goal by a substitute
Devi Muka, 4 September 1999, 3–3 vs. Latvia, UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying.
Scoring in most consecutive Albania matches
Adrian Aliaj, 5 matches.
Scoring in most consecutive competitive appearances
Sokol Cikalleshi, 4 matches, 14 October 2019, 4–0 vs. Moldova (UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying) – 18 November 2020, 3–2 vs. Belarus (2020–21 UEFA Nations League C).
Scoring in most consecutive Albania matches in the same tournament
3 – Sokol Cikalleshi (UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying), Armando Broja (2022 FIFA World Cup qualification), and Nedim Bajrami (UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying).
Goals in three separate decades
Erjon Bogdani, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s.
Most goals at the old Qemal Stafa Stadium
Erjon Bogdani, 12
Most goals at the new Air Albania Stadium
Rey Manaj, 4
Sokol Cikalleshi, 3
Jasir Asani, 3
Nedim Bajrami, 3
Most goals at the UEFA European Championship
Armando Sadiku, Nedim Bajrami, Qazim Laçi & Klaus Gjasula – 1 each
Most goals at a single UEFA European Championship
Armando Sadiku, Nedim Bajrami, Qazim Laçi & Klaus Gjasula – 1 each
Most UEFA European Championship scored in
Armando Sadiku (2016), Nedim Bajrami (2024), Qazim Laçi (2024) & Klaus Gjasula (2024) – 1 each
Most goals at the UEFA European Championship and qualifying
Nedim Bajrami, 4
Oldest goalscorer at the UEFA European Championship
Klaus Gjasula, 34 years, 6 months, 5 days, 19 June 2024, 2–2 vs. Croatia
Youngest goalscorer in a UEFA European Championship
Armando Sadiku, 25 years, 23 days, 19 June 2016, 1–0 vs. Romania
Fastest goal by a substitute at the UEFA European Championship
Klaus Gjasula, after 23 minutes, 19 June 2024, 2–2 vs. Croatia
First goal in a UEFA European Championship qualifying match
Panajot Pano, 30 October 1963, 1–0 vs. Denmark
Most goals in UEFA European Championship qualifying
Edmond Kapllani & Sokol Cikalleshi, 5
Most goals in a single UEFA European Championship qualifying
Edmond Kapllani, 5, UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
First goal in a UEFA European Championship match
Armando Sadiku, 19 June 2016, 1–0 vs. Romania
Most goals in FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Erjon Bogdani, 8
First goal in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match
Robert Jashari, 7 May 1965, 1–4 vs. Northern Ireland, 1966 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 5
Most goals in a single FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign
Erjon Bogdani, 4, 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
First goal in a FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off match
Arbër Hoxha, 26 March 2026, 1–2 vs. Poland, 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification second round (semi-finals)
First goal in a UEFA Nations League match
Taulant Xhaka, 7 September 2018, 1–0 vs. Israel
Most goals in the UEFA Nations League
Sokol Cikalleshi, 4
Most goals in a single UEFA Nations League
Sokol Cikalleshi, 4, 2020–21 UEFA Nations League C
First goal in a Balkan Cup
Pal Mirashi, 7 October 1946, 1–1 vs. Yugoslavia.
Most goals at the Balkan Cup
Loro Boriçi, & Pal Mirashi, – 3 each.
Most goals at a single Balkan Cup
2 – Loro Boriçi, Pal Mirashi, & Qamil Teliti,
Most Balkan Cups scored in
2 – Loro Boriçi, 1946 & 1947; Qamil Teliti, 1946 & 1948
Most consecutive Balkan Cups scored in
2 – Loro Boriçi, 1946 & 1947
First goal in a Malta (Rothmans) International Tournament match
Ilir Shulku, 6 February 1998, 1–1 vs. Malta.
Most goals at the Malta (Rothmans) International Tournament
Bledar Kola, 2
Most goals at a single Malta (Rothmans) International Tournament
Bledar Kola, 2
Most goals at the Summer Olympics qualifications
Medin Zhega & Panajot Pano, 1 each.
First goal in a Summer Olympics qualifications match
Medin Zhega, 18 April 1971, 1–2 vs. Romania.
Most goals at the Bahrain Shoot Soccer Tournament
Indrit Fortuzi, 1 (7 January 2002, 1–1 vs. Finland)
Most goals scored in a calendar year
5 – Edmond Kapllani in 2007 & Armando Sadiku in 2016
Most consecutive years of scoring
Ervin Skela 8, 2003–2010
Most competitive goals scored against the same opponent
3 – Sokol Kushta vs Moldova, Bledar Kola vs Germany, Igli Tare vs Georgia, Edmond Kapllani vs Luxembourg, Sokol Cikalleshi vs Belarus and Moldova & Rey Manaj vs Andorra
Most goals scored against the same opponent in competitives and friendlies
Erjon Bogdani, 3 vs Malta
Most goals by a midfielder
Ervin Skela, 13
Most goals by a defender
Adrian Aliaj, 8
Most goals from a penalty kick
Ervin Skela, 4
Most goals from a penalty kick in a single match
Ervin Skela & Bledar Kola, 2 each
Most goals on debut
2 – Xhelal Juka & Qamil Teliti, both scoring on 22 September 1946, 5–0 vs. Montenegro
Most appearances, scoring in every match
1 – Xhelal Juka (2 goals), Ruzhdi Bizhuta, Genc Tomori
Most goalscorers in a match
5, 12 August 2009, 6–1 vs. Cyprus, Ervin Skela (2), Erjon Bogdani, Klodian Duro, Ansi Agolli & Emiljano Vila
5, 8 September 2021, 5–0 vs. San Marino, Rey Manaj, Qazim Laçi, Armando Broja, Elseid Hysaj & Myrto Uzuni
Most goals with an Albanian club
Ilir Përnaska, 5 with Dinamo Tirana
Most goals with a non-Albanian club
Hamdi Salihi, 8 with Rapid Wien
Most goals by a player from the second division of a country
Adrian Aliaj, 8, scored between 11 October 2003 – 4 September 2004, as part of Rot-Weiß Oberhausen in the 2. Bundesliga, and on 1 March 2006, 2–1 vs Lithuania as part of Brest in the 2005–06 Ligue 2.
Ervin Skela, 4, scored between 25 April 2001 with Chemnitzer FC – 11 June 2003 with Eintracht Frankfurt & 3 March 2010 with TuS Koblenz, all 3 clubs in the 2. Bundesliga.
Altin Rraklli, 3, scored on 17 February 1993, 1–2 vs. Northern Ireland, as part of SC Freiburg in the 1992–93 2. Bundesliga and two times on 21 January 1998, 4–1 vs. Turkey, as part of SpVgg Unterhaching in the 1997–98 2. Bundesliga.
Igli Tare, 3, scored between 11 October 1997 – 5 June 1999, as part of Fortuna Düsseldorf in the 2. Bundesliga.
Edmond Kapllani, 3, scored in 5 days between 2–6 June 2007, 2–0 & 3–0 vs. Luxembourg as part of Karlsruher SC in the 2006–07 2. Bundesliga.
Sokol Cikalleshi, 3, scored between 7 September – 14 October 2019, 4–0 vs. Moldova as part of Akhisar Belediyespor in the 2019–20 TFF First League.
Alban Meha, 2, scored respectively on 26 March 2013, 4–1 vs. Lithuania and then on 5 March 2014, 2–0 vs. Malta as part of SC Paderborn 07 in the 2. Bundesliga.
Armando Sadiku, 2, scored respectively on 7 September 2012, 3–1 vs. Cyprus as part of Lugano and then on 5 September 2016, 2–1 vs. Macedonia as part of Zürich, both clubs in the Swiss Challenge League.
Rey Manaj, 2, scored respectively on 14 October 2019, 4–0 vs. Moldova and then on 14 November 2019, 2–2 vs. Andorra, being part of Albacete in the Segunda División.
Keidi Bare, 2, scored respectively on 14 October 2019, 4–0 vs. Moldova and then on 4 September 2020, 2–0 vs. Belarus, being part of Málaga in the Segunda División.
Qazim Laçi, 1, scored on 8 September 2021, 5–0 vs. San Marino as part of Ajaccio in the Ligue 2
Myrto Uzuni, 1, scored on 24 September 2022, 1–2 vs. Israel as part of Granada in the Segunda División
Bekim Balaj, 1, scored on 26 October 2022, 1–1 vs. Saudi Arabia as part of Ankara Keçiörengücü in the TFF 1. Lig
Most goals by a player from the third division of a country
Rey Manaj, 3, 4 September 2020 – 8 June 2021, as part of Barcelona B in the Segunda División B, third tier of Spanish football.
Youngest player to score a brace
Ilir Përnaska, 20 years 6 months 7 days, 14 November 1971, 3–0 vs. Turkey
Youngest player to score a brace in unofficial matches
Xhelal Juka, 20 years 5 months 17 days, 22 September 1946, 5–0 vs. Montenegro
First player to score a brace in official (friendly) matches
Loro Boriçi, 7 October 1946, 2–3 vs. Yugoslavia
First player to score a brace in unofficial matches
Qamil Teliti, 22 September 1946, 5–0 vs. Montenegro
Youngest player to score a brace in a competitive match
Bledar Kola, 24 years 8 months 1 day, 2 April 1997, 2–3 vs. Germany
Youngest player to score a brace in a FIFA World Cup qualifiers match
Bledar Kola, 24 years 8 months 1 day, 2 April 1997, 2–3 vs. Germany
Youngest player to score a brace in a UEFA European Championship qualifying match
Edmond Kapllani, 24 years 10 months 6 days, 6 June 2007, 0–3 vs. Luxembourg
Youngest player to score a brace in a UEFA Nations League match
Sokol Cikalleshi, 30 years 3 months 22 days, 18 November 2020, 3–2 vs. Belarus
Longest gap between goals
Altin Haxhi, 8 years 9 months 14 days, 19 August 1998, 2–3 vs. Cyprus – 2 June 2007, 2–0 vs. Luxembourg
Longest gap between goals in previous century
Panajot Pano, 8 years and 15 days, 30 October 1963, 1–0 vs. Denmark – 14 November 1971, 3–0 vs. Turkey
Missed penalties
Altin Rraklli, 2 April 1997 vs. Germany, 14th minute
Klodian Duro, 29 March 2003 vs. Russia, 18th minute
Ervin Skela, 18 February 2004 vs. Sweden, 90th minute
Ervin Skela, 17 October 2007 vs. Bulgaria, 90th minute
Sokol Cikalleshi, 20 June 2023 vs. Faroe Islands, 32nd minute
Rey Manaj, 7 June 2025 vs. Serbia, 45th minute
Most own goals
Agustin Kola, 22 September 1982, 5–0 vs. Austria, Hysen Zmijani, 30 March 1991, 5–0 vs. France, Nevil Dede, 11 October 2006, 2–1 vs. Netherlands, Mërgim Mavraj, 29 March 2015, 2–1 vs. Armenia & Klaus Gjasula, 19 June 2024, 2–2 vs. Croatia all 1
Most own goals at the UEFA European Championship
Klaus Gjasula, 19 June 2024, 2–2 vs. Croatia
Hat-tricks

None

Goalkeeping

Most clean sheets
Etrit Berisha, 36
Longest unbeaten streak
Arjan Beqaj, 552 minutes
Least number of goals conceded in a single UEFA European Championship by a starting goalkeeper
Etrit Berisha, 3
Most clean sheets in a single UEFA European Championship
Etrit Berisha, 1
Most consecutive clean sheets in UEFA European Championship qualifying
Arjan Beqaj, 4
Longest unbeaten streak at the UEFA European Championship
Etrit Berisha, 174 minutes
Longest unbeaten streak in UEFA European Championship qualifying matches
Arjan Beqaj, 451 minutes
Longest unbeaten streak in UEFA European Championship and qualifying matches
Thomas Strakosha, 240 minutes
Most consecutive clean sheets in FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Thomas Strakosha, 3
Longest unbeaten streak in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches
Thomas Strakosha, 388 minutes
Most consecutive clean sheets in the UEFA Nations League
Etrit Berisha, 2
Thomas Strakosha, 2
Longest unbeaten streak in the UEFA Nations League
Etrit Berisha, 227 minutes
Thomas Strakosha, 211 minutes
Most penalty kicks saved
Perlat Musta and Samir Ujkani, 2
Most penalty kicks saved in FIFA World Cup qualifying
1 – Ilion Lika, Alban Hoxha and Thomas Strakosha
Most penalty kicks saved in UEFA European Championship qualifiers
Perlat Musta, 2
Most penalty kicks saved in a single match
Samir Ujkani, 2, 29 February 2012, vs. Georgia
Youngest goalkeeper to feature in a match
Qemal Vogli, 17 years 7 months 26 days, 25 May 1947, vs. Romania
Youngest goalkeeper to start in a competitive match
Blendi Nallbani, 17 years 10 months 27 days, 26 April 1989, vs. England
Most matches completed by a goalkeeper
Etrit Berisha, 71, 2012–2024
Most matches as a starter by a goalkeeper
Etrit Berisha, 80, 2012–2024
Most appearances, all as a starter, by a goalkeeper
Thomas Strakosha, 43, 2017–2025.
Perlat Musta, 23, 1981–1993.
Longest gap between appearances for a goalkeeper
Sulejman Maliqati, 7 years 7 months 7 days, 24 September 1950, 0–12 vs. Hungary – 1 May 1958, 1–1 vs. East Germany.
Longest gap between appearances for a goalkeeper in the competitive era (after 1963)
Perlat Musta, 6 years 27 days, 29 April 1987, 0–1 vs. Austria – 26 May 1993, 1–2 vs. Republic of Ireland.
Most appearances by a goalkeeper from the second division of a country
Foto Strakosha, 11, 4 September 1991 – 11 November 1992 as part of Ethnikos Piraeus and 20 August 2003 – 15 November 2003 as part of Ethinikos Asteras, both in the Beta Ethniki.
Etrit Berisha, 7, 11 October 2020 – 28 March 2021 as part of SPAL in the Serie B.
Most appearances by a goalkeeper from the third division of a country
Samir Ujkani, 3, 12 August 2009 – 14 October 2009 as part of Novara in the 2009–10 Lega Pro Prima Divisione, third tier of Italian football.
Most appearances by a goalkeeper playing on a team that have scored and conceded the same number of goals
Arjan Beqaj, 47 goals (43 total appearances)

Coaching

Most manager appearances on the Albania bench
Gianni De Biasi, 52
Most UEFA European Championship appearances as a manager
Gianni De Biasi & Sylvinho, all 3

Captains

First captain
Loro Boriçi, 22 August 1946, 5–0 vs. Montenegro
Most appearances as captain
Lorik Cana, 41
Most appearances as captain as a goalkeeper
Etrit Berisha, 22
Most appearances as captain at the UEFA European Championship
Berat Djimsiti, 3
Ansi Agolli, 2
Longest serving captain
Loro Boriçi, 1946–1953

List of captaincy periods of the various captains throughout the years.

Disciplinary

Most yellow cards
Lorik Cana, 26
Most red cards
Edvin Murati, 3
First player to be sent off at a UEFA European Championship
Lorik Cana, double-yellow, 11 June 2016, vs. Switzerland

Team records

Venue most played in
Qemal Stafa Stadium, 131
Largest victory
5–0 vs. Vietnam, 12 February 2003
6–1 vs. Cyprus, 12 August 2009
5–0 vs. San Marino, 9 September 2021
Largest unofficial victory
5–0 vs. Montenegro, 22 September 1946
Largest UEFA European Championship victory
1–0 vs. Romania, 19 June 2016
Largest defeat
0–12 vs. Hungary, 24 September 1950
Largest UEFA European Championship defeat
0–2 vs. France, 15 June 2016
Most total goals in a single match
0–12 vs. Hungary, 24 September 1950
Most consecutive victories
5, 9 September 2025 vs Gibraltar – 13 November 2025 vs Andorra
4, achieved 3 times
9 October 1999 vs. Georgia – 10 February 2000 vs. Malta
3 March 2010 vs. Northern Ireland – 11 August 2010 vs. Uzbekistan
11 November 2020 vs. Kosovo – 3 March 2021 vs. Andorra
Most consecutive defeats
10, 8 March 1989 vs. England – 1 May 1991 vs. Czechoslovakia
Most consecutive matches without victory
25, 27 February 1985 vs. Greece – 1 May 1991 vs. Czechoslovakia
Most consecutive matches without defeat
8, achieved thrice: 14 November 2009 vs. Estonia – 8 October 2010 vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, 17 June 2023 vs. Moldova – 20 November 2023 vs. Faroe Islands & 24 March 2025 vs Andorra – 13 November 2025 vs Andorra
Most consecutive draws
3, achieved twice: 23 May 1948 vs. Hungary – 23 October 1948 vs. Romania & 15 October 2008 vs. Portugal – 11 February 2009 vs. Malta
Most consecutive matches without a draw
18, 8 March 1989 vs. England – 9 September 1992 vs. Northern Ireland
Most consecutive matches with at least one Albanian goal scored
8, 10 September 2003 vs. Georgia – 4 September 2004 vs. Greece
Most consecutive matches with no goals conceded
5, achieved twice: 24 March 2007 vs. Slovenia – 22 August 2007 vs. Malta & 3 March 2010 vs. Northern Ireland – 11 August 2010 vs. Uzbekistan

Competition records

FIFA World Cup

UEFA European Championship

UEFA Nations League

Summer Olympics

Other tournaments

Medal Table Overview

FIFA rankings

Head-to-head record

Notes

References

External links