Famous Albanian Sportspersons

Majlinda Kelmendi is a highly accomplished Kosovan-Albanian former judoka and current judo coach. She made history by becoming the first Kosovan athlete to win an Olympic medal, claiming gold in the women's 52 kg category at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Her impressive achievements also include topping the IJF Women's Prestige World Ranking List in 2014. Kelmendi has represented both Kosovo and Albania at the highest level of judo competition, showcasing her skill and dedication to the sport.

Cindy Marina is a versatile professional with experience in television presenting, modeling, and sports. She gained recognition as Miss Universe Albania 2019 and represented her country in the Miss Universe 2019 competition. Marina showcased her athletic abilities as a former volleyball player for both the Albania women's national team and the USC Trojans women's volleyball team. Transitioning to television, she now serves as the presenter for Serie A football matches broadcast in Albania and Kosovo, demonstrating her diverse skill set and passion for sports and entertainment.

Mërgim Mavraj is a former professional footballer who played as a centre-back. He represented the Albania national team from 2012 until 2020. Mavraj also played for the Germany U21 team. Throughout his professional career, he mainly played in Germany from 2005 to 2018 and again from 2019. Mavraj gained experience and recognition for his defensive skills and contributions to his teams, showcasing his talent both at the club level and internationally for Albania.

Lorik Cana is an Albanian former professional footballer who played in the top divisions of France, England, Italy, and Turkey. He represented clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Sunderland, Galatasaray, Lazio, FC Nantes, and Olympique de Marseille. Cana was known for his versatility, initially playing as a defensive and central midfielder before transitioning to a centre-back. He holds the record for the most capped player in the Albania national team's history, with 93 appearances. Cana participated in UEFA Euro 2016 and retired from football after the tournament.

Dallas Moore is an American-born naturalized Albanian professional basketball player currently playing for the Guangzhou Loong Lions in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). He gained recognition during his college career at the University of North Florida, where he was named the ASUN Conference Player of the Year in 2016 and 2017. Moore's talent and skills have enabled him to pursue a successful professional basketball career, showcasing his abilities on an international platform in the CBA.

Nuri Seferi is an accomplished Albanian professional boxer based in Burgdorf, Switzerland. He has gained recognition for his impressive career in the sport, showcasing his skills and determination in various competitions. Seferi has proven himself to be a formidable contender in the boxing world, consistently delivering strong performances and entertaining fights for his fans. With his dedication to training and his strategic approach to matches, Seferi has established himself as a respected figure in the boxing community, earning a reputation for his talent and sportsmanship.

Mike Moser is a retired American professional basketball player turned assistant coach for the Houston Rockets in the NBA. He made his mark in college basketball, earning All-American honors at UNLV before transferring to the University of Oregon. Moser's skills and versatility on the court led him to a successful career as a forward, showcasing his talent in both scoring and rebounding. Now, as an assistant coach, he brings his knowledge and experience to guide and mentor players in the NBA.

Luiza Gega is an accomplished Albanian middle- and long-distance runner, focusing primarily on the 3000 metres steeplechase event since 2016. She has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in her specialization, consistently competing at a high level in international competitions. Gega's professional career is marked by numerous achievements and accolades in the field of athletics, showcasing her talent and determination as a top athlete in the sport. Her impressive performances and continuous pursuit of excellence have earned her recognition and respect among her peers and fans worldwide.

Sefer Seferi is an Albanian professional boxer who has competed in the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. He made his professional debut in 2007 and built an impressive record of 21–0 with 19 knockouts. Seferi faced notable opponents such as Manuel Charr and Tyson Fury, experiencing both victories and defeats. Despite some setbacks, he has shown determination and skill in the ring, challenging for titles and taking on tough competition throughout his career.

Berat Djimsiti is a professional footballer from Albania who currently serves as a centre-back for Serie A club Atalanta. He also represents the Albania national team where he holds the position of captain. Known for his strong defensive skills and leadership qualities, Djimsiti has established himself as a key player for both club and country. With his consistent performances and tactical awareness on the field, he has earned the respect and admiration of fans and teammates alike.

Arlind Ajeti is a professional footballer known for his role as a centre-back for Romanian Liga I club CFR Cluj. He has established himself as a key player within the team, showcasing his defensive skills and leadership on the field. Ajeti's experience and versatility have contributed to CFR Cluj's success in various competitions. Additionally, his representation of Albania at the international level highlights his talent and dedication to the sport, making him a respected figure in the football community.

Taulant Xhaka is a professional footballer known for his role as a defensive midfielder for Swiss Super League club Basel. Born in Switzerland, he has also represented the Albania national team in international competitions. Xhaka's career highlights include showcasing his strong defensive skills and strategic gameplay on the field, contributing significantly to his teams' successes. With experience playing at both the club and national levels, he has established himself as a reliable and versatile player known for his dedication and commitment to the sport.

Giacomo Vrioni is a professional footballer known for his role as a forward for Major League Soccer club New England Revolution. Born in Italy, he proudly represents the Albania national team. Vrioni's career highlights include showcasing his skills on the field with New England Revolution, where he contributes to the team's success with his talent and dedication. His passion for the sport and commitment to excellence have made him a valuable player both in the domestic league and on the international stage.

Ermal Kuqo is a retired professional basketball player of Albanian-Turkish descent. He is known for his successful career with Efes Pilsen and later transitioned to a role as a basketball executive for the Los Angeles Clippers. Kuqo is recognized as one of the greatest Albanian basketball players of all time. He represented the Turkish national team from 2004 to 2010 before switching to play for the Albanian national team. Kuqo's contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact on both the Turkish and Albanian basketball communities.

Azem Maksutaj is a Swiss former kickboxer known for his versatility across multiple weight divisions in his career. Starting as a lightweight, he quickly rose to prominence by capturing national, European, and world titles. Transitioning through various weight classes, he excelled in light heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions before settling in the heavyweight category. Throughout his career, Maksutaj showcased exceptional toughness and technical skill in Muay Thai, accumulating a total of fourteen world titles before retiring in 2010 after a successful professional career.

Marash Kumbulla is a professional footballer who currently plays as a centre-back for Serie A club Roma. He possesses strong defensive skills and is known for his composure on the ball. Kumbulla has showcased his talent both domestically and internationally, representing the Albania national team. His performances on the field have garnered attention for his ability to read the game, make crucial interceptions, and provide stability to his team's defense. Kumbulla continues to make significant contributions to his club and country with his versatility and solid defensive performances.

Migjen Basha is a former professional footballer known for his role as a defensive midfielder. Born in Switzerland, he began his career playing at youth international levels for the country. However, he later chose to represent Albania at the senior level. Throughout his professional career, Basha showcased his skills and expertise on the field, making significant contributions to the teams he played for. He is respected for his defensive abilities and tactical intelligence, leaving a lasting impact on the football world.

Shaban Sejdiu is a former Albanian freestyle wrestler who competed in multiple Summer Olympics. Trained by renowned coaches, he was part of the Skopje Wrestling Club. Throughout his career, Sejdiu participated in the 1976, 1980, 1984, and 1988 Summer Olympics. Known for his skills and dedication, he left a mark in the wrestling world. His legacy continues as his daughter, Altuna, has found success as a singer in North Macedonia and Albania.

Klavio Meça was an accomplished Albanian swimmer known for his participation in the men's 200m freestyle event at the 2017 World Aquatics Championships. He achieved notable success by setting a national record in the 400m freestyle event during a competition in Budapest, Hungary, with an impressive time of 4:04:03. Meça's career was marked by his dedication to the sport and his commitment to achieving excellence in swimming competitions. Tragically, he passed away at the age of 24, leaving behind a legacy of sporting achievements.

Rustemi Kreshnik, a Belgian kickboxer of Albanian descent, started his professional career in 2003 after transitioning from Muay Thai and kickboxing training while working as a bouncer. He achieved success by winning the Belgian and Benelux titles and later became a prominent figure in the It's Showtime promotion as a gatekeeper from 2009 to 2012. Known for his skills in the heavyweight division, Kreshnik's career was marked by his achievements in various competitions and his role within the kickboxing community.

Shkëlqim Troplini was an accomplished Albanian wrestler who represented his country at the 1996 Summer Olympics. Known for his skill and dedication to the sport, Troplini garnered respect and admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike. Throughout his wrestling career, he showcased remarkable talent and determination, leaving a lasting impact on the wrestling community. His achievements and contributions to the sport will be remembered and celebrated by all those who had the privilege of witnessing his prowess on the mat.

Aziz Salihu, a retired Super heavyweight boxer of Kosovar Albanian descent, had a successful professional career. He represented Yugoslavia at multiple Summer Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the super heavyweight division in 1984. Salihu also competed in the 1980 and 1988 Olympic Games. Throughout his career, he showcased his skill and determination, earning recognition for his achievements in the sport of boxing at an international level.

Nedim Bajrami is a versatile professional footballer known for his skills as an attacking midfielder and winger. He currently showcases his talent on the field for the Italian Serie B club Sassuolo. Despite being born in Switzerland, he proudly represents the Albania national team, demonstrating his commitment to international football. Bajrami's career is marked by his ability to create scoring opportunities and contribute effectively to his team's offensive strategies, making him a valuable asset on the pitch.

Gazmend Sinani, also known as Aydın Okçu, was a talented professional basketball player from Kosovo. He excelled as a center for Leeds Force and proudly represented the Kosovo national team. Sinani's skills on the court and dedication to the sport earned him recognition and respect within the basketball community. His contributions to both his club and national team showcased his passion for the game and his commitment to excellence. Sinani's impact on the basketball world continues to be remembered and celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.

Astrit Ajdarević is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. He has played for various clubs throughout his career, most recently for Akropolis IF. He has also represented the Sweden U17, U19, U21, and Olympic teams before making his full international debut for Albania in 2017. Ajdarević is known for his midfield skills and has gained experience playing at different levels of the game, showcasing his talent and versatility on the field.

Ilir Selmani is a prominent figure in Kosovar basketball, serving as a coach and former player. He has made significant contributions to the sport, notably as the head coach of KB Trepça in the Kosovo Basketball Superleague. In addition to his club coaching role, Selmani also plays a crucial role as an assistant coach for the Kosovo men's national basketball team. His expertise and experience in both playing and coaching have established him as a respected figure in the Kosovo basketball community.

Albina Rrahmani is a former footballer and manager from Kosovo. She played as a defender for the Albanian club Vllaznia Shkodër as well as the Albania women's national team. Throughout her career, Rrahmani showcased her skills and dedication to the sport, becoming a respected figure in Albanian football. After retiring as a player, she transitioned into a coaching role, where she continued to contribute her knowledge and experience to the development of the sport, leaving a lasting impact on the football community.

Matvei Petrov is an accomplished artistic gymnast with notable achievements in his career. He made history as Albania's first European medalist in gymnastics by winning the 2020 European Championship on the pommel horse. He also represented Albania at the 2020 Summer Olympics, showcasing his skills at an international level. Petrov's talent and dedication have solidified his reputation as a skilled gymnast, earning him recognition and respect within the gymnastics community.

Edmond Azemi is a highly accomplished former professional basketball player from Kosovo, known for his successful career with KB Prishtina in the Kosovo Basketball Superleague and Balkan International Basketball League. Throughout his career, Azemi achieved great success, winning numerous titles including 10 Kosovo Basketball Superleague championships, 9 Kosovo Cups, 3 Kosovo Supercups, and 2 Balkan League titles. He represented both the Kosovo and Albanian national basketball teams during his playing years, showcasing his skills and dedication to the sport at an international level.

Mimoza Hamidi is a talented forward playing for Swiss club Basel and representing the Albania women's national team. Known for her skill and agility on the field, she has garnered attention for her impressive performances. Throughout her professional career, she has demonstrated a strong work ethic and determination, leading her teams to victory with her scoring ability and strategic gameplay. Hamidi's contributions to both club and country have solidified her reputation as a key player in women's football, earning her recognition among fans and peers alike.

Frédéric Shtjefan Veseli, known as Freddie Veseli, is a professional footballer playing as a defender for Süper Lig club Fatih Karagümrük and the Albania national team. Starting his career at Manchester City before moving to Manchester United, he also played for Ipswich Town, Bury, Port Vale, Lugano, Empoli, Le Mans, Salernitana, and Benevento. Veseli helped Empoli secure promotion in Serie B and Salernitana in the 2020-21 season. He represented Switzerland at youth levels and later accepted a call-up to play for the Albania national team.

Furtuna Velaj is a talented footballer known for her skills as a midfielder. She has represented the Albania national team, showcasing her passion and dedication for the sport at the international level. Velaj's professional career is marked by her ability to control the midfield, provide key passes, and contribute to her team's overall performance. Her presence on the field is crucial in maintaining possession, creating scoring opportunities, and supporting her teammates in achieving success on the pitch.

Suada Jashari is a former football player and current manager from Kosovo. She coaches the KFF Mitrovica club in the Kosovo Women's Football League. As a midfielder, she showcased her talent on the field and later transitioned into coaching. Jashari has also represented the Albania women's national team during her playing career. With a wealth of experience in both playing and coaching, she continues to make significant contributions to women's football in Kosovo and beyond.

Herolind Nishevci is an accomplished Albanian karateka from Kosovo, known for competing at the 2016 World Karate Championships in the 84 kg division. His impressive skills and dedication led to him winning the bronze medal at the prestigious event. Nishevci's professional life is defined by his success in the world of karate, showcasing his talent and determination on a global stage. His achievements at the World Karate Championships solidify his reputation as a skilled and respected athlete in the karate community.

Diellza Musa is a professional football coach and former player from Kosovo. She currently serves as the goalkeeping coach for the Kosovo national team, bringing her wealth of experience and expertise to the role. Throughout her career, Musa has demonstrated a strong passion for the sport and a dedication to helping players improve their skills. Her transition from player to coach showcases her commitment to the game and her desire to contribute to the development of football in Kosovo.

Albin Tahiri is a Kosovo Albanian alpine ski racer who has competed in the World Cup circuit. He made his debut representing the Kosovo Olympic Committee at the Winter Olympic Games in 2018. In addition to his skiing career, Tahiri is also a professional dentist. He has undergone training in various countries including Slovenia, Austria, and Italy. Tahiri's dedication to both his athletic and professional pursuits highlights his diverse skill set and commitment to excellence in multiple fields.

Gezim Morina is a skilled Kosovan-Albanian professional basketball player known for his contributions to KB Ylli in the Kosovo Basketball Superleague. He made history alongside his friend Erjon Kastrati by helping KB Ylli secure victories in Liga Unike and the Kosovo Basketball Superleague. Morina has a background in playing with Union Olimpija juniors in Slovenia and has also played for Mercator Skofja Loka. He has been a part of the Slovenian U-20 National Team and showcased his talents in the 2011 Slovenian All Star Game.

Agon Mehmeti is an Albanian former professional footballer who played as a striker for Örebro SK. Throughout his career, he displayed exceptional skill and versatility on the field, contributing significantly to the success of his teams. Known for his goal-scoring prowess and tactical awareness, Mehmeti was a key player in various matches, earning the respect of fans and teammates alike. His dedication to the sport and ability to perform under pressure solidified his reputation as a valuable asset in the world of professional football.

Qendresa Krasniqi is a versatile footballer known for her skills as a midfielder. She has played for various teams, including FC Basel in the Swiss Women's Super League. Krasniqi has represented both the Albania women's national team and later transitioned to play for the Kosovo women's national team, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport at an international level. With her strong presence on the field, she continues to make significant contributions to her teams and the advancement of women's football.