Celebrating excellence: Albanian Football Awards 2024
In a dazzling ceremony filled with excitement, nine awards were presented to recognize the finest talents in Albanian football for the year 2024. The event celebrated not only individual brilliance but also the collective success of Albanian football on the national and international stage.
Why is this important: The past year marked an extraordinary chapter for Albanian football. For the second time in history, the national team participated in the UEFA European Championship. Competing against football giants like Italy, Spain, and Croatia, Albania achieved a European record by scoring the fastest goal in the tournament’s history, just 23 seconds into the game. The achievements demonstrate Albania’s growing prominence on the global football stage and its potential to inspire future generations of athletes.
Context: The winners of the 2024 awards were announced across several categories, celebrating achievements in men’s and women’s football, coaching, refereeing, and emerging talent:
- Men’s Golden Ball: Bekim Balaj, Arinaldo Rrapaj, Albano Aleksi, Ermir Rashica
- Women’s Golden Ball: Ezmiralda Franja, Xhesika Ndoj, Mesuare Begallo, Vanesa Levendi
- Coach of the Year: Edlir Tetova, Orges Shehi, Ivan Gvozdenovic, Ilir Daja
- Male Talent of the Year: Emir Rashica, Ermal Meta, Ledjo Tresaj, Ergis Arifi
- Female Talent of the Year: Xhesika Ndoj, Angela Nikaj, Klesta Ago, Herta Hasa
- Referee of the Year: Juxhin Xhaja, Eldorian Hamiti, Enea Jorgji, Kreshnik Cjapi
The awards ceremony was inaugurated by Armand Duka, President of the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF). Reflecting on the remarkable year, Duka emphasized the federation’s ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure and supporting football development.
“This year, 17 football fields were added, and two stadiums were reconstructed, but it is still not enough,” Duka stated. “In collaboration with the government, we will continue projects to build five new stadiums in Durrës, Tirana, Korçë, Vlorë, and Kavajë.”
Duka also announced that Albania will host a major youth football event. On March 31, the draw will take place for the UEFA U-17 European Championship, and on May 19, the championship match will be held at the national arena, a testament to UEFA’s trust in FSHF’s organizational capabilities.
Looking ahead: The event underscored Albania’s rising stature in the world of football. With ambitious infrastructure projects, a focus on youth development, and continued participation on the international stage, Albania is positioning itself as a force to be reckoned with in European football.
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