Albania’s sporting year in review

Albanian sport marked one of its most significant years in 2025, combining landmark results, the hosting of major international events and growing competitiveness across a wide range of disciplines.

From football to winter sports, Albanian athletes not only held their own internationally but, in several cases, achieved historic firsts, CE Report quotes ATA.

National football team and World Cup ambition

The defining sporting moment of the year came when Rei Manaj scored the decisive goal against Serbia, handing Albania a historic victory and placing the national team in genuine contention for a place in the 2026 World Cup playoffs for the first time.

The goal became a rallying point for fans across Albania, Kosovo and Albanian communities abroad, as the team advanced to the decisive phase of the qualifiers. The campaign strengthened belief that World Cup qualification is now a realistic objective rather than a distant aspiration.

Albania’s women’s national team also broke new ground, reaching the European Championship playoffs for the first time and earning promotion to Nations League League B, underlining the steady progress of women’s football in the country.

Giro d’Italia brings global promotion

Albania hosted stages of the Giro d’Italia for the first time in 2025, placing the country in the international spotlight. The event showcased Albania’s landscapes to a global television audience and was widely praised for its organisation, meeting European standards.

Officials said the race boosted the country’s profile as both a sporting and tourism destination.

Wrestling delivers historic breakthrough

Wrestling emerged as one of Albania’s standout sports of the year. Chermen Valiev won the European title and claimed silver at the World Championships, marking Albania’s first appearance among the global elite of freestyle wrestling.

Zelimkhan Abakarov added a European bronze medal, while Islam Dudaev won the prestigious Grand Prix tournament in Spain, results that established Albania as an emerging force in the sport.

Athletics and winter sports gain momentum

In athletics, Luiza Gega continued to lead the way, winning gold in the 5,000 metres at the European Third Division Championships. Franko Burraj and David Nikolli also secured medals at European events, highlighting the emergence of a new generation of competitors.

Winter sports produced one of the year’s most unexpected success stories. Nineteen-year-old Lara Colturi won medals at the World Junior Championships and reached multiple World Cup podiums, finishing the season ranked among the world’s top 10 skiers – a first for Albania.

Albania also enjoyed a strong debut at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, winning eight medals, including two golds.

Weightlifting remains a pillar

Weightlifting once again proved to be one of Albania’s most reliable sports. Alongside established lifters Erkand Qerimaj and Briken Calja, young athletes impressed. Enkilejda Carja won three gold medals at the European Junior Championships and added medals at the World Championships, while Ertjan Kofsha claimed silver and bronze at continental competitions.

Investing in youth sport

Authorities continued to expand the “Sports teams in schools” programme, aimed at integrating organised sport into daily school life. Through nationwide inter-school basketball and volleyball competitions, thousands of students took part in structured activities, creating a broader talent base for clubs and federations.

Officials say the programme also promotes social inclusion, discipline and fair play, and is expected to contribute to long-term improvements in sporting standards.

A year marked by loss

The year also ended with the death of Ismet Bellova, the veteran sports commentator whose voice defined generations of Albanian sports broadcasting. His passing marked the end of an era in sports journalism, with colleagues describing him as a symbol of professionalism and passion.

Raising expectations

Overall, 2025 signalled a new level of maturity for Albanian sport. From international medals to the hosting of global events, the country demonstrated growing ambition and capacity, laying foundations for future success.