Kosovo defender opens up on identity ahead of Switzerland clash

Kosovo defender Albian Hajdari has spoken candidly about identity, emotions, and his decision to represent Kosovo in an interview with Swiss outlet Blue News ahead of his national team's clash with Switzerland.

The footballer admitted that the match against Switzerland carried special emotional significance. Hajdari grew up in Switzerland and progressed through all levels of the country's youth national teams. He even made an appearance for Switzerland’s senior team in a friendly match in March 2025, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

Just a few months later, however, he made his debut for Kosovo and found himself facing many of his former teammates in a World Cup qualifying match. Hajdari acknowledged that the situation created emotional tension and a sense of guilt.

“Six months ago, I was still on the field with them; suddenly, they are my opponents. I feel a little guilty about that. Until yesterday, they were my teammates; now I have to hurt them,” Hajdari said.

The Kosovo center-back also reflected on his sense of belonging, admitting that he feels deeply connected to both Switzerland and Kosovo.

“It is difficult for me to answer the question of belonging because I have two nations that are very close to my heart. I feel very much at home in both countries, and I think that is the most important thing,” he explained.

Hajdari revealed that he has often been asked about his identity while traveling and that his answer has always remained the same.

“I would always say: I live in Switzerland, but I am a Kosovan Albanian,” he concluded.

His only appearance for Switzerland came on March 25, 2025, in a friendly match against Luxembourg, when he entered the game as a substitute at halftime, replacing Ricardo Rodríguez.

Since then, Hajdari has committed his international future to Kosovo, embracing the opportunity to represent the country of his family roots while maintaining strong ties to the nation where he was raised.

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