Albion Rrahmani

Albion Rrahmani
Personal information
Full name Albion Rrahmani
Date of birth (2000-08-31) 31 August 2000 (age 24)
Place of birth Podujevë, Kosovo
Height 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s) Striker
Team information
Current team
 Sparta Prague
Number 10
Youth career
0000–2019 Llapi
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2019 Minatori (16)
2020 Bashkimi Koretin 2 (4)
2020–2021 Malisheva (16)
2021–2023 Ballkani 49 (24)
2023–2024 Rapid București 28 (18)
2024– Sparta Prague 11 (4)
International career‡
2023– Kosovo 7 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16 December 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 9 September 2024

Albion Rrahmani (born 31 August 2000) is a Kosovan professional footballer who plays as a striker for Czech First League club Sparta Prague and the Kosovo national team.

Rrahmani started his senior career in Kosovo at Minatori, Bashkimi Koretin, Malisheva, and Ballkani. With the latter side, he won three domestic trophies and became the top scorer of the national league in the 2022–23 season. Soon after, he moved to Romanian team Rapid București for an initial €600,000 fee, which made him the most expensive player ever signed from the Kosovo Superleague. In 2024, he transferred to Sparta Prague for €5 million.

Internationally, Rrahmani earned his first cap for the Kosovo senior team in a 0–2 UEFA Euro qualifier loss to Romania in September 2023.

Club career

Early career / Ballkani

Rrahmani's youth career began at local club Llapi.[1] At the age of 18, he paused his active career for half a year.[1] On 8 September 2019, Rrahmani returned from career break and joined with Kosovo Second League club Minatori,[2] and during his first season as a senior, he contributed by scoring 16 goals in the first half of the season.[3]

On 24 January 2020, Rrahmani joined Kosovo Second League side Bashkimi Koretin.[4] His debut with Bashkimi Koretin came on 29 February in a 1–1 away draw against Rahoveci.[5] Eight days after debut, Rrahmani scored his first (four) goals for Bashkimi Koretin in his second appearance for the club in a 10–0 home win over Galaksia in Kosovo Second League,[6] the match which was the last for the club due to Football Federation of Kosovo's executive council stopped the all competitions (including even Kosovo Second League) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[7]

On 25 August 2020, Rrahmani joined Kosovo First League side Malisheva.[8] and during his first season, he contributed by scoring 16 goals,[9] which ensured the club promotion in the Kosovo Superleague for the first time in the history of the club,[10] and for his contribution he received the nickname Lewandowski i Malishevës (Lewandowski of Malisheva).[11]

On 23 June 2021, Rrahmani signed a three-year contract with Kosovo Superleague club Ballkani.[12]

Rapid București

Rrahmani performing the crossed hands after scoring a goal against CFR Cluj, 25 September 2023

On 6 August 2023, Ballkani announced the move of Rrahmani to Romanian club Rapid București.[13] The following day, Rapid București confirmed that he signed a three-year deal and received the squad number 9.[14] The initial €600,000 transfer fee (which raised to €1.35 million after bonuses) made Rrahmani the most expensive player of the Kosovo Superleague,[15][16] and Rapid reportedly outbid rivals Petrolul Ploiești for his signing.[17] Fellow Liga I clubs CFR Cluj and FCSB had also scouted the player.[18][19]

Rrahmani recorded his league debut on 25 August 2023, coming on as a 46th-minute substitute for Marko Dugandžić and scoring twice in the 5–3 away win over FC U Craiova.[20] One week later, he scored another two goals in a 4–0 local derby thrashing of Dinamo București.[21] On 25 September, Rrahmani netted his third double of the season in a 3–1 home defeat of CFR Cluj.[18]

On 9 March 2024, Rrahmani scored a double and assisted compatriot Ermal Krasniqi in a 4–0 win over rivals FCSB in the last fixture of the regular season.[22] He scored once more against FCSB on 20 April, in a 2–2 away draw in the championship play-offs. Despite having suffered an injury in October 2023 that sidelined him for several months, Rrahmani finished the season as the third-best goal scorer of the Liga I with 17 goals.[23]

Sparta Prague

On 17 August 2024, Rapid București shareholder Victor Angelescu announced an agreement for the transfer of Rrahmani to Sparta Prague for €5 million and 15% interest.[24] Two days later, he was officially unveiled by the Czech First League club.[25] Rrahmani was handed the number 10 jersey and made his debut on 27 August, scoring a goal in the 2–0 victory over Malmö FF in the UEFA Champions League play-off round (4–0 win on aggregate).[26]

International career

Youth

Rrahmani was called up by the Kosovo national under-21 team for a 2023 UEFA European Championship qualifier against Andorra on 8 June 2021,[27] but was an unused substitute in the 2–0 home win.[28]

Senior

On 17 March 2023, Rrahmani was included in the Kosovo senior team's extended roster for the Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Israel and Andorra,[29] but was left out of the final squad.[30] He went on to make his full debut on 12 September that year, coming on as an 81st-minute substitute for Bernard Berisha in a 0–2 away loss to Romania in the same competition.[31]

Rrahmani started his first match on 12 October 2023, a 3–0 win against Andorra in which he came off the field in the second half after fracturing his ankle.[32] On 9 September 2024, he scored his first goal in a 4–0 away Nations League thrashing of Cyprus.

Career statistics

International

As of match played 9 September 2024[33]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Kosovo
2023 2 0
2024 5 1
Total 7 1

International goals

No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 9 September 2024 AEK Arena – Georgios Karapatakis, Larnaca, Cyprus  Cyprus 3–0 4–0 2024–25 UEFA Nations League

Honours

Ballkani[34]

Individual

References

  1. ^ a b "Zjarr e Ftohtë" me futbollistin Albion Rrahmani on YouTube
  2. ^ "Kryesia e klubit ne bashkpunim me trenerin Faruk Statovci goditen aty ku menduar se ka nevoj klubi transferuan 2 lojtar te talentuer dhe ne mosh te re ata jane: ALBION RRAHMANI DHE SHKELQIM MIFTARI" [The leadership of the club in cooperation with the coach Faruk Statovci hit where they thought the club needed, they transferred 2 talented players and at a young age they are: ALBION RRAHMANI AND SHKELQIM MIFTARI]. Facebook (in Albanian). KF Minatori. 8 September 2019.[self-published]
  3. ^ "Sulmusi ynë Albion Rrahmani është shpallur Golashënuësi më i mirë në ligen e dytë më 16-të Gola. Albionit i dëshirojmë shëndet dhe të vazhdojë me këtë formë. #KFMINATORI #PRISHTINAERE" [Our striker Albion Rrahmani has been declared the best scorer in the second league with 16 goals. We wish Albion health and continue with this form. #FCMINATORI #NEWPRISHTINA]. Facebook (in Albanian). KF Minatori. 2 December 2019.[self-published]
  4. ^ "KF Bashkimi transferon tre futbollistë të talentuar" [FC Bashkimi transfers three talented footballers]. 2lonline.com (in Albanian). 24 January 2020.
  5. ^ "FT KF.Rahoveci-KF.Bashkimi 1:1 | Golashënues: Flamur Gashi" [FT FC.Rahoveci-FC.Bashkimi 1:1 | Goalscorer: Flamur Gashi]. Facebook (in Albanian). KF Bashkimi Koretin. 29 February 2020.[self-published]
  6. ^ "KF BASHKIMI 10:0 KF GALAKSIA" [FC BASHKIMI 10:0 FC GALAKSIA]. Facebook (in Albanian). KF Bashkimi Koretin. 8 March 2020.[self-published]
  7. ^ "KE i FFK-së mbajti mbledhjen e radhës" [FFK's EC held the next meeting] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 27 May 2020.
  8. ^ "ZYRTARE: Fc Malisheva konfirmon se ka arritur marreveshje bashkëpunimi me pesë lojtar të ri dhe ardhjet e reja janë futbollistë të rinjë dhe shumë të talentuar" [OFFICIAL: Fc Malisheva confirms that it has reached a cooperation agreement with five new players and the new arrivals are young and very talented footballers]. Facebook (in Albanian). KF Malisheva. 25 August 2020.[self-published]
  9. ^ "Albion Rrahmani: Ndjenjë e papërshkrueshme ftesa nga Kosova" [Albion Rrahmani: The invitation from Kosovo is an indescribable feeling] (in Albanian). Radio Television of Kosovo. 22 May 2021.
  10. ^ "Ulpiana dhe Malisheva në Superligë, Flamurtari – Dukagjini ndeshja e barazhit" [Ulpiana and Malisheva in the Superleague, Flamurtari – Dukagjini relegation play-off match] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 15 May 2021.
  11. ^ "Kush është 'Lewandowski' i Malishevës që po i drejton malishevasit drejt Superligës?" [Who is Malisheva's 'Lewandowski' who is leading Malisheva to the Superleague?]. Gazeta Infokusi (in Albanian). 3 May 2021.
  12. ^ "Zyrtare: Albion Rrahmani kalon te Ballkani" [Official: Albion Rrahmani moves to Ballkani] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 23 June 2021.
  13. ^ "Ballkani e konfirmon largimin e Albion Rrahmanit" [Ballkani confirms the departure of Albion Rrahmani] (in Albanian). Gazeta Express. 6 August 2023.
  14. ^ "Rapid l-a achiziţionat pe Albion Rrahmani" [Rapid acquired Albion Rrahmani] (in Romanian). FC Rapid București. 7 August 2023.
  15. ^ "OFICIAL Albion Rrahmani merge la Rapid! Cel mai scump transfer al verii în Giulești" [OFFICIAL Albion Rrahmani goes to Rapid! The most expensive transfer of the summer in Giulești]. Digi Sport (in Romanian). 8 August 2023.
  16. ^ "Transferimi më i shtrenjtë në histori të futbollit kosovar, Albion Rrahmani zyrtarizohet nga Rapidi" [The most expensive transfer in the history of Kosovan football, Albion Rrahmani is made official by Rapid]. Gazeta Olle (in Albanian). 7 August 2023.
  17. ^ "Ce echipă din Superliga l-a dorit inițial pe Albion Rrahmani! Au existat două oferte înainte ca Rapidul să pună mâna pe kosovar | EXCLUSIV" [Which Superliga team wanted Albion Rrahmani initially! Two bids were made before Rapid got their hands on the Kosovan | EXCLUSIVE] (in Romanian). ProSport. 11 August 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  18. ^ a b "Albion Rrahmani putea ajunge la alt club din Superligă: "Asta a fost ideea"" [Albion Rrahmani could have ended up at another Superliga team club: "This was the idea"] (in Romanian). Sport.ro. 27 September 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  19. ^ "Albion Rrahmani, la un pas de FCSB înainte de transferul la Rapid: "Ne-a plăcut foarte mult"" [Albion Rrahmani, one step away from FCSB before transferring to Rapid: "We liked him a lot"] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 17 October 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  20. ^ "Meci nebun | FC U Craiova – Rapid 3:5" [Crazy match | FC U Craiova – Rapid 3:5] (in Romanian). FC Rapid București. 25 August 2023.
  21. ^ "După ce a suferit în Giulești, Burcă îl pune în gardă pe Edi Iordănescu: "Are forță mare. Să analizeze foarte bine"" [After suffering in Giulești, Burcă warns Edi Iordănescu: "He has great strength. He should watch well"]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 2 September 2023. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  22. ^ "Albion Rrahmani a spus care este "secretul" formei sale, după dubla reușită cu FCSB" [Albion Rrahmani said what is the "secret" for his form, after the double against FCSB] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 9 March 2024. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
  23. ^ "Ei sunt premianții sezonului în Superliga » Deac scrie istorie! Coman a fost egalat în clasamentul golgheterilor" [They are the prizewinners of the season in the Superliga » Deac is writing history! Coman was tied in the top scorers table]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  24. ^ ""L-am vândut". Rapid Bucureşti l-a transferat pe Albion Rrahmani la rivala celor de la FCSB, pentru 5.000.000 de euro! EXCLUSIV" ["We've sold him." Rapid București transferred Albion Rrahmani to FCSB's rival, for 5,000,000 euros! EXCLUSIVE] (in Romanian). ProSport. 17 August 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  25. ^ "ALBION RRAHMANI. Na Letnou přichází třiadvacetiletý kosovský reprezentant" [ALBION RRAHMANI. A twenty-three-year-old Kosovo representative is coming to Letná] (in Czech). AC Sparta Prague. 19 August 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  26. ^ "Sparta Praha - Malmö 2–0". UEFA. 27 August 2024. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  27. ^ "Përzgjedhësi Nees publikon listën e zgjeruar të futbollistëve për ndeshjen kundër Andorrës U21" [Selector Nees publishes extended list of footballers for the match against Andorra U21] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 22 May 2021.
  28. ^ "Kosovo 2–0 Andorra". UEFA. 8 June 2021. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  29. ^ "Alain Giresse publikon listen e futbollistëve për dy ndeshjet e marsit" [Alain Giresse publishes the list of footballers for the two March matches] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 17 March 2023.
  30. ^ "Rrahmani e Gërxhaliu sërish jashtë skuadrës së Kosovës" [Rrahmani and Gërxaliu are out of the Kosovo team again]. Gazeta Express (in Albanian). 28 March 2023.
  31. ^ "Albion Rrahmani a debutat pentru Kosovo! Ce i-a făcut colegul Horațiu Moldovan" [Albion Rrahmani made his debut for Kosovo! What his colleague Horațiu Moldovan did do to him] (in Romanian). Sport.ro. 13 September 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  32. ^ "Albion Rrahmani, accidentare gravă în Andorra – Kosovo 0-3! A fost scos pe targă de pe teren!" [Albion Rrahmani, serious injury in Andorra - Kosovo 0–3! He was taken off the field on a stretcher!] (in Romanian). Antena Sport. 13 October 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  33. ^ "Albion Rrahmani". European Football. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  34. ^ Albion Rrahmani at Soccerway. Retrieved 18 October 2023.