A recent analysis by the Swiss portal Nau.ch has brought attention to a significant trend in European football: many young players of Albanian origin, raised in Switzerland and developed through Swiss football academies, are opting to represent Albania or Kosovo at the international level instead of Switzerland.
The most recent case is that of goalkeeper Eman Kospo, who decided to play for Bosnia and Herzegovina, rejecting the possibility of wearing the Swiss national team jersey.
According to the report, 14 players of Albanian heritage who came through Switzerland’s youth system have chosen different paths, committing their international futures to Albania or Kosovo.
Some of these players have already left a major mark on the international stage. Nedim Bajrami, for example, played 51 games for Switzerland’s youth teams before deciding in 2021 to represent Albania. At Euro 2024, he made history by scoring the fastest goal ever in a European Championship, against Italy.
Similarly, Florent Hadërgjonaj, who made one senior appearance for Switzerland in a friendly, chose Kosovo in 2019. Since then, he has earned 38 caps for the “Dardans,” contributing one goal and four assists in major qualifiers.
Another notable figure is Albert Bunjaku, now coach of Kosovo U19. He once represented Switzerland at senior level but later played for Kosovo after the country was admitted to UEFA in 2016.
Players Who Switched to Kosovo:
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Bledian Krasniqi – 38 youth appearances for Switzerland
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Toni Domgjoni – 25 appearances
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Benjamin Kololli – no Swiss youth appearances
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Betim Fazliji – 2 appearances
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Mirlind Kryeziu – 23 appearances
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Florent Hadërgjonaj – 1 senior appearance for Switzerland
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Amir Shaipi – 18 appearances
Players Who Chose Albania:
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Nedim Bajrami – 51 youth appearances for Switzerland
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Amir Abrashi – 43 appearances
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Taulant Xhaka – 44 appearances
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Frederic Veseli – 57 appearances
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Shkëlzen Gashi – 46 appearances
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Berat Gjimshiti – 20 appearances
The reasons behind these choices vary, ranging from intense competition within the Swiss national team to a strong sense of national identity and emotional ties to their ancestral homeland. Many players have expressed a desire to contribute to the development of Albanian football, whether with Albania or Kosovo.
This ongoing trend has sparked debates in Switzerland, while Albania and Kosovo continue to benefit from the quality and experience of players nurtured in one of Europe’s most advanced football systems.