Every Albanian to have played in the Premier League | OneFootball

England entertain Albania this evening in the first fixture of their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.

Albania have made strides forward in recent years, reaching the European Championship for the first time in 2016 and again qualifying for the tournament in 2024. Now, The Red and Blacks are aiming for a first-ever result against England and a maiden appearance at the World Cup.

Ahead of tonight’s tie, we’ve looked at the exclusive group of Albanian footballers to have plied their trade in the Premier League.

Lorik Cana

Regarded as one of Albania’s greatest footballers, Lorik Cana holds the all-time record for appearances for the national team (93).

The midfielder’s career took in spells at top clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille, Galatasaray and Lazio, alongside a short spell in the North East of England. Cana signed for Sunderland ahead of the 2009/10 season to become the first Albanian to play in the Premier League and his instant impact saw him handed the captaincy at the Stadium of Light.

He made 35 appearances in all competitions as Sunderland finished 13th in the table. However, he departed for Galatasaray after one season in England, citing a desire to be closer to his family ties.

Armando Broja

The Slough-born striker came through the ranks at Chelsea before impressing during loan spells at Vitesse Arnhem and Southampton.

Broja declined an invitation from England’s u-21 side in order to represent Albania, the nations of his parents. He has since scored five goals in 23 caps for the national team but has seen his club career stalled amid injury issues.

After a challenging loan spell at Fulham, he has endured an injury-hit time during another loan stint at Everton this season.

Thomas Strakosha

Thomas Strakosha’s arrival at Brentford was considered a coup, after the Bees landed the free agent in 2023.

The Albanian shot-stopper had made 208 appearances at Lazio but was unable to nail down a regular role in West London. Strakosha made just six appearances in all competitions due to the presence of David Raya and, latterly, Mark Flekken at the club.

He joined AEK Athens on a free transfer last summer, where his current teammates include ex-Manchester United striker Anthony Martial and former Tottenham winger Erik Lamela.

Read – England vs Albania – Predicted lineup and team news

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