KF Tirana
Klubi i Futbollit Tirana (KF Tirana) is an Albanian professional football club based in the country's capital city, Tirana. The men's football club is part of the multi-disciplinary sports club SK Tirana, and is the most successful in Albania, having won 54 recognized major domestic trophies.KF Tirana is the most successful club in albania,they have won 29 league titles. They are the only football club in Albania with two stars in their crest after winning the 20th championship in 2003, each star corresponds to ten championships. Making them the first and only Albanian club to have achieved such a feat. They play their home games at the Selman Stërmasi Stadium in Tirana and they play in the Kategoria Superiore.
| Full name | Klubi i Futbollit Tirana |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Bardh e Blut |
| Founded | 15 August 1920, as Sport Klub Tirana[1] |
| Ground | Selman Stërmasi Stadium |
| Capacity | 9,500[2] |
| Owners | Halili SH.P.K. (66%) Municipality of Tirana (34%) |
| President | Refik Halili |
| Head coach | Erbim Fagu |
| League | Abissnet Superiore |
| 2022–23 | Kategoria Superiore, 2nd of 10 |
| Website | Club website |
| Current season | |
The club was founded on 15 August 1920[1] as Sport Klub Tirana (in English: Sport Club Tirana), but then, they name changed to Shoqata e Futbollit Agimi (in English: Agimi Football Association) and they had since participated in all the top tier national championships ever held in Albania. However, the ninth-place finish in the 2016–17 season relegated the club to the Albanian First Division (second-tier) for the first time in their history.
They have competed under the name of SK Tirana between 1927 and 1947, when the communist regime forcibly renamed the club 17 Nëntori Tirana, Puna Tirana and KS 17 Nëntori. In 1991 KF Tirana retook its pre-1947 name and was divided into two branches, the multi disciplinary SK Tirana and the football branch of KF Tirana.
KF Tirana is the most successful Albanian team in European competitions, having progressed from the first rounds on 14 occasions (once directly by draw, without playing) since making their European debut in the 1965–66 European Cup. They reached Round of 16 in European Competitions four times, three such in the European Cup (now Champions League) alone in 1980s. The club also holds the record of being the highest ever ranking Albanian club according to IFFHS, having been ranked 31st in the world in 1987, following good results in their 1986–87 campaign.[3] In addition, KF Tirana is an ECA member.[4]
History edit
1920–1937: Beginnings of Klubi i Futbollit Tirana edit
Tirana was officially founded on 15 August 1920. The first coach was appointed Palok Nika. The first name of the club was Sportklub Tirona which was later changed into Futboll Klub Tirona. The team played their first official match in October at Shallvare against Juventus Shkodër.[5]
Tirana played their first international match against Yugoslav team Crnogorac Cetinje from Montenegro in 1925. On 16 August 1927, which was the seventh anniversary of the formation of the Agimi Sports Association, the club's name changed into Sportklub Tirana, which would be commonly referred to as SK Tirana.[6] On that day the president of the club was Teki Selenica.[7]
in 1930, Tirana took part in the first officially recognised football competition held in Albania, organized by newly founded Albanian Football Association. The team dominated the tournament, reaching the final after winning five matches, drawing four and losing just one, to finish joint top, along with Skënderbeu Korçë, albeit with a slightly better goal difference.[8] Tirana faced in the championship final Skënderbeu Korçë, who refused to play as a sign of protest against the bias of the competition and the Albanian Football Association towards Tirana. The club was named champion after the games were awarded 2–0.[8]
The following season, the club introduced new players such as goalkeeper Vasfi Samimi, Sabit Çoku, Muhamet Agolli and Halim Begeja. The championship format changed as it divided the teams into two groups. Tirana was placed in Group A and managed to finish 1st after collecting five points from three matches. In the final against Group B winners Teuta Durrës, the team drew 1–1 in the first leg at home but managed a 3–0 win in the second one to retain the championship title.
Tirana continued to dominate the Albanian football even in the next season, despite the fact that the championship format was changed once again. In a group where every club would play each other twice and the winner would be decided by who finished top of the league, Tirana had it easy as they finished the championship unbeaten, winning five matches and drawing three, winning the title for the third consecutive year, which further cemented their place in history as the first club to dominate football in Albania. The club lost the title for the first time in history in 1933, finishing in a disappointing third place out of six, behind Bashkimi Shkodran and the winners Skënderbeu Korçë. It turned out to be a transition period as team bounced back firmly in the 1934 Championship, finishing five points ahead of runners-up Skënderbeu Korçë in a seven team format.
In the next years, Tirana managed to win the 1936 and 1937 championship, guided by ethnic-Albanian forward Riza Lushta who was named top goalscorer in both years.[9] This was the last pre-World War II competition held by the Albanian Football Association as there was no championship held in 1938 and World War II broke out in 1939.
1939–1947: War years edit
In 1939, Albania was under Italian invasion; Giovanni Giro, a loyal trustee of Foreign Minister Galeazzo Ciano, was in charge of organising the first football competition under Victor Emmanuel III, which was called Turneja Kombëtare E Footbollit Për Ndeshjet E Trofeut Të Liktorit (National Tour of Football for the Matches of the Lictor Trophy). Tirana participated in the tournament, eliminating 9–0 on aggregate Dragoj Pogradeci in the first round to reach the semi-finals. In the semi-final, the team played Skënderbeu Korçë, beating them 3–0 to reach the final against Vllaznia Shkodër. In the final played at the Shallvare field in the capital on 30 September 1939, Tirana won the trophy by winning 6–5.
A similar tournament was held in the next year by the fascist regime, this time in a group format where teams were divided into two groups based on geography location. Two of Tirana's most important players Kryeziu and Lushta left Albania for Italy to join Bari and Roma respectively. In the first match, Tirana drew 2–2 with Vllaznia Shkodër, and then won 3–0 at home against Elbasani. The rest of the campaign did not prove to be fruitful as Vllaznia finished top of the group ahead of Tirana and reached the championship finals, where they defeated Skënderbeu Korçë 11–1 on aggregate to win their first national championship, to this day unrecognized by the Albanian Federal Association.
The championship was not held in 1941 but returned in the following year, which also had three clubs from Kosovo. These clubs from Kosovo competed in the northern section along with the reigning champions Vllaznia Shkodër and Tirana competed in the new middle section group and the southern clubs competed in their own group. In a bizarre ruling, only players born between 1921 and 1925 were allowed to participate in the competition, meaning that only players between the ages of 17 and 22 were allowed to play. However, this rule was not followed by most clubs and senior players did participate in the competition. Tirana reached the semi-finals after winning 5–1 versus Elbasani and drawing 1–1 against Teuta Durrës. In the semi-final, the team faced Prizreni; the first leg ended in a 2–2 draw while the second one was won by Tirana 2–1. The team thus reached the final once again where they faced Vllaznia Shkodër on 29 June. The regular time ended in a 1–1 draw, leading the Italian referee Michele Carone then asked both sides to play extra time of two 15-minute halves, but Vllaznia declined. Two days after the final had been played the match was awarded 2–0 to Tirana along with the title.[10]
The club won two out of the three National Championships that were held during World War II, but in March 2013, Albanian Football Association made a decision by refusing to recognize them, stating that they were not legitimate, since they weren't organized by the AFA, but by the fascist regime.[11]
1944–1957: Postwar period edit
Following the end of World War II, footballing activities resumed as they had done before the war under the guidance of the Albanian Football Association. In the championship of 1945, Tirana was placed in Group B. The team topped the group easily, collecting 16 points from 10 matches, thus reaching the final where they faced Vllaznia Shkodër once again. They lost both matches 2–1, thus missing the opportunity to win another championship.
Under communist regime led by dictator Enver Hoxha, Tiran would quickly become a victim as in early March 1946 the ruling communist Politburo had instructed the club to change its name to 17 Nëntori in honour of the Liberation of Tirana which took place on 17 November 1944. In the following decade, the club was subject to appalling treatment by the regime, and this was highlighted by the creation of a privilege system for the newly created communist backed teams Partizani Tirana and Dinamo Tirana.
The following decade would unroll in the same suffocating atmosphere, becoming even heavier after the foundation of two system-privileged teams that would follow the experiences of their sisters in the former USSR, former Yugoslavia, and the other eastern European countries: Partizani, the Defense Ministry team and Dinamo, the Internal Affairs Ministry team. Dozens of Tirana's talented players were "convinced", against their will, to play for either Partizani or Dinamo.[12] As a result, "17 Nentori" struggled to stay at the top during the years 1947–57, however the team managed to gain some of the lost ground during the second part of the 1950s after replacing in part some of the first choice players of its line up.
1958–1990: Decline and revival edit
From 1958 to 1964 Tirana kept on producing some good football and finishing the championship almost always at the third spot. These years were a prelude to what was about to happen later: Tirana reexperienced its pre-war glory spell under the services of the unforgettable coach Myslym Alla. At the end of the 28th national championship Tirana became champions of Albania more than twenty years after their last title.
The team repeated the success the year after, but this was an obvious challenge to Partizani's generals and Dinamo's secret service bosses.
1967 title unjustly denied edit
It was 24 June 1967. Tirana and Partizani played their derby of the 19th round of 1966–67 Albanian First League. The match was not finished due to a fight breaking out with many Tirana and Partizani players throwing punches on the field.[13][14] It was not a huge surprise to see the paper headlines the next morning: "Due to direct decision of the AFA, Tirana and Partizani forfeit the match 0:3, are deducted 3 points each and will thereafter lose by default remaining matches!" [13][14] By forfeiting that match and losing the subsequent 3 remaining matches, Dinamo would automatically gain enough points to overtake Tirana and win the title.
Defiance edit
After this, Tirana won the championship two years in a row in style, losing only two matches in 1968 and only one during the 1969–70 season.[15]
During the seventies, Tirana struggled hard to stay at the top, the best result being the second place and the worst the thirteenth. Yet the club won the national cup twice. The generation of older players came to the end of their careers and this could only mark the end of a highly successful era. However the unsuccessful spell would not last long this time. Tirana won the championship at the end of the 1981–82 season, and they went on to win the title three other times during the eighties, in 1984–85, 1987–88 and 1988–89 and the Albanian Cup in 1982–83, 1983–84 and 1985–86. The club was also successful in European club competitions, reaching there the round of 16 four times in the 1980s, alone in the European Cup three times. Many of the team's players made up the core of the Albania national football team, such as Agustin Kola, Arben Minga, Shkëlqim Muça and Mirel Josa.[16][17][18]
1991–2006: Return to success edit
In August 1991, less than a year following the fall of communism in Albania, Tirana regained its old name, and likewise the whole Albanian society, went through a period of profound changes. Almost all the best Albanian players left the country and went abroad looking for a richer team who could hire them. But it seems that the club simply could not stand being too long from the leading spots. The team returned to the winning ways by winning the Albanian Cup in the 1993–94 season, defeating 1–0 on aggregate Teuta Durrës.[19] Shortly after, in January 1995, the team won also their first Albanian Supercup trophy, defeating 1–0 Teuta Durrës at Qemal Stafa Stadium. A couple of months later, they clinched their 15th championship by finishing 12 points ahead of the runner-up Teuta Durrës.[20]
This championship was followed by another one in the 1995–96 season, as Tirana won it just one point ahead of Teuta Durrës once again.[21] The team also clinched the cup in that season, completing the domestic double for the second time in history. Another domestic double followed in 1998–99 season. In the following years, Tirana continued to dominate the Albanian football, winning 10 out of the last 18 Albania's championships.[22] The team also dominated in the domestic cups, adding to their trophy cabinet three Albanian Cups and five other Albanian Supercups.
2011–2018: Change in ownership, decline and relegation edit
Following a successful 2006–07 campaign which saw the club win the Albanian Superliga comfortably,[23] the team begun to struggle for results. They began the season by getting eliminated from the UEFA Champions League by NK Domžale. Despite winning the Albanian Supercup versus Besa Kavajë, Tirana managed only a 6th-place finish their worst finish since 1993. In cup, the team lost the final to Vllaznia Shkodër.
In the following season, Tirana bounced back; inspired by striker Migen Memelli,[24] who went on to score 30 goals, Tirana managed to win the championship for the 24th time in history.[25] In cup they reached another final, only to be defeated again, this time by Flamurtari Vlorë.[26] In the next years, Tirana experiences mixed fortunes, being unable to win the championship but remaining on top in domestic cups, winning the Albanian Cup in 2010–11 and 2011–12, and three other Albanian Supercups in 2009, 2011 and 2012. There was also major controversies off the field between club's chief and president in the 2010–11 season, which led to a delay in paying the players' wages and even some players not receiving their wages.
On 12 October 2011, Municipality of Tirana city council voted through a unanimous decision to change the status of the club from a municipality owned to a shareholder own one, under the name KF Tirana Sh.A, with the municipality of Tirana initially holding a 100% stake in the club but with the possibility of any future private sponsors and donors to own stocks in the club.[27]
Starting from 2013, Tirana entered in a period of disappointments. In the 2013–14 season, the team was seriously in risk of getting relegated for the first time in history. By the end of December 2013 the team was ranked in the last position with only 10 points from 13 matches, 7 points away from the safe zone. However, with Gugash Magani as manager and a strong transfer market, the team bounced back and eventually finished in 6th position, escaping the relegation only in the penultimate match.[28] On 26 June 2014, the Tirana city council approved a proposal to give private donors a 66% stake in the club's assets for the next 18 years, which at the time fell in the hands of Refik Halili and Lulzim Morina, which enabled such donors to invest in players, facilities and youth teams.[29]
Tirana begun the 2014–15 season with high expectations, challenging for the title in the first part of the season.[30] In the second part, however, the team declined and ultimately finished in 5th position. In cup, Tirana was controversially eliminated from Laçi in the semi-final 1–0 on aggregate. Laçi eventually won the final against Kukësi,[31] leaving Tirana without Europa League football once again. The club was relegated during the 2016–17 season.[32] From title contender halfway through the season, Tirana fell continuously to dramatically succumb to relegation for the first time in their history. Ilir Daja was sacked on 1 November following a goalless draw against Vllaznia Shkodër,[33] and was replaced by the returned Mirel Josa.[34] The club also broke the relationship with the fans after allowing with their lifetime rivals Partizani Tirana to play at Selman Stërmasi Stadium; they opposed such an agreement and subsequently abandoned the matches for the entire season as a result.[35] Tirana then endured a 15 winless match streak before winning 2–0 against Korabi Peshkopi.[36] Their relegation was officially confirmed on 27 May following a goalless draw versus fellow relegation strugglers Vllaznia Shkodër.[32] In cup, Tirana did much better, winning their 16th trophy on 31 May after defeating 3–1 Skënderbeu Korçë at Elbasan Arena.[37] This meant the return of Tirana in European competitions after five years.
Tirana retained most of their players ahead of the new season.[38] The club appointed former Brazil international Zé Maria as the new manager.[39] The team eliminated from the UEFA Europa League by Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv[40] In September 2017, Tirana won another trophy, their 11th Albanian Supercup after winning 1–0 against Kukësi.[41] Winning two major domestic trophies and also participating in Europe, Tirana set an astonishing record by becoming the first and only Albanian First Division side to achieve this feat.[41] In the league Tirana dominated with hammering results in either home or away matches.[42][43] Club's goal of a quick promotion in Superliga was reached with three spare rounds to play.[44] Tirana won their first ever Albanian First Division title on 16 May by winning 2–0 against the Group A winners Kastrioti Krujë.[45]
2019–present: 100th anniversary and return to top-flight as a powerhouse edit
Tirana won the 25th championship in the 2019–20 season which was also the club's 100th anniversary.[46] It was the first title after 11 years.[47] During the season the team recorded two wins against Partizani, ending the negative record of 18 winless matches against them; the 5–1 win in February 2020 was the biggest since 2005.[48][49] Ndubuisi Egbo took charge of the team starting in the 13th matchday; he was highly praised for his work and also become the first African coach to win a league title in Europe.[50][51] In cup, the team managed to reach the final but was defeated 2–0 by Teuta.[52]
In the summer of 2020, Tirana reached the play-off of UEFA Europa League, becoming the second Albanian club to achieve this feat after Skënderbeu.[53] They were eliminated by Switzerland's BSC Young Boys.[54] During the domestic season, Tirana failed to defend the title and finished a disappointing 5th place. Coach Egbo was fired and replaced by Orges Shehi halfway through the season.[55] In the next campaign, Tirana dominated the championship and won it for the 26th time in history.[56] Aided by the attacking duo Taulant Seferi and Redon Xhixha,[57] and players such as Ennur Totre,[58] Vesel Limaj,[59] Visar Bekaj,[60] and Ardit Toli, Tirana secured the title with three rounds to spare.[56]
Grounds edit
Shallvare (1920–46) edit
The club's first home ground was the Shallvare, located in the centre of Tirana where today is the existing Shallvare block, acquired by the club prior to their formation in 1920. The also field served as an amusement centre for the youth of Tirana to enjoy, and it was a popular gathering place where various games were played during religious holidays. Before its use as a football ground the site was use by the Ottoman garrison as a playground, and in 1916 it served as a runway for the Austrian-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops. The club played their first game at the Shallvare in 1920 against a team made up of the occupying Austrian-Hungarians. In 1925 there were changing rooms built at the ground, and in the early 1930s there was an athletics track built around the football pitch. The administrator of the ground was the football referee, Besim Hamdiu (Qorri), who only had one assistant in the maintenance of the ground. The ground did not have a main stand or seating area for spectators, but rather a two storied building that was constructed in 1923 by a member of parliament Masar Këlliçi . The building stood 50 metres away from the football pitch and was located in line with the middle of the pitch, with its balcony facing the field and the Dajt mountains. The ground was also used for other sporting events as well as military parades, one of which the president and later king Ahmet Zogu attended in 1927. The ground was destroyed in 1951 and Soviet–style apartment blocks were built onto of it instead.[61][62]
Qemal Stafa Stadium (1946–2015) edit
The home ground of KF Tirana is Selman Stërmasi Stadium, which is shared with city rivals Dinamo Tirana and Partizani Tirana. However, most derby and significant matches are played at the national team's Qemal Stafa Stadium; the stadium is also used if the Selman Stërmasi Stadium is unavailable as it is used by three different teams. The club has expressed its desire to rebuild the current Selman Stërmasi Stadium into a modern complex with around 15,000 to 20,000 seats. They want it to be Albania's first modern post-Communism stadium without an athletic track around the field, which they hope will provide more atmosphere and attract more fans. However, it has not yet been decided when this will be built but it is rumoured to be the club's 100th anniversary present in 2020.[63]
Selman Stërmasi Stadium (1956–present) edit
KF Tirana plays most of its official and friendly games at the Selman Stërmasi Stadium in Tirana. The Selman Stërmasi Stadium was built in 1956 and was previously named the 'Dinamo' Stadium until 1991 when it was permanently given its new name. The Football Association of Albania and the club decided to name the stadium post mortem after the eminent KF Tirana player, coach and president, Selman Stërmasi.
The stadium has a capacity of 12,500 (8,400 seated). In December 2014, another phase of reconstruction was started, involving a new pitch, central main covered stand, central fans stand including two extra rows extension, broken or missing seats replacements/repairs, interior facilities, general lineaments and a shopping center just under central seated. The internal facilities include general repairs, a press conference room, journalists' corner and modern showers. The side fans stands will temporary be shut and covered by advertising boards. It is still unclear when will stadium scoreboard and clock be fitted.[64]
The main parking area is located at the front of the stadium, which leads to the entrance. The whole external part of the stadium is surrounded by a 2.7 M (9 ft) rail fence.[65]
Skënder Halili Complex edit
The club's training ground is called the Skënder Halili Complex and it is located off Rruga e Kavajës, near the Birra Tirana factory. The training complex was posthumously named after Skënder Halili, who was one of the club's most notable associates, both during his playing career and after. The complex features a full sized natural grass football pitch, as well as a smaller astro turf fan along with dressing rooms used by senior team as well as some of the youth teams. In December 2014 work began on both the Skënder Halili Complex and the Selman Stërmasi Stadium in order to fully renovate these grounds to be used by the club, and at the training ground the training facilities were all improved which included the dressing rooms and even the single stand that holds a small number of spectators for those wishing to attend training sessions and even occasional friendlies that are played at the ground.[66]
Supporters edit
| Tirona Fanatics | |
|---|---|
| Established | 8 January 2006 |
| Type | Supporters' group |
| Club | KF Tirana |
| Headquarters | Tirana, Albania |
| Affiliations | Shvercerat |
Tirana is considered to be one of the most supported football clubs in Albania, and its supporters also formed the first Ultras group in the country in 1986 called Ultras Tirona. The group was forced to operate illegally as the communist regime did not allow such organised groups to function. However, despite this, its supporters used games as an outlet to show their dissent against the regime in place and following the fall of communism in Albania they became more organised and attracted more supporters in the late 90s and early 2000s. During the mid-2000s, younger supporters began to emerge on the scene and felt that the older Ultras Tirona did not entirely represent them, which led to the younger supporters forming a new Ultras group called the Tirona Fanatics on 8 January 2006.They are now the best ultras in Albania [67][68][69][70] Tirona Fanatics are widely regarded as a right wing tifo-group, whereas Ultras Guerrils are mostly associated with the left due to their history. The group quickly rose in membership and became the most organised supporters group in Albania, following Tirana home and away, including European games. On 20 May 2015 the majority of the founding members of Tirona Fanatics decided to hand over the management of the group to younger supporters.[71] The group has partnerships withMacedonian group Shvercerat of FK Shkupi. KF Tirana has another Ultras group called "Capital Crew" which offer a spectacular atmosphere when they are in the stadium.
Rivalries edit
Tirana have three main rivals. Vllaznia Shkodër, the oldest derby in the country, with the matches between them called the All-time Albanian derby. The other rivalries are the Tirana derbies with Dinamo Tirana and Partizani Tirana. However, since 2010s, they have developed a fierce rivalry with Skënderbeu Korçë since the latter side's rise to prominence.
Players edit
Current squad edit
- As of 1 February 2024
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Reserve squad edit
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Out on loan edit
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Retired numbers edit
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Other clubs edit
Tirana B edit
Klubi i Futbollit Tirana B is an Albanian football club based in Tiranë. It was founded in 1932, but was dissolved before it was refounded again on 22 January 2013.[72]
Tirana U-21 edit
KF Tirana U-21 is an Albanian football club based in Tiranë. It was founded in 2019.
Reserves and academy edit
The KF Tirana Reserves and Academy (Albanian: Klubi i Futbollit Tirana Rezervat dhe Akademia) are the reserve team of KF Tirana, They play in the North section of the Albanian U-19 Superliga and Albanian U-17 Superliga.
Honours edit
Tirana are the most successful and decorated club in Albania, having won 26 league titles, a national record.[73] The club's first trophy was also the first Albanian National Championship, held in 1930, which was also the first official football competition in the country.[8] The club also holds the record for the most Albanian Cups (16) and Albanian Supercups (12). The club's most recent trophy was the 2022 Albanian Supercup won on 7 December 2022.[74]
| Type | Competition | Titles | Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic (54) | Kategoria Superiore | 26** | 1930, 1931, 1932, 1934, 1936, 1937, 1939*, 1942*, 1964–65, 1965–66, , 1967***, 1968, 1969–70, 1981–82, 1984–85, 1987–88, 1988–89, 1994–95, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–00, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2006–07, 2008–09, 2019–20, 2021–22 |
| Kategoria e Parë | 1 | 2017–18 | |
| Kupa e Shqipërisë | 16 | 1938–39, 1962–63, 1975–76, 1976–77, 1982–83, 1983–84, 1985–86, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1998–99, , 2000–01, 2001–02, 2005–06, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2016–17 | |
| Superkupa e Shqipërisë | 12 | 1994, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, , 2017, 2022 | |
| Double | 3 | 1939, 1995–96, 1998–99 | |
| Europe | Balkans Cup | RU | 1983 |
| Minor | Taçi Oil Cup | 1 | 2008 |
Records and statistics edit
Domestic edit
- Biggest ever home league victory:
Tirana 11-3 Partizani (1954) Tirana 11–0 Flamurtari Vlorë (5 July 1936)[75]
Tirana 11–0 Besëlidhja Lezhë (6 June 1937)
Tirana 11–0 Erzeni (1960)
- Biggest ever home league defeat: Tirana 0–6 Vllaznia Shkodër (1947)
Tirana 0-6 Skënderbeu Korçë (1947) - Biggest ever away league victory: Elbasani 2–9 Tirana (12 June 1932)
Pogradeci 1–8 Tirana (1953) - Biggest ever away league defeat: Partizani Tirana 8-0 Tirana (1947)
- Most league appearances: Elvis Sina (392)
- Most league goals: Indrit Fortuzi (152)
- Most points in a season: 84 (2004–05)
- Fewest points in a season: 7 (1940)
- Most wins in a season: 26 (2004–05)
- Fewest wins in a season: 3 (1931, 1933, 1940, 1942)
- Most ties in a season: 15 (1974–75), (2016–17)
- Fewest ties in a season: 0 (1939, 1946)
- Most losses in a season: 13 (1972–73, 1976–77, 1991–92, 2016–17, 2018–19)
- Fewest losses in a season: 0 (1932, 1936, 1937, 1939, 1942)
- Best Goal Differential: +66 (1936)
- Worst Goal Differential: -5 (1972–73)
Europe edit
- Highest stage reached in Champions League: Round of 16 (1982–83, 1988–89, 1989–90)
- Highest stage reached in Europa League: Play-Off (2020–21)
- Highest stage reached in Conference League: 2QR (2022–23) ,(2023–24)
- Highest stage reached in Cup Winners' Cup: Round of 16 (1986–87)
- Highest stage reached in Balkans Cup: Runners-up (1981–83)
- Biggest ever European home victory: Tirana 5–0 Sliema Wanderers (Sept 27, 1989)
- Biggest ever European home defeat: Tirana 2–6 NK Croatia Zagreb (24 July 1996)
- Biggest ever European away victory: FC Gomel 0–2 Tirana (14 July 2004)
FC Dinamo Tbilisi 0-2 Tirana (19 August 2020) - Biggest ever European away defeat: Aalesund 5–0 Tirana (26 July 2012)
- Most European appearances: Elvis Sina (31)
- Most European goals: Indrit Fortuzi (10)
Players edit
- Most appearances
Appearances in competitive matches Below is the list with top ten players with most appearances in all competitions for KF Tirana.
| Rank | Player | Years | Match | Goals |
| 1 | Elvis Sina | 1996–2006 2007–2008 2009–2014 | 392 | 8 |
| 2 | Arben Minga | 1975–1991 1994–1997 | 387 | 136 |
| 3 | Blendi Nallbani | 1990–1991 1992–1993 1994–2001 2004–2011 | 327 | 1 |
| 4 | Nevil Dede | 1994–2004 2006–2007 2009–2010 | 299 | 30 |
| 5 | Agustin Kola | 1980–1991 1994–1997 | 298 | 133 |
| 6 | Erando Karabeci | 2009–2020 | 273 | 10 |
| 7 | Erjon Hoxhallari | 2011–2014 2015–2022 2023– | 258 | 11 |
| 8 | Mirel Josa | 1980–1991 | 253 | 40 |
| 9 | Rezart Dabulla | 1998–2006 2008–2013 | 245 | 9 |
| 10 | Ervin Bulku | 1998–2006 2014–2016 | 235 | 15 |
- Most goals
| Rank | Player | Years | Goals | Match |
| 1 | Indrit Fortuzi | 1993–1998 2000–2005 2007–2008 | 152 | 210 |
| 2 | Arben Minga | 1971–1990 1994–1997 | 136 | 387 |
| 3 | Agustin Kola | 1980–1991 1994–1997 | 133 | 298 |
| 4 | Shkelqim Muca | 1978–1988 | 88 | 192 |
| 5 | Petrit Dibra | 1970–1980 | 70 | 187 |
| 6 | Devi Muka | 1998–1999 2003–2010 | 61 | 201 |
| 7 | Skënder Hyka | 1963–1974 | 60 | 157 |
| 8 | Mahir Halili | 2000–2005 | 46 | 133 |
| 9 | Pavllo Bukoviku | 1957–1958 1961–1971 | 45 | 147 |
| 10 | Hamdi Salihi | 2005–2007 | 42 | 52 |
- Kategoria Superiore Golden Boot
List of Kategoria Superiore top scorers (Kategoria Superiore top scorers).
| Season | Player | Goals | Matches |
| 1930 | Rexhep Maçi Emil Hajnali | 3 | 3 |
| 1932 | Haki Korça | 4 | 3 |
| 1934 | Mark Gurashi | 12 | 5 |
| 1936 | Riza Lushta | 11 | 5 |
| 1937 | Riza Lushta | 25 | 5 |
| 1978–79 | Petrit Dibra | 14 | 26 |
| 1984–85 | Arben Minga | 13 | 17 |
| 1987–88 | Agustin Kola | 18 | 33 |
| 1988–89 | Agustin Kola | 19 | 32 |
| 2000–01 | Indrit Fortuzi | 31 | 25 |
| 2001–02 | Indrit Fortuzi | 24 | 24 |
| 2002–03 | Mahir Halili | 20 | 22 |
| 2005–06 | Hamdi Salihi | 29 | 35 |
| 2006–07 | Vioresin Sinani | 23 | 29 |
| 2008–09 | Migen Memelli | 22 | 29 |
| 2022–23 | Florent Hasani | 16 | 35 |
- Most championships won
(4 times or more)
| # | Champion | Times | Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nevil Dede | 8 | 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2007 |
| Blendi Nallbani | 8 | 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2009 | |
| 3 | Krenar Alimehmeti | 7 | 1985, 1988, 1989, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000 |
| Eldorado Merkoçi | 7 | 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005 | |
| 5 | Adem Karapici | 6 | 1930, 1931, 1932, 1934, 1936, 1937 |
| Arben Minga | 6 | 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1995, 1996 | |
| Agustin Kola | 6 | 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1995, 1997 | |
| Ardian Mema | 6 | 1989, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000 | |
| Sokol Bulku | 6 | 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004 | |
| Elvis Sina | 6 | 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005 | |
| Devi Muka | 6 | 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009 | |
| Rezart Dabulla | 6 | 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009 | |
| Ervin Bulku | 6 | 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 | |
| Isli Hidi | 6 | 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 | |
| 15 | Mark Gurashi | 5 | 1930, 1931, 1934, 1936, 1937 |
| Rudolf Gurashi | 5 | 1930, 1931, 1934, 1936, 1937 | |
| Emil Hajnali | 5 | 1930, 1931, 1932, 1936, 1937 | |
| Florian Riza | 5 | 1988, 1989, 1996, 1997, 2000 | |
| Indrit Fortuzi | 5 | 1995, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2004 | |
| Alpin Gallo | 5 | 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000 | |
| Alban Tafaj | 5 | 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005 | |
| Saimir Patushi | 5 | 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009 | |
| 23 | Selman Stërmasi | 4 | 1930, 1931, 1932, 1934 |
| Hysen Kusi | 4 | 1930, 1931, 1932, 1936 | |
| Pavllo Bukoviku | 4 | 1965, 1966, 1968, 1970 | |
| Luigj Bytyçi | 4 | 1965, 1966, 1968, 1970 | |
| Fatmir Frashëri | 4 | 1965, 1966, 1968, 1970 | |
| Skënder Hyka | 4 | 1965, 1966, 1968, 1970 | |
| Bahri Ishka | 4 | 1965, 1966, 1968, 1970 | |
| Ali Mema | 4 | 1965, 1966, 1968, 1970 | |
| Osman Mema | 4 | 1965, 1966, 1968, 1970 | |
| Niko Xhaçka | 4 | 1965, 1966, 1968, 1970 | |
| Shkëlqim Muça | 4 | 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989 | |
| Mirel Josa | 4 | 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989 | |
| Leonard Liti | 4 | 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989 | |
| Bedri Omuri | 4 | 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989 | |
| Bujar Sharra | 4 | 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989 | |
| Anesti Stoja | 4 | 1985, 1988, 1989, 1995 | |
| Ansi Agolli | 4 | 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009 | |
| Gentjan Hajdari | 4 | 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 |
KF Tirana statistics in Kategoria Superiore edit
Since the Kategoria Superiore began in 1930, KF Tirana have played 2096 Superliga matches, scored 3438 goals and conceded 1873. The club has collected so far 3132 points, won 1079 games, drawn 543 and lost 474. The club's goal difference is +1565 and the winning difference is +605.
| Historical | Goals | Wins | Draws | Losses | +/-Goals | +/- Wins | Points | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOTAL | 3438–1873 | 1079 | 543 | 474 | +1565 | +605 | 3132 | 2096 |
Data correct up to the end of the 2022–23 season.
Recent seasons edit
Divisional movements edit
| Series | Years | Last | Promotions | Relegations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kategoria Superiore | 84 | 2023–24 | 2018–19 | 1 (2016–17) |
| Kategoria e Parë | 1 | 2017–18 | 1 (2017–18) | 0 (–) |
KF Tirana in Europe edit
In addition to being the leader team in all domestic competitions, KF Tirana have also given the best performances in Europe among Albanian squads winning 14 ties in Europe (including once directly by draw, without playing).
They reached Round of 16 in European Competitions four times, of which three times in the European Cup (now Champions League) alone in 1980s, making it the Albanian team to have progressed farthest in any European competition.
White and blues hold the all-time record for the highest IFFHS ranking of an Albanian football club, being ranked as high as 31st in the world in 1987, as result of good results preceded 1986–87.[76][3]
In their European path, Tirana have played against "big guns" such as: Ajax, Bayern Munich, etc. Drawn against teams such as Dinamo București, Ferencváros, CSKA Sofia, Young Boys, Utrecht, Dinamo Zagreb, IFK Göteborg, Malmö FF, Standard Liège,Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C., Red Star Belgrade, Besiktas JK etc.
In one of the few team's good performances (the 2004–05 season) after having passed FC Gomel of Belarus in the first round 2:1 on aggregate, KF Tirana played against Ferencváros in the second round. Having lost the first leg 3–2 at home, Tirana led 1–0 in Budapest; however, they were unable to score the one extra goal they needed, having missed a penalty and hit the woodwork twice, and were eliminated on away goals, the tie finishing 3–3 on aggregate.
Another good performance was reaching the play-off stage in Europa League 2020-21. Following a 2-0 away victory against Dinamo Tbilisi in the first round of Champions League, they were eliminated by Red Star in the following round, losing 0–1 in Air Albania Stadium and moving to Europa League third round (lucky draw). Which saw Tirana play in play-off against BSC Young Boys in Bern, where they were defeated 3–0 and failed to qualify for the group stage.
European performance table edit
World and European rankings edit
(As of 04 August 2023)[77]
(As of 22 December 2022)[77]
|
|
European campaigns – Finals achievements edit
| Season | Achievement | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UEFA Champions League | |||
| 1982-83 | Round of 16 | eliminated by Dynamo Kyiv both matches were not played | |
| 1988–89 | Round of 16 | eliminated by Göteborg 0-3 in Tirana and 1-0 in Göteborg | |
| 1989-90 | Round of 16 | eliminated by Bayern Munich 3-1 in Munich and 0-3 in Tirana | |
| Season | Achievement | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UEFA Cup Winners' Cup | |||
| 1986-87 | Round of 16 | eliminated by Malmö 0-3 in Tirana and 1-0 in Malmö | |
| 1994-95 | Round of 32 | eliminated by Brøndby 3-0 in Brøndby and 0-1 in Tirana | |
| Season | Achievement | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balkans Cup | |||
| 1981-83 | Runners Up | eliminated by Beroe Stara Zagora 0-3 in Stara Zagora and 1-3 in Tirana | |
Player records edit
- Most appearances in UEFA club competitions: 31 appearances:
- Top scorer in UEFA club competitions: 10 goals – Indrit Fortuzi
Historical list of coaches edit
Managerial record edit
| Coach | from | until | Trophies won | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selman Stërmasi | 1930 | 1933 | 3 | National Championships |
| Samo Singer | 1933 | 1934 | 1 | National Championship |
| Selman Stërmasi | 1934 | 1938 | 2 | National Championships |
| Friez Weinstein | 1938 | 1938 | 0 | |
| Selman Stërmasi | 1938 | 1942 | 2 | National Championships |
| Adem Karapici | 1947 | 1950 | 0 | |
| Myslym Alla | 1950 | 1953 | 0 | |
| Ludovik Jakova | 1953 | 1955 | 0 | |
| Myslym Alla | 1955 | 1972 | 5 | 4 National Championships, Albanian Cup |
| Enver Shehu | 1972 | 1973 | 0 | |
| Fatbardh Deliallisi | 1973 | 1974 | 0 | |
| Zyber Konçi | 1975 | 1975 | 0 | |
| Fatmir Frashëri | 1975 | 1980 | 2 | Albanian Cups |
| Enver Shehu | 1980 | 1987 | 5 | 2 National Championships, 3 Albanian Cups |
| Shyqyri Rreli | 1987 | 1990 | 2 | National Championships |
| Fatmir Frashëri | 1990 | 1991 | 0 | |
| Enver Shehu | 1992 | 1993 | 0 | |
| Fatmir Frashëri | 1993 | 1994 | 0 | |
| Shkëlqim Muça | 1 July 1994 | 1 July 1995 | 2 | National Championships, Albanian Supercup |
| Sulejman Mema | 1 July 1995 | 1 July 1996 | 2 | National Championships, Albanian Cup |
| Enver Shehu | 1 July 1996 | 3 May 1997 | 1 | National Championships |
| Ramadan Shehu | 3 May 1997 | 3 May 1998 | 0 | |
| Millan Baçi i | 3 May 1998 | 1 July 1998 | 0 | |
| Ali Mema | 1 July 1998 | 1 July 1999 | 2 | National Championships, Albanian Cup |
| Shkëlqim Muça | 1 July 1999 | 1 July 2000 | 1 | National Championships |
| Miklós Temesvári | 1 July 2000 | 14 April 2001 | 1 | Albanian Supercup |
| Shkëlqim Muça | 14 April 2001 | 1 May 2002 | 1 | Albanian Cup |
| Sulejman Mema | 1 May 2002 | 1 July 2002 | 0 | |
| Enver Hadžiabdić | 1 July 2002 | 21 Feb 2003 | 1 | Albanian Supercup |
| Krenar Alimehmeti | 21 Feb 2003 | 28 Feb 2003 | 0 | |
| Fatmir Frashëri | 28 Feb 2003 | 1 July 2003 | 1 | National Championships |
| Sulejman Mema | 1 July 2003 | 25 Oct 2003 | 1 | Albanian Supercup |
| Mirel Josa | 2 Nov 2003 | 20 Aug 2004 | 2 | Kategoria Superiore, Albanian Supercup |
| Luan Sengla | 21 Aug 2004 | 1 Sep 2004 | 0 | |
| Sulejman Starova | Sept 1, 2004 | 1 July 2005 | 2 | Kategoria Superiore, Albanian Supercup |
| Leonardo Menichini | 1 July 2005 | 11 Nov 2005 | 0 | |
| Shkëlqim Muça i | 11 Nov 2005 | 15 Nov 2005 | 0 | |
| Krenar Alimehmeti | 15 Nov 2005 | 15 Feb 2006 | 0 | |
| Mirel Josa | 17 Feb 2006 | 13 Nov 2006 | 2 | Albanian Cup, Albanian Supercup |
| Shkëlqim Muça | 14 Nov 2006 | 1 July 2007 | 1 | Kategoria Superiore |
| Sulejman Starova | 1 July 2007 | Sept 19, 2007 | 1 | Albanian Supercup |
| Krenar Alimehmeti i | Sept 22, 2007 | Sept 25, 2007 | 0 | |
| Ardian Mema i | Sept 22, 2007 | Sept 25, 2007 | 0 | |
| Astrit Hafizi | Sept 25, 2007 | 3 Feb 2008 | 0 | |
| Sulejman Mema | 3 Feb 2008 | 1 July 2008 | 0 | |
| Blaž Slišković | 1 July 2008 | 11 Dec 2008 | 0 | |
| Agustin Kola | 11 Dec 2008 | 2 May 2009 | 1 | |
| Alban Tafaj i | 8 May 2009 | 21 June 2009 | 1 | Kategoria Superiore |
| Ilija Lončarević | 21 June 2009 | 6 Oct 2009 | 1 | Albanian Supercup |
| Alban Tafaj i | 6 Oct 2009 | 26 Jan 2010 | 0 | |
| Nevil Dede | 26 Jan 2010 | 9 Feb 2010 | 0 | |
| Devi Muka i | 9 Feb 2010 | 14 Feb 2010 | 0 | |
| Luan Sengla | 14 Feb 2010 | 29 Mar 2010 | 0 | |
| Sulejman Starova | 29 Mar 2010 | 10 Oct 2010 | 0 | |
| Nevil Dede | 11 Oct 2010 | 6 Feb 2011 | 0 | |
| Mišo Krstičević | 8 Feb 2011 | 22 June 2011 | 1 | Albanian Cup |
| Julián Rubio | 22 June 2011 | 31 Aug 2012 | 3 | Albanian Cup, 2 Albanian Supercup, Albanian Supercup |
| Alban Tafaj i | Sept 1, 2012 | Sept 16, 2012 | 0 | |
| Artur Lekbello | Sept 17, 2012 | 30 Oct 2012 | 0 | |
| Alban Tafaj i | 30 Oct 2012 | 18 Feb 2013 | 0 | |
| Nevil Dede | 18 Feb 2013 | 24 Oct 2013 | 0 | |
| Alpin Gallo | 25 Oct 2013 | 25 Nov 2013 | 0 | |
| Sokol Bulku i | 28 Nov 2013 | 1 Dec 2013 | 0 | |
| Gugash Magani | 1 Dec 2013 | 17 May 2015 | 0 | |
| Ndubuisi Egbo i | 18 May 2015 | 1 June 2015 | 0 | |
| Shkëlqim Muça | 1 June 2015 | 17 Oct 2015 | 0 | |
| Ivan Gvozdenović i | 18 Oct 2015 | 28 Oct 2015 | 0 | |
| Ilir Daja | 28 Oct 2015 | 29 Oct 2016 | 0 | |
| Mirel Josa | 30 Oct 2016 | 15 Jun 2017 | 1 | Albanian Cup |
| Zé Maria | 17 Jun 2017 | 11 Oct 2018 | 3 | Albanian Supercup, Albanian First Division, Winner Group B |
| Ardian Mema | 12 Oct 2018 | 24 Oct 2019 | 0 | |
| Julian Ahmataj | 25 Oct 2019 | 8 Dec 2019 | 0 | |
| Ndubuisi Egbo | 9 Dec 2019 | 12 Nov 2020 | 1 | Albania Superliga |
| Nevil Dede | 13 Nov 2020 | 25 Jan 2021 | 0 | |
| Tefik Osmani i | 25 Jan 2021 | 26 Jan 2021 | 0 | |
| Orges Shehi | 27 Jan 2021 | 5 Oct 2023 | 2 | Albania Superliga, Albanian Supercup |
| Julian Ahmataj | 5 Oct 2023 | 19 Feb 2024 | 0 | |
| Erbim Fagu | 20 Feb 2024 | |||
(i) = interim
Personnel edit
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Coach | Erbim Fagu |
| Assistant manager | Endri Vrapi |
| Vangjel Mile | |
| Goalkeeping coach | Alfred Osmani |
| Team doctor | Arzen Voci |
| Marvi Kastrati | |
| Aldo Vangjeli | |
| Fiziotherapist | Tedi Maqellari |
| Store man | Hajdar Karaj |
| U–21 Coach | Gentian Muca |
| U–19 Coach | Vangjel Mile |
| Ylli Shameti (Assistent) | |
| U–17 Coach | Matias Qirinxhi |
| Besmir Jakupi (Assistent) |