Continuing our alphabetical world tour, next up is Kosovo. One of the youngest FIFA nations, Kosovo only gained membership in 2016 but are beginning to make waves in European football after impressive performances in the European Championship qualifiers and the UEFA Nations League.
There is currently no option to filter for Kosovan players on the Premier League’s player stats page, but we believe that two players have represented Kosovo in the Premier League.
First Player – Bersant Celina (Manchester City; 2014-18)
Just one substitute Premier League appearance was enough to cement Bersant Celina’s name into the history books. Celina came off the bench in Manchester City’s memorable 3-1 loss at home to Leicester in 2016, three months before Kosovo officially became a FIFA member.
Celina spent loan spells at FC Twente of the Netherlands and Ipswich Town of the Championship, before moving to Swansea City on a permanent basis in 2018.
Still just 23, Celina has made 20 appearances for Kosovo, including friendlies before they officially joined FIFA. He started both home and away against England in Euro 2020 qualifying.
Records
- Most appearances – Florent Hadergjonaj (47)
- First appearance – Bersant Celina (MAN CITY 1-3 Leicester, February 6th 2016)
- Most goals – None
- First goal – N/A
Other Players
Following Celina, right-back Florent Hadergjonaj became the second Kosovar Premier League player during his two years with Huddersfield. Elsewhere, goalkeeper Arijanet Muric is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest from Manchester City but is yet to make a Premier League appearance for the Citizens
Trivia
- Both players to have represented Kosovo in the Premier League won caps for another country (Norway (U21) – Bersant Celina, Switzerland – Florent Hadergjonaj).
- With two goals in 20 appearances, Bersant Celina is currently the joint-tenth highest goal scorer and joint-eighth highest appearance maker for Kosovo.
