Hajrizi is shining in Switzerland, ready to take responsibility in the "final" with Slovakia

Kreshnik Hajrizi's beautiful goal, scored with a header, secured Sion's 2:1 victory over Zurich on Saturday.

For Kosovo defender Hajrizin, it was his first goal this season in the Swiss Super League. He also has one assist in 27 appearances.

But goals and assists are not the 26-year-old's primary task. He plays in the center of defense and is performing very well this season. He is irreplaceable for Sion, and has only been absent in the games when he was suspended due to cards.

Saturday's goal certainly boosted Hajriz's confidence. And that's important for Kosovo ahead of the crucial match against Slovakia on March 26 in Bratislava. That match is the semi-final of the playoff for qualification to this year's World Cup.

Hajrizi is one of coach Franco Foda's options to start in the center of defense for Kosovo. He appeared with complete success in the 1:0 victory over Sweden on October 13 last year. In the other matches in October and November, which corresponded to the regular qualifications for the 2026 World Cup, he remained on the bench.

also football 26 Tues 2026 Hajrizi: I give my best for my country

Kosovo is missing captain and defensive leader Amir Rrahmani. Other defenders have been struggling recently, and Hajrizi is expected to be valuable in the playoffs.

"I am very pleased with this goal, as it secured us the victory and three important points in the race for qualification for Europe. I am also very pleased with my personal performances so far. But also pleased with the team's play in this edition", Hajrizi said on Sunday for KOHĖN.

He is in his second season at Sioni. He previously played for Lodz in Poland, as well as for Lugano and Chiasson in Switzerland. As a footballer, Hajrizi has developed at Young Boys and several smaller Swiss teams. He played for Switzerland U17 and then played for Kosovo U21. He has five matches for Kosovo A so far.

"The match against Slovakia is a big step towards achieving the goal that the entire nation has. Of course, we are all looking forward to the match and, God willing, we will pass it successfully. Personally, I feel good and I am always ready to represent my country," Hajrizi emphasized.

It is the form of his Kosovo teammates that encourages Hajriz before the match with the Slovaks.

"We have 90 minutes to show what we are capable of doing to achieve our goal. When I see the performances of my teammates in Kosovo, I understand that we are ready to face big matches like the one we have ahead of us."

Hajrizi has a contract with Sion until the summer of 2028. And he is fully focused on successfully completing this championship.

also football 24 Tues 2026 Hajrizi: The dream of Albanians towards realization

"At the moment I'm feeling very good. The club is trusting me and we're having a good championship. I hope we qualify for Europe and then we'll see what awaits me," said Hajrizi.

Benjamin Kololli, Rilind Nivokazi and Donat Rrudhani are the other Albanians for Sion. Kololli scored from the penalty spot on Saturday against Zurich.