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By:
Arsim Magjera
- 15 October 2025 12:00
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On November 18, 2023, Kreshnik Hajrizi last played for Kosovo. He appeared for a few minutes in the match against Switzerland, which ended 1:1. He was also called up in June of this year and was invited by Franco Foda for the matches against Slovenia and Sweden.
Against Slovenia, on October 10, he remained on the bench. Meanwhile, against Sweden, on Monday in Gothenburg, he completed the match in the center of defense, alongside Albian Hajdari and Ilir Krasniqi. He was one of the three players with the highest score in Kosovo, according to "Sofa Score".
Kosovo won 1:0, did not concede a goal and thus withstood the attacking force of Sweden. Hajrizi, along with the other defenders and goalkeeper Aro Muriq, completed the job successfully.
The 26-year-old made the most of the opportunity offered by coach Foda. He stepped up in the absence of other center backs, while proving that he is fully worthy of a place in the national team.
"I am satisfied with my personal performance and with the performance of the entire team. I am proud that I helped the team and that I showed that I can contribute to the national team," Hajrizi told KOHĪN on Wednesday.
Premier League stars like Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and several others played in Sweden. But they were kept quiet by Hajrizi and his friends.
"It was a pleasure to face players of the highest caliber in the Premier League. I am very happy that we were successful," added Hajrizi.
He has already made five appearances for Kosovo. He made his debut with Alain Giressen. He has also played for Kosovo U21, while he was also part of Switzerland U15, U16 and U17. He made his debut for Kosovo against the Faroe Islands on November 19, 2022. A year later he played against Andorra, Israel and Switzerland.
But the performance against Sweden does not compare to the previous one. Hajrizi is aware of this.
"The atmosphere in the stadium was extraordinary. I remember the way we experienced every moment as a team and how the team reacted in every difficult situation," said Hajrizi.
Kosovo is now in a good position to at least secure the World Cup qualification play-offs. But it could also qualify directly.
"I believe we are on the right track. If we continue with this commitment and this mentality, we can achieve everything," says the center back.
He was mainly developed at Young Boys in Switzerland. He was then at Chiasso and Lugano. He had a period at Lodz in Poland, from where he returned to Sion. He continues to be an important part of Sion in the Swiss Super League.
But with a performance like that against Sweden, Hajrizi could be on his way to a bigger league and team.
"These matches give us confidence and experience. Every appearance with the national team is an additional motivation to move forward in our careers. I believe it will help me develop in my career both with Kosovo and at the club level," Hajrizi emphasized.
He has already returned to Sion and is preparing for the next matches. But with his performance against Sweden, he has almost secured Foda's invitation for the decisive matches in November.