This Thursday was a special one for the Albanian Football Association, as major names from European football visited its headquarters. Alongside UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, representatives of European federations and UEFA ambassadors were present in Tirana as part of the children’s football festival, which is part of the “Football in Schools” program.
The event also featured a football match with participants including President Čeferin, Luís Figo, Aljoša Asanović, Albania’s national team coach Silvinho, assistant coaches Zabaleta and Doriva, Jahmir Hyka, and children from local schools.
After the match, in a media statement, UEFA ambassador and one of the greatest legends of European football, Luís Figo, expressed his happiness about being in Tirana.
“Since the last time I was here, I see a big change. I’m very happy to be here. Every time I come, I feel great support from all those who love football.”
The Portuguese legend praised young Albanian athletes, advising them to find a balance between education and sports in life.
“They are very young, but I think, as in any other country, the most important thing is to find a balance between education and sport. If you study and dedicate time to learning, while also playing sports — especially football — that’s even better. I believe the most important thing, not just in sports but in life, is passion for what you do. It doesn’t matter if it’s sports or another field in life. You have to work hard and follow your dreams. With these two ingredients, I believe it becomes much easier to achieve your goals.”
UEFA ambassador Aljoša Asanović expressed his happiness to be in Albania for the children’s football festival, calling the program a wonderful opportunity for children and schools. He praised the progress of Albanian football, the great work of the President of the Albanian Football Association, and the national team’s positive performance in Euro 2024.
“I’m very happy to be here. It’s a wonderful program for children, for schools, and for everyone here. After the ceremony, I’m staying here and enjoying time with the children. We are here for the kids. Very positive things, and I saw that during the last European Championship. In Germany, we saw your team’s great performance. You have a very good coach, and also a great president. Just keep going this way, and very soon we’ll see Albanian teams rise even higher,” said Aljoša Asanović.
FSHF ambassador Jahmir Hyka, in his statement during the children’s football festival, expressed his satisfaction with the event’s organization and the high level of participation. He emphasized the importance of caring for and educating the younger generation, stressing that instilling a love and respect for the sport should come before teaching football itself.
“It’s always a pleasure to be here among children and to see such beautiful events organized for them. I was really happy to see so much participation, and I hope it continues in the future. This is a generation that needs a lot of care because times have changed a bit compared to our own generation. We are trying first and foremost to educate them, and then to teach them how to play football. I hope they will have a bright future,” said Jahmir Hyka.
