The Albanian national team continues to be the strongest source of identity and pride for football fans in the country. This is confirmed by the UEFA Grow Market Research report, conducted by UEFA in collaboration with Nielsen, which highlights the high level of interest in and positive perception of Albania’s national teams.
According to the study, interest in the senior men’s national team has increased from 61% in 2016 to 66% in 2026, while awareness and recognition of the other national teams have also grown.The report notes that Albania’s ambition to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and its hosting of the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship have contributed positively to the rise in public interest.
The senior national team also enjoys the most positive perception among all national teams, receiving an average rating of 7.8 out of 10. According to the report, nine out of ten Albanians express interest in the national team, while more than half say they follow the matches and attend stadiums to support the Red-and-Black side. The words most commonly associated with the national team are “exciting” and “pride,” reflecting the special relationship that supporters have developed with the team. Among respondents who actively follow football, these sentiments are even stronger.
One of the study’s most significant findings is that 89% of respondents believe the national team unites football fans in Albania. In addition, 84% say they feel emotionally connected to the team, while 80% state that they support and follow the national team regardless of the opponent.
The report also presents positive indicators for Albania’s other national teams. The women’s national team is perceived as a source of entertainment, excitement, and pride, while the youth national teams are viewed as competitive, exciting, and enjoyable to watch. Furthermore, 64% of respondents consider the youth national teams to be positive role models for their children, while this figure stands at 49% for the women’s national team.
According to the study, half of Albanians are satisfied with the way the national teams are managed, and this level of satisfaction rises to 55% among football fans. The report’s findings confirm that Albania’s national teams remain among the most valuable assets of football in the country, generating interest, excitement, and a strong sense of belonging among the Albanian public.
