Luis Figo, Aljosa Sanovic and Jahmir Hyka evaluate the work of the Albanian Football Association (AFH)
FOOTBALL
Gazeta Express
11/09/2025 15:50
This Thursday was different for the Football Federation, because the large names of European football landed in its headquarters.
In addition to UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, representatives of the European Federations and UEFA ambassadors took part in Tirana as part of the Children’s Football Festival, which is part of the “Football in Schools” program.
The event was also accompanied by a football match, which was attended by President Čeferin, Luís Figo, Aljoša Asanović, coach of the Albanian national team Silvinjo, two assistants coach Zabalet and Doriva, Jahmir Hyka and children from local schools.
After the match in the media statement, Luis Figo, UEFA Ambassador and one of the greatest legends of European football, expressed the joy of his presence in Tiran today.
“Since I was here for the last time I see a big change. I’m very glad to be here. Every time I come, I feel great support from all who love football.”
The Portuguese legend praised young Albanian athletes and advised them to find a balance between education and sport in their lives.
“They are very young, but I think, as in any other country, it is most important to find a balance between education and sport. If you learn and spend time on teaching while doing sports, especially football, it’s even better.”
“I think the most important thing, not only in sport but also in life, is a passion for what you do. It doesn’t matter if it’s a sport or another area of life. You have to work hard and go to your dreams. With these two ingredients I believe it is much easier to achieve your goals.”
Ambassador of UEFA ALJOŠA Asanović expressed the joy of participating in the Children’s Football Festival in Albania and described the program as a great opportunity for children and schools.
He appreciated the progress of Albanian football, the good work of the President and the positive performance of the Albanian national team on the euro 2024.
“I’m very glad to be here. It’s a great program for children, for schools and for everyone.
“Very positive things and I saw it at the last European Championship. In Germany we saw a good performance of your team and you have a very good coach and a good president. We will also see the Albanian teams at the top,” said Aljoša Asanović.
Ambassador of the Albanian Football Association Jahmir Hyka in his statement during the Children’s Football Festival expressed his satisfaction with the organization and a large participation of children.
He emphasized the importance of taking care of the young generation and her education and stressed that first it was necessary to grow love and respect for sport and then learn football.
Hyka expressed his belief that these initiatives will help create a better future for children and Albanian football.
“It is always a pleasure to be here among the children and create these beautiful organizations for children. It’s a pleasure and I was very glad that they participated so many, I hope they will be in the future.”
“It is a generation that needs a lot of care, because the time has changed a bit since our generation. We try to educate them first and then teach them to play football. I hope they will have a good future,” said Jahmir Hyka.
