UEFA report: Albania leads Europe in interest in football/ President Duka: Study, our compass for the future!

2026-06-08 16:16:00, Sport CNA

UEFA report: Albania leads Europe in interest in football/ President Duka:

The “UEFA Grow Market Research” report was presented today at the “House of Football”, an analysis carried out by UEFA in collaboration with the prestigious Nielsen Sport agency, which provides important data on the perception, development and impact of football in Albania. The event was attended by the President of the Albanian Football Association, Armand Duka, representatives of UEFA, institutional partners and media representatives.

The report highlights that Albania ranks first in Europe for interest in football, with 78% of adults declaring that they are interested in this sport, a figure significantly higher than the European average of 48% and a significant increase compared to 2016, when this indicator was 65%. In his welcoming speech, the President of the Albanian Football Federation, Armand Duka, thanked UEFA and Nielsen Sport for conducting the study, emphasizing that such research has played an important role in guiding the Federation's strategies for the development of Albanian football.

“ I would like to thank the representatives of UEFA and the company 'Nielsen Sport' for their participation and the work done in this study, regarding data on football in Albania.

I definitely want to thank UEFA for all the support it provides to the Albanian Football Federation, not only with projects and initiatives, not only with this study, but also with other studies, which help us to better build the football development strategy and determine the priorities we need on our path to achieving our objectives, making football as attractive, as beautiful and as leading in our country.

The findings of this research are truly impressive, because Albania ranks first in Europe for interest in football, with 78% of people expressing interest in this sport. This is good news and compelling at the same time. Compared to 2016, when this indicator was 65%, it has now reached 78%, well above the European average of 48% ”, said President Duka, adding:

" This is good news, but at the same time an obligation, because the Albanian Football Federation must work even harder to meet the expectations of the fans and to realize the wishes of all those interested in football."

Football is the most practiced and played sport in Albania, with 34% of adults playing sports and 41% of children.

These data, undoubtedly, have come thanks to the projects of the Albanian Football Federation, such as 'My Uniform', 'My Ball', as well as thanks to improvements in infrastructure. All the findings of this study will serve as an even clearer compass for us and for the future. I want to guarantee all those who are interested in football that the Albanian Football Federation will have the objective of further improving its work. Although, according to this study, the image of the Federation has improved compared to 2016, by 5% more, reaching today a 52% positive image. These figures will be an important compass for us in the further improvement and development of football in the country , "said President Duka.

According to the report, football continues to be the most practiced sport in Albania, with 34% of adults and 41% of children engaging in football activities. Football also enjoys the most positive image of all sports in the country, with an average rating of 7.5 out of 10, leaving behind other sports such as volleyball and athletics.

The study also highlights the growing interest in the Albanian National Team, which has increased from 61% in 2016 to 66% currently. Meanwhile, awareness of the national youth teams and the women's national team has seen significant growth, reflecting the positive effects of investments in the development of football at all levels.

Another positive indicator is related to the public perception of the Albanian Football Federation. According to the report, 47% of respondents have a very positive opinion of the AFF, while the average image rating of the institution reaches 7 out of 10, a result above the European average and above the level of other sports federations in Albania.

The main reasons influencing this positive perception are the continuous progress of Albanian football, the results of the National Team, the improvement of sports infrastructure, and the transformative work carried out in recent years.

The “UEFA Grow Market Research” report will serve as an important instrument for the Albanian Football Federation in determining future priorities and strategies, with the aim of further strengthening football's position as the most beloved and most followed sport in Albania.