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UEFA: Albanians live with football! Fans fill stadiums at Euro U-17

2025-05-28 14:14:00, Sport CNA

UEFA has praised Albania's historic role as host of the European U17 Championship, with a dedicated article on its official website uefa.com, celebrating the organisation, passion and football culture displayed throughout the tournament.

Below is the full article published by UEFA:

The first UEFA final tournament in Albania was held in an extraordinary atmosphere and with large crowds of fans, evidence of the transformative impact that football has had in the country.

When Albania faced Portugal at the 2025 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, a crowd of 8,600 fans significantly increased the importance of the event and ranked the opening match among the ten most-watched matches in the tournament's history.

The atmosphere was unforgettable both inside and outside the “National Arena” in Tirana, which opened in 2019 and has quickly become a focal point of the city. For the 2025 U17 EURO, it became a sign of what was to come, with large and loud crowds becoming a hallmark of the tournament.

'A very beautiful feeling'

“The red and black fans helped us a lot, especially in the first half,” said Albania U17 captain Kris Gecaj, explaining how their support gave the team “courage” as they became the first players to ever represent their national team in a finals. “It gave us motivation to play. We really enjoyed playing in front of them.”

Standout striker Gabriel Kulla agreed, saying: "Playing in that stadium was a very nice feeling. Seeing so many fans cheering us on was something special."

UEFA: Albanians live with football! Fans fill stadiums at Euro U-17

In addition to Albania’s glamorous capital, the tournament has also been held in picturesque locations in the ancient cities of Durrës, Elbasan and Rrogozhina. Before the second day of matches had ended, these stadiums had already attracted three of the ten largest crowds in the history of the tournament’s group stage, for matches not involving the host team.

Passion and positivity

“I wouldn't say I'm surprised, because we Albanians love football and always follow the game with passion,” says Armand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Federation.

"But I'm certainly pleased with the great turnout in every city. It's been great to see so many young fans and families enjoying the matches and showing real enthusiasm for the tournament."

“Albanians live and breathe football, so it was natural to see lively crowds, positive energy and a festive atmosphere both inside the stadiums and in the areas surrounding them.”

Inspiring the new generation

Endi Tufa, a sports journalist on the national television channel Top Channel, is impressed. “The atmosphere has been really amazing,” Tufa says. “You can feel it everywhere in the cities – especially in the schools, where young people have filled the stadiums.”

Prominently designed and located in the heart of the city, Tirana’s “National Arena” is the jewel in the crown of stadiums. In 2022, it was the scene of the first UEFA Conference League final, giving thousands of people the opportunity to experience a major European football final in their own country for the first time.

A symbol of resurrection

The new facilities have improved the matchday experience, but this complex goes far beyond a sports field, becoming a symbol of the Albanian Football Association's strategic plan for the development of national football infrastructure and a catalyst for the revival of the local economy.

“It has brought life back to the area – normally, it is the best place in Tirana,” explains team fan Albi Fagu, speaking as his children enjoy watching the exciting group stage match between Germany and Portugal, having been excited to meet some of the young German prospects in the city.

"Before, the area was a bit empty because the stadium was old and not connected to commercial activities. Now, the nightlife, restaurants and everything else happens around this stadium. It's better for the fans and will bring back their activity."

UEFA: Albanians live with football! Fans fill stadiums at Euro U-17

Pride and a bright football future

Albania's campaign ended at the end of the group stage, but the "Arena Kombëtare" will host the semi-final between title holders Italy and Portugal on Thursday, before hosting the final on Sunday.

Furthermore, the final of the EURO 2027 under-21 tournament will also take place there, when the tournament is held for the first time in Albania, co-hosted with Serbia.

“Playing in the national stadium, the biggest in Albania, is something that fills us with pride,” says U17 coach Andrea Tedesco. “It was a great emotion for me, the players and the technical staff because of the large number of fans – very exciting for us. Their presence in the stadium made this journey even more beautiful.”

The Duke, who has used the momentum created by the stadium's opening to oversee the creation of initiatives including grassroots programs, partnerships with schools and youth academies, also described the finals as "a beautiful football experience."

“We are proud that the Albanian Football Federation has organized not only a well-structured tournament, but also a warm and welcoming environment for players, officials and fans alike,” he says. “This U17 EURO has really captured the public’s interest and brought a great energy to our football community.”