National Teams > Men > A

Guest star

Valon Berisha: From
Scandinavia to a
memorable Kosovo
debut

31.08.2017.
Valon Berisha: From Scandinavia to a memorable Kosovo debut
photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • RSS

One of the key figures in the ranks of the youngest UEFA member is Valon Berisha, a footballer who begun his career in Scandinavia and later took the opportunity to play for Kosovo.

Berisha was born in Malmö, Sweden, and started to develop his playing skills in Norwegian clubs of Egersund and Viking. Very early he was recognized as one of the greatest talents in his area.

In Norway, he made his debut at senior level at the age of 17. Interestingly, his first senior goal was immediately nominated for the Goal of the Season award.

The comparisons with Norway legendary striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could not be avoided, with English giants such as Chelsea, Manchester City, and Aston Villa offering trials to this promising youngster. However, in 2012 Berisha decided to join the ambitious project of Red Bull Salzburg.

Simultaneously, Berisha played for all youth categories of the Norway national football team, to record the first appearance for the senior squad in a January 2012 friendly against Denmark.

When Kosovo became a full member of UEFA and FIFA, Valon Berisha confirmed his switch of allegiance, and could not have dreamt of a better debut. In the first Kosovo appearance in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying, away at Finland, Berisha converted a penalty on 60 minutes to equalize (1:1) and earn his team a historic point.

Football is an important factor in Berisha family, since Valon's younger brother Veton Berisha is a Greuther Fürth player, and has debuted in May 2016 for Norway, soon scoring his first international goal for the Norwegian senior team, against Belgium.

"Me and my family have deep emotional ties to both Kosovo and Norway, but my devotion to Kosovo is extraordinary, especially since gaining independence. Now, me and my brother will represent both our countries. This was a difficult decision to make, and I hope everyone can respect this", explained Berisha.

More News

  • Major Croatia comeback to complete World Cup qualifying

    17.11.2025.

    Major Croatia comeback to complete World Cup qualifying

    Zlatko Dalić's men have completed 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying with a victory, despite Montenegro having a two-goal advantage. MONTENEGRO - CROATIA 2:3 (2:1)2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Group...

  • Croatia turns the table to secure World Cup berth!

    14.11.2025.

    Croatia turns the table to secure World Cup berth!

    Croatia national football team became a 2026 FIFA World Cup participant with a 3:1 comeback victory over Faroe Islands in Rijeka. CROATIA - FAROE ISLANDS 3:1 (1:1)2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying...

  • Croatia ranked 11th in the latest FIFA rankings

    03.04.2025.

    Croatia ranked 11th in the latest FIFA rankings

    The Croatian national football team has climbed two places in the latest FIFA rankings, published on Thursday, and is now ranked 11th in the world. Argentina remains at the top of the rankings...

  • Croatia to host Czech Republic in Osijek

    24.03.2025.

    Croatia to host Czech Republic in Osijek

    The Executive Committee of the Croatian Football Federation has decided that Croatia's June match against the Czech Republic will be played at Osijek's Opus Arena. Following their Nations League...