TIRANA, August 20 – Loro Boriçi remains one of the most important figures in Albanian football history. Born in Shkodër on August 4, 1922, he became a leading player, national team captain and coach. He made his football debut for Vllaznia at just 14 years old.
A prolific striker, Boriçi became widely known in Albania after scoring 3 goals in 4 minutes against Spartak Tirana in 1939. Later, he moved to Italy and played in Serie A for Lazio. After 2 years in Italy, he returned to Albanian football.
Back home, Boriçi played for Vllaznia, Partizani and Spartak Tirana during a career that lasted about 20 years. His international career brought one of his greatest achievements in 1946. As Albania’s captain, he helped the national team win the Balkan Cup.
After retiring as a player, Boriçi turned to coaching. He managed the Albania national team and several Albanian clubs. His coaching career also took him abroad, where he worked with the national team of China.
Meanwhile, his name remains closely linked with Shkodër football. The city’s main stadium bears the name “Loro Boriçi”. The stadium now hosts Vllaznia and major international matches. It has also been selected as one of the venues for the 2027 European Under-21 Championship. Boriçi died in Tirana on April 25, 1984. More than four decades later, his name remains part of Albania’s football heritage. His career connected the early development of Albanian football with the international game in Italy and beyond.
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