Andi Lila

{{short description|Albanian footballer}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Andi Lila | image = AUT vs. ALB 2016-03-26 (004) (Lila).jpg | upright = 1.1 | caption = Lila with Albania in 2016 | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1986|2|12|df=y}} | birth_place = Kavajë, Albania | height = 1.85 m | position = Defensive midfielder | currentclub = | youthyears1 = 2000–2003 | youthclubs1 = Besa Kavajë | years1 = 2002–2007 | clubs1 = Besa Kavajë | caps1 = 83 | goals1 = 1 | years2 = 2007 | clubs2 = Iraklis | caps2 = 3 | goals2 = 0 | years3 = 2007–2008 | clubs3 = Besa Kavajë | caps3 = 29 | goals3 = 0 | years4 = 2008–2011 | clubs4 = Tirana | caps4 = 78 | goals4 = 11 | years5 = 2011–2019 | clubs5 = PAS Giannina | caps5 = 163 | goals5 = 7 | years6 = 2015 | clubs6 = → Parma (loan) | caps6 = 13 | goals6 = 2 | years7 = 2019–2020 | clubs7 = Tirana | caps7 = 0 | goals7 = 0 | totalcaps = 369 | totalgoals = 21 | nationalyears1 = 2002–2003 | nationalteam1 = Albania U17 | nationalcaps1 = 9 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | nationalyears2 = 2003–2005 | nationalteam2 = Albania U19 | nationalcaps2 = 4 | nationalgoals2 = 0 | nationalyears3 = 2006–2007 | nationalteam3 = Albania U21 | nationalcaps3 = 9 | nationalgoals3 = 0 | nationalyears4 = 2007–2018 | nationalteam4 = Albania | nationalcaps4 = 70 | nationalgoals4 = 0 }}

'''Andi Lila''' ({{IPA|sq|ˈandi ˈlila}}; born 12 February 1986) is an Albanian former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder. He was a versatile player, having spent his early career as a full-back.

Lila began his senior career at his hometown club Besa Kavajë before moving to Greek side Iraklis in the Super League Greece. He later returned to Besa Kavajë and went on to play for Tirana, winning the 2008–09 Albanian Superliga and 2010–11 Albanian Cup, and spent a significant period at Greek top-flight side PAS Giannina, including a brief loan spell at Italian Serie A side Parma. Lila made over 150 appearances in Greece's first division and ended his playing career at Tirana in 2020 due to injury.

Lila has represented Albania at under-17, under-19, under-21 and senior levels, earning 70 caps for the senior side from 2007 to 2017. He was part of the squad that qualified for UEFA Euro 2016, Albania's first appearance at a major tournament, and played in the historic 1–0 win against Romania in the group stage. Lila also featured in qualifying campaigns and key matches, including Albania's first-ever victory over Portugal in 2014 in the opening Euro 2016 qualifying, and was involved in the controversial 2014 incident in Belgrade against Serbia during the same competition.

==Club career==

===Besa Kavajë=== Lila started his career with his hometown club, Besa Kavajë, making his debut at age 16 in the 2002–03 Albanian Superliga season on 14 December 2002 against Teuta Durrës, coming on as a substitute at half-time in a 5–0 defeat.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Teuta 5–0 Besa |url=https://fshf.org/garat/?query=info&match_id=140293 |website=FSHF |access-date=28 January 2026}}</ref> He made 11 league appearances that season.<ref name="FSHF">{{FSHF|226631}}</ref>

In the 2003–04 Albanian Superliga, Lila made 10 appearances as Besa Kavajë was relegated.<ref name="NFT">{{NFT|23549|access-date=28 January 2026}}</ref>

The following season in 2004–05 Kategoria e Parë, he established himself as a regular starter, playing 24 league matches as Besa won the championship and secured promotion back to Superliga.<ref name="NFT" />

He scored his first top-flight goal on 21 January 2006 in a 2–1 home win over Partizani during the 2005–06 Albanian Superliga.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Besa 2–1 Partizani |url=https://fshf.org/garat/?query=info&match_id=140856 |website=FSHF |access-date=29 January 2026}}</ref> Lila made 29 league appearances that season, while Besa Kavajë finished fifth in the league standings.<ref name="NFT" />

He made nine appearances in the first half of the 2006–07 Albanian Superliga before leaving the club.<ref name="NFT" />

===Iraklis=== Lila transferred to Iraklis in January 2007, joining fellow Albanians Enea Koliçi, Ervis Kraja and Indrit Fortuzi.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AEP Iraklis FC – Team roster 2006–07 |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/te1060/aep-iraklis-fc/vs2006-2007/squad/ |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=29 January 2026}}</ref> He debuted on 11 March 2007 against Aris Saloniki, starting at right-back and receiving a second yellow card at half-time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super League » Aris Saloniki against AEP Iraklis FC » Lineup |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/co122/greece-super-league/ma2018720/aris-saloniki_aep-iraklis-fc/lineup/ |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=29 January 2026}}</ref> He made three league appearances before returning to Besa Kavajë.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Andi Lila » Statistics: Club Matches 2006–07 |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe16989/andi-lila/co122/greece-super-league/se4487/2006-2007/club-matches/ |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=29 January 2026}}</ref>

===Return to Besa Kavajë=== After returning, Lila became team captain. He played in the 2007 Albanian Supercup against Tirana on 17 August 2007, losing 4–2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/albacup07.html|title=Albania Cup (Kupa e Shqipërisë) 2006/07|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|access-date=22 December 2017}}</ref> Lila made his first continental appearance on 30 August 2007 against Litex Lovech in the UEFA Cup Second qualifying round, losing 3–0.<ref>{{cite web |title=History: Litex 3-0 Besa {{!}} UEFA Cup 2007/08 |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/301345--litex-vs-besa/ |website=UEFA.com |access-date=29 January 2026}}</ref> He made 29 league appearances in the 2007–08 Albanian Superliga as Besa finished third.<ref name="Soccerway" /><ref name="NFT"/>

His final match for Besa was on 12 July 2008 against Grasshopper in the Intertoto Cup Second Round, losing 3–0.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UI-Cup » KS Besa against Grasshopper Club Zürich » Lineup |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/co133/ui-cup/ma13814/ks-besa_grasshopper-club-zuerich/lineup/ |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=29 January 2026}}</ref>

Shortly after, he transferred to Tirana on 21 July 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/Andi-Lila-firmos-me-Tiranen.62634/|title=Andi Lila firmos me Tiranën|trans-title=Andi Lila signs with Tirana|publisher=Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve|language=sq|date=21 July 2008|access-date=9 January 2016}}</ref> ===Tirana=== [[File:Lila Andi.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Lila with KF Tirana in 2010.]] Lila made his debut for Tirana on 24 August 2008 against Vllaznia, playing the full 90 minutes in a 0–0 draw.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vllaznia 0–0 Tirana |url=https://fshf.org/garat/?query=info&match_id=141340 |website=FSHF |access-date=28 January 2026}}</ref> He scored his first goal for the club on 14 September in his third appearance, netting in a 2–1 victory over Partizani in the capital derby.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://fshf.org/garat/?query=info&match_id=141348|title=Tirana 2 – 1 Partizani|publisher=FSHF|language=sq|date=14 September 2008|access-date=30 January 2026}}</ref> A week later, Lila scored again in a 2–0 away win against Apolonia.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://fshf.org/garat/?query=info&match_id=141354|title=Apolonia 0 – 2 Tirana|publisher=FSHF|language=sq|date=20 September 2008|access-date=30 January 2026}}</ref> During the 2008–09 Albanian Superliga season, Lila was a regular starter, making 28 appearances and scoring four goals.<ref name="FSHF" /> Tirana won the league title for the 24th time in their history, finishing four points ahead of Vllaznia.<ref>{{cite news |date=24 May 2009 |title=Tirana, 24 herë kampione e Shqipërisë |url=http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/Tirana-24-here-kampione-e-Shqiperise.248539/ |access-date=6 March 2016 |publisher=Arkiva Lajmeve |language=sq}}</ref> Tirana also reached the final of the 2008–09 Albanian Cup, where the team was defeated 2–1 by Flamurtari Vlorë, with Lila an unused substitute.

Lila began his second season with Tirana on 15 July 2009 by making his European debut against Stabæk in the first leg of the 2009–10 UEFA Champions League first qualifying round.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01db-0e726c40acb6-9d8544f5e5ec-1000--stab%C3%A6k-smiling-after-tirana-draw/|title=Stabæk smiling after Tirana draw|publisher=UEFA|date=15 July 2009|access-date=6 March 2015}}</ref> He also started the return leg, as Tirana were eliminated following a 4–0 defeat, losing 5–1 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01db-0e727557f73f-dd0bc1f6e10a-1000--swedes-steal-show-for-stab%C3%A6k/|title=Swedes steal show for Stabæk|publisher=UEFA|date=21 July 2009|access-date=6 March 2015}}</ref> On 16 August 2009, Lila won his second trophy with Tirana, the 2009 Albanian Supercup, as the team defeated Flamurtari Vlorë 1–0.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.oranews.tv/uncategorized/tirana-fiton-superkupn-me-rezultatin-1-0-ndaj-flamurtarit/|title=Tirana fiton Superkupën me rezultatin 1-0 ndaj Flamurtarit|trans-title=Tirana wins the Supercup with a 1-0 result over Flamurtari|work=Ora News|language=sq|date=17 August 2009|access-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306213455/http://www.oranews.tv/uncategorized/tirana-fiton-superkupn-me-rezultatin-1-0-ndaj-flamurtarit/|archive-date=6 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the opening match of the 2009–10 Albanian Superliga on 23 August 2009, Lila conceded a penalty and was sent off in the 31st minute as Tirana were defeated 3–1 by Flamurtari.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvklan.al/superliga-fiton-flamurtari-tirana-dhe-vllaznia-zhgenjehen-23-gusht-2009|title=Superliga, fiton Flamurtari, Tirana dhe Vllaznia zhgënjehen|publisher=Televizioni Klan|date=23 August 2009|access-date=30 January 2026}}</ref> He made a total of 24 league appearances and scored one goal, as Tirana finished the season in third place.<ref name="NFT" />

In the 2010–11 UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds in July 2010, Lila played every minute of the first two qualifying rounds, as Tirana advanced past Zalaegerszeg 1–0 after extra time in the first round, before being eliminated in the second round by Utrecht despite Lila scoring in the second leg, with a 5–1 aggregate defeat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe16989/andi-lila/co563/uefa-europa-league-qual/se2427/2010-2011/club-matches/|title=Andi Lila » Club matches|publisher=WorldFootball.net|access-date=30 January 2026}}</ref> Lila began the 2011–12 Albanian Superliga season on 22 August 2011 by scoring the equalising goal in a 1–1 draw against Elbasani.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://fshf.org/garat/?query=info&match_id=141590|title=Elbasani 1 – 1 Tirana|publisher=FSHF|language=sq|date=22 August 2011|access-date=30 January 2026}}</ref> On 31 January 2011, he scored in a 2–1 away victory over Dinamo Tirana.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://fshf.org/garat/?query=info&match_id=141694|title=Dinamo Tirana 1 – 2 Tirana|publisher=FSHF|language=sq|date=31 January 2011|access-date=30 January 2026}}</ref> He made a total of 26 league appearances and scored six goals, as Tirana finished the season in fifth place.<ref name="NFT" /> On 23 May 2011, Lila featured in the 2011 Albanian Cup final, which Tirana won against Dinamo after a penalty shoot-out, securing the club’s qualification for European competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.panorama.com.al/tirana-fiton-kupen-dhe-europen/|title=Tirana fiton Kupën dhe Europën|publisher=Panorama Sport|date=23 May 2011|access-date=30 January 2026}}</ref>

===PAS Giannina=== Lila completed a transfer to Greek side PAS Giannina on 24 June 2011 by signing a three-year contract worth €200,000 plus bonuses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/lila-firmos-te-janina-per-200-mije-euro/|title=Lila firmos te Janina për 200 mijë euro |trans-title=Lila signs at Giannina for €200,000|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|author=Jorgis Memo|date=25 February 2011 |access-date=26 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=24 February 2011 |script-title=el:Άντι Λίλα για τρία χρόνια στον ΠΑΣ ΓΙΑΝΝΙΝΑ |url=http://www.pasgiannina.gr/articles/deltio_tupou_anti_lila_gia_tria_cronia_ston_pas_giannina_24_06_11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625132837/http://www.pasgiannina.gr/articles/deltio_tupou_anti_lila_gia_tria_cronia_ston_pas_giannina_24_06_11 |archive-date=25 June 2011 |access-date=26 June 2011 |publisher=PAS Giannina |language=el}}</ref>

He was given squad number 3 and made his competitive debut on 27 August 2011 by starting in the goalless draw against Aris in the opening week of the 2011–12 Super League Greece.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/08/27/greece/super-league/pas-giannina/aris-thessaloniki-fc/1187751/|title=PAS Giannina vs. Aris Thessaloniki 0–0|work=Soccerway|date=27 August 2011|access-date=27 August 2011}}</ref> In his first full season at the ''Ajax of Epirus'', Lila made 21 league appearances as the team finished eighth in the championship. With eight yellow cards, he recorded the second-worst disciplinary record in the squad.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/national/greece/super-league/2011-2012/regular-season/r15799/|title=Summary – Super League – Greece – Results, fixtures, tables and news|work=Soccerway|access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref>

Lila began his second season on 25 August 2012, playing in a 0–0 draw against Platanias at the Zosimades Stadium.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/08/25/greece/super-league/pas-giannina/platanias/1329638/|title=PAS Giannina vs. Platanias 0–0|work=Soccerway|date=25 August 2012|access-date=27 August 2013}}</ref> He made his first Greek Cup appearance on 29 November 2012 in a 1–0 win against Panserraikos in the first leg of third round.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/11/29/greece/cup/pas-giannina/panserraikos-fc/1408166/|title=PAS Giannina vs. Panserraikos 1–0|work=Soccerway|date=29 November 2012|access-date=27 August 2016}}</ref> His first goals for the club came on 8 December, when he scored the opener in a 2–0 away win against Kerkyra.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/12/08/greece/super-league/pae-ao-kerkyra/pas-giannina/1372875/|title=Kerkyra vs. PAS Giannina 0–2|work=Soccerway|date=8 December 2012|access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref> His second goal of the season followed on 24 January 2013 in the second leg of the Greek Cup against Fostiras, helping PAS Giannina secure a 3–2 victory and progress to the quarter-finals.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/01/24/greece/cup/fostiras-tavros/pas-giannina/1424612/|title=Fostiras vs. PAS Giannina 2–3|work=Soccerway|date=24 January 2013|access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sportishqiptar.com.al/newsite/2013/01/25/lila-dhe-vila-gola-kualifikimi-per-pas-janinen/|title=Lila dhe Vila, gola kualifikimi për Pas Janinën|trans-title=Lila and Vila, qualification goals for Pas Giannina|work=Sporti Shqiptar|language=sq|date=25 January 2013|access-date=25 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805142538/http://www.sportishqiptar.com.al/newsite/2013/01/25/lila-dhe-vila-gola-kualifikimi-per-pas-janinen/|archive-date=5 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> He finished the season with 35 appearances in all competitions, as PAS Giannina placed fifth in the league and were eliminated by Olympiacos in the Greek Cup quarter-finals, once again registering the second-worst disciplinary record within the team.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/national/greece/super-league/20122013/regular-season/r18160/|title=Summary – Super League – Greece – Results, fixtures, tables and news|work=Soccerway|access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref>

On 12 July 2014, Lila confirmed that his contract with PAS Giannina had expired and that he was set to join Croatian side HNK Rijeka,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/a-lila-e-konfirmon-do-shkoj-te-rijeka/|title=Andi Lila e konfirmon: Do të shkoj te Rijeka|trans-title=Andi Lila confirms: I will go to Rijeka|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|author=Jorgis Memo|date=24 June 2014|access-date=17 March 2015}}</ref> however, he later chose to remain at PAS Giannina, signing a new three-year contract with the club.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sport24.gr/football/omades/PasGiannina/emeine_o_lila.2914967.html|title=Έμεινε ο Λίλα|work=Sport24.gr|language=el|date=12 July 2014|access-date=17 March 2015}}</ref>

====Loan to Parma==== On 28 December 2014, Lila joined Serie A side Parma on loan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.football-italia.net/60535/lila-confirms-parma-transfer|title=Lila confirms Parma transfer|work=Football Italia|date=28 December 2014|access-date=28 December 2014}}</ref> The transfer became official on 1 January 2015, when the transfer window reopened.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://telegrafi.com/lila-konfirmon-po-shkoj-te-parma/|title=Lila konfirmon: Po shkoj te Parma|trans-title=Lila confirms: I'm going to Parma|work=Telegrafi|language=sq|date=1 January 2015|access-date=1 January 2015}}</ref> During his presentation, Lila described the move to Serie A as a dream come true.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://botasot.info/sporti/389600/andi-lila-dhe-basti-i-fituar-ne-serine-a/|title=Andi Lila dhe basti i fituar në Serinë A|trans-title=Andi Lila and winning bet in Serie A|work=Bota Sot|language=sq|date=4 April 2015|access-date=4 April 2015}}</ref> On 12 January, Parma announced that the deal included an option to buy, amid the club’s ongoing financial difficulties.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fcparma.com/news/e-ufficiale-andi-lila-e-un-giocatore-del-parma-avra-la-crociata-con-il-numero-3|title=E' ufficiale: Andi Lila è un giocatore del Parma. Avrà la crociata con il numero 3|trans-title=Andi Lila is a player of Parma. He will have the crusade with the number 3|date=12 January 2015|access-date=22 June 2015|publisher=Parma F.C.|language=it|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622212103/http://fcparma.com/news/e-ufficiale-andi-lila-e-un-giocatore-del-parma-avra-la-crociata-con-il-numero-3|archive-date=22 June 2015}}</ref>

He made his debut on 14 January 2015 in the Coppa Italia match against Cagliari, but was forced off after 13 minutes due to a thigh injury.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/01/14/italy/coppa-italia/parma-fc/cagliari-calcio/1972960/|title=Parma vs. Cagliari 2–1|work=Soccerway|date=14 January 2015|access-date=6 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://asport.al/lila-braktis-debutimin-demtuar/|title=Lila braktis debutimin i dëmtuar|trans-title=Lila abandons debut injured|work=Asport.al|language=sq|date=14 January 2015|access-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601090200/http://asport.al/lila-braktis-debutimin-demtuar/|archive-date=1 June 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> In his first game back after returning from injury, Lila scored his first goal for Parma against Sassuolo on 15 March 2015; having played from the start, with the match ending as a 4–1 defeat for the ''Gialloblù''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/03/15/italy/serie-a/us-sassuolo-calcio/parma-fc/1836633/|title=Sassuolo vs. Parma 4 – 1|work=Soccerway|date=15 March 2015|access-date=17 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/lila-gol-ne-serine-a-ja-pse-festova-si-shqipe-tani-dua-fitoren-me-armenine/|title=Lila, gol në Serinë A: Ja pse festova si shqipe, tani dua fitoren me Armeninë|trans-title=Lila, goal in Serie A: That why I celebrated as an Albanian, now I want the win with Armenia|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=16 March 2015|access-date=17 March 2015}}</ref>

====Return to PAS Giannina==== After the end of his loan spell, Lila initially refused to return to PAS Giannina in an effort to secure another move to Serie A.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/pas-janina-lila-i-huazuar-te-parma-e-presim-te-kthehet/|title=PAS Janina: Lila i huazuar te Parma, e presim të kthehet!|trans-title=PAS Giannina: Lila on loan at Parma, we expect him to return|work=Sport Ekspres|language=sq|date=5 June 2015|access-date=5 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826123134/http://sportekspres.com/pas-janina-lila-i-huazuar-te-parma-e-presim-te-kthehet/|archive-date=26 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> In August 2015, he trained with Skënderbeu Korçë to maintain fitness,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/lila-te-skenderbeu-qendroj-te-korcaret-derisa-te-gjej-ekip-me-keshilloi-de-biazi/|title=Lila te Skënderbeu: Qëndroj te korçarët derisa të gjej ekip, më këshilloi De Biazi|trans-title=Lila at Skënderbeu: I stay at Korça until i find a new club, De Biasi advised me|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=10 August 2015|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> before rejoining PAS Giannina later that month and reclaiming his squad number 3.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/andi-lila-rikthehet-te-pas-janina/|title=Andi Lila rikthehet te PAS Janina|trans-title=Andi Lila returns to PAS Giannina|work=SuperSport Albania|language=sq|author=Olsi Karagjozi|date=26 August 2015|access-date=26 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306030943/http://www.supersport.al/andi-lila-rikthehet-te-pas-janina/|archive-date=6 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

He made his 100th appearance in the Super League Greece on 24 January 2016, playing 70 minutes in a 2–0 away win against Atromitos.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/01/24/greece/super-league/pae-aps-atromitos-athens/pas-giannina/2088812/|title=Atromitos vs. PAS Giannina 0–2|work=Soccerway|date=24 January 2016|access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref>

Lila made his European debut with PAS Giannina on 14 July 2016, starting in a 3–0 home win over Odds BK in the first leg of 2016–17 UEFA Europa League first qualifying round.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/07/14/europe/uefa-cup/pas-giannina/odd-grenland-ballklubb/2245339/|title=PAS Giannina vs. Odds BK 3–0|work=Soccerway|date=14 July 2016|access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref> He also featured in the return leg, with PAS Giannina advancing after extra time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/07/14/europe/uefa-cup/pas-giannina/odd-grenland-ballklubb/2245339/|title=Odds BK vs. PAS Giannina 3 – 1|work=Soccerway|date=21 July 2016|access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref> The club’s European campaign ended in the second qualifying round against AZ Alkmaar, with Lila himself collecting 4 appearances.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/08/04/europe/uefa-cup/pas-giannina/stichting-az/2282887/|title=PAS Giannina vs. AZ 1–2|work=Soccerway|date=4 August 2016|access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref>

On 25 March 2017, Lila was involved in an incident during international duty, after being recorded making inappropriate remarks toward a Greek priest.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/video-skandal-ne-kombetare-andi-lila-tallet-me-prifterinjte/|title=VIDEO / Skandal në Kombëtare, Andi Lila tallet me priftërinjtë|trans-title=Scandal with the national team, Andi Lila mocks priests|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=23 March 2015|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> Following the incident, PAS Giannina reportedly considered terminating his contract.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/ceshtja-lila-pas-janina-do-te-kerkoje-te-prishe-kontraten-e-tij/|title=Çështja "Lila", PAS Janina do të kërkojë të prishë kontratën e tij|trans-title="Lila" case, PAS Giannina will seek contract termination|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=25 March 2015|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> Three days later, he issued a public apology, later meeting the priest in person to apologise and resolve the matter.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/ndjese-ne-anglisht-per-videon-andi-lila-shqetesohet-vetem-per-greket/|title=Ndjesë në anglisht për videon, Andi Lila shqetësohet vetëm për grekët|trans-title=Apology in English for the video|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=28 March 2015|access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/andi-lila-ia-hedh-paq-prifti-i-janines-ia-fal-talljen-ne-video/|title=Andi Lila ia hedh paq, prifti ia fal talljen|trans-title=Lila meets the priest, who forgives the incident|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=30 March 2017|access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref> On 1 April, Lila was an unused substitute in the 1–1 home draw against Xanthi.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/ndjesa-nuk-mjafton-lila-perfundon-ne-stol-pas-videos-per-priftin/|title=Ndjesa nuk mjafton, Lila përfundon në stol pas videos për priftin|trans-title=The apology is not enough, Lila left on the bench after the video|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=1 April 2015|access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref> He returned to the starting lineup four days later, playing 64 minutes in a 3–0 away defeat to Veria.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/04/05/greece/super-league/veria-fc/pas-giannina/2404090/|title=Veria vs. PAS Giannina 3–0|work=Soccerway|date=5 April 2017|access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref> Later that month, Lila scored his first goal of the season, opening the scoring in a 1–1 home draw against AEK Athens on matchday 30.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/04/30/greece/super-league/pas-giannina/aek-athens-fc/2404117/|title=PAS Giannina vs. AEK Athens 1–1|work=Soccerway|date=30 April 2017|access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref> He concluded his sixth season with the club with 22 appearances in all competitions.<ref name="Soccerway" />

On 21 July 2017, Lila signed a new contract with PAS Giannina, keeping him at the club until June 2020.<ref>{{cite web|date=20 July 2017|title=Ανακοίνωση ΠΑΕ ΠΑΣ ΓΙΑΝΝΙΝΑ 1966|publisher=PAS Giannina|language=el|url=http://www.pasgiannina.gr/articles/anakoinose_pae_pas_giannina_1966_113|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170726092352/http://www.pasgiannina.gr/articles/anakoinose_pae_pas_giannina_1966_113|archive-date=26 July 2017|access-date=20 July 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeri.info/sport/153813/andi-lila-rinovon-deri-ne-vitin-2020-me-pas-janinen/|title=Andi Lila rinovon deri në vitin 2020 me PAS Janinën|trans-title=Andi Lila renews until 2020 with PAS Giannina|publisher=PAS Giannina|language=el|date=20 July 2017|access-date=20 July 2017}}</ref> He made 21 league appearances during the 2017–18 Super League Greece season, as the club finished ninth.<ref name="NFT" />

In the 2018–19 Super League Greece season, he made 19 appearances, and PAS Giannina relegated after finishing in 14th place.<ref name="NFT" />

On 1 July 2019, Lila and PAS Giannina mutually agreed to terminate his contract, bringing an end to his eight-year spell with the club.<ref>{{Cite news |title=ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΟΥΜΕ ΓΙΑ ΟΛΑ ΟΣΑ ΠΡΟΣΕΦΕΡΕΣ ANDI |url=http://pasgiannina.gr/anakoinwseis/andi-lila-07-19/ |trans-title=Thank you for everything you contributed, Andi |publisher=PAS Giannina |date=1 July 2019 |access-date=30 January 2026}}</ref>

===Return to Tirana=== On 27 August 2019, Lila returned to Tirana after ten years, signing a contract with the club for the 2019–20 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.al/andi-lila-kthehet-tek-tirana-pas-10-vitesh/ |title=Andi Lila kthehet tek Tirana pas 10 vjetësh |work=ABC News Albania |date=27 August 2019 |access-date=30 January 2026}}</ref> He did not make any appearances during the 2019–20 season, as he underwent leg surgery and the campaign was later interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cna.al/2020/05/30/nuk-ka-luajtur-asnje-minute-andi-lila-merr-oferte-nga-klubi-i-njohur/ |title=Nuk ka luajtur asnjë minutë, Andi Lila merr ofertë nga klubi i njohur |work=CNA Albania |date=30 May 2020 |access-date=30 January 2026}}</ref>

In 2020, Lila announced his retirement from professional football following a serious injury that required two surgical operations. He later confirmed that the decision marked the definitive end of his playing career, describing it as a difficult choice due to his strong attachment to the sport. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he began writing his autobiography, ''Triumf'', which was published in 2022 and reflects on his playing career and personal experiences in football.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.al/andi-lila-mbyll-karrieren-sportive-me-nje-liber-do-te-jete-i-pari-dhe-i-fundit-i-imi/|title=Andi Lila mbyll karrierën sportive me një libër: Do të jetë i pari dhe i fundit i imi|work=ABC News Albania|date=25 November 2022|access-date=25 November 2022}}</ref>

==International career== Lila represented Albania at youth levels, including the U17, U19, and U21 teams.<ref name="FSHF" />

thumb|180px|Andi Lila with Albania in 2015.

Lila was first called up to the Albania senior team in late 2007 by head coach Otto Barić while playing as a right back for Besa Kavajë in the Albanian Superliga.<ref name="EU-Football.info" /> He made his senior debut on 21 November 2007 in the closing UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying match against Romania in Bucharest, playing the full 90 minutes in a 6–1 defeat.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/83702--romania-vs-albania/|title=History: Romania 6-1 Albania {{!}} UEFA EURO 2008|publisher=UEFA|date=21 November 2007|access-date=31 January 2026}}</ref> Following the result, Barić resigned as head coach shortly after the final whistle.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/Panorama-Sport-Kombetarja-i-ben-puc-Baric-jep-doreheqjen.89086/|title=Panorama Sport: Kombëtarja i bën puç, Bariç jep dorëheqjen|publisher=Arkiva Lajmeve|language=sq|author=Jetmir Halilaj|date=22 November 2007|access-date=5 March 2016}}</ref>

The next manager, Arie Haan, included Lila in his first match in charge, a friendly against Poland on 27 May 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=338|title=Football MATCH: 27.05.2008 Albania v Poland|publisher=EU-Football.info|date=27 May 2008|access-date=5 March 2016}}</ref> Lila started the match and was substituted at half-time as Albania lost 1–0. He went on to make two further appearances under Haan.

thumb|250px|Lila (#2) lining up with Albania in March 2016. Lila was a regular member of Albania's UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. He played the final 15 minutes of the opening Group I match against Portugal, which Albania won 1–0 at the Estádio Municipal,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/match/2014/sep/07/portugal-v-albania|title = All results &#124; Football|website = TheGuardian.com}}</ref> the first ever win against "Seleção das Quinas".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.11v11.com/teams/albania/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Portugal/|title=Albania national football team: record v Portugal|publisher=11v11.com|access-date=8 October 2016}}</ref> Later in October 2014, Lila made his 50th international appearance in the match against Serbia; he played as a starter until 42nd minute where the match was postponed due to Serbian fans launching flares onto the pitch.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ames|first1=Nick|title=Reflecting on the chaos of Serbia vs. Albania in Belgrade|url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/espn-fc-united-blog/68/post/2089836/euro-2016-making-sense-of-the-chaos-between-serbia-albania-in-belgrade|access-date=22 October 2014|issue=ESPN|publisher=ESPN|date=15 October 2014}}</ref> He along with other Albanian players were attacked by Serbian hooligans who came onto the pitch with chairs and other objects. Initially, UEFA awarded Serbia with a 3–0 win, but were deducted three points, leading both Serbia and Albania appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,<ref>{{cite news|title=The football associations of Albania and Serbia file appeals at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)|url=http://www.tas-cas.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Media_Release_3874_3875__2_.pdf|publisher=Court of Arbitration for Sport|access-date=8 January 2015}}</ref> who on 10 July 2015, awarded Albania with a 3–0 victory and Serbia were still deducted three points.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.tas-cas.org/en/general-information/news-detail/article/football-the-cas-rejects-the-appeal-filed-by-the-serbian-fa-upholds-in-part-the-appeal-filed-by-the-albanian-fa-the-match-serbia-albania-is-deemed-to-have-been-forfeited-by-serbia-0-3.html |title=FOOTBALL: The CAS rejects the appeal filed by the Serbian FA, upholds in part the appeal filed by the Albanian FA: the match Serbia-Albania is deemed to have been forfeited by Serbia (0–3) |publisher=Tribunal Arbitral du Sport / Court of Arbitration for Sport |date=10 July 2015 |access-date=10 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711073233/http://www.tas-cas.org/en/general-information/news-detail/article/football-the-cas-rejects-the-appeal-filed-by-the-serbian-fa-upholds-in-part-the-appeal-filed-by-the-albanian-fa-the-match-serbia-albania-is-deemed-to-have-been-forfeited-by-serbia-0-3.html |archive-date=11 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> After winning 0–3 at Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium against Armenia on 11 October 2015,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34501117|title=Armenia 0–3 Albania|work=BBC Sport}}</ref> Albania's spot at UEFA Euro 2016 was confirmed as team finished second in Group I with 14 points.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/seasons/2016/qualifying/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807202921/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/seasons/2016/qualifying/|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 August 2020|title = History}}</ref>

On 21 May 2016, Lila was named in Albania's preliminary 27-man squad for Euro 2016,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d813edc940a-8dc9dd59ba20-1000--de-biasi-leaves-out-albanian-top-scorer-salihi/|title=De Biasi leaves out Albanian top scorer Salihi|publisher=UEFA|author=Fatjon Pandovski|date=21 May 2016|access-date=30 May 2016}}</ref> and subsequently in the final 23-man squad announced on 31 May.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://euro.fshf.org/de-biasi-shpall-listen-zyrtare-te-euro-2016/|title=De Biasi shpall listën zyrtare të Euro 2016|trans-title=De Biasi announces the official list of Euro 2016|publisher=FSHF|language=sq|date=31 May 2016|access-date=31 May 2016}}</ref>

Lila was an unused substitute in the opening Group A match against Switzerland, which Albania lost 1–0.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tweedale|last2=Liew|first1=Alistair|first2=Jonathan|date=11 June 2016|title=Switzerland down 10-man Albania as Xhaka derby is settled by Fabian Schar header|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/06/10/albania-vs-switzerland-euro-2016-live/|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=11 June 2016}}</ref> He made his first European Championship appearance on 16 June against France, with Albania losing 2–0 after late goals.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/france-2-0-albania-late-8044893|title=France 2-0 Albania: Late double breaks Albanian hearts – 5 things we learned|work=Mirror|author=Ed Maylon|date=16 June 2016|access-date=9 October 2016}}</ref> Lila started the final group match against Romania, which Albania won 1–0, marking the country's first victory at a major international tournament.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/06/19/albania-vs-romania-euro-2016---live/|title=Euro 2016: Romania 0 Albania 1 – Armando Sadiku scores the only goal to seal his country's first ever win at a major competition|work=The Telegraph|author=Richard Amofa|date=19 June 2016|access-date=9 October 2016}}</ref> It was Albania's first win over Romania since 1948.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.11v11.com/teams/albania/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Romania/|title=Albania national football team: record v Romania|publisher=11v11.com|access-date=9 October 2016}}</ref> Albania finished third in the group with three points and a goal difference of −2, and was ranked last among the third-placed teams, resulting in elimination from the tournament.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/albania-out-euro-2016-after-portugal-draw-hungary|title=Albania out of Euro 2016 after Portugal draw with Hungary|work=Four Four Two|date=22 June 2016|access-date=9 October 2016}}</ref>

==Personal life== Lila is married to Ornela Lila. The couple became parents for the first time on 20 March 2015, when his wife gave birth to their son, Ayan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kohajone.com/2015/03/20/andi-lila-behet-baba-djalin-e-quajne-ayan/|title=Andi Lila bëhet baba, djalin e quajnë Ayan|trans-title=Andi Lila becomes father, the son is called Ayan|work=Koha Jonë|language=sq|date=20 March 2015|access-date=6 March 2016}}</ref> On 16 July 2015, Lila was awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of Kavaja" for his contribution to Albanian football and for protecting national symbols.<ref name="Andi Lila shpallet Qytetar Nderi i Kavajës">{{cite news|url=http://www.golalb.com/2015/07/16/andi-lila-shpallet-qytetar-nderi-i-kavajes/|title=Andi Lila shpallet "Qytetar Nderi i Kavajës"|trans-title=Andi Lila named "Honorary Citizen of Kavaja"|work=GolAlb.com|language=sq|date=16 July 2015|access-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716205640/http://www.golalb.com/2015/07/16/andi-lila-shpallet-qytetar-nderi-i-kavajes/|archive-date=16 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> In an interview, Lila stated that his favourite club while growing up was Italian side Internazionale.<ref name="Lila">{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/rrefehet-andi-lila-donadoni-me-therriste-ajnshtajn-ju-tregoi-fillimet-e-karrieres/|title="Kur Donadoni më thërriste Ajnshtajn", Andi Lila zbulon të fshehtat e Greqisë, Tiranës dhe Parmës (E PLOTË)|trans-title="When Donadoni called me Einstein", Andi Lila discovers the secrets of Greece, Tirana and Parma (Full)|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=8 September 2019|access-date=30 September 2019}}</ref> He is also a fan of the American heavy metal band Metallica and the English rock band The Beatles.<ref name="Lila"/>

==Career statistics==

===Club===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref name="FSHF" /><ref name="NFT"/><ref name="Soccerway">{{Soccerway|new_id=lila-andi/O6ZgKwy3|accessdate=28 January 2026}}</ref> |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|Cup !colspan="2"|Europe !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="8"|Besa Kavajë |2002–03 |Albanian Superliga |11||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||11||0 |- |2003–04 |Albanian Superliga |10||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||10||0 |- |2004–05 |Albanian First Division |24||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||24||0 |- |2005–06 |Albanian Superliga |29||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||29||1 |- |2006–07 |Albanian Superliga |9||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||9||0 |- |2007–08 |Albanian Superliga |29||0||2||1||1{{efn|name=UEF|Appearance(s) in UEFA Cup}}||0||1{{efn|name=ALB Supercup|Appearance(s) in Albanian Supercup}}||0||33||1 |- |2008 |UEFA Intertoto Cup |colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1{{efn|Appearance(s) in 2008 UEFA Intertoto Cup}}||0||colspan="2"|—||1||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !112!!1!!2!!1!!2!!0!!1!!0!!117!!2 |- |Iraklis |2006–07 |Super League Greece |3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||3||0 |- |rowspan="4"|Tirana |2008–09 |Albanian Superliga |28||4||6||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||34||4 |- |2009–10 |Albanian Superliga |24||1||2||1||2{{efn|name=UCL|Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League}}||0||1{{efn|name=ALB Supercup}}||0||29||2 |- |2010–11 |Albanian Superliga |26||6||6||1||4{{efn|name=UEL|Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League}}||1||colspan="2"|—||36||8 |- !colspan="2"|Total !78!!11!!14!!1!!6!!1!!1!!0!!99!!14 |- |rowspan="9"|PAS Giannina |2011–12 |Super League Greece |21||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||21||0 |- |2012–13 |Super League Greece |25||1||6||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||31||2 |- |2013–14 |Super League Greece |26||2||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||26||2 |- |2014–15 |Super League Greece |14||1||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||14||1 |- |2015–16 |Super League Greece |19||2||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||22||2 |- |2016–17 |Super League Greece |18||1||0||0||4||0||colspan="2"|—||22||1 |- |2017–18 |Super League Greece |21||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||23||0 |- |2018–19 |Super League Greece |19||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||20||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !163!!7!!14!!2!!4!!0!!0!!0!!181!!9 |- |Parma (loan) |2014–15 |Serie A |13||2||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||14||2 |- |Tirana |2019–20 |Albanian Superliga |colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|— |- !colspan="3"|Career total !369!!21!!31!!4!!12!!1!!2!!0!!414!!26 |} {{notelist}}

===International=== {{updated|20 November 2018}}<ref name="NFT" /><ref name="EU-Football.info">{{EU-Football.info|24497}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by national team and year |- !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="12"|Albania |2007||1||0 |- |2008||3||0 |- |2009||3||0 |- |2010||9||0 |- |2011||9||0 |- |2012||9||0 |- |2013||9||0 |- |2014||9||0 |- |2015||4||0 |- |2016||6||0 |- |2017||5||0 |- |2018||3||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total!!70!!0 |}

==Honours== '''Tirana'''<ref name="Soccerway"/> * Albanian Superliga: 2008–09, 2019–20 * Albanian Cup: 2010–11

'''Decoration''' * Honorary citizen of Kavajë: 2015<ref name="Andi Lila shpallet Qytetar Nderi i Kavajës"/>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category|Andi Lila}} *{{Sports links}} * [http://euro.fshf.org/andi-lila/ Andi Lila – Euro 2016 profile] at FSHF.org

{{s-start}} {{s-sports}} {{succession box|title=KF Tirana captain|before=Devi Muka|after=Devi Muka|years=2011}} {{s-end}} {{Albania squad UEFA Euro 2016}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lila, Andi}} Category:1986 births Category:Living people Category:Footballers from Kavajë Category:Albanian men's footballers Category:Men's association football defenders Category:Men's association football midfielders Category:KF Besa Kavajë players Category:Iraklis F.C. (Thessaloniki) players Category:KF Tirana players Category:PAS Giannina F.C. players Category:Parma Calcio 1913 players Category:Kategoria Superiore players Category:Super League Greece players Category:Serie A players Category:Albania men's under-21 international footballers Category:Albania men's youth international footballers Category:Albania men's international footballers Category:Albanian expatriate men's footballers Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Greece Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Greece Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Italy Category:UEFA Euro 2016 players Category:21st-century Albanian sportsmen