{{short description|Albanian footballer (born 1982)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Ansi Agolli | image = AUT vs. ALB 2016-03-26 (004) (Agolli).jpg | upright = 1.1 | caption = Agolli with Albania in March 2016 | full_name = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982|10|11|df=y}} | birth_place = Tirana, PSR Albania | height = 1.78 m | position = Left-back | currentclub = AB7 Future Soccer Academy (owner-coach) | youthyears1 = 1991–2000 | youthclubs1 = Tirana | years1 = 2000–2005 | clubs1 = Tirana | caps1 = 64 | goals1 = 5 | years2 = 2003 | clubs2 = → Apolonia Fier (loan) | caps2 = 12 | goals2 = 1 | years3 = 2005–2006 | clubs3 = Neuchâtel Xamax | caps3 = 29 | goals3 = 3 | years4 = 2006–2007 | clubs4 = Luzern | caps4 = 8 | goals4 = 0 | years5 = 2007–2009 | clubs5 = VPS | caps5 = 33 | goals5 = 1 | years6 = 2008–2009 | clubs6 = → Tirana (loan) | caps6 = 29 | goals6 = 5 | years7 = 2009–2011 | clubs7 = Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih | caps7 = 13 | goals7 = 0 | years8 = 2010–2011 | clubs8 = → Qarabağ (loan) | caps8 = 48 | goals8 = 1 | years9 = 2012–2019 | clubs9 = Qarabağ | caps9 = 176 | goals9 = 2 | years10 = 2019 | clubs10 = New York Cosmos B | caps10 = 9 | goals10 = 0 | years11 = 2020 | clubs11 = New York Cosmos | caps11 = 7 | goals11 = 2 | totalcaps = 431 | totalgoals = 20 | nationalyears1 = 2002–2003 | nationalteam1 = Albania U21 | nationalcaps1 = 6 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | nationalyears2 = 2005–2018 | nationalteam2 = Albania | nationalcaps2 = 73 | nationalgoals2 = 3 | medaltemplates = }} '''Ansi Agolli''' (born 11 October 1982) is an Albanian football manager and former player who is the owner and coach of AB7 Future Soccer Academy.<ref name=Academy>{{cite web|url=https://www.ab7futuresocceracademy.com/team-3|title=Coaching leadership|website=AB7 Future Soccer Academy|access-date=7 January 2026}}</ref>
He began his club career with Tirana, where he won multiple domestic titles, including three Kategoria Superiore championships, two Albanian Cups and three Albanian Supercups. After playing for several clubs abroad, he spent a significant part of his career with Qarabağ in the Azerbaijan Premier League, where he established himself as a long-serving first-team player, winning five consecutive league titles and three Azerbaijan Cups. During his time at the club, he featured regularly in European competition, including multiple appearances in the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Champions League, becoming part of the first Azerbaijani team to reach the Champions League group stage. He was named Qarabağ Player of the Season in 2014–15.
At international level, he earned 73 caps and scored two goals for the Albania national team, serving as team captain in his last years.
He is regarded as the most decorated Albanian footballer, having won a total of 16 trophies, the first being 2003–04 Kategoria Superiore.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.panorama.com.al/sport/shqiptaret-kampione-89-trofe-ne-duart-e-kuqezinjve-neper-bote-strakosha-i-fundit-agolli-per-rekord/|title=Shqiptarët kampionë, 89 trofe në duart e kuqezinjve nëpër botë. Strakosha i fundit, Agolli për rekord|trans-title=Albanians are champions, 89 trophies in the hands of red&blacks around the world. Strakosha the last, Agolli for record|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=17 May 2019|access-date=18 May 2019}}</ref>
==Club career== ===Tirana=== Agolli was born in Tirana and began playing football at age of nine, joining the KF Tirana Academy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://euro.fshf.org/ansi-agolli/|title=Ansi Agolli – Euro 2016 profile|publisher=FSHF|access-date=27 December 2017|language=sq}}</ref> After progressing through the club's youth system, he joined the first team in the 2000–01 season and made his debut at the age of 19.<ref name="NFT">{{NFT player|12200|name=Ansi Agolli|accessdate=6 October 2017}}</ref>
In the following season, he played in the 2001–02 Albanian Cup first round against Laçi, scoring three goals across both legs on 18 and 24 August 2001, as Tirana advanced to the next round with a 6–0 aggregate victory.<ref name="Albania 01-02">{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/alba02.html|title=Albania 2001/02|publisher=RSSSF|access-date=27 December 2017}}</ref>
Agolli made his continental debut on 15 August 2002 in the 2002–03 UEFA Cup qualifying round against Progresul București.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/co563/europa-league-qual/ma1842403/kf-tirane_progresul-bucuresti/lineup/ |title=KF Tirana vs Progresul București line-ups |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref>
Agolli was part of the Tirana squad that won the 2002 Albanian Supercup with a 6–0 victory over Dinamo Tirana on 14 September 2002.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/albasupcuphist.html#02 |title=Albanian Supercup history |publisher=RSSSF |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref>
He made a total of 10 league appearances for Tirana in his first three seasons before being sent on loan to fellow Kategoria Superiore side Apolonia Fier in January 2003 to help the club in their battle to avoid relegation.<ref name="FSHF">{{FSHF player|227266|access-date=25 December 2025}}</ref>
He made 12 appearances and scored one goal for Apolonia Fier, but the side were relegated to the Albanian First Division after losing the relegation playoff.<ref name="NFT"/><ref name="RSSSF 2002–03 season">{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/alba03.html|title=Albania 2002/03|publisher=RSSSF|access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref>
He then returned to Tirana ahead of the 2003–04 season.<ref name="FSHF" />
====Return and establishment as a starter (2003–2005)==== Agolli described the 2002–03 Tirana squad as the core of a team that continued into the 2003–04 season, in which he became increasingly involved with the first team following his return from loan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.balkanweb.com/ekskluzive-broja-te-sillet-si-lider-agolli-zberthen-kombetaren-ka-dhe-nje-keshille-per-reja/|title=EKSKLUZIVE/ “Broja të sillet si lider”, Agolli “zbërthen” Kombëtaren, ka dhe një këshillë për Rejan |publisher=BalkanWeb|language=sq}}</ref>
Agolli began the season by scoring in added time in the 2003–04 UEFA Champions League second qualifying round match against Grazer AK on 6 August 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/72033--gak-vs-tirana/ |title=GAK vs Tirana match report |publisher=UEFA |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref> Despite his late goal, Tirana were eliminated following a 2–1 defeat on the night and a 7–2 aggregate loss.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/025a-0eaadc68585e-e675c8155d81-1000--gak-confirm-ajax-meeting/ |title=GAK confirm Ajax meeting |publisher=UEFA |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref>
Tirana secured its first trophy of the season by winning the 2003 Albanian Supercup, defeating Dinamo Tirana 3–0 on 16 August 2003, with Agolli scoring the third goal late in the match.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/albasupcuphist.html#03 |title=Albanian Supercup history |publisher=RSSSF |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref>
During the 2003–04 Albanian Cup, Agolli scored in Tirana’s 5–2 second-round victory away to Cërriku on 1 October 2003.<ref name="Albanian Cup and Supercup 2004">{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/albacup04.html |title=Albania Cup 2003/04 |publisher=RSSSF |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref>
In domestic league, Agolli established himself as a regular starter, playing the majority of league matches from the beginning.<ref name="FSHF" /> On 24 April 2004, Agolli scored a league goal in a 3–2 win against Shkumbini.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fshf.org/garat/?query=info&match_id=140549 |title=Match report, 24 April 2004 |publisher=FSHF |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref>
Tirana dominated the 2003–04 Kategoria Superiore season, finishing as champions with 80 points, having won 24, drawn 8 and lost 4 of their 36 league matches, and scoring 90 goals while conceding 36.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/alba04.html |title=Albania 2003/04 |publisher=RSSSF |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref>
At the start of the 2004–05 season, Agolli took part in Tirana’s 2004–05 UEFA Champions League first qualifying round tie against Belarusian side Gomel in July 2004, starting in both legs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/79240--gomel-vs-tirana/ |title=Gomel vs Tirana |publisher=UEFA |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/79241--tirana-vs-gomel/ |title=Tirana vs Gomel |publisher=UEFA |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref> Tirana won 2–0 away and lost 1–0 at home, progressing to the second qualifying round with a 2–1 aggregate victory.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/025a-0eaadce12b32-3c7b3c99d2e4-1000/ |title=Tirana edge past Gomel |publisher=UEFA |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref>
In the second qualifying round against Ferencváros, Agolli remained an unused substitute in both matches as Tirana were eliminated on away goals following a 3–3 aggregate draw.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/79242--tirana-vs-ferencvaros/lineups/ |title=Tirana vs Ferencváros line-ups |publisher=UEFA |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/79243--ferencvaros-vs-tirana/lineups/ |title=Ferencváros vs Tirana line-ups |publisher=UEFA |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref>
Agolli did not feature in the 2004 Albanian Supercup final, which Tirana lost 2–0 to Partizani.<ref name="Albanian Cup and Supercup 2004" />
During the 2004–05 Kategoria Superiore season, Tirana finished as champions with 84 points, winning 26 matches, drawing six and losing four, while scoring 82 goals and conceding 32; Agolli participated in 31 matches and contributed with five goals during the campaign, scoring against Dinamo Tirana, Laçi (twice), Lushnja and Partizani.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/alba05.html |title=Albania 2004/05 |publisher=RSSSF |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref>
In the 2004–05 Albanian Cup final, Agolli started for Tirana and was substituted in the 70th minute as the match ended goalless after extra time, with Tirana losing 6–5 on penalties to Teuta on 11 May 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/albacup05.html |title=Albania Cup 2004/05 |publisher=RSSSF |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref>
===Neuchâtel Xamax=== After spending two years at Tirana, he was spotted by Swiss club Neuchâtel Xamax which at the time was coached by Miroslav Blažević.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://flasshqip.ca/kulture/sport/2321-ish-kapiteni-i-kombetares-ansi-agolli-mezi-pres-te-debutoj-ne-fushe-me-cosmos-new-york |title=Ish-kapiteni i kombëtares Ansi Agolli: mezi pres të debutoj në fushë me Cosmos New York |publisher=FlasShqip.ca |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref> Following a trial period, in July 2005 Agolli signed a two-year contract.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.talentisportiv.com/p/ansi-agolli.html?m=1 |title=Ansi Agolli |publisher=Talenti Sportiv |access-date=29 December 2025}}</ref>
He made his debut for Neuchâtel Xamax on 10 July 2005 against Saint-Étienne in the 2005 UEFA Intertoto Cup second round, playing 63 minutes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/co133/ui-cup/ma1821525/neuchatel-xamax-fcs_as-saint-etienne/lineup/ |title=Neuchâtel Xamax vs AS Saint-Étienne line-ups |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref>
Three days later, on 13 July 2005, he made his league debut, scoring a goal in a 3–1 home defeat against BSC Young Boys in the opening round of the 2005–06 Swiss Super League, playing the full 90 minutes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/co115/switzerland-super-league/ma1950560/neuchatel-xamax-fcs_bsc-young-boys/lineup/ |title=Neuchâtel Xamax vs Young Boys line-ups |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref> One week later, on 23 July 2005, Agolli scored his second consecutive goal, netting a 90th-minute equaliser in a 1–1 away draw against Schaffhausen, before being sent off after receiving a second yellow card late in the match.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/co115/switzerland-super-league/ma1950564/fc-schaffhausen_neuchatel-xamax-fcs/lineup/ |title=FC Schaffhausen vs Neuchâtel Xamax line-ups |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref>
Agolli established himself as a regular starter at Neuchâtel Xamax, frequently playing the full 90 minutes throughout the 2005–06 Swiss Super League season.<ref name="WorldFootball.net">{{WorldFootball.net|new_id=pe27843}}</ref>
On 18 November 2005, in the matchday 15, he scored his third league goal in a 3–2 away victory against Thun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/co115/switzerland-super-league/ma1950630/fc-thun-berner-oberland_neuchatel-xamax-fcs/lineup/ |title=FC Thun vs Neuchâtel Xamax line-ups |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref>
During the 2005–06 season, Agolli made a total of 29 league appearances,<ref name="NFT" /> and Neuchâtel Xamax finished the 2005–06 Swiss Super League season in ninth place (second from bottom) and entered the relegation play-off.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesz/zwit06.html |title=Switzerland 2005/06 |publisher=RSSSF |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref>
In the 2005–06 Swiss Cup, Agolli scored in a 4–0 away win against Bex.<ref name="2005–06 Swiss Cup">{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesz/zwit06.html |title=Switzerland 2005/06 |publisher=RSSSF |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref>
===Luzern=== After one season at Neuchâtel Xamax, on 29 July 2006, Agolli signed a one-year contract with Luzern, with an option to extend the deal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.laliberte.ch/articles/sports/agolli-est-bien-lucernois-293129 |title=Agolli est bien Lucernois |publisher=La Liberté |date=29 July 2006 |access-date=29 December 2025 |language=fr}}</ref>
Agolli made his debut on 5 August 2006, starting in a 2–1 home victory against Aarau in matchday 4 of the 2006–07 Swiss Super League.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/co115/switzerland-super-league/ma1999688/fc-luzern_fc-aarau/lineup/ |title=FC Luzern vs FC Aarau line-ups |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref>
Following his debut, Agolli established himself as a regular starter, playing the full 90 minutes in the next two league matches, both of which ended without a victory for Luzern. Afterwards, Agolli lost his place in the starting lineup and was used only as a substitute, making only brief appearances from the bench.<ref name="WorldFootball.net" /> By the end of 2006, he had made a total of eight league appearances for the club.<ref name="NFT" />
During the winter transfer window of 2007, Agolli left Luzern as part of the club’s squad changes ahead of the second half of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.fussball.ch/Bewaehrte+sind+gegangen+Unbekannte+gekommen/266477/detail.htm |title=Bewährte sind gegangen, Unbekannte gekommen |publisher=fussball.ch |date=8 February 2007 |access-date=28 December 2025 |language=de}}</ref>
===Vaasan Palloseura=== In January 2007, Agolli moved to Finland to join Vaasan Palloseura (VPS), competing in the Veikkausliiga, the top division of Finnish football.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/squads/8b63ce55/2007/VPS-Stats |title=VPS 2007 squad statistics |publisher=FBref |access-date=29 December 2025}}</ref>
In the 2007 Veikkausliiga season, he made 18 league appearances.<ref name="NFT" />
Agolli remained with Vaasan Palloseura into the 2008 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.statscrew.com/worldfootball/roster/t-VAAPS788/y-2008 |title=2008 Vaasan Palloseura roster |publisher=StatsCrew |access-date=29 December 2025}}</ref>
During the first half of the 2008 Veikkausliiga season, Agolli featured regularly in the league, being nearly ever-present, starting all available matches and missing only five minutes of playing time.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe27843/ansi-agolli/co134/finland-veikkausliiga/se132/2008/club-matches/ |title=Ansi Agolli – Veikkausliiga 2008 match log |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=29 December 2025}}</ref>
He scored one goal on 26 August 2008 in matchday 9 against Honka in a 2–1 away victory.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/co134/finland-veikkausliiga/ma7006/fc-honka_vaasan-ps/lineup/ |title=Veikkausliiga - FC Honka against Vaasan PS - Lineup |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=29 December 2025}}</ref>
Overall, Agolli made a total of 33 league appearances for Vaasan Palloseura, scoring one goal.<ref name="NFT" />
====Return to Tirana as loan==== Despite having a contract with Vaasan Palloseura until the end of the 2009 season, Agolli returned to Albania for family reasons in July 2008 and joined his former club Tirana on loan until 30 April 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/vpsn-agolli-palaa-perhesyista-albaniaan-tilalle-puolalaispakki/4050838 |title=VPS:n Agolli palaa perhesyistä Albaniaan |publisher=MTV Uutiset |date=29 July 2008 |access-date=30 December 2025 |language=fi}}</ref>
Following his loan move to Tirana, Agolli featured regularly in the team’s defence during the early part of the 2008–09 Kategoria Superiore, as the club made a strong start to the campaign, conceding only two goals in its first six league matches.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01d2-0f8ef29ac72b-38b50e86e122-1000--narrow-escape-for-lila-but-tirana-cruise/ |title=Narrow escape for Lila but Tirana cruise |publisher=UEFA.com |date=13 October 2008 |access-date=30 December 2025}}</ref>
In December 2008, Blaž Slišković left Tirana following a run of poor results and was subsequently replaced as head coach by Agustin Kola during the 2008–09 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tvklan.al/largohet-trajneri-i-tiranes-blaz-sliskovic-mendohet-te-ishte-problemi-i-ekipit-11-dhjetor-2008 |title=Largohet trajneri i Tiranës Blaz Sliskovic |publisher=TV Klan |date=11 December 2008 |access-date=30 December 2025 |language=sq}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://tvklan.al/trajneri-agustin-kola-ekipi-i-tiranes-me-agresiv-ne-2009-25-dhjetor-2008 |title=Trajneri Agustin Kola: Ekipi i Tiranës më agresiv në 2009 |publisher=TV Klan |date=25 December 2008 |access-date=30 December 2025 |language=sq}}</ref>
Agolli scored his first goal of the season on 31 January 2009, netting in a 4–2 away victory against Dinamo Tirana,<ref name="RSSSF Albania 2008/09">{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/alba09.html |title=Albania 2008/09 – Kategoria Superiore results |publisher=RSSSF |access-date=30 December 2025}}</ref> which made Tirana remaining closely involved in the title race, sitting just one point behind Vllaznia.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/alba09.html |title=Albania 2008/09 – Kategoria Superiore results |publisher=RSSSF |access-date=30 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01d6-0f85ab0f42c5-93f2f97ec82d-1000--tirana-take-derby-honours-in-albania/ |title=Tirana take derby honours in Albania |publisher=UEFA |date=2 February 2009 |access-date=30 December 2025}}</ref>
He scored again in the following round, netting Tirana��s second goal in a 2–0 home win over Shkumbini on 5 February 2009.<ref name="RSSSF Albania 2008/09"/>
Agolli scored for a third consecutive match on 15 February 2009, finding the net in a 3–1 away victory over Besa.<ref name="RSSSF Albania 2008/09"/>
Towards the end of the season, Agolli contributed decisively as Tirana held a narrow lead in the title race, providing the assist for a late winning goal against Partizani that helped establish a one-point advantage at the top of the table.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01d8-0f85b7d66a59-d28e2dfd129d-1000--tirana-braced-for-agolli-departure/ |title=Tirana braced for Agolli departure |publisher=UEFA |access-date=30 December 2025}}</ref>
He scored his fourth league goal of the season on 25 April 2009, netting late in a 4–1 home win against Teuta.<ref name="RSSSF Albania 2008/09"/>
In April 2009, Agolli returned as planned to Vaasan Palloseura.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://yle.fi/a/7-319281 |title=Agolli återvänder till VPS |publisher=Yle Sporten |date=16 April 2009 |access-date=30 December 2025 |language=sv}}</ref>
However, Agolli's registration was acquired from VPS and he played in the 2009 Albanian Cup final on 6 May 2009 against Flamurtari, where Tirana lost 2–1; following the defeat, Tirana's coach Agustin Kola resigned and was replaced by technical director Alban Tafaj.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01d9-0f85bee11f4e-da55abfdf857-1000--final-duel-awaits-tirana-and-vllaznia/ |title=Final duel awaits Tirana and Vllaznia |date=22 May 2009|access-date=30 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Albania Cup 2008/09 |publisher=RSSSF |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/albacup09.html |access-date=30 December 2025}}</ref>
He scored his fifth and final league goal of the season on 16 May 2009 in a 3–2 away win against Dinamo.<ref name="RSSSF Albania 2008/09"/>
Tirana secured the Kategoria Superiore title on the final matchday with a 2–1 home victory over Vllaznia.<ref name="RSSSF Albania 2008/09"/>
===Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih=== In July 2009, Agolli transferred to Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih in the Ukrainian Premier League for a reported fee of €30,000.<ref>{{cite web |title=Merkato: 410 mijë euro përfitim për 12 lojtarë shqiptarë |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/sport/merkato-410-mije-euro-perfitim-per-12-lojtare-shqiptare/ |website=Panorama Sport |language=sq |access-date=31 December 2025}}</ref> Agolli rejoined teammates from the Albania national team, Ervin Bulku, Isli Hidi and Dorian Bylykbashi.<ref>{{cite web |title=Agolli: Nuk jam penduar që braktisa Tiranën |url=https://top-channel.tv/2009/11/06/agolli-nuk-jam-penduar-qe-braktisa-tiranen/ |website=Top Channel |language=sq |access-date=31 December 2025}}</ref>
Agolli made his debut on 18 July 2009, in the 2009–10 Ukrainian Premier League opening campaign, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a 3–0 away loss against Shakhtar Donetsk.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shakhtar Donetsk vs Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, 18 July 2009 |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/co137/ukraine-premyer-liga/ma78874/shakhtar-donetsk_fk-krivbas-old/lineup/ |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=31 December 2025}}</ref>
During the campaign, Agolli spoke about adapting to the higher level of competition in the Ukrainian league compared to Albania, noting that the professional environment demanded a different level of play.<ref>{{cite web |title=Agolli: Per Kombetaren ‘sakrifikohem’ ne mbrojtje |url=https://top-channel.tv/2009/08/11/agolli-per-kombetaren-ae%E2%80%98sakrifikohemae-ne-mbrojtje/ |website=Top Channel |language=sq |access-date=31 December 2025}}</ref>
After his debut in July 2009, Agolli was primarily used as a substitute, making five consecutive second-half appearances as Kryvbas recorded four defeats and one goalless draw. He returned to the starting lineup in early December remaining even after the winter break, playing nearly every minute in five league matches, but Kryvbas suffered five consecutive league defeats during that period.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ansi Agolli – Club matches 2009 |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe27843/ansi-agolli/vs2009/club-matches/ |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=31 December 2025}}</ref>
Agolli made a total of 13 appearances until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web |title=2009–10 Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih Stats |url=https://fbref.com/en/squads/fde00a87/2009-2010/Kryvbas-Kryvyi-Rih-Stats |website=FBref |access-date=31 December 2025}}</ref>
===Qarabağ=== [[File:Ansi Agolli.JPG|thumb|Agolli with Qarabağ in 2014.|200 px]] In July 2010, Agolli moved on loan to Qarabağ in the Azerbaijan Premier League until the end of December 2011.<ref name="Telegrafi 150">{{cite web |title=Agolli became the captain in the 150th match with Qarabag |url=https://telegrafi.com/en/Agolli-became-the-captain-in-the-150th-match-with-Qarabag/ |website=Telegrafi |language=en |access-date=31 December 2025}}</ref>
Agolli immediately featured for Qarabağ in the 2010–11 UEFA Europa League qualifying, starting from the first round, playing six full matches out of eight as Qarabağ progressed through three rounds before being eliminated by Borussia Dortmund in the play-off round.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ansi Agolli – Club matches 2010 |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe27843/ansi-agolli/vs2010/club-matches/ |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=31 December 2025}}</ref>
Agolli played 31 league matches in the 2010–11 Azerbaijan Premier League as Qarabağ finished in third place.<ref name="NFT"/>
Agolli featured in the 2011–12 UEFA Europa League qualifying and scored his first goal for Qarabağ in a 3–0 victory against Banga Gargždai in the first qualifying round.<ref>{{cite web |title=Qarabağ vs Bnei Yehuda – UEFA Europa League |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2007034/ |website=UEFA |access-date=31 December 2025}}</ref> He played every minute of the qualifying campaign, as Qarabağ reached the third qualifying round before being eliminated by Club Brugge.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ansi Agolli – Club matches 2011 |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe27843/ansi-agolli/vs2011/club-matches/ |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=31 December 2025}}</ref>
Agolli scored his first league goal for Qarabağ on 30 September 2011 in a 3–1 home victory against Turan Tovuz on matchday eight of the 2011–12 Azerbaijan Premier League.<ref>{{cite web |title=Qarabağ FK vs Turan Tovuz – Premier League |url=https://bold.dk/fodbold/kamp/qarabag-fk-vs-turan-tovuz/premier-league/534706 |website=Bold.dk |access-date=31 December 2025}}</ref>
In January 2012, the loan move was made permanent for a reported fee of £30,000.<ref name="Telegrafi 150" />
Agolli finished the season with a total of 31 league appearances as Qarabağ placed fourth in the league.<ref name="NFT"/>
In December 2012, German Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt were reported to have shown interest in signing Agolli ahead of the following season; however, no transfer ultimately materialised.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eintracht Frankfurt interesohet për Ansi Agollin |url=https://www.gazetatema.net/2012/12/29/eintraht-frankfurt-interesohet-per-ansi-agollin/ |website=Gazeta Tema |language=sq |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref>
Agolli participated in the 2013–14 UEFA Europa League qualifying, playing eight full matches as Qarabağ progressed through three rounds before being eliminated by Eintracht Frankfurt in the play-off round.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ansi Agolli – Club matches 2013 |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe27843/ansi-agolli/vs2013/club-matches/ |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref>
On 22 February 2013, Agolli scored the winning goal in a 3–2 away victory against Ravan Baku.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sportishqiptar.com.al/newsite/2013/02/23/teli-dhe-agolli-i-japin-fitoren-karabakut/ |title=Teli dhe Agolli i japin fitoren Karabakut |publisher=Sporti Shqiptar |language=sq |date=22 February 2013 |access-date=27 April 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513072849/http://www.sportishqiptar.com.al/newsite/2013/02/23/teli-dhe-agolli-i-japin-fitoren-karabakut/ |archive-date=13 May 2016 }}</ref>
During the 2012–13 season, Agolli made 27 league appearances and scored one goal as Qarabağ finished second in the Azerbaijan Premier League.<ref name="NFT"/>
Agolli scored a goal on 4 October 2013 against Baku in a 3–0 victory.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://albaniasoccer.com/lajme/shqiperi/kombetarja/7997-legjionaret-agolli-shenon-per-karabakun-.html|title=Legjionaret/ Agolli shenon per Karabakun|trans-title=Legionaries/ Agolli scores for Qarabag|publisher=AlbaniaSoccer|language=sq|date=4 October 2013|access-date=22 December 2017}}</ref>
In the 2013–14 season, Agolli made 31 league appearances as Qarabağ won the league title,<ref name="NFT"/> marking his first championship trophy with the club.<ref>{{cite web |title=Agolli: 2014′ ta miri i karrierës |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/sport/agolli-2014-ta-me-i-miri-i-karrieres/ |website=Panorama Sport |language=sq |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref>
Agolli featured in the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League qualifying, playing nearly every minute across two qualifying rounds, as Qarabağ were eliminated by Red Bull Salzburg in the third qualifying round.<ref name="WorldFootball.net 2014">{{cite web |title=Ansi Agolli – Club matches 2014 |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe27843/ansi-agolli/vs2014/club-matches/ |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref>
As a result of their elimination from the Champions League, Qarabağ entered the 2014–15 UEFA Europa League play-off round, facing Twente; in the first leg on 21 August 2014, Agolli played the full 90 minutes in a goalless draw.<ref>{{cite web |title=Qarabağ vs Twente – UEFA Europa League lineups |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2015125--qarabag-vs-twente/lineups/ |website=UEFA |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref> Agolli also played the full 90 minutes in the second leg on 28 August 2014 which ended in a 1–1 draw, as Qarabağ advanced to the group stage on away goals.<ref>{{cite web |title=Twente vs Qarabağ – UEFA Europa League lineups |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2015156--twente-vs-qarabag/lineups/ |website=UEFA |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref>
Agolli made his debut in the group stage of a UEFA continental competition on 18 September 2014 in the opening match of the 2014–15 UEFA Europa League group stage against Etienne, playing the full match in a goalless draw.<ref>{{cite web |title=Qarabağ FK vs Etienne – UEFA Europa League lineups |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/co132/europa-league/ma2275515/qarabag-fk_as-saint-etienne/lineup/ |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref>
Agolli was ever-present during the Europa League group stage campaign, as Qarabağ recorded one victory against Dnipro Dnipropetrivsk and two draws against Étienne and Inter Milan.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ansi Agolli – Club matches 2014–15 UEFA Europa League |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe27843/ansi-agolli/co132/uefa-europa-league/se15503/2014-2015/club-matches/ |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref> In the final group match on 11 December 2014, Qarabağ drew 0–0 at home against Inter Milan, a result that eliminated them from the competition; Qarabağ required a victory to advance, but were overtaken after Dnipro defeated Etienne in the other group match. During the match, a late Qarabağ goal was disallowed for offside, a decision that was disputed by the club and reported by local media.<ref>{{cite web |title=Czech referee dashes Qarabag's knockout stage hopes |url=https://www.azernews.az/sports/74630.html |website=AzerNews.az |date=12 December 2014 |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref>
In the 2014–15 Azerbaijan Premier League, Agolli made 26 appearances.<ref name="NFT"/> He missed several league matches during the early part of the season due to Qarabağ’s participation in the 2014–15 UEFA Europa League group stage as the team lead the standings from the beginning of the championship and won the league title.<ref>{{cite web |title=Agolli: Dua dopietë dhe Champions |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/sport/agolli-dua-dopiete-dhe-champions/ |website=Panorama Sport |language=sq |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://telesport.al/ansi-agolli-sezon-mbreselenes-me-karabakun/|title=Ansi Agolli: Sezon mbresëlënës me Karabakun|trans-title=Ansi Agolli: Impressive season with Qarabag|publisher=Telesport|author=Alfred Lleshi|language=sq|date=26 May 2015|access-date=22 December 2017|archive-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801045004/http://telesport.al/ansi-agolli-sezon-mbreselenes-me-karabakun/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 3 June 2015, Agolli played in the 2014–15 Azerbaijan Cup final as Qarabağ defeated Neftçi 3–1 to win the cup.<ref>{{cite web |title=Agolli dhe Teli fitojnë edhe Kupën e Azerbajxhanit |url=https://telegrafi.com/agolli-dhe-teli-fitojne-edhe-kupen-e-azerbajxhanit/ |website=Telegrafi |language=sq |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref>
He was rated as the best defender of the 2014–15 season following his excellent running form and also was rated as the fourth best player overall.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sport.oranews.tv/ansi-agolli-mbrojtesi-me-i-mire-ne-azerbaixhan/ |title=Ansi Agolli, mbrojtësi më i mirë në Azerbaixhan |publisher=Ora Sport}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801052945/http://sport.oranews.tv/ansi-agolli-mbrojtesi-me-i-mire-ne-azerbaixhan/ |date=1 August 2017 }}</ref>
At the end of the season, Agolli agreed a contract extension with Qarabağ, keeping him at the club until June 2016.<ref name="Agolli">{{cite news|url=https://www.panorama.com.al/sport/agolli-edhe-nje-vit-tjeter-te-karabak/|title=Agolli, edhe një vit tjetër te Karabak|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=5 June 2015|access-date=27 April 2016}}</ref>
In the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League qualifying second round, Agolli assisted the only goal of the two-legged tie against Rudar Pljevlja, as Qarabağ progressed to the third round with a 1–0 aggregate victory.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://es.besoccer.com/partido/rudar/qaraba-a-dam-fk/201610287 |title=Rudar Pljevlja vs Qarabağ FK |website=BeSoccer |language=es |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2015600/ |title=Rudar vs Qarabağ |website=UEFA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0223-0e9145d57b9e-4c148cb79edc-1000--astana-oust-maribor-bate-steaua-celtic-go-on/ |title=Astana oust Maribor, BATE, Steaua, Celtic go on |website=UEFA.com |publisher=UEFA |date=22 July 2015 |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref>
In the third qualifying round, Agolli played the full 90 minutes in both legs against Celtic, as Qarabağ were eliminated 1–0 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2015618--celtic-vs-qarabag/lineups/ |title=Celtic vs Qarabağ |website=UEFA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2015633--qarabag-vs-celtic/lineups/ |title=Qarabağ vs Celtic |website=UEFA}}</ref>
Following their elimination from the Champions League, Qarabağ entered the play-off round of the 2015–16 UEFA Europa League qualifying against Young Boys, where Agolli played the full 90 minutes in both legs, as Qarabağ won the tie 4–0 on aggregate, qualifying for the group stage for the second consecutive season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe27843/ansi-agolli/co563/uefa-europa-league-qual/se18412/2015-2016/club-matches/ |title=Ansi Agolli – UEFA Europa League 2015–16 |website=WorldFootball.net}}</ref>
In the group stage of the 2015–16 UEFA Europa League, Agolli won a penalty for Qarabağ during the opening match against Tottenham Hotspur, which was converted by Richard Almeida for the opening goal in the 7th minute; Tottenham later overturned the deficit to secure a 3–1 victory.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/34203688 |title=Tottenham began their Europa League campaign with victory over Qarabag |website=BBC Sport |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref>
Agolli played full matches in the remainder of group stage campaign, as the team recorded a 1–0 win against Anderlecht and a 1–1 draw with Monaco, but finished last in the group with four points.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe27843/ansi-agolli/co132/uefa-europa-league/se18511/2015-2016/club-matches/ |title=Ansi Agolli – UEFA Europa League 2015–16 |website=WorldFootball.net}}</ref>
On 22 April 2016, Agolli played his 228th match for the club across all competitions in the 2–0 home win against Inter Baku,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/04/22/azerbaijan/premyer-liqa/fk-karabakh-agdam/fc-inter-baki/2123980/|title=Qarabağ vs. Inter Baku 2 – 0|publisher=Soccerway|date=22 April 2016|access-date=27 April 2016}}</ref> becoming the foreign player with the most appearances for the club, surpassing the record of his compatriot Admir Teli.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://albaniansport.net/new/legjionaret-ansi-agolli-mbreti-i-huaj-i-kaspikut-thyen-rekordin-e-telit/|title=Legjionarët / Ansi Agolli, "mbreti" i huaj i Kaspikut, thyen rekordin e Telit|publisher=Albanian Sport|language=sq|date=26 April 2016|access-date=27 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.panorama.com.al/sport/theu-rekordin-e-telit-agolli-numra-qe-me-japin-shtyse/ |title=Theu rekordin e Telit, Agolli: Numra që më japin shtysë|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=27 April 2016|access-date=27 April 2016}}</ref>
In the 2015–16 Azerbaijan Premier League, Agolli made 24 league appearances,<ref name="NFT"/> and on 2 May 2016, Qarabağ were confirmed as league champions for the third consecutive season, securing the title four matches before the end of the campaign.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://albaniansport.com/new/video-legjionaret-ansi-agolli-kampion-i-azerbajxhanit-per-te-3-tin-vit-radhazi/ |title=(Video) Legjionarët / Ansi Agolli, “kampion” i Azerbajxhanit për të 3-tin vit radhazi |website=AlbanianSport.com |date=2 May 2016 |access-date=2 January 2026}}</ref>
On 26 May 2016 Agolli played in the 2015–16 Azerbaijan Cup final against Neftçi, and provided the assist for the winning goal in the 119th minute, as Qarabağ secured the trophy after extra time, completing a domestic double for the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://albaniansport.com/new/legjionaret-pas-titullit-kampion-ansi-agolli-fiton-edhe-kupen-e-azerbajxhanit/ |title=Pas titullit “kampion”, Ansi Agolli fiton edhe Kupën e Azerbajxhanit |website=AlbanianSport.com |date=26 May 2016 |access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref>
In the 2016–17 UEFA Champions League qualifying, Agolli was a regular participant in the second and third qualifying rounds, where Qarabağ was eliminated by Viktoria Plzeň on away goals after a 1–1 aggregate draw.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe27843/ansi-agolli/co562/uefa-champions-league-qual/se20924/2016-2017/club-matches/ |title=Ansi Agolli – UEFA Champions League 2016–17 |website=WorldFootball.net|access-date=2 January 2026}}</ref>
In the 2016–17 UEFA Europa League qualifying play-off, Agolli played the full 90 minutes in both legs against IFK Göteborg, as Qarabağ won the tie 3–1 on aggregate to qualify for the Europa League group stage for the third consecutive season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe27843/ansi-agolli/co563/uefa-europa-league-qual/se20990/2016-2017/club-matches/ |title=Ansi Agolli – UEFA Europa League 2016–17 |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=2 January 2026}}</ref>
In the group stage of the 2016–17 UEFA Europa League, Agolli was nearly ever-present as Qarabağ began their campaign with a 2–2 draw against Slovan Liberec and later earned six points from wins over PAOK by 2–0 and 1–0, but however did not qualify for the knockout rounds.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe27843/ansi-agolli/co132/uefa-europa-league/se21936/2016-2017/club-matches/ |title=Ansi Agolli – UEFA Europa League 2016–17 |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref>
Agolli was named the Foreign Player of the Year 2016 in Azerbaijan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tvklan.al/agolli-lojtari-i-huaj-me-i-mire-i-vitit-ne-azerbajxhan |title=Agolli, “Lojtari i huaj më i mirë i Vitit” në Azerbajxhan |website=TV Klan |date=21 December 2016 |access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref>
In the 2016–17 Azerbaijan Premier League, Agolli made 20 league appearances, playing nearly the full 90 minutes as left-back, with Qarabağ recording 13 clean sheets in those games, with the majority of those clean sheets coming in victories.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe27843/ansi-agolli/co1174/azerbaijan-premyer-liqasi/se21841/2016-2017/club-matches/ |title=Ansi Agolli – Azerbaijan Premier League 2016–17 |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref> as Qarabağ won the league title two weeks prior the end; it was their fourth consecutive championship won.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/agolli-shpallet-kampion-me-karabakun-ne-azerbajxhan/ |title=Agolli shpallet kampion me Karabakun |publisher=SuperSport Albania |language=sq}}{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801045505/http://www.supersport.al/agolli-shpallet-kampion-me-karabakun-ne-azerbajxhan/ |date=1 August 2017 }}</ref>
On 5 May 2017, Agolli played in the 2016–17 Azerbaijan Cup final with Qarabağ defeating Gabala 2–0, securing the club’s second trophy of the 2016–17 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/video-lideri-agolli-fiton-gjithcka-ne-azerbajxhan-mbyll-sezonin-me-nje-tjeter-trofe/ |title=Video / Lideri Agolli fiton gjithçka në Azerbajxhan. Mbyll sezonin me një tjetër trofe |website=Panorama Sport |date=5 May 2017 |access-date=3 January 2026 |language=sq}}</ref>
In the end of the 2016–17 season Agolli renewed his contract for another year.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/agolli-firmos-rinovimin-me-qarabag/ |title=Agolli firmos rinovimin me Qarabag |publisher=SuperSport Albania |language=sq}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530194402/http://www.supersport.al/agolli-firmos-rinovimin-me-qarabag/ |date=30 May 2017 }}</ref>
In the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League qualifying, Agolli started by assisting a goal in the second qualifying round against Samtredia in a 5–0 victory,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2021505/ |title=History: Qarabağ 5-0 Samtredia {{!}} UEFA Champions League 2017/18 |website=UEFA |access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref> and following another victory in the second leg, Qarabağ advanced to the next round with a 6–0 aggregate score.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2021522/ |title=History: Samtredia vs Qarabağ 0–1 {{!}} UEFA Champions League 2017/18|website=UEFA|access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref>
In the Third qualifying round second leg against Sheriff Tiraspol on 1 August 2017, Agolli provided 1 assist for the Míchel's goal in the 86th minute to help Qarabag win 2–1 and to qualify in the next round after aggregate 2–1.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.panorama.com.al/sport/agolli-merr-hak-per-kukesin-jep-asist-dhe-eliminon-sherifin-nga-liga-e-kampioneve-video/|title=Agolli merr hak për Kukësin, jep asist dhe eliminon Sherifin nga Liga e Kampioneve (VIDEO)|trans-title=Agolli takes revenge for Kukësi, assists and eliminates Sheriff from Champions League (VIDEO)|publisher=Panorama Sport|date=1 August 2017|access-date=22 December 2017}}</ref>
On 15 August 2017, in the first leg of the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League qualifying play-off, Agolli played the full 90 minutes as Qarabağ defeated Copenhagen 1–0 at home.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.balkanweb.com/champions-league-qarabag-i-ansi-agollit-triumfon-ne-shtepi-kunder-danezeve-video/ |title=Champions League/ Qarabag i Ansi Agollit triumfon në shtëpi kundër danezëve |website=BalkanWeb |date=15 August 2017 |access-date=3 January 2026 |language=sq}}</ref>
In the second leg, Qarabağ lost 2–1 away to Copenhagen but advanced to the group stage on away goals,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2021582--copenhagen-vs-qarabag/lineups/ |title=History: Copenhagen vs Qarabağ – Lineups {{!}} UEFA Champions League 2017/18 |website=UEFA|access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref> thus becoming the first team from Azerbaijan to reach the UEFA Champions League group stages.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/023c-0e979f84f550-45f1a6c2c7db-1000--liverpool-and-sporting-make-it-as-qarabag-create-history/ |title=Liverpool and Sporting make it as Qarabağ create history |website=UEFA |date=23 August 2017 |access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref>
Agolli missed Qarabağ’s opening match of the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League group stage due to injury, making his competition debut in their subsequent fixture,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sportekspres.com/agolli-humbet-debutimin-historik-ne-champions-league/ |title=Agolli humbet debutimin historik në Champions League |website=Sport Ekspres |language=sq |access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref>, playing the full 90-minutes match at home against Roma, where Qarabağ lost 2–1.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://telegrafi.com/en/Agol%27s-big-dream-was-fulfilled/ |title=Agolli's dream of playing in the Champions League was fulfilled |website=Telegrafi |access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref>
Following his debut, Agolli played three full 90-minute matches for Qarabağ, featuring in two draws against Atlético Madrid (0–0 at home and 1–1 away; the club earned two points) and a 0–4 home defeat to Chelsea.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe27843/ansi-agolli/co19/uefa-champions-league/se23971/2017-2018/club-matches/ |title=Ansi Agolli – UEFA Champions League 2017–18 matches |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref> In the latter match on 22 November 2017, Qarabağ played with ten men from the 19th minute following a red card to one of their players.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gazeta-shqip.com/sport/celsi-kualifikohet-me-goleade-eliminohet-benfika/ |title=Çelsi kualifikohet me goleadë, eliminohet Benfika |website=Gazeta Shqip |date=22 November 2017 |access-date=3 January 2026 |language=sq}}</ref>
Agolli missed Qarabağ’s final group-stage match against Roma due to injury,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/sport/demtohet-agolli-tek-karabagu-humb-ndeshjen-e-champions-it-me-romen/ |title=Dëmtohet Agolli te Karabagu, humb ndeshjen e Champions-it me Romën |website=Panorama Sport |date=1 December 2017 |access-date=3 January 2026 |language=sq}}</ref> and the club was eliminated from the competition at the group stage.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/history/seasons/2018/groups/ |title=2017–18 UEFA Champions League group stage |website=UEFA |access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref>
Due to his commitments in the Champions League group stage, Agolli made 20 league appearances in the 2017–18 Azerbaijan Premier League, a period during which Qarabağ recorded a strong run of results, frequently keeping clean sheets; in the matches he featured, the team conceded a total of 11 goals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe27843/ansi-agolli/co1174/azerbaijan-premyer-liqasi/se24538/2017-2018/club-matches/ |title=Ansi Agolli – Azerbaijan Premier League 2017–18 matches |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref>
On 27 October 2017, Agolli received the first red card of his career in Azerbaijan, being sent off after a second yellow card in the 43rd minute of Qarabağ’s league match against Gabala; despite playing with ten men, Qarabağ went on to win the match 1–0.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://newsport.al/shtate-vite-ne-azerbajxhan-por-kjo-gje-nuk-kishte-ndodhur-kurre-ansi-agollit |title=Shtatë vite në Azerbajxhan, por kjo gjë nuk i kishte ndodhur kurrë Ansi Agollit |website=Newsport |date=27 October 2017 |access-date=3 January 2026 |language=sq}}</ref>
On 23 April 2018, Qarabağ secured the league title for the fifth consecutive season following a 1–0 away victory over Sumgayit, with the club sealing the championship mathematically four rounds before the end of the season and holding a 17-point lead over second-placed Gabala.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/sport/titulli-i-peste-ne-azerbajxhan-per-agollin-dua-te-qendroj-ketu-akoma/ |title=Titulli i pestë në Azerbajxhan për Agollin, “Dua të qëndroj këtu akoma” |website=Panorama Sport |date=23 April 2018 |access-date=3 January 2026 |language=sq}}</ref>
On 30 April 2018, Agolli provided an assist in the final minutes of Qarabağ’s 2–1 away victory against Zira, contributing directly to the winning goal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/sport/video-ansi-agolli-dhuron-spektakel-shikoni-asistin-perfekt-te-dhene-ne-sekondat-e-fundit-te-ndeshjes/ |title=VIDEO/ Ansi Agolli dhuron spektakël, shikoni asistin perfekt të dhënë në sekondat e fundit të ndeshjes |website=Panorama Sport |date=30 April 2018 |access-date=4 January 2026 |language=sq}}</ref>
On 14 June 2018, Agolli renewed his contract with Qarabağ, extending his stay at the club for a further season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/sport/agolli-lider-te-karabaku-klubi-azer-i-rinovon-kontraten/ |title=Agolli lider te Karabaku, klubi azer i rinovon kontratën |website=Panorama Sport |date=14 June 2018 |access-date=3 January 2026 |language=sq}}</ref>
In the first round of the 2018–19 UEFA Champions League qualifying, Agolli featured in the last minutes of the second leg against Olimpija Ljubljana, as Qarabağ progressed to the next round with a 1–0 aggregate victory.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2024612/ |title=Qarabağ 0–0 Olimpija |website=UEFA |access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref>
On 25 July 2018, in the first leg of the second qualifying round, Agolli played the full 90 minutes in a goalless draw against Albanian side Kukësi.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2024627--kukes-vs-qarabag/lineups/ |title=Kukës 0–0 Qarabağ |website=UEFA |access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref>
In the play-off round of the 2018–19 UEFA Europa League qualifying, on 23 August 2018, Agolli played in the final 18 minutes in Qarabağ’s 1–0 away defeat to Sheriff Tiraspol.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/co563/europa-league-qual/ma8808348/fc-sheriff_qarabag-fk/lineup/ |title=Sheriff Tiraspol vs Qarabağ FK |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=3 January 2026}}</ref>
In the 2018–19 Azerbaijan Premier League, Agolli made 11 appearances, accumulating approximately 772 minutes of playing time.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe27843/ansi-agolli/co1174/azerbaijan-premyer-liqasi/se29084/2018-2019/club-matches/ |title=Ansi Agolli – Azerbaijan Premier League 2018–19 |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=4 January 2025}}</ref>
On 6 December 2018, Agolli was named in the Azerbaijan Premier League Team of the Week following a strong performance in Qarabağ’s 5–1 home victory over Keşla.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/paraqitje-e-shkelqyer-agolli-ne-formacionin-e-javes-ne-azerbajxhan/ |title=Paraqitje e shkëlqyer, Agolli në formacionin e javës në Azerbajxhan |website=Panorama Sport |date=6 December 2018 |access-date=3 January 2026 |language=sq}}</ref>
In February 2019, Agolli was named the Azerbaijan Premier League Player of the Week after his performance in Qarabağ's 1–1 away draw against Sabah during matchday 18.<ref>{{cite web |title=Agolli “flakë” në Azerbajxhan, edhe Xhejms mes yjeve |url=https://sportekspres.com/agolli-flake-ne-azerbajxhan-edhe-xhejms-mes-yjeve/ |website=Sport Ekspres |date=27 February 2019 |access-date=9 January 2026}}</ref>
On 14 March 2019 Agolli was set to end his spell with Qarabağ and had reached an agreement to join New York Cosmos in the United States, with his farewell match scheduled against Sabail.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sportekspres.com/ansi-agolli-amerikan-neser-ndeshja-e-fundit/ |title=Ansi Agolli “amerikan”, nesër ndeshja e fundit |website=Sport Ekspres |date=14 March 2019 |access-date=4 January 2026 |language=sq}}</ref>
It was further reported that Agolli was expected to join New York Cosmos the following week.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2019/03/15/getting-ansi-report-cosmos-to-sign-albanian-national-team-captain/|title=GETTING ANSI: Report: Cosmos to sign Albanian national team captain|publisher=Front Row Soccer |language=en |date=15 March 2019|access-date=4 January 2026}}</ref>
===New York Cosmos=== On 25 March 2019 Agolli signed with the NPSL club New York Cosmos, and was initially set to participate with New York Cosmos B ahead of 2019 NPSL season and later with the first team in the inaugural NPSL Founders Cup tournament, scheduled to run between August and November 2019; he was given the squad number 13 upon arrival.<ref>{{cite web |title=NEW YORK COSMOS SIGN ALBANIAN NATIONAL TEAM CAPTAIN ANSI AGOLLI |url=http://www.nycosmos.com/news/2019/03/25/new-york-cosmos-sign-albanian-national-team-captain-ansi-agolli |website=nycosmos.com/ |publisher=New York Cosmos |date=25 March 2019 |access-date=26 March 2019}}</ref> He was highlighted as one of the newcomers expected to strengthen New York Cosmos B.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2019/04/26/ready-to-make-a-good-first-impression-cosmos-kick-off-their-npsl-season-hosting-nyac-at-mitchel-athletic-comple/ |title=Ready to Make a Good First Impression: Cosmos kick off their NPSL season, hosting NYAC at Mitchel Athletic Complex |last=Lewis |first=Michael |website=Front Row Soccer |date=26 April 2019 |access-date=4 January 2026}}</ref>
On 27 April 2019, Agolli made his debut for New York Cosmos B in a 2–0 victory over New York Athletic Club.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2019/04/27/a-good-start-cosmos-blank-n-y-athletic-club-in-their-return-to-long-island/ |title=A Good Start: Cosmos blank N.Y. Athletic Club in their return to Long Island |last=Lewis |first=Michael |website=Front Row Soccer |date=27 April 2019 |access-date=4 January 2026}}</ref>
On 8 May 2019, Agolli provided an assist in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, delivering a corner kick that was headed in by Bljedi Bardic in second-half stoppage time to secure a 2–1 first-round victory over Black Rock and advance New York Cosmos B to the second round.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2019/05/08/at-deaths-door-bardics-late-stoppage-time-goal-lifts-cosmos-over-black-rock-in-open-cup/ |title=At Death’s Door: Bardic’s late stoppage-time goal lifts Cosmos over Black Rock in Open Cup |last=Lewis |first=Michael |website=Front Row Soccer |date=8 May 2019 |access-date=4 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2019/05/09/the-late-late-late-show-bardic-says-yellow-card-was-worth-it-for-shirtless-goal-celebration-in-stoppage-time/ |title=The Late, Late, Late Show: Bardic says yellow card ‘was worth it’ for shirtless goal celebration in stoppage time |last=Lewis |first=Michael |website=Front Row Soccer |date=9 May 2019 |access-date=4 January 2026}}</ref>
Agolli was part of New York Cosmos B’s defensive line during their unbeaten run in the NPSL season, featuring regularly at left back.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2019/05/21/guardians-of-the-goal-cosmos-have-4-and-they-already-have-had-their-moments-this-season/ |title=Guardians of the Goal: Cosmos have 4 and they already have had their moments this season |last=Lewis |first=Michael |website=Front Row Soccer |date=21 May 2019 |access-date=5 January 2026}}</ref>
On 10 July 2019, Agolli scored his first goal in the United States in the 2019 NPSL North Atlantic Conference playoffs final between New York Cosmos B and Brooklyn Italians; the goal was the only one of the match, securing a 1–0 victory and earning him his first trophy in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://npsl.bonzidev.com/sam/standings/ss/view_game_report.php?eventId=6531581&teamId=10086720 |title=North Atlantic Conference Playoff: New York Cosmos B vs Brooklyn Italians – Game Report |website=National Premier Soccer League |date=10 July 2019 |access-date=4 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://tvklan.al/ansi-agolli-gol-dhe-trofe-ne-shba |title=Ansi Agolli – gol dhe trofe në SHBA |website=TV Klan |date=11 July 2019 |access-date=4 January 2026 |language=sq}}</ref>
On 21 July 2019, Agolli scored again in the Northeast Region Final for New York Cosmos B, netting in the 70th minute of the 3–1 victory over Baltimore to lift another trophy in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://a2news.com/tjeter-perle-nga-agolli-ne-shba-kete-here-me-te-majten |title=Tjetër perlë nga Agolli në SHBA, këtë herë me të majtën |website=A2 CNN |date=22 July 2019 |access-date=4 January 2026 |language=sq}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://npsl.bonzidev.com/sam/standings/ss/view_game_report.php?eventId=6549281&teamId=10086720 |title=Northeast Region Final: New York Cosmos B vs FC Baltimore – Game Report |website=National Premier Soccer League |date=21 July 2019 |access-date=4 January 2026}}</ref>
On 4 August 2019, Agolli scored in the NPSL final against Miami in the 31st minute, reducing the deficit after a free kick from just outside the penalty area, but the match however ended in a 3–1 loss; it was his third goal in four playoffs matches.<ref name="Cosmos Miami final">{{cite web |url=https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2019/08/04/falling-short-cosmos-lose-to-miami-fc-in-npsl-final/ |title=Falling Short: Cosmos lose to Miami FC in NPSL final |last=Lewis |first=Michael |website=Front Row Soccer |date=4 August 2019 |access-date=4 January 2026}}</ref>
On 29 May 2020, Agolli re-signed with New York Cosmos ahead of the upcoming season, pending approval from the National Independent Soccer Association and the U.S. Soccer Federation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2020/05/29/cosmos-sign-5-players-to-term-sheets-agolli-castano-corke-galvao-john-brown/ |title=Back for More: Cosmos sign 5 players to term sheets – Agolli, Castano, Corke, Galvao, John-Brown |last=Lewis |first=Michael |website=Front Row Soccer |date=29 May 2020 |access-date=5 January 2026}}</ref>
On 2 August 2020, Agolli scored in the opening match of the 2020 NISA Independent Cup, netting a free kick in the 27th minute in a 1–1 draw against New Amsterdam.<ref name="2020 Independent Cup opener">{{cite web |url=https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2020/08/02/the-equalizer-bellos-injury-time-equalizer-lifts-new-amsterdam-into-tie-with-cosmos-in-independent-cup/ |title=The Equalizer: Bello’s injury-time goal lifts New Amsterdam into tie with Cosmos in Independent Cup opener |last=Lewis |first=Michael |website=Front Row Soccer |date=2 August 2020 |access-date=4 January 2026}}</ref>
Agolli made six other appearances for New York Cosmos during the 2020 NISA Independent Cup, scoring one goal and providing two assists across 540 minutes of play.<ref name="2020 NISA">{{cite web |url=https://www.nisaofficial.com/roster/ansi--agolli |title=Ansi Agolli player profile and 2020 season statistics |website=National Independent Soccer Association |access-date=4 January 2026}}</ref>
==International career== Agolli debuted in international level with Albania U21 on 11 October 2002 in a UEFA Euro 2004 Under-21 qualification match against Switzerland U21, which ended in a goalless draw.<ref name="FSHF" /> He went on to make a total of six appearances during the campaign, as Albania finished third in a five-team group.<ref name="UEFA profile" >{{UEFA player|54932}}</ref>
Agolli made his debut for the Albania senior team on 3 September 2005 in a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Kazakhstan, coming on as a half-time substitute.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=264 |title=Albania football team defeated Kazakhstan 2:1, 3 September 2005 |website=EU-Football.info |access-date=7 January 2026}}</ref>
In 2008 after returning to KF Tirana, Agolli became a regular member of the Albania squad in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification, establishing himself as a starter under coach Arie Haan, playing the majority of the qualifiers as full 90-minutes, where he was deployed initially as a left-back and then as a left-midfielder.<ref name="EU-Football.info" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/ansi-agolli/4/ |title=Ansi Agolli » Statistics: International Matches |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=7 January 2026}}</ref>
He scored his first international goal on 10 June 2009 in a friendly match against Georgia.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://sport.albeu.com/sport/shqiperia-barazon-me-gjeorgjine/10488/ |title=Shqiperia barazon me Gjeorgjine |work=Sport.albeu.com |language=sq |date=11 June 2009 |access-date=12 October 2015}}</ref> He scored his second international goal on 12 August 2009 in a 6–1 friendly win against Cyprus, a match that stands as one of Albania’s largest victories.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://voal-online.ch/index.php?mod=article&cat=SPORT&article=2581 |title=Miqësorja Shqipëri-Qipro 6:1 |website=VOAL Online |language=sq |access-date=8 January 2026}}</ref>
In the post-qualification period, Agolli played in nearly every minute of Albania’s subsequent friendly matches, during which the team did not concede a goal in five consecutive games, equalling its 5-matches clean-sheet record for the second time.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://eu-football.info/_matches.php?id=4&page=6 |title=Albania national football team results, page 6 |website=EU-Football.info |access-date=8 January 2026}}</ref>
During the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying, Agolli assisted the late equaliser in Albania’s opening match, a 1–1 draw against Romania on 3 September 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/3554/Romania_Albania.html |title=Romania 1–1 Albania – Match Report |website=National-Football-Teams.com |access-date=8 January 2026}}</ref> He then played two other consecutive full matches in campaign as Albania defeated Luxembourg 1–0 and earned a further 1–1 draw the following month,<ref name="EU-Football.info" /> thus extending its unbeaten run of eight consecutive matches, equalling the national team record set in 1999–2000.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://durreslajm.al/8-ndeshje-pa-humbje-sylvinho-barazon-rekordin-qe-mbahej-prej-13-vitesh/ |title=8 ndeshje pa humbje, Sylvinho barazon rekordin që mbahej prej 13 vitesh |website=DurresLajm |language=sq |access-date=8 January 2026}}</ref>
===UEFA Euro 2016 historical qualification for finals=== During the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying, under coach Gianni De Biasi Agolli played every minute from the opening match until the penultimate fixture, appearing in all group games except the final outing through suspension after accumulating three yellow cards.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe27843/ansi-agolli/co1172/uefa-euro-qualifiers/se15204/2014-2015/international-matches/ |title=Ansi Agolli » Statistics: International Matches |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=8 January 2026}}</ref> The campaign opened with a surprise 1–0 away win against Portugal in Aveiro on 7 September 2014.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/football/story/_/id/37380833/portugal-stunned-albania-germany-prove-too-strong-scotland |title=Portugal stunned by Albania |work=ESPN |date=7 September 2014 |access-date=8 January 2026}}</ref> The following month, Albania played away against Serbia, but the match was halted after 41 minutes due to crowd disorder, ultimately abandoned, and later awarded 3–0 to Albania after a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in July 2015.<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> Victories over Armenia and two draws against Denmark helped Albania finish second in the group and qualify automatically for the finals of UEFA Euro 2016, the nation’s first major tournament.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/seasons/2016/groups/ |title=Euro 2016 qualifying – Group I standings |website=UEFA |access-date=8 January 2026}}</ref>
On 16 November 2015, aged 33, Agolli captained Albania for the first time in his 58th appearance, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–2 home draw against Georgia at Qemal Stafa Stadium.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/shqiperia-barazon-ne-frymen-e-fundit-ndaj-gjeorgjise/|title=Shqipëri me karakter, barazon në 6 minutat e fundit ndaj Gjeorgjisë|work=Super Sport Albania|language=sq|author=Erald Kodheli|date=16 November 2015|access-date=18 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118025942/http://www.supersport.al/shqiperia-barazon-ne-frymen-e-fundit-ndaj-gjeorgjise/|archive-date=18 November 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:AUT vs. ALB 2016-03-26 (004).jpg|thumb|right|260px|Agolli (#7) lining up with Albania against Austria in 2016.]]
On 21 May 2016, Agolli was named in Albania's preliminary 27-man squad for UEFA 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 in Albania's final 23-man UEFA Euro 2016 squad 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|publisher=FSHF.org|date=31 May 2016|access-date=31 May 2016}}</ref>
Albania made its major-tournament debut on 11 June 2016 in the opening Group A match against Switzerland, with Agolli playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–0 defeat. Albania conceded early in the 5th minute and played with 10 men after captain Lorik Cana received a red card in the 36th minute.<ref>{{cite web |title=History: Albania 0-1 Switzerland {{!}} UEFA EURO 2016 |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/2017878--albania-vs-switzerland/ |publisher=UEFA.com |access-date=8 January 2026}}</ref> Agolli was named Albania’s acting captain in place of the suspended Cana for the second match on 15 June against hosts France,<ref>{{cite news |title=De Biasi vendos, ja cili kuqezi do jetë kapiten ndaj Francës |url=https://www.balkanweb.com/de-biasi-vendos-ja-cili-kuqezi-do-jete-kapiten-ndaj-frances/ |access-date=8 January 2026 |publisher=Balkanweb |date=14 June 2016}}</ref> where he played another full 90 minutes as Albania lost 2–0 after conceding twice late on.<ref>{{cite web |title=History: France 2-0 Albania {{!}} UEFA EURO 2016 |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/2017885--france-vs-albania/lineups/ |publisher=UEFA.com |access-date=8 January 2026}}</ref> Meanwhile, in the third match, Cana started on the bench and Agolli once again captained the team on 19 June against Romania, completing another full match and leading Albania to a 1–0 victory with a goal by Armando Sadiku.<ref>{{cite web |title=History: Romania 0-1 Albania {{!}} UEFA EURO 2016 |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/2017894--romania-vs-albania/ |publisher=UEFA.com |access-date=8 January 2026}}</ref> Albania finished the group in the third position with three points and with a goal difference –2,<ref>{{cite web |title=Season 2016 Groups {{!}} UEFA EURO 2016 |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/seasons/2016/groups/ |publisher=UEFA.com |access-date=8 January 2026}}</ref> and was ranked last in the third-placed teams, which eventually eliminated them.<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|publisher=Fourfourtwo.com|date=22 June 2016|access-date=9 October 2016}}</ref>
===Post–Euro 2016=== Following Cana's retirement after Euro 2016, Agolli became regular captain ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification.<ref name="EU-Football.info"/> He scored his third international goal on 2 September 2017 in a World Cup qualifier 2–0 win against Liechtenstein,<ref>{{cite web|title=Albania national football team defeated Liechtenstein 2:0, 2 September 2017|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=15259|publisher=EU-Football.info|access-date=17 October 2017}}</ref> which also marked the debut of new head coach Christian Panucci.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kohajone.com/sporti/panucci-e-nis-me-fitore-shqiperia-mposht-lihtenshtejnin-2-0-ne-elbasan-arena/ |title=Panucci e nis me fitore. Shqipëria mposht Lihtenshtejnin, 2-0 në “Elbasan Arena” |website=Koha Jonë |language=sq |date=2 September 2017 |access-date=9 January 2026}}</ref>
After qualification campaign, coach Panucci omitted Agolli from the squad for upcoming matches, stating that at 36 years old — and set to be 38 by the time of the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying campaign — he was seeking younger alternatives, though he said he had discussed the situation with Agolli and would consider him if needed.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pse shmanget Agolli? Panucci e thotë troç: Do jetë 38 vjeç për Europian, por kërkoj zëvendësin |url=https://www.balkanweb.com/pse-shmanget-agolli-panucci-e-thote-troc-do-jete-38-vjec-per-europian-por-kerkoj-zevendesin/ |website=BalkanWeb |date=19 March 2018 |access-date=9 January 2026 }}</ref>
In September 2018, Agolli was recalled to the national team and as a captain ahead of the UEFA Nations League inaugural season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Agolli rikthehet kapiten tek kombëtarja: Më duket sikur nuk jam larguar kurrë |url=https://www.oranews.tv/article/agolli-rikthehet-kapiten-tek-kombetarja-me-duket-sikur-nuk-jam-larguar-kurre |website=OraNews |date=6 September 2018 |access-date=9 January 2026 }}</ref> He appeared on the bench in the 2–0 loss to Scotland, which was also his last international appearance.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scotland 2-0 Albania |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/match/2024044--scotland-vs-albania/ |website=UEFA |access-date=9 January 2026 }}</ref>
By the end of his international career, Agolli had earned 73 caps, placing him joint-sixth for most appearances for Albania.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://eu-football.info/_players.php?id=4&data=9&asof=2017 |title=Most Albania Caps as of 2017 |website=EU-Football.info |access-date=9 January 2026}}</ref>
==Post-playing career== After his retirement, Agolli, together with his former New York Cosmos teammate Bljedi Bardic, founded AB7 Future Soccer Academy in Castleton Corners, Staten Island.<ref name=Academy/> The academy focuses not only on developing footballing skills but also on promoting core values associated with the sport, including physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, and resilience, as part of players’ overall development.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.votramagazine.com/shaping-champions-the-journey-of-ab7-soccer-academy/|title= Shaping Champions: The Journey of AB7 Soccer Academy|website=Votra Magazine|access-date=7 January 2026}}</ref>
In June 2024, Agolli was appointed head coach of the Westchester U-16 team in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ansi Agolli vazhdon rrugëtimin si trajner, klubi amerikan e zyrtarizon në krye |url=https://newsport.al/bota/ansi-agolli-vazhdon-rrugetimin-si-trajner-klubi-amerikan-e-zyrtarizon-ne-kr-i499918 |website=Newsport.al |date=2 June 2024 |access-date=9 January 2026}}</ref>
==Personal life== In May 2018, Agolli became a father for the first time, as his partner Rea gave birth to their son Blodin Brooklyn Agolli in NYU Langone Health, New York. The couple had been together for more than a decade at the time.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dashuria që i rezistoi largësisë, Ansi Agolli dhe partnerja e tij bekohen me një djalë |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/dashuria-qe-i-rezistoi-largesise-ansi-agolli-dhe-partnerja-e-tij-bekohen-me-nje-djale/ |website=Panorama |date=21 May 2018 |access-date=9 January 2026}}</ref>
==Career statistics== ===Club=== {{updated|28 September 2020|<ref name="Soccerway">{{Soccerway|new_id=agolli-ansi/4dFlH5d4|accessdate=25 December 2025}}</ref><ref name="NFT" /><ref name="FSHF" /><ref>{{cite web |title=National Premier Soccer League - 2019 New York Cosmos B Match Reports |url=http://npsl.bonzidev.com/sam/standings/ss/schedule.php?containerID=MTAwODY3MjA=&v=3 |website=npsl.bonzidev.com |access-date=11 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=New York Cosmos B Members Cup |url=https://www.npsl.com/team/new-york-cosmos-b/ |website=National Premier Soccer League |access-date=11 July 2020 |date=25 June 2018}}</ref>}} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|Cup !colspan="2"|Continental{{efn|Includes UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.}} !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="6"|Tirana |2000–01 |Kategoria Superiore |1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1||0 |- |2001–02 |Kategoria Superiore |3||0||2||3||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||5||3 |- |2002–03 |Kategoria Superiore |6||0||0||0||1{{efn|Appearance(s) in UEFA Cup}}||0||1{{efn|name=ALB|Appearance in Albanian Supercup}}||0||8||0 |- |2003–04 |Kategoria Superiore |23||1||0||0||1{{efn|name=UCL|Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League}}||1||1{{efn|name=ALB}}||1||25||4 |- |2004–05 |Kategoria Superiore |31||4||0||0||2{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||0||0||33||4 |- !colspan="2"|Total !64!!5!!2!!3!!4!!1!!2!!1!!72!!9 |- |Apolonia Fier (loan) |2002–03 |Kategoria Superiore |12||1||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||12||1 |- |Neuchâtel Xamax |2005–06 |Swiss Super League |29||3||2||1||1{{efn|name=INT|Appearance(s) in UEFA Intertoto Cup}}||0||colspan="2"|—||32||4 |- |Luzern |2006–07 |Swiss Super League |8||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||8||0 |- |rowspan="3"|VPS |2007 |Veikkausliiga |18||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||18||0 |- |2008 |Veikkausliiga |15||1||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||15||1 |- !colspan="2"|Total !33!!1!!0!!0!!colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—!!33!!1 |- |Tirana |2008–09 |Kategoria Superiore |30||5||7||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||37||5 |- |Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih |2009–10 |Ukrainian Premier League |13||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||13||0 |- |rowspan="10"|Qarabağ |2010–11 |Azerbaijan Premier League |31||0||1||0||6{{efn|name=UEL|Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League}}||0||colspan="2"|—||38||0 |- |2011–12 |Azerbaijan Premier League |31||1||4||0||6{{efn|name=UEL}}||1||colspan="2"|—||41||2 |- |2012–13 |Azerbaijan Premier League |27||1||4||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||31||1 |- |2013–14 |Azerbaijan Premier League |34||1||2||0||8{{efn|name=UEL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||44||1 |- |2014–15 |Azerbaijan Premier League |26||0||4||0||12{{efn|name=STS|Four appearances in UEFA Champions League; eight appearances in UEFA Europa League}}||0||colspan="2"|—||42||0 |- |2015–16 |Azerbaijan Premier League |24||0||4||0||11{{efn|Four appearances in UEFA Champions League; seven appearances in UEFA Europa League}}||0||0||0||39||0 |- |2016–17 |Azerbaijan Premier League |21||0||3||0||12{{efn|name=STS}}||0||colspan="2"|—||36||0 |- |2017–18 |Azerbaijan Premier League |19||0||0||0||10{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||29||0 |- |2018–19 |Azerbaijan Premier League |11||0||2||0||4{{efn|Two appearances in UEFA Champions League; two appearances in UEFA Europa League}}||0||colspan="2"|—||17||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !224!!3!!24!!0!!69!!1!!0!!0!!317!!4 |- |New York Cosmos B |2019 |NPSL |9||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||12{{efn|Four appearances in NPSL playoffs;<ref name="Cosmos Miami final" /> eight appearances in the NPSL Members Cup}}||3{{efn|Three goals in NPSL playoffs<ref name="Cosmos Miami final" />}}||23||3 |- |New York Cosmos |2020–21 |NISA |7{{efn|name=2020 NISA Cup|Appearances and goals during the 2020–21 National Independent Soccer Association season<ref name="2020 Independent Cup opener" /><ref name="2020 NISA" />}}||2{{efn|name=2020 NISA Cup}}||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||7||2 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !429!!20!!37!!4!!74!!1!!14!!4!!535!!30 |}
{{notelist}}
===International=== {| class=wikitable style="text-align: center;" |+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref name="NFT" /><ref name="EU-Football.info">{{EU-Football.info|24484|access-date=6 October 2017}}</ref> |- !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="13"|Albania |2005||1||0 |- |2006||1||0 |- |2007||0||0 |- |2008||5||0 |- |2009||7||2 |- |2010||9||0 |- |2011||8||0 |- |2012||6||0 |- |2013||8||0 |- |2014||8||0 |- |2015||5||0 |- |2016||10||0 |- |2017||5||1 |- !colspan="2"|Total!!73!!3 |}
:''Scores and results list Albania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Agolli goal.''
{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ List of international goals scored by Ansi Agolli<ref name="EU-Football.info"/> |- !scope="col"|No. !scope="col"|Date !scope="col"|Venue !scope="col"|Opponent !scope="col"|Score !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Competition |- | style="text-align:center"|1 | 10 June 2009 || Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania || {{fb|Georgia}} || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || Friendly |- | style="text-align:center"|2 | 12 August 2009 || Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania || {{fb|Cyprus}} || style="text-align:center"|5–1 || style="text-align:center"|6–1 || Friendly |- | style="text-align:center"|3 | 2 September 2017 || Elbasan Arena, Elbasan, Albania || {{fb|LIE}} || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification |}
==Honours== ;Tirana<ref name="Soccerway"/> *Kategoria Superiore: 2003–04, 2004–05, 2008–09 *Albanian Cup: 2000–01, 2001–02 *Albanian Supercup: 2000, 2002, 2003
;Qarabağ<ref name="Soccerway"/> *Azerbaijan Premier League: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18 *Azerbaijan Cup: 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17
'''Individual''' *Qarabağ Player of the Season: 2014–15<ref name="Agolli"/>
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{commons category|Ansi Agolli}} *{{Sports links}} * {{FFU}}
{{S-start}} {{S-sports}} {{succession box|title=Albania captain|before=Lorik Cana|years=2016–2017|after=Etrit Berisha}} {{S-end}}
{{Albania squad UEFA Euro 2016}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Agolli, Ansi}} Category:1982 births Category:Living people Category:Footballers from Tirana Category:Albanian men's footballers Category:Men's association football full-backs Category:Men's association football midfielders Category:Albania men's international footballers Category:KF Tirana players Category:FK Apolonia Fier players Category:Neuchâtel Xamax FCS players Category:FC Luzern players Category:Vaasan Palloseura players Category:FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih players Category:Qarabağ FK players Category:Veikkausliiga players Category:Kategoria Superiore players Category:Swiss Super League players Category:Ukrainian Premier League players Category:Azerbaijan Premier League players Category:Albanian expatriate men's footballers Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Switzerland Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Switzerland Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Finland Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Finland Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Ukraine Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Ukraine Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Azerbaijan Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Azerbaijan Category:UEFA Euro 2016 players Category:21st-century Albanian sportsmen