{{Short description|Albanian footballer (born 1996)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Ardian Ismajli | image = Venezia - Empoli Serie A 04012025 Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo 2 (Ardian Ismajli).jpg | caption = Ismajli playing for [[Empoli FC|Empoli]] in 2025 | full_name = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1996|9|30|df=y}} | birth_place = [[Majac]], [[Podujevë]], [[Serbia and Montenegro|FR Yugoslavia]] | height = 1.85 m | position = [[Centre-back]] | currentclub = [[Torino FC|Torino]] | clubnumber = 44 | youthyears1 = 2010–2015 | youthclubs1 = [[KF 2 Korriku|2 Korriku]] | years1 = 2015–2016 | clubs1 = [[KF 2 Korriku|2 Korriku]] | caps1 = 0 | goals1 = 0 | years2 = 2015–2016 | clubs2 = → [[FC Prishtina|Prishtina]] (loan) | caps2 = 9 | goals2 = 0 | years3 = 2016–2020 | clubs3 = [[HNK Hajduk Split|Hajduk Split]] | caps3 = 84 | goals3 = 2 | years4 = 2017–2018 | clubs4 = → [[HNK Hajduk Split Reserves and Academy|Hajduk Split II]] | caps4 = 5 | goals4 = 0 | years5 = 2020–2021 | clubs5 = [[Spezia Calcio|Spezia]] | caps5 = 17 | goals5 = 1 | years6 = 2021–2025 | clubs6 = [[Empoli FC|Empoli]] | caps6 = 100 | goals6 = 0 | years7 = 2025– | clubs7 = [[Torino FC|Torino]] | caps7 = 25 | goals7 = 0 | nationalyears1 = 2015 | nationalteam1 = [[Albania national under-21 football team|Albania U21]] | nationalcaps1 = 1 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | nationalyears2 = 2017–2018 | nationalteam2 = [[Kosovo national under-21 football team|Kosovo U21]] | nationalcaps2 = 9 | nationalgoals2 = 0 | nationalyears3 = 2018 | nationalteam3 = [[Kosovo national football team|Kosovo]] | nationalcaps3 = 1 | nationalgoals3 = 0 | nationalyears4 = 2018– | nationalteam4 = [[Albania national football team|Albania]] | nationalcaps4 = 47 | nationalgoals4 = 3 | club-update = 24 May 2026 | nationalteam-update = 26 March 2026 }} '''Ardian Ismajli''' ({{IPA|sq|aɾˈdian isˈmajli}}; born 30 September 1996) is a professional [[association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[centre-back]] for Italian {{Italian football updater|Torino}} club [[Torino FC|Torino]].
Ismajli began his career at [[KF 2 Korriku|2 Korriku]] and gained first-team experience on loan at [[FC Prishtina|Prishtina]] before moving to Croatian side [[HNK Hajduk Split|Hajduk Split]], where he made over 80 appearances. He later played in [[Serie A]] for [[Spezia Calcio|Spezia]] and [[Empoli FC|Empoli]], reaching 100 league appearances with the latter, before joining [[Torino FC|Torino]] in 2025.<ref name="Soccerway" /><ref name="NFT" />
Born in Kosovo, he initially represented his country of birth at [[Kosovo national youth football team|youth]] and [[Kosovo national football team|senior]] level before switching allegiance to the [[Albania national football team|Albania national team]], where he has been a frequent starter in major qualifying campaigns and was selected for the [[UEFA Euro 2024]] finals.<ref name="Soccerway" /><ref name="EU-Football.info" />
==Club career== ===Early career=== Ismajli came through the youth system of [[First Football League of Kosovo]] side [[KF 2 Korriku|2 Korriku]] in [[Pristina]]. As a teenager, Ismajli attracted interest from German clubs including [[SC Paderborn 07|Paderborn]] and [[Arminia Bielefeld]], going on trial with the former after resolving initial visa issues, eventually spending two weeks with the club, and later training with the latter, where he impressed but did not remain in [[Germany]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.koha.net/sport/greva-e-ardian-ismajlit-para-ambasades-gjermane |title=Greva e Ardian Ismajlit para Ambasadës gjermane |trans-title=Ardian Ismajli's protest in front of the German Embassy |language=sq |website=Koha.net |date=1 January 2022 |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref>
He made his senior debut during the second half of the 2013–14 season, and in mid-2015 he was loaned to [[Football Superleague of Kosovo|Kosovo Superleague]] club [[FC Prishtina|Prishtina]], where he gained his first top-flight experience.<ref name="NFT" />
===Hajduk Split=== In February 2016, Ismajli signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with [[Croatian First Football League|Croatian First League]] club [[HNK Hajduk Split|Hajduk Split]] following a trial.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nogometplus.net/index.php/naslovna/ardian-ismajli-potpisao-ugovor-s-hajdukom/ |title=Ardian Ismajli potpisao ugovor s Hajdukom |trans-title=Ardian Ismajli signed a contract with Hajduk |language=hr |website=NogometPlus |date=15 February 2016}}</ref> He initially featured for [[HNK Hajduk Split Reserves and Academy|Hajduk Split II]] in the [[3. HNL]]. On 14 May 2016, he made his debut for the first team against [[NK Zagreb|Zagreb]] on the final matchday of the season, playing the full 90 minutes in a 3–2 win and was cautioned in the 48th minute.<ref>{{cite web |title=Live statistics NK Zagreb vs HNK Hajduk Split - 1. HNL 2015/16 |url=https://www.besoccer.com/match/zagreb/hajduk-split/20164339 |publisher=BeSoccer |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref>
In the 2016–17 season, Ismajli became a regular player under coach [[Marijan Pušnik]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2016-2017 Ardian Ismajli Match Logs |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/6b635f5c/matchlogs/2016-2017/Ardian-Ismajli-Match-Logs |publisher=FBref.com |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref> In the first match of the season, a [[2016–17 UEFA Europa League qualifying phase#Second qualifying round|2016–17 UEFA Europa League second qualifying round]] match against [[FC Politehnica Iași (2010)|Politehnica Iași]] in [[Romania]], he was included in the matchday squad but did not feature.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hajduk.hr/vijest/iasi--iasi-ha |title=Iasi - Hajduk 2:2 |language=hr |publisher=[[HNK Hajduk Split]] |date=14 July 2016 |access-date=9 April 2026}}{{Dead link|date=October 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He started the next match, a 2–0 league win over newly promoted [[NK Cibalia|Cibalia]], playing as a right-back.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hajduk.hr/vijest/vinkovci--cibalia-hajduk-0-2/7496 |title=Cibalia - Hajduk 0:2 |language=hr |publisher=[[HNK Hajduk Split]] |date=17 July 2016 |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref> On 18 August 2016, Ismajli made his [[UEFA Europa League]] debut in a 2–1 defeat against [[Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.|Maccabi Tel Aviv]] at [[Netanya Stadium]] in the play-off round, starting the match.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2020456--m-tel-aviv-vs-hajduk-split/ |title=M. Tel-Aviv 2-1 Hajduk Split |publisher=[[UEFA]] |date=18 August 2016 |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref> Three days later, on 21 August 2016, he scored his first goal for Hajduk in a 4–2 defeat against [[NK Rijeka|Rijeka]] at [[Poljud Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hajduk.hr/vijest/poljud--hajduk-rijeka-2-4/7657 |title=Hajduk - Rijeka 2:4 |language=hr |publisher=[[HNK Hajduk Split]] |date=21 August 2016 |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref>
By the end of the 2018–19 season, Ismajli had been named in the "Team of the Week" on six occasions, reflecting his consistent performances where he was noted for his accurate passing, ability to contribute in attack, strength in duels, and solid defensive displays, establishing himself as a key first-team player as the club finished fourth in the league.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sfidanti.al/futboll/ardian-ismajli-gjashte-here-ne-formacionin-e-javes-ne-ligen-e-kroacise |title=Ardian Ismajli, gjashtë herë në formacionin e javës në ligën e Kroacisë! |trans-title=Ardian Ismajli, six times in the Team of the Week in the Croatian league |language=sq |website=Sfidanti |date=10 May 2019 |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref>
On 22 November 2019, Ismajli scored an own goal in a 1–1 draw against [[GNK Dinamo Zagreb|Dinamo Zagreb]] in the Croatian derby, with the goal coming from a deflection following a corner kick.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://telegrafi.com/en/the-unlucky-Ismaili-scores-an-own-goal-in-the-derby-against-Dynamo/ |title=Unlucky Ismajli scores an own goal in the derby against Dinamo |website=Telegrafi |date=22 November 2019|access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref>
===Spezia Calcio=== In September 2020, Ismajli signed a three-year deal with Italian club [[Spezia Calcio|Spezia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.acspezia.com/news/ardian-ismajli-un-nuovo-difensore-delle-aquile.21723.html|title=Ardian Ismjli è un nuovo difensore delle Aquile|language=Italian|website=acspezia|date=14 September 2020}}</ref> He joined the club ahead of their first-ever season in the [[Serie A]]. On 18 April 2021, he scored his first goal in a 4–1 away defeat against [[Bologna FC 1909|Bologna]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Costa |first=Diego |url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/bologna/2021/04/18/news/bologna_batte_spezia-296987461/ |title=Bologna-Spezia 4-1: Orsolini, Barrow e doppio Svanberg, liguri travolti |publisher=la Repubblica |language=it |date=18 April 2021 }}</ref>
===Empoli=== On 9 August 2021, Ismajli joined fellow Italian club [[Empoli FC|Empoli]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://empolifc.com/ardian-ismajli-e-un-nuovo-calciatore-azzurro/ |title=Ardian Ismajli è un nuovo calciatore azzurro |publisher=Empoli FC |language=it |date=9 August 2021 }}</ref> At the end of the [[2024–25 Serie A|2024–25 season]], following the club's relegation to [[Serie B]], he announced his departure after making 100 appearances in Serie A.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.calcioempoli.it/2025/05/29/ismajli-addio-allempoli-dopo-una-stagione-da-leader/ |title=Ismajli, addio all’Empoli dopo una stagione da leader |publisher=Calcio Empoli |language=it |date=29 May 2025 }}</ref>
===Torino=== On 8 July 2025, Ismajli signed a two-season contract with [[Torino FC|Torino]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Torino|url=https://www.torinofc.it/news/08/07/2025/ismajli-al-toro_36586|title=Ismajli al Toro|trans-title=Ismajli at Toro|date=8 July 2025|access-date=12 July 2025|language=it}}</ref> He made his debut on 14 September 2025 in the third game week of the 2025–26 season, playing the full match and being a protagonist in a 1–0 away victory against [[AS Roma|Roma]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Protagonistë në fitoren e parë të Torinos, Ismajli e Asllani mes më të mirëve – shihni statistikat dhe notën e dy lojtarëve të Kombëtares |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/sport/protagoniste-ne-fitoren-e-pare-te-torinos-ismajli-e-asllani-mes-me-te-mireve-shihni-statistikat-dhe-noten-e-dy-lojtareve-te-kombetares/ |work=Panorama Sport |publisher=Panorama |date=13 September 2025 |access-date=13 September 2025 |language=sq}}</ref>
==International career== ===Kosovo=== Ismajli was part of the [[Kosovo national under-21 football team|Kosovo under-21 team]] and made his debut in June 2017 during the [[2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification Group 5|2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification]], making nine appearances, all as a starter playing the full 90 minutes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ffk-ks.com/u21/ |title=Kombëtarja U21 filloi përgatitjet për sfidën me Norvegjinë |trans-title=U21 national team begins preparations for the match against Norway |language=sq |publisher=[[Football Federation of Kosovo]] |date=5 June 2017 |access-date=6 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe450312/ardian-ismajli/co1109/uefa-u21-euro-qualifiers/se23374/2017-2018/international-matches/ |title=Ardian Ismajli – U21 EURO Qualifiers 2017/2018 |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=6 April 2026}}</ref> Kosovo recorded three wins and three draws during the campaign, finishing second from bottom in a closely contested group.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/under21/history/seasons/2019/matches/ |title=UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2019 – Matches |website=UEFA.com |access-date=6 April 2026}}</ref>
On 2 October 2016, Ismajli received a call-up from [[Kosovo national football team|Kosovo]] for the [[2018 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group I|2018 FIFA World Cup qualification]] matches against [[Croatia national football team|Croatia]] and [[Ukraine national football team|Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ffk-kosova.com/en/?p=10919|title=Bunjaki announces the list of players for the matches with Croatia and Ukraine|publisher=[[Football Federation of Kosovo]]|date=2 October 2016|access-date=9 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005110429/http://www.ffk-kosova.com/en/?p=10919|archive-date=5 October 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, a day before joining the national team, he suffered an injury during a [[Eternal derby (Croatia)|Croatian derby match]] between his team Hajduk Split and [[GNK Dinamo Zagreb|Dinamo Zagreb]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.koha.net/?id=6&l=135585|title=Lëndohet mbrojtësi i përfaqësueses së Kosovës, Ismajli|trans-title=Kosovo national team defender Ismajli suffers injury|language=sq|publisher=[[Koha Ditore]]|date=3 October 2016|access-date=6 April 2026}}</ref> On 29 May 2018, Ismajli made his debut for Kosovo in a friendly match against [[Albania national football team|Albania]], starting the match and playing the full 90 minutes in a 3–0 win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ffk-kosova.com/federata/2018/05/29/kosova-e-fiton-me-spektakel-miqesoren-kunder-shqiperise/|title=Kosova e fiton me spektakël miqësoren kundër Shqipërisë|trans-title=Kosovo wins the friendly against Albania convincingly|language=sq|publisher=[[Football Federation of Kosovo]]|date=29 May 2018|access-date=29 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806191744/http://www.ffk-kosova.com/federata/2018/05/29/kosova-e-fiton-me-spektakel-miqesoren-kunder-shqiperise/|archive-date=6 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Friendlies » Albania against Kosovo » Lineup |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/co571/friendlies/ma8734928/albania_kosovo/lineup/ |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=6 April 2026}}</ref>
===Albania=== After obtaining Albanian citizenship in October 2018,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://qbz.gov.al/eli/dekret/2018/10/26/10921|title=PËR DHËNIE TË SHTETËSISË SHQIPTARE|trans-title=ON GRANTING ALBANIAN CITIZENSHIP|publisher=Qendra e Botimeve Zyrtare|language=sq|date=26 October 2018|access-date=2 January 2023}}</ref> Ismajli switched his international allegiance to [[Albania national football team|Albania]] and received his first call-up in November 2018 for the [[2018–19 UEFA Nations League C#Group 1|2018–19 UEFA Nations League]] closing match against [[Scotland national football team|Scotland]] and a [[Exhibition game#Association football|friendly match]] against [[Wales national football team|Wales]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fshf.org/sq/panucci-shpall-listen-e-kombetares-per-dy-ndeshjet-e-rradhes/ |title=Panucci shpall listën e kombëtares për dy ndeshjet e rradhës |trans-title=Panucci announces the national team squad for the next two matches |publisher=[[Albanian Football Federation]] |language=sq |date=7 November 2018 |access-date=6 April 2026}}</ref> He made his debut on 17 November 2018, starting and playing 64 minutes in a 4–0 loss against Scotland.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/co4230/nations-league-c/ma8617904/albania_scotland/lineup/ |title=Nations League C » Albania against Scotland » Lineup |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=6 April 2026}}</ref> He then established himself as a regular starter during the [[UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying]] campaign under manager [[Edoardo Reja]], being deployed primarily in a three-man defence and featuring both as a central and right-sided centre-back.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tpz.al/reja-grupi-i-futbollisteve-ka-cilesi-rinovimi-duhet-pyetur-presidenti-duka |title=Reja: Grupi i futbollistëve ka cilësi, rinovimi duhet pyetur presidenti Duka |trans-title=Reja: The group of players has quality, renewal must be discussed with president Duka |website=TPZ.al |language=sq |access-date=6 April 2026}}</ref> He was a near ever-present throughout the campaign, missing only minimal playing time, as Albania won 13 points and finished fourth in [[UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying Group H|Group H]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe450312/ardian-ismajli/co1172/uefa-euro-qualifiers/se30688/2019-2020/international-matches/ |title=Ardian Ismajli – EURO 2020 Qualifiers appearances |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=6 April 2026}}</ref>
On 15 November 2020, Ismajli scored his first international goal in a 3–1 win against [[Kazakhstan national football team|Kazakhstan]] in the [[2020–21 UEFA Nations League C]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/sport/video-pesojme-golin-e-vitit-por-shqiperia-bind-me-kazaket-dhe-ka-shanse-per-vendin-e-pare/ |title=VIDEO/ Pësojmë golin e vitit, por Shqipëria bind me kazakët dhe ka shanse për vendin e parë |trans-title=VIDEO: We concede the goal of the year, but Albania impress against Kazakhstan and keeps chances for first place |website=Panorama Sport |language=sq |date=16 November 2020 |access-date=7 April 2026}}</ref> Three days later, Ismajli featured in Albania’s 3–2 win over [[Belarus national football team|Belarus]] in the final matchday of the League C, helping the team secure promotion to [[2020–21 UEFA Nations League B|League B]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/match/2030106--albania-vs-belarus/events/ |title=Albania vs Belarus |website=UEFA.com |date=18 November 2020 |access-date=7 April 2026}}</ref> During the [[2022 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group I|2022 FIFA World Cup qualification]], Ismajli remained a regular member of the team, making seven appearances, all as a starter playing the full 90 minutes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe450312/ardian-ismajli/co588/fifa-wc-qualifiers-europe/se37167/2021-2022/international-matches/ |title=Ardian Ismajli – World Cup 2022 Qualifiers appearances |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=7 April 2026}}</ref> Albania recorded six wins without conceding a goal and collected 18 points, narrowly missing out on a play-off spot.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/competition/co588/wc-qualifiers-europe/se37167/2021-2022/ro112219/group-i/results-and-standings/ |title=World Cup 2022 Qualifiers Europe » Group I » Results and standings |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=7 April 2026}}</ref> On 16 November 2022, Ismajli scored his second international goal in a 3–1 home friendly defeat against [[Italy national football team|Italy]], opening the scoring in the 16th minute.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://top-channel.tv/2022/11/16/miqesorja-shqiperi-5itali-kuqezinjte-munden-1-3-nga-axurret-ne-air0-albania/ |title=Miqësorja Shqipëri-Itali/ Kuqezinjtë munden 1-3 nga axurrët në “Air Albania” |trans-title=Friendly Albania–Italy / Red and Blacks defeated 1–3 by the Azzurri at “Air Albania” |website=Top Channel |date=16 November 2022 |access-date=8 April 2026 |language=sq}}</ref>
He was a regular starter during the [[UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying]] campaign under manager [[Sylvinho]], making six appearances in [[UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Group E|Group E]], playing the full 90 minutes in each match.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe450312/ardian-ismajli/co1172/uefa-euro-qualifiers/se47944/2023-2024/international-matches/ |title=Ardian Ismajli – UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers appearances |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=8 April 2026}}</ref> On 17 November 2023, after a 1–1 draw against [[Moldova national football team|Moldova]] on the penultimate matchday, Albania mathematically secured qualification for the final tournament of a [[UEFA European Championship|European Championship]] for only the second time in its history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvklan.al/nis-sfida-moldavi-shqiperi-ndeshja-minute-pas-minute|title=Shqipëria kualifikohet në Euro 2024|trans-title=Albania qualify for Euro 2024|publisher=TV Klan|date=17 November 2023|access-date=8 April 2026|language=sq}}</ref> Albania eventually finished top of the group for the first time in its history with 15 points, level with the [[Czech Republic national football team|Czech Republic]], but ahead on head-to-head results.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/standings/#grp-2006669|title=UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Group E standings|publisher=UEFA|access-date=8 April 2026}}</ref> He was named in Albania's 26-man squad for the [[UEFA Euro 2024|final tournament]] in June 2024 in [[Germany]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://fshf.org/sq/trajneri-silvinjo-publikon-listen-e-kombetares-me-emrat-e-26-lojtareve-per-kampionatin-europian-gjermani-2024/|title=Trajneri Silvinjo publikon listën e Kombëtares me emrat e 26 lojtarëve për Kampionatin Europian “Gjermani 2024”|trans-title=Coach Sylvinho announces Albania's 26-man squad for Euro 2024 in Germany|publisher=[[Albanian Football Association]]|date=7 June 2024|access-date=8 April 2026|language=sq}}</ref> During [[UEFA Euro 2024 Group B|Group B]], Ismajli did not make any appearances and remained an unused substitute in all three matches, as Albania faced [[Italy national football team|Italy]], [[Croatia national football team|Croatia]] and [[Spain national football team|Spain]], with head coach Sylvinho preferring [[Arlind Ajeti]] to partner [[Captain (association football)|captain]] [[Berat Gjimshiti]] in central defence.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/tradhti-zoti-i-shkaterrofte-ata-qe-te-vodhen-endrren-shperthen-babai-i-ardian-ismajlit-per-mosaktivizimin-e-djalit-ne-europian/ |title=“Tradhti, Zoti i shkatërroftë ata që të vodhën ëndrrën”, shpërthen babai i Ardian Ismajlit për mosaktivizimin e djalit në Europian |trans-title="Betrayal, may God destroy those who stole your dream", Ardian Ismajli's father reacts to his son's lack of playing time at the European Championship |website=Panorama Sport |date=24 June 2024 |access-date=8 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gazetaexpress.com/krisje-ne-raportin-mes-ismajlit-dhe-sylvinhos-shkak-mosaktivizimi-ne-euro-2024/ |title=Krisje në raportin mes Ismajlit dhe Sylvinhos, shkak mosaktivizimi në Euro 2024 |trans-title=Rift in the relationship between Ismajli and Sylvinho due to lack of playing time at Euro 2024 |website=Gazeta Express |date=29 June 2024 |access-date=8 April 2026}}</ref> Albania collected only 1 point and were eliminated in the group stage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/seasons/2024/groups/|title=Season 2024 {{!}} UEFA EURO 2024|publisher=UEFA|access-date=8 April 2026}}</ref>
During the [[2024–25 UEFA Nations League B]], Ismajli was ever-present, playing every minute of Albania's matches, while [[Captain (association football)|captain]] Berat Gjimshiti missed the entire campaign due to persistent back-to-back injuries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe450312/ardian-ismajli/co4229/uefa-nations-league-b/se64988/2024-2025/international-matches/ |title=Ardian Ismajli – UEFA Nations League 2024/25 appearances |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=8 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/e-pabesueshme-mungoi-ne-shtator-dhe-tetor-me-shqiperine-berat-gjimshiti-demtohet-serish-para-ndeshjeve-ne-ligen-e-kombeve/ |title=E pabesueshme/ Mungoi në shtator dhe tetor me Shqipërinë, Berat Gjimshiti dëmtohet sërish para ndeshjeve në Ligën e Kombeve |trans-title=Unbelievable / Missed September and October with Albania, Berat Gjimshiti injured again before Nations League matches |website=Panorama Sport |date=10 November 2024 |access-date=8 April 2026 |language=sq}}</ref> On 7 September 2024, Albania won 2–1 away the opening match against [[Ukraine national football team|Ukraine]], with Ismajli scoring a goal and excelling defensively; following this performance, he was named in the Team of the Week for the first round of the competition.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tpz.al/sport/shkelqeu-ndaj-ukraines-ardian-ismajli-futet-ne-formacionin-e-xhiros-se-par-i261631 |title=Shkëlqeu ndaj Ukrainës, Ardian Ismajli futet në formacionin e xhiros së parë |trans-title=Shone against Ukraine, Ardian Ismajli included in the first round Team of the Week |website=TPZ |date=8 September 2024 |access-date=8 April 2026}}</ref> The team subsequently suffered two narrow 0–1 defeats against [[Georgia national football team|Georgia]] and the Czech Republic without scoring and following these results, coach Sylvinho benched captain [[Elseid Hysaj]] and appointed Ismajli as captain for the remainder of the campaign.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.balkanweb.com/en/Enter-the-bench--here%27s-who%27s-wearing-the-captain%27s-armband-in-the-challenge-against-Georgia/ |title=Enter the bench: here's who's wearing the captain's armband in the challenge against Georgia |website=BalkanWeb |access-date=8 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="EU-Football.info" /> Albania then immediately won 1–0 against Georgia, while drew 1–1 with the Czech Republic, but Albania was ultimately eliminated after a final loss to Ukraine, finishing level on points with Georgia but one point behind Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://euronews.al/perfundon-0-1-ndeshja-gjeorgji-shqiperi-kuqezinjte-na-dhurojne-fitore-ne-tiblis/ |title=Perfundon 0–1: Ndeshja Gjeorgji–Shqiperi, kuqezinjte na dhurojne fitore ne Tbilisi |trans-title=Ends 0–1: Georgia–Albania match, the Red and Blacks gift us a win in Tbilisi |website=Euronews.al |access-date=8 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/co4229/uefa-nations-league-b/ma10096136/albania_ukraine/standings/ |title=UEFA Nations League B 2024/25 standings |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=8 April 2026}}</ref> During the [[2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|2026 FIFA World Cup qualification]] campaign, Ismajli made only two appearances in [[2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group K|Group K]], amid ongoing competition for a starting position in central defence with Arlind Ajeti.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe450312/ardian-ismajli/co588/fifa-wc-qualifiers-europe/se83885/2025-2026/international-matches/ |title=Ardian Ismajli – International Matches 2025/26 |work=WorldFootball.net |access-date=4 April 2026}}</ref> Albania secured qualification to the [[2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA second round|play-offs]] with one match remaining in the group.<ref>{{cite web |title=European Qualifiers standings |url=https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/qualifiers/uefa/standings |access-date=4 April 2026 |publisher=FIFA}}</ref> In the play-off semi-final match on 26 March 2026 against [[Poland national football team|Poland]], Ismajli entered the field in the 18th minute as a substitute following an injury to Ajeti.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/sport/video-endrra-kuqezi-behet-makth-ne-10-minuta-gabimet-ne-te-dy-portat-eliminojne-shqiperine-me-permbysje-ne-polonine/ |title=VIDEO/ Ëndrra kuqezi bëhet makth në 10 minuta, gabimet në të dy portat eliminojnë Shqipërinë me përmbysje në Poloninë |trans-title=VIDEO/ Red-and-Black dream turns nightmare in 10 minutes, mistakes at both ends eliminate Albania in Poland |work=Panorama Sport |date=26 March 2026 |access-date=4 April 2026}}</ref>
==Career statistics== ===Club=== {{updated|match played 24 May 2026|<ref name="Soccerway">{{Soccerway}}</ref><ref name=NFT>{{NFT player|71233|access-date=19 November 2025}}</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"|[[UEFA|Europe]]{{efn|Including continental competitions, such as [[UEFA Champions League]] and [[UEFA Europa League]]}} !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |[[KF 2 Korriku|2 Korriku]] |[[2014–15 First Football League of Kosovo|2014–15]] |[[First Football League of Kosovo|First League of Kosovo]] | || || || ||colspan="2"|—|| || |- |[[FC Prishtina|Prishtina]] (loan) |[[2015–16 Football Superleague of Kosovo|2015–16]] |[[Football Superleague of Kosovo|Kosovo Superleague]] |9||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||9||0 |- |rowspan="7"|[[HNK Hajduk Split|Hajduk Split]] |[[2015–16 HNK Hajduk Split season|2015–16]] |[[Croatian Football League|Croatian First League]] |1||0||0||0||0||0||1||0 |- |[[2016–17 HNK Hajduk Split season|2016–17]] |Croatian First League |18||1||0||0||2||0||20||1 |- |[[2017–18 HNK Hajduk Split season|2017–18]] |Croatian First League |14||0||2||0||0||0||16||0 |- |[[2018–19 HNK Hajduk Split season|2018–19]] |Croatian First League |20||1||3||0||0||0||23||1 |- |[[2019–20 HNK Hajduk Split season|2019–20]] |Croatian First League |28||0||1||0||1||0||30||0 |- |[[2020–21 HNK Hajduk Split season|2020–21]] |Croatian First League |3||0||0||0||0||0||3||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !84!!2!!6!!0!!3!!0!!93!!2 |- |rowspan="3"|[[HNK Hajduk Split Reserves and Academy|Hajduk Split II]] |[[2017–18 Croatian Second Football League|2017–18]] |[[Second Football League (Croatia)|Croatian Second League]] |3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||3||0 |- |[[2018–19 Croatian Second Football League|2018–19]] |Croatian Second League |2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !5!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!5!!0 |- |[[Spezia Calcio|Spezia]] |[[2020–21 Spezia Calcio season|2020–21]] |[[Serie A]] |17||1||4||0||colspan="2"|—||21||1 |- |rowspan="5"|[[Empoli FC|Empoli]] |[[2021–22 Empoli FC season|2021–22]] |Serie A |20||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||22||0 |- |[[2022–23 Empoli FC season|2022–23]] |Serie A |25||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||26||0 |- |[[2023–24 Empoli FC season|2023–24]] |Serie A |26||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||27||0 |- |[[2024–25 Empoli FC season|2024–25]] |Serie A |29||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||31||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !100!!0!!6!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!106!!0 |- |[[Torino FC|Torino]] |[[2025–26 Serie A|2025–26]] |Serie A |25||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||27||0 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !245!!3!!17!!0!!3!!0!!266!!3 |} {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
===International=== {{updated|match played 26 March 2026}}<ref name="EU-Football.info">{{EU-Football.info|30294}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by national team and year !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals |- |[[Kosovo national football team|Kosovo]] |2018||1||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total||1||0 |- |rowspan="9"|[[Albania national football team|Albania]] |2018||2||0 |- |2019||9||0 |- |2020||3||1 |- |2021||9||0 |- |2022||7||1 |- |2023||6||0 |- |2024||8||1 |- |2025||2||0 |- |2026||1||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total||47||3 |}
:''Scores and results list Albania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Ismajli goal''.
{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ List of international goals scored by Ardian Ismajli !scope="col"|No. !scope="col"|Date !scope="col"|Venue !scope="col"|Opponent !scope="col"|Score !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Competition |- | align="center"|1 || 15 November 2020 || rowspan=2| [[Arena Kombëtare]], [[Tirana]], Albania || {{fb|KAZ}} || align=center|'''2'''–0 || align=center|3–1 || [[2020–21 UEFA Nations League C]] |- | align="center"|2 || 16 November 2022 || {{fb|ITA}} || align=center|'''1'''–0 || align=center| 1–3 || [[Exhibition game#Association football|Friendly]] |- | align="center"|3 || 7 September 2024 || [[Stadion Letná]], [[Prague]], [[Czech Republic]] || {{fb|UKR}} || align=center|'''1'''–1 || align=center| 2–1 || [[2024–25 UEFA Nations League B|2024–25 UEFA Nations League]] |- |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} *{{Sports links}}
{{Torino FC squad}} {{Albania squad UEFA Euro 2024}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ismajli, Ardian}} [[Category:1996 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Sportspeople from Podujevë]] [[Category:Footballers from the District of Pristina]] [[Category:Kosovo Albanians]] [[Category:Men's association football defenders]] [[Category:Kosovan men's footballers]] [[Category:Kosovo men's international footballers]] [[Category:Kosovo men's youth international footballers]] [[Category:Kosovo men's under-21 international footballers]] [[Category:Albanian men's footballers]] [[Category:21st-century Albanian sportsmen]] [[Category:Albania men's international footballers]] [[Category:Dual internationalists (men's football)]] [[Category:Football Superleague of Kosovo players]] [[Category:First Football League of Kosovo players]] [[Category:FC 2 Korriku players]] [[Category:FC Prishtina players]] [[Category:Croatian Football League players]] [[Category:Serie A players]] [[Category:HNK Hajduk Split players]] [[Category:Spezia Calcio players]] [[Category:Empoli FC players]] [[Category:Torino FC players]] [[Category:Kosovan expatriate men's footballers]] [[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Croatia]] [[Category:Kosovan expatriate sportspeople in Croatia]] [[Category:Albanian expatriate men's footballers]] [[Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Croatia]] [[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy]] [[Category:Kosovan expatriate sportspeople in Italy]] [[Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Italy]] [[Category:UEFA Euro 2024 players]] [[Category:Albania men's under-21 international footballers]]