{{short description|Albanian footballer}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}} {{Infobox football biography |name = Drilon Cenaj |image = |caption = |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1997|9|12|df=y}} |birth_place = Gjakova, FR Yugoslavia |height = 1.85 m |position = Midfielder |currentclub = Feronikeli |clubnumber = 34 |youthyears1 = 2001–2013 |youthclubs1 = Sarajevo |youthyears2 = 2013–2015 |youthclubs2 = Puskás Akadémia |youthyears3 = 2015–2016 |youthclubs3 = Chievo |years1 = 2016–2017 |clubs1 = Salernitana |caps1 = 0 |goals1 = 0 |years2 = 2017 |clubs2 = Velež Mostar |caps2 = 1 |goals2 = 0 |years3 = 2017–2018 |clubs3 = Novigrad |caps3 = 16 |goals3 = 2 |years4 = 2018–2019 |clubs4 = Pandurii Târgu Jiu |caps4 = 31 |goals4 = 1 |years5 = 2019 |clubs5 = Botev Vratsa |caps5 = 0 |goals5 = 0 |years6 = 2019 |clubs6 = Viitorul Târgu Jiu |caps6 = 13 |goals6 = 0 |years7 = 2019–2020 |clubs7 = Nyíregyháza |caps7 = 5 |goals7 = 0 |years8 = 2020 |clubs8 = Čelik Zenica |caps8 = 3 |goals8 = 0 |years9 = 2020 |clubs9 = Tuzla City |caps9 = 0 |goals9 = 0 |years10 = 2020–2022 |clubs10 = Szentlőrinc |caps10 = 32 |goals10 = 1 |years11 = 2022–2023 |clubs11 = Prishtina |caps11 = 2 |goals11 = 0 |years12 = 2023–2024 |clubs12 = Fushë Kosova |caps12 = 28 |goals12 = 0 |years13 = 2024– |clubs13 = Feronikeli |caps13 = 7 |goals13 = 0 |nationalyears1 = 2013 |nationalteam1 = Albania U17 |nationalcaps1 = 2 |nationalgoals1 = 0 |club-update = 5 January 2025 |nationalteam-update = 21 February 2013 }} '''Drilon Cenaj''' (born 12 September 1997) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Kosovo Superleague club Feronikeli.
==Club career== ===Early career and Salernitana=== Cenaj is a product of youth team systems of the different Bosnian and Hungarian sides.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://telegrafi.com/drilon-cenaj-ylli-i-ri-18-vjecar-shqiptar-ne-serie-a/|title=Drilon Cenaj, ylli i ri 18 vjeçar shqiptar në Serie A|trans-title=Drilon Cenaj, the 18-year-old Albanian new star in Serie A|quote=Cenaj filloj te luaj prej moshes 4 vjeqare ne shkollen e futbollit te Sarajeves, aty u stervit per 9 vite radhazi dhe ne vitin 2013 u largua nga klubi i Sarajeves dhe u bashkua me akademinë e Puskas, dhe qe nga atehere u hetua nga klubet e lartepermendura italiane si talent i madh|language=Albanian|publisher=Telegrafi|date=3 November 2015}}</ref> On 15 September 2015, he signed with under-19 team of Chievo after agreeing to a multiyear deal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sarajevotimes.com/drilon-cenaj-signed-for-chievo-verona/|title=Drilon Cenaj signed for Chievo Verona|website=SarajevoTimes|date=15 September 2015}}</ref>
On 2 August 2016, Cenaj signed his first professional contract with Serie B side Salernitana after agreeing to a one-year deal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/nje-tjeter-shqiptar-luan-ne-itali-cenaj-firmos-per-salernitanen/|title=Një tjetër shqiptar luan në Itali, Cenaj firmos për Salernitanën|trans-title=Another Albanian plays in Italy, Cenaj signs for Salernitana|language=Albanian|publisher=Panorama Sport|date=2 August 2016}}</ref> Five days later, he was named as a Salernitana substitute for the first time in the 2016–17 Coppa Italia second round against Benevento, but was an unused substitute in that match.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/08/07/italy/coppa-italia/benevento-calcio/salernitana-calcio-1919/2324484/|title=Benevento vs. Salernitana 0–0|website=Soccerway|date=7 August 2016}}</ref>
===Velež Mostar=== On 10 March 2017, Cenaj joined First League of FBiH side Velež Mostar. On 8 April 2017, he made his debut in a 3–0 away defeat against Budućnost Banovići after being named in the starting line-up.
===Novigrad=== On 1 August 2017, Cenaj joined Croatian Second League side Novigrad. His debut with Novigrad came eighteen days later in a 1–1 home draw against Varaždin after coming on as a substitute at 56th minute in place of Nemanja Belaković.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/08/19/croatia/2-hnl/nk-novigrad/nk-varteks-varazdin/2519844/|title=Novigrad vs. Varaždin 1–1|website=Soccerway|date=19 August 2017}}</ref>
===Pandurii Târgu Jiu=== On 19 February 2018, Cenaj joined Romanian Liga II side Pandurii Târgu Jiu. On 10 March 2018, he made his debut in a 2–1 home win against Mioveni after coming on as a substitute at 83rd minute in place of Brian Lemac.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2018/03/10/romania/liga-ii/pandurii-targu-jiu/cs-dacia-mioveni/2556468/|title=Pandurii Târgu Jiu vs. Mioveni 2–1|website=Soccerway|date=10 March 2018}}</ref>
===Botev Vratsa and Viitorul Târgu Jiu=== On 9 January 2019, Cenaj joined Bulgarian First Professional League side Botev Vratsa.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.life.ba/sport-vijesti/bivsi-igrac-sarajeva-karijeru-nastavlja-u-bugarskoj/197817/|title=Bivši igrač Sarajeva karijeru nastavlja u Bugarskoj|trans-title=The former Sarajevo player continues his career in Bulgaria|language=Bosnian|website=life.ba|date=10 January 2019}}</ref> A month later, he joined Romanian Liga II side Viitorul Târgu Jiu. On 23 February 2019, he made his debut in a 0–2 away defeat against Universitatea Cluj after being named in the starting line-up.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2019/02/23/romania/liga-ii/irineaa/alb-negru/2847760/|title=Viitorul P. Târgu Jiu vs. Universitatea Cluj 0–2|website=Soccerway|date=10 March 2018}}</ref>
===Nyíregyháza=== On 12 July 2019, Cenaj joined Nemzeti Bajnokság II side Nyíregyháza.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://scsport.ba/iz-rumunije-u-madjarsku-drilon-cenaj-potpisao-za-nyiregyhaza-spartacus/|title=Iz Rumunije u Mađarsku: Drilon Cenaj potpisao za Nyíregyháza Spartacus|trans-title=From Romania to Hungary: Drilon Cenaj signs for Nyíregyháza Spartacus|language=Bosnian|website=SCSport.ba|date=12 July 2019}}</ref> On 18 August 2019, he made his debut in a 3–0 home win against Békéscsaba after being named in the starting line-up.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2019/08/18/hungary/nb-ii/nyiregyhaza-spartacus-fc/elore-fc-bekescsaba/3063851/|title=Nyíregyháza Spartacus vs. Békéscsaba 3–0|website=Soccerway|date=18 August 2019}}</ref>
===Čelik Zenica=== On 17 February 2020, Cenaj joined Bosnian Premier League side Čelik Zenica after agreeing to a one-and-a-half-year deal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://sportsport.ba/fudbal/drilon-cenaj-narednu-godinu-i-po-stanovnik-bilinog-polja/351963|title=Drilon Cenaj narednu godinu i po stanovnik Bilinog polja|trans-title=Drilon Cenaj is a resident of Bilino Polje for the next year and a half|language=Bosnian|website=SportSport.ba|date=17 February 2020}}</ref> His debut with Čelik Zenica came six days later in a 0–2 away defeat against Zrinjski Mostar after coming on as a substitute at 46th minute in place of Marko Perišić.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nfsbih.ba/stats/match/7857844-nogometni-klub-celik-zenica-hsk-zrinjski/|title=NK Čelik - HŠK Zrinjski (0:1) 0:2|language=Bosnian|publisher=Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina|date=23 February 2020}}</ref>
===Tuzla City and Szentlőrinc=== On 26 June 2020, Cenaj joined Bosnian Premier League side Tuzla City.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://sportsport.ba/fudbal/cenaj-potpisao-za-tuzla-city/366619|title=Cenaj potpisao za Tuzla City|trans-title=Cenaj signed for Tuzla City|language=Bosnian|website=SportSport.ba|date=26 June 2020}}</ref> However, less than two months later, on 18 August, he suddenly left the club.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.klix.ba/sport/nogomet/drilon-cenaj-napustio-tuzla-city/200818076|title=Drilon Cenaj napustio Tuzla City|trans-title=Cenaj left Tuzla City|language=Bosnian|website=Klix.ba|date=18 August 2020}}</ref> On 22 October 2020, he joined Nemzeti Bajnokság II side Szentlőrinc. His debut with Szentlőrinc came three days later in a 3–0 away win against Békéscsaba after coming on as a substitute at 72nd minute in place of Alexander Torvund.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2020/10/25/hungary/nb-ii/elore-fc-bekescsaba/szentlorinc-se/3299587/|title=Békéscsaba vs. Szentlőrinc SE 0–3|website=Soccerway|access-date=25 October 2020}}</ref>
===Prishtina=== On 21 January 2022, Cenaj joined Kosovo Superleague side Prishtina after agreeing to a one-and-a-half-year deal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://telegrafi.com/zyrtare-prishtina-nenshkruan-drilon-cenaj/|title=Zyrtare: Prishtina nënshkruan me Drilon Cenaj|trans-title=Official: Prishtina signed Drilon Cenaj|language=Albanian|publisher=Telegrafi|date=21 January 2022}}</ref> On 7 April 2022, he was named as a Prishtina substitute for the first time in the 2021–22 Kosovar Cup semi-finals against Llapi.<ref>{{cite Instagram|user=fcprishtinaofficial|author=FC Prishtina|author-link=FC Prishtina|postid=CcDEsCboKFG|date=7 April 2022|title=FC Prishtina VS FC Llapi}}</ref> His debut with Prishtina came on 4 May in a 5–0 home win against Feronikeli after being named in the starting line-up.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://topsporti.com/artikulli/formacionet-zyrtare-prishtina-feronikeli3/ffk-superliga-e-kosoves|title=Formacionet zyrtare: Prishtina – Feronikeli|trans-title=Official lineups: Prishtina – Feronikeli|language=Albanian|website=TopSporti|date=4 May 2022}}</ref>
===Fushë Kosova=== In August 2023, Cenaj joined Kosovo Superleague side Fushë Kosova.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://gazetablic.com/fushe-kosova-afer-transferimit-te-drilon-cenajt-mungon-vetem-firma/|title=Fushë Kosova afër transferimit të Drilon Cenajt, mungon vetëm firma|trans-title=Fushë Kosova is close to the transfer of Drilon Cenaj, only the signature is missing|language=Albanian|website=Gazeta Blic|date=August 2022}}</ref> His debut with Fushë Kosova came on 19 August in a 1–6 away defeat against Malisheva after being named in the starting line-up.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://topsporti.com/artikulli/malisheva-fushe-kosova-11-shet-startuese/ffk-superliga-e-kosoves|title=Malisheva – Fushë Kosova, 11-shet startuese|trans-title=Malisheva – Fushë Kosova, the starting 11|website=TopSporti|access-date=19 August 2023}}</ref>
==International career== During the 2012–13 period, Cenaj represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at the U15,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfsbih.ba/vijesti/od-sutra-selekcija-u-15-u-kampu/|title=Od sutra selekcija U-15 u kampu|trans-title=Starting tomorrow, the U-15 selection is in the camp|language=Bosnian|publisher=Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina|access-date=16 January 2012}}</ref> and U17 level.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfsbih.ba/vijesti/prijateljske-utakmice-u-17-reprezentacije-2/|title=Prijateljske utakmice "U-17" reprezentacije|trans-title=Friendly matches of the "U-17" national team|language=Bosnian|publisher=Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina|access-date=7 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfsbih.ba/vijesti/zimski-kamp-u-17-i-u-15-reprezentacija/|title=Zimski kamp "U-17" i "U-15" reprezentacija|trans-title=Winter camp "U-17" and "U-15" national team|language=Bosnian|publisher=Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina|access-date=11 January 2013}}</ref> In February 2013, he becomes part of Albania U17 with which he made his debut in a 1–1 away draw against Italy after being named in the starting line-up.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/miqesorja-shqiperia-u-17-shtanget-ne-limit-nga-sllovenet/|title=Miqësorja, Shqipëria U-17 "shtanget" në limit nga sllovenët|trans-title=The friendly, Albania U-17 "stunned" in the limit by the Slovenians|language=Albanian|publisher=Telegrafi|date=20 February 2013}}</ref> On 15 March 2014, Cenaj returned to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina again by accepting their call-up from the under-17 team for the 2014 UEFA European Under-17 Championship elite round,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfsbih.ba/vijesti/u-17-reprezentacija-3/|title="U-17" reprezentacija|trans-title="U-17" national team|language=Bosnian|publisher=Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina|access-date=15 March 2014}}</ref> but due to injury, could not be part of the national team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfsbih.ba/vijesti/okupila-se-u-17-reprezentacija-2/|title=Okupila se "U-17" reprezentacija|trans-title=The "U-17" national team gathered|language=Bosnian|publisher=Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina|access-date=18 March 2014}}</ref> In addition to Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, he has the right to represent his homeland, Kosovo at the international level.
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *{{Soccerway}}
{{KF Feronikeli squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cenaj, Drilon}} Category:1997 births Category:Living people Category:Footballers from Gjakova Category:Men's association football midfielders Category:Kosovan men's footballers Category:US Salernitana 1919 players Category:FK Velež Mostar players Category:NK Novigrad players Category:CS Pandurii Târgu Jiu players Category:POFC Botev Vratsa players Category:ACS Viitorul Târgu Jiu players Category:Nyíregyháza Spartacus FC players Category:NK Čelik Zenica players Category:FK Tuzla City players Category:Szentlőrinci SE footballers Category:FC Prishtina players Category:FC Fushë Kosova players Category:FC Feronikeli 74 players Category:First League of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina players Category:First Football League (Croatia) players Category:Liga II players Category:Nemzeti Bajnokság II players Category:Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina players Category:Kosovan expatriate men's footballers Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy Category:Kosovan expatriate sportspeople in Italy Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Bosnia and Herzegovina Category:Kosovan expatriate sportspeople in Bosnia and Herzegovina Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Croatia Category:Kosovan expatriate sportspeople in Croatia Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Romania Category:Kosovan expatriate sportspeople in Romania Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Bulgaria Category:Kosovan expatriate sportspeople in Bulgaria Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Hungary Category:Kosovan expatriate sportspeople in Hungary