{{Short description|Greek-Albanian footballer (born 1995)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Thomas Strakosha | image = FC Salzburg versus S.S. Lazio Rom Euroleague-Viertelfinale (12. April 2018) 12.jpg | caption = Strakosha playing for Lazio in 2018 | full_name = Thomas Strakosha<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/2786707|title=2022/23 Premier League squad lists|publisher=Premier League|date=16 September 2022|access-date=18 September 2022}}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|3|19|df=y}} | birth_place = Athens, Greece | height = 1.93 m<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aekfc.gr/pld/thomas-strakosa-131558.htm?lang=el&path=-1205067230|title=Θωμας Στρακοσια|language=el|trans-title=Thomas Strakosia|website=aekfc.gr}}</ref> | position = Goalkeeper | currentclub = AEK Athens | clubnumber = 1 | youthyears1 = 2007–2010 | youthclubs1 = APOEL | youthyears2 = 2010–2012 | youthclubs2 = Panionios | youthyears3 = 2012–2014 | youthclubs3 = Lazio | years1 = 2013–2022 | clubs1 = Lazio | caps1 = 164 | goals1 = 0 | years2 = 2015–2016 | clubs2 = → Salernitana (loan) | caps2 = 11 | goals2 = 0 | years3 = 2022–2024 | clubs3 = Brentford | caps3 = 2 | goals3 = 0 | years4 = 2024– | clubs4 = AEK Athens | caps4 = 53 | goals4 = 0 | nationalyears1 = 2012–2013 | nationalteam1 = Albania U19 | nationalcaps1 = 6 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | nationalyears2 = 2013–2016 | nationalteam2 = Albania U21 | nationalcaps2 = 11 | nationalgoals2 = 0 | nationalyears3 = 2017– | nationalteam3 = Albania | nationalcaps3 = 47 | nationalgoals3 = 0 | club-update = 10 May 2026 | nationalteam-update = 31 March 2026 }}
'''Thomas Strakosha''' ({{IPA|sq|ˈtɔmas straˈkɔʃa}}; born 19 March 1995) is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Super League Greece club AEK Athens and the Albania national team.
Born in Athens, he began his youth career at APOEL in Cyprus while his father Foto worked there as a goalkeeping coach, before moving to Panionios.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/6767/Thomas-Strakosha/overview|title=Thomas Strakosha: Overview|access-date=2 August 2022|publisher=Premier League}}</ref> He joined Lazio in 2011 and progressed through the club’s youth system, later making his senior debut and making over 200 appearances, winning the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana twice each.<ref name="Soccerway" /> In 2022, he signed for Brentford, where he made limited first-team appearances, before joining AEK Athens in 2024 and becoming the club's first-choice goalkeeper, winning the 2025–26 Super League Greece.<ref name="BeSoccer" />
At international level, Strakosha represented Albania U19 and U21<ref name="WorldFootball.net">{{WorldFootball.net|new_id=pe299562/thomas-strakosha}}</ref><ref name="BeSoccer" /> before making his senior debut in 2017, and was included in the UEFA Euro 2024 squad.<ref name="EU-Football.info" /><ref name="NFT" />
==Club career== ===Early career=== Strakosha was born in Athens, Greece, to Albanian parents; his father, Foto Strakosha, is a former Albanian international goalkeeper.<ref name="panionianea.gr">{{cite web |url=https://www.panionianea.gr/2020/05/panionianeagr-photos.html |title=Ο Φώτης Στρακόσια στα panionianea.gr: «Ό,τι πιο όμορφο στην καριέρα μου ο Πανιώνιος» (photos) |trans-title=Fotis Strakosha on panionianea.gr: "The most beautiful thing in his career was Panionios" |publisher=Panionianea.gr |date=27 May 2020 |language=el |access-date=25 December 2025}}</ref> He developed an interest in football at a young age and was supported by his family in pursuing the sport.<ref name="panionianea.gr"/> Around the age of 15, he joined the youth setup of APOEL in Cyprus, where his father was working as a goalkeeping coach.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.balkanweb.com/foto-strakosha-thomas-eshte-me-i-mire-se-une-ja-momenti-kur-me-hoqi-10-vite-jete/ |title=Foto Strakosha: Thomas është më i mirë se unë, ja momenti kur më 'hoqi' 10 vite jetë |trans-title=Foto Strakosha: Thomas is better than me, here is the moment when he 'took away' 10 years of my life |publisher=BalkanWeb |date=5 June 2018 |access-date=19 December 2025 |language=sq}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://goal.philenews.com/podosfero/kypros/a-katigoria/apoel/apo-tis-akadimies-tou-apoel-sti-mantsester-giounaitent/ |title=Από τις ακαδημίες του ΑΠΟΕΛ στη Μάντσεστερ Γιουνάιτεντ! |trans-title=From APOEL's academies to Manchester United! |publisher=goal.philenews.com |date=9 July 2022 |access-date=19 December 2025 |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://breakingthelines.com/player-analysis/thomas-strakosha-analyzing-brentfords-albanian-goalkeeper/ |title=Thomas Strakosha: Analyzing Brentford's Albanian Goalkeeper |publisher=Breaking The Lines |date=22 July 2022 |access-date=19 December 2025}}</ref> Strakosha moved to the youth academy of Panionios in 2010 alongside his father, who once again worked as a goalkeeping coach, before joining Lazio in 2011 for a reported fee of €75,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://korneri.net/?p=27458 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527220143/http://korneri.net/?p=27458 |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 May 2014 |title=Zyrtare: T. Strakosha te Lazio |trans-title=Official: T. Strakosha at Lazio |publisher=Korneri.net |access-date=4 October 2016 |language=sq}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerfame.com/transfer/13274/thomas-strakosha |title=Lazio sign Thomas Strakosha from Panionios |publisher=Soccerfame |access-date=4 October 2016}}</ref> He later became regular for the Primavera team and was part of the squad that won the 2013–14 Campionato Nazionale, defeating Atalanta 3–0 in the final on 10 April 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lalaziosiamonoi.it/settore-giovanile/un-poker-per-la-storia-la-coppa-italia-primavera-torna-a-tingersi-di-biancoceleste-dopo-35-anni-43015 |title=Un poker per la storia, la Coppa Italia Primavera torna a tingersi di biancoceleste dopo 35 anni! |trans-title=A poker for history, the Primavera Italian Cup returns to Lazio after 35 years! |publisher=lalaziosiamonoi.it |date=10 April 2014 |access-date=10 April 2014 |language=it}}</ref>
===Lazio=== Strakosha was first called up to the Lazio senior squad during the 2012–13 season, being included as third-choice goalkeeper for the 2012–13 Serie A match against Fiorentina on 28 October 2012 due to the absence of first-choice goalkeeper Federico Marchetti.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/matches/c465b699/Fiorentina-Lazio-October-28-2012-Serie-A |title=Fiorentina vs. Lazio Match Report – Sunday October 28, 2012 |publisher=FBref |access-date=10 May 2026}}</ref> Following the departure of Juan Pablo Carrizo in January 2013, he was included as third-choice goalkeeper for several Lazio first-team matches during the second half of the season, remaining an unused substitute throughout the campaign.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2012-2013/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2012–2013 |publisher=FBref |access-date=10 May 2026}}</ref> He was also part of the squad for the 2013 Coppa Italia final against city rivals Roma on 26 May 2013, as Lazio won the match 1–0 to lift the trophy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/match/as-roma-zVqqL0ma/lazio-URcSl02h/summary/lineups/?mid=fa3sy1tD |title=ROM 0-1 LAZ {{!}} AS Roma v Lazio live scores & match info - Lineups |publisher=Soccerway |date=26 May 2013 |access-date=10 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.lalaziosiamonoi.it/editoriale/lulic-scrive-la-storia-del-calcio-a-roma-c-e-solo-la-lazio-34784 |title=Lulic scrive la storia del calcio: a Roma c'è SOLO LA LAZIO! |trans-title=Lulic writes the story of football: in Rome there is ONLY LA LAZIO! |publisher=lalaziosiamonoi.it |language=it |date=26 May 2013 |access-date=26 May 2013}}</ref> On 18 August 2013, he was included in the squad for the 2013 Supercoppa Italiana against Juventus, as Lazio were defeated 4–0.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerway.com/match/juventus-C06aJvIB/lazio-URcSl02h/?mid=WvuFsggF |title=JUV 4-0 LAZ {{!}} Juventus v Lazio live scores & match info - Match |publisher=Soccerway |date=18 August 2013 |access-date=10 May 2026}}</ref> Strakosha remained third-choice goalkeeper during the 2013–14 season, regularly appearing in Serie A matchday squads without making a first-team appearance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2013-2014/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2013–2014 |publisher=FBref |access-date=10 May 2026}}</ref> In July 2014, he stated that his objective was either to remain with the first team or move on loan to gain playing experience.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.calciomercato.com/notizie/strakosha-voglio-diventare-il-primo-portiere-della-lazio/453472 |title=Strakosha: "Voglio diventare il primo portiere della Lazio" |trans-title=Strakosha: 'I want to become the first goalkeeper of Lazio' |publisher=Calciomercato.com |language=it |date=14 July 2014 |access-date=4 October 2016}}</ref> On 11 July 2014, Lazio sporting director Igli Tare announced that Strakosha had signed a contract extension with the club until 2019.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://asport.al/strakosha-edhe-5-vjet-te-lacio/ |title=Strakosha edhe 5 vjet te Lacio |trans-title=Strakosha for 5 years at Lazio |publisher=aSport.al |language=sq |date=11 July 2014 |access-date=11 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513064545/http://asport.al/strakosha-edhe-5-vjet-te-lacio/ |archive-date=13 May 2016}}</ref> Strakosha remained at Lazio for a third consecutive season in 2014–15, continuing as the club's third-choice goalkeeper without making a first-team appearance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2014-2015/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2014–2015 |publisher=FBref |access-date=10 May 2026}}</ref> He was included in the squad for the 2015 Coppa Italia final against Juventus on 20 May 2015, where Lazio lost 2–1 after extra time.<ref>{{cite news |title=Juventus, in bacheca la decima Coppa Italia! Lazio freddata da mitra Matri |trans-title=Juventus, in the tenth Coppa Italia! Lazio stunned by Matri |url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/juventus-in-bacheca-la-decima-coppa-italia-lazio-freddata-da-mitra-matri-682594 |publisher=Tuttomercatoweb |date=30 May 2015}}</ref>
====Loan to Salernitana==== In July 2015, Strakosha joined newly promoted Serie B club Salernitana on loan.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.supersport.al/thomas-strakosha-zyrtarisht-te-salernitana/ |title=Thomas Strakosha zyrtarisht te Salernitana |trans-title=Thomas Strakosha officially at Salernitana |publisher=SuperSport Albania |language=sq |author=Sotir Kora |date=9 July 2015 |access-date=9 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711230532/http://www.supersport.al/thomas-strakosha-zyrtarisht-te-salernitana/ |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> He made his professional debut on 9 August 2015 in a 1–0 victory against Pisa in the second round of the 2015–16 Coppa Italia.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.soccerway.com/match/pisa-roasMsOT/salernitana-Mq05g4BP/?mid=YeuLet74 |title=SAL 1-0 PIS {{!}} Salernitana v Pisa live scores & match info - Summary |publisher=Soccerway |date=9 August 2015 |access-date=9 August 2015}}</ref> A week later, he featured in the third round of the Coppa Italia, making several saves and keeping a clean sheet for 120 minutes as Salernitana defeated Chievo Verona 1–0 to advance.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://minuta90.com/strakosha-vendimtar-salernitana-kualifikohet/ |title=Strakosha vendimtar, Salernitana kualifikohet |trans-title=Strakosha decisive, Salernitana qualifies |publisher=minuta90.com |language=sq |date=17 August 2015 |access-date=17 August 2015}}</ref> He remained on the bench in the fourth round, as Salernitana were eliminated following a 2–0 defeat to Spezia.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2015-2016/c529/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2015–2016 |publisher=FBref |access-date=10 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/12/01/italy/coppa-italia/asd-spezia-calcio-2008/salernitana-calcio-1919/2140634/ |title=Spezia vs. Salernitana 2–0 |publisher=Soccerway |date=1 December 2015 |access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref> He made his league debut on 6 September 2015 in the opening match of the 2015–16 Serie B season against Avellino, playing the full match in a 3–1 victory.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/09/06/italy/serie-b/salernitana-calcio-1919/us-avellino/2144885/ |title=Salernitana vs. Avellino 3–1 |publisher=Soccerway |date=6 September 2015 |access-date=6 September 2015}}</ref> After also featuring in the second league match in a 2–2 draw against Brescia, he spent most of the season on the bench, although he started regularly during October and November 2015, making seven consecutive appearances during which he conceded 11 goals and Salernitana remained winless, recording four draws and three defeats.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe299562/thomas-strakosha/co113/italy-serie-b/se18518/2015-2016/club-matches/ |title=Thomas Strakosha - Club matches 2015–16 Serie B |website=WorldFootball.net |access-date=11 May 2026}}</ref> On 17 October 2015, Strakosha made an error in Salernitana’s 1–0 away defeat to Virtus Entella, failing to deal with a cross which led to the only goal of the match.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://cronachesalerno.it/stavolta-ci-pensa-strakosha-terzo-ko-di-fila-per-la-salernitana/ |title=Stavolta ci pensa… Strakosha: terzo ko di fila per la Salernitana |trans-title=This time Strakosha takes care of it… third consecutive defeat for Salernitana |publisher=Cronache Salerno |date=17 October 2015 |author=Marco De Martino |access-date=11 May 2026}}</ref> On 27 February 2016, he saved a penalty in a 1–1 away draw against Trapani.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salernotoday.it/sport/trapani-salernitana-1-1-27-febbraio-2016.html |title=Trapani - Salernitana 1-1: "I granata strappano un pareggio, ma le altre scappano" |trans-title=Trapani–Salernitana 1–1: "The Granata earn a draw, but the others pull away" |publisher=SalernoToday |date=27 February 2016 |access-date=11 May 2026}}</ref> Strakosha finished the season with 11 league appearances and 16 goals conceded, while Salernitana avoided relegation after defeating Virtus Lanciano in the play-out round, with Strakosha remaining an unused substitute in both matches.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/squads/c5577084/2015-2016/Salernitana-Stats |title=2015-2016 Salernitana Stats |publisher=FBref |access-date=11 May 2026}}</ref>
====Return to Lazio and breakthrough==== [[File:Матч «Динамо» - «Лацио» 0-2. 15 марта 2018 года — 848871.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Strakosha playing for Lazio in 2018.]]
In July 2016, following the end of his loan spell, Strakosha returned to Lazio.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.gazetaexpress.com/sport/strakosha-rikthehet-te-lazio-te-kenaqur-me-inzaghin-228191/?archive=1 |title=Strakosha rikthehet te Lazio: Të kënaqur me Inzaghin |trans-title=Strakosha returns to Lazio: Pleased with Inzaghi |publisher=Gazeta Express |language=sq |date=18 July 2016 |access-date=18 July 2016}}</ref> Shortly before the close of the summer transfer window, he was linked with a move to Cardiff City, but remained at the club after sporting director Igli Tare intervened, while Etrit Berisha was nearing a transfer to Atalanta.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://durreslajm.al/strakosha-rritja-e-papritur-e-talentit-shqiptar/ |title=Strakosha, rritja e papritur e talentit shqiptar |publisher=Durrës Lajm |date=15 October 2017 |access-date=11 May 2026}}</ref> Following the injury of Federico Marchetti, Strakosha made his Lazio debut on 20 September 2016 in a league match against Milan.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.goal.com/en/match/milan-vs-lazio/2305798/report |title=Milan 2-0 Lazio: On-form Bacca scores again in Rossoneri victory |publisher=Goal.com |date=20 September 2016 |access-date=20 September 2016}}</ref> Despite the 2–0 defeat, his performance received positive reviews, and he was named Lazio's man of the match.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://durreslajm.com/sport/strakosha-rr%C3%ABfen-emocionet-n%C3%AB-debutimin-ndaj-milanit |title=Strakosha rrëfen emocionet në debutimin ndaj Milanit |trans-title=Strakosha confesses the emotions in his debut against Milan |publisher=Durrës Lajm |language=sq |date=21 September 2016 |access-date=21 September 2016}}</ref> Five days later, he kept his first Serie A clean sheet in only his second appearance, in a 2–0 home win against Empoli; the performance led 1982 FIFA World Cup winner Dino Zoff to praise him, stating: "I cannot judge him after only two matches, but in my opinion he performed well in both games."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pressreader.com/ |title=Elozhe nga Dino Xof: Strakosha, debutim pozitiv |trans-title=Praise from Dino Zoff: Strakosha, a positive debut |publisher=Press Reader |language=sq |date=29 September 2016 |access-date=29 September 2016}}</ref> He followed this with another clean sheet on the next matchday, helping Lazio to a 3–0 away victory against Udinese on 1 October 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/matches/b6bbacde/Udinese-Lazio-October-1-2016-Serie-A |title=Udinese vs. Lazio Match Report – Saturday October 1, 2016 |publisher=FBref |access-date=12 May 2026}}</ref> On 18 January 2017, Strakosha featured in the 2016–17 Coppa Italia round of 16 match against Genoa, starting in goal as Lazio won 4–2 and advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/matches/35b7d159/Lazio-Genoa-January-18-2017-Coppa-Italia |title=Lazio vs. Genoa Match Report – Wednesday January 18, 2017 |publisher=FBref |access-date=12 May 2026}}</ref> On 22 February 2017, Strakosha renewed his contract with Lazio until 2022.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://sportekspres.com/zyrtare-strakosha-rinovon-me-lacion/ |title=Zyrtare, Strakosha rinovon me Lacion |trans-title=Official, Strakosha renews with Lazio |publisher=Sport Ekspres |language=sq |date=22 February 2017 |access-date=22 February 2017}}</ref> In Serie A he made a few further appearances in the first half of the season before becoming the regular starting goalkeeper under Simone Inzaghi from matchday 22 until the end of the campaign, establishing himself as first-choice through consistent performances, a breakthrough that was also facilitated in part by the recurring injuries of his rival Federico Marchetti.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sfidanti.al/futboll-bota/seria-a/lazio-strakosha-mbylli-nje-2017-te-paharrueshme-te-vazhdojme-ne-kete-rruge |title=Lazio, Strakosha: “Mbylla një 2017 të paharrueshme, të vazhdojmë në këtë rrugë” |trans-title=Lazio, Strakosha: “I ended an unforgettable 2017, let's continue on this path” |website=Sfidanti |date=31 December 2017 |language=sq}}</ref> He finished the season with 21 appearances, 1,844 minutes played, and six clean sheets, as Lazio ended the Serie A campaign in 5th place.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.balkanweb.com/profil-protagonist-absolut-tek-lazio-thomas-strakosha-kthehet-aty-ku-e-nisi/ |title=PROFIL/ Protagonist absolut tek Lazio, Thomas Strakosha kthehet aty ku e nisi |trans-title=PROFILE/ Absolute protagonist at Lazio, Thomas Strakosha returns where it all began |publisher=BalkanWeb |date=27 January 2018 |language=sq |access-date=11 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2016-2017/c11/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2016–2017 |publisher=FBref |access-date=11 May 2026}}</ref><ref name="NFT" /> During the Coppa Italia semi-finals, Strakosha started both legs against Roma, keeping a clean sheet in the first leg of a 2–0 home victory on 1 March 2017 before conceding three goals in the return leg on 3 April 2017, as Lazio progressed to the final with a 4–3 aggregate win.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2016-2017/c529/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2016–2017 |publisher=FBref |access-date=12 May 2026}}</ref> Strakosha also featured in the final, where Lazio were defeated 2–0 by Juventus.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2792644-cristiano-ronaldo-scoreless-in-juventus-2-0-win-over-lazio |title=Cristiano Ronaldo Scoreless in Juventus' 2-0 Win over Lazio |publisher=Bleacher Report}}</ref> On 13 August 2017, Strakosha played in the 2017 Supercoppa Italiana against Juventus and won his first major trophy as Lazio triumphed 3–2 with a late decisive goal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2727248-lazio-stun-juventus-in-3-2-thriller-to-win-italian-super-cup |title=Lazio Stun Juventus in 3-2 Thriller to Win Italian Super Cup |publisher=Bleacher Report |author=Gianni Verschueren |date=13 August 2017 |access-date=13 August 2017}}</ref>
During the 2017–18 season, Strakosha made 53 appearances and played 4,800 minutes across all competitions for Lazio, missing only three matches (all in the Europa League), while conceding 63 goals and keeping 17 clean sheets, establishing himself as one of the club's key players, maintaining a save percentage of 72.1% and contributing to Lazio's push for a top-four Serie A finish.<ref name="Laziali saving">{{cite web |url=https://thelaziali.com/2019/06/20/strakosha-lazio-saving-grace-albania/ |title=Thomas Strakosha: Lazio's saving grace |publisher=The Laziali |date=20 June 2019 |access-date=12 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://thelaziali.com/2018/04/20/top-3-lazio-players-17-18/ |title=Top 3 Lazio Players of the 2017/18 Season |author=Steven Moore |publisher=The Laziali |date=20 April 2018 |access-date=13 May 2026}}</ref> Throughout the 2017–18 Serie A season, he appeared in every league match, playing every available minute as the club recorded 21 wins, nine draws and eight defeats, eventually finishing fifth and narrowly missing qualification for the UEFA Champions League following a decisive 3–2 home loss to Inter on the final matchday.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2017-2018/c11/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2017–2018 |publisher=FBref |access-date=13 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://sport.sky.it/calcio/serie-a/2018/05/20/lazio-inter-risultato-gol |title=Lazio-Inter 2-3, decide un gol di Vecino all'82'. Nerazzurri in Champions League, Inzaghi in Europa League |trans-title=Lazio-Inter 2–3, Vecino's 82nd-minute goal sends Nerazzurri to the Champions League, Inzaghi to the Europa League |publisher=Sky Sport |date=20 May 2018 |access-date=13 May 2026 |language=it}}</ref> By playing every minute of the Serie A season, he became only the second Lazio goalkeeper to achieve this feat, after Luca Marchegiani in 1998–99.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.balkanweb.com/en/Champions-League-final-against-Inter--Strakosha-sets-Lazio-record/ |title=Champions League final against Inter - Strakosha sets Lazio record |publisher=BalkanWeb |date=20 May 2018 |access-date=14 May 2026}}</ref> On 14 October 2017, Strakosha saved a penalty in stoppage-time from Paulo Dybala in a 2–1 away win against Juventus, marking his first penalty save in Serie A and ending Juventus' unbeaten home league run since August 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/juventus/2017/10/14/news/lazio_immobile_stakosha-178295051/ |title=Juventus-Lazio 1-2: Immobile e Strakosha violano lo "Stadium" |date=14 October 2017}}</ref> On 24 September 2017, Strakosha kept a clean sheet in a 3–0 away victory over Verona, with his performance receiving positive reviews as Lazio continued their strong start to the Serie A season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.syri.net/amp/index.php?id=95799 |title=Strakosha shkëlqen në Serie A, i vë ‘kyçin’ portës së Lazios |publisher=Syri.net |date=24 September 2017 |access-date=13 May 2026 |language=sq}}</ref> On 21 October 2017, he was named the best young goalkeeper of 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sslazio.it/it/news/press-release-2/41990-comunicato-21-10-17 |title=Comunicato 21.10.17 |publisher=SS Lazio |language=it |date=21 October 2017 |access-date=21 October 2017}}</ref> On 30 December 2017, Strakosha kept a clean sheet in a goalless draw against Inter, and was described as the hero of the match due to his decisive saves.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.balkanweb.com/inter-dhe-lacio-e-strakoshes-e-mbyllin-vitin-ne-paqe-ndajne-piket-ne-san-siro/ |title=VIDEO/ Strakosha dhe Handanoviç heronjtë e ndeshjes, Inter e Lacio mbyllin 2017 në paqe |trans-title=VIDEO/ Strakosha and Handanović the heroes of the match, Inter and Lazio end 2017 in peace |publisher=BalkanWeb |date=30 December 2017 |access-date=13 May 2026 |language=sq}}</ref> In the 2017–18 Coppa Italia, Strakosha conceded only once in the round of 16 before keeping clean sheets in both the quarter-finals and the two semi-final matches against Milan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2017-2018/c529/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2017–2018 |publisher=FBref |access-date=13 May 2026}}</ref> On 28 February 2018, he was named man of the match after saving two penalties in the second-leg semi-final against Milan, although Lazio were eliminated following a 5–4 penalty shoot-out defeat.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lazio vs. Milan Match Report – Wednesday February 28, 2018 (Leg 2) |url=https://fbref.com/en/matches/289861d0/Lazio-Milan-February-28-2018-Coppa-Italia |publisher=FBref |access-date=13 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.syri.net/amp/index.php?id=140240 |title=FOTO/ Klubi i Lazios shpërblen Thomas Strakoshën |publisher=Syri.net |date=2 March 2018 |access-date=13 May 2026 |language=sq}}</ref> In the 2017–18 UEFA Europa League, Strakosha made four appearances during the group stage, all ending in victories for Lazio, before playing regularly throughout the knockout phase, featuring in all three two-legged knockout rounds up to the quarter-finals in April 2018, where Lazio were eliminated by Red Bull Salzburg following a 6–5 aggregate defeat after losing 4–1 in the second leg.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2017-2018/c19/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2017–2018 |publisher=FBref |access-date=13 May 2026}}</ref>
During the 2018–19 season, Strakosha made 44 appearances and played 3,990 minutes across all competitions, missing only three Serie A matches due to injury, while conceding 46 goals, keeping 13 clean sheets, and making more than 105 saves as Lazio won the 2018–19 Coppa Italia.<ref name="Laziali saving"/> In the 2018–19 Serie A, he recorded 10 clean sheets, ranking seventh among goalkeepers in the league.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://m.lalaziosiamonoi.it/news/lazio-top-ten-clean-sheets-in-serie-a-presente-strakosha-foto-108259 |title=Lazio, top ten clean sheets in Serie A: presente Strakosha - FOTO |trans-title=Lazio, top ten clean sheets in Serie A: Strakosha included |author=Claudio Cianci |publisher=Lalaziosiamonoi.it |date=29 May 2019 |access-date=14 May 2026 |language=it}}</ref> On 8 November 2018, Strakosha made several saves in Lazio's 2–1 victory over Marseille in the 2018–19 UEFA Europa League group stage, helping the club qualify for the knockout stage with two matches remaining.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://tvklan.al/kualifikohet-lazio-e-strakoshes |title=Kualifikohet Lazio e Strakoshës |trans-title=Strakosha's Lazio qualify |publisher=TV Klan |date=9 November 2018 |access-date=14 May 2026 |language=sq}}</ref> On 5 February 2019, Strakosha played a decisive role in Lazio’s 1–0 Serie A victory over Frosinone, making a late save to preserve the result.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://tvklan.al/strakosha-protagonist-ne-serie-a |title=Strakosha, protagonist në Serie A |trans-title=Strakosha, protagonist in Serie A |publisher=TV Klan |date=5 February 2019 |access-date=11 May 2026 |language=sq}}</ref> Following his performances in the Derby della Capitale against Roma on 2 March 2019, Strakosha was voted the best under-23 player of the 26th Serie A round in a weekly poll organised by ''La Gazzetta dello Sport'', after helping Lazio secure a clean sheet with several decisive saves despite playing through a shoulder injury.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://lapsi.al/2019/03/04/strakosha-me-i-miri-i-javes-se-26-pritje-dhe-lidership-i-portierit-kuqezi/ |title=Strakosha më i miri i javës së 26°. Pritje dhe lidership i portierit kuqezi |publisher=Lapsi.al |date=4 March 2019 |access-date=15 May 2026 |language=sq}}</ref> On 31 March 2019, Strakosha delivered a standout performance in a 1–0 away win against Inter, making several decisive saves as Lazio strengthened their challenge for a top-four finish in Serie A.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.balkanweb.com/en/fantastic-video-tomas-strakosha-lacio-shocks-inter-at-home/ |title=VIDEO/ Fantastic Tomas Strakosha, Lazio shocks Inter at home |publisher=BalkanWeb |date=31 March 2019 |access-date=15 May 2026}}</ref> On 2 April 2019, he was also described by ''Gianluca di Marzio'' as the best goalkeeper of the month in Serie A following a series of strong performances for Lazio.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ekonomiaonline.com/strakosha-portieri-i-muajit-ne-serie-a/ |title=Strakosha portieri i muajit në Serie A |publisher=Ekonomia Online |date=2 April 2019 |access-date=15 May 2026 |language=sq}}</ref> On 17 April 2019, Strakosha saved a penalty from Rodrigo De Paul in Lazio's 2–0 Serie A victory over Udinese, receiving praise from coach Inzaghi for his decisive contribution as Lazio continued their push for a Champions League place.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tvklan.al/strakosha-vulos-fitoren-e-lazio |title=Strakosha vulos fitoren e Lazio |publisher=TV Klan |date=18 April 2019 |access-date=15 May 2026 |language=sq}}</ref> Lazio ultimately finished eighth in the standings.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/comps/11/2018-2019/2018-2019-Serie-A-Stats |title=2018–2019 Serie A Stats |publisher=FBref |access-date=16 May 2026}}</ref> In the Coppa Italia, Strakosha was ever-present for Lazio, conceding once in both the round of 16 and quarter-finals before keeping clean sheets in the two-legged semi-final against Milan, as Lazio progressed to the final with a 1–0 aggregate victory, and also in the 2–0 win over Atalanta on 15 May 2019 to secure the trophy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2018-2019/c529/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2018–2019 |publisher=FBref |access-date=16 May 2026}}</ref> In June 2019, Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur were reported to be preparing a €30 million bid for Strakosha as they searched for a long-term successor to Hugo Lloris.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://thelaziali.com/2019/06/12/thomas-strakosha-spurs-bid/ |title=Thomas Strakosha: Spurs ready €30m bid for Lazio keeper |publisher=The Laziali |author=Sam Wilson |date=12 June 2019 |access-date=15 May 2026}}</ref> On 22 December 2019, Strakosha produced several decisive saves in Lazio's 3–1 victory over Juventus in the 2019 Supercoppa Italiana, earning praise from the media for his performance against Cristiano Ronaldo.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.al/neutralizuan-cr7-dhe-juven-strakosha-felipe-protagoniste-absolute/ |title=Neutralizuan CR7 dhe Juven, Strakosha-Felipe protagonistë absolutë |publisher=ABC News Albania |date=24 December 2019 |access-date=15 May 2026 |language=sq}}</ref>
In the 2019–20 Serie A, Strakosha played every available minute of the campaign, marking the second time in his career he achieved this feat after the 2017–18 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2019-2020/c11/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2019–2020 |publisher=FBref |access-date=16 May 2026}}</ref> On 18 January 2020, Strakosha participated in Lazio's 5–1 victory over Sampdoria, as the club recorded its 11th consecutive win in Serie A.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/554391/sampdoria-lazio |title=Lazio 5-1 Sampdoria (Jan 18, 2020) Final Score |publisher=ESPN |access-date=16 May 2026}}</ref> At the time, Strakosha was considered one of the key players in Lazio's strong title challenge that season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.balkanweb.com/en/Strakosha-scares-Lazion--the-red-and-black-goalkeeper-undergoes-examinations/ |title=Strakosha scares Lazio, the red and black goalkeeper undergoes examinations |website=BalkanWeb |date=19 January 2020 |access-date=17 May 2026}}</ref> Lazio spent much of the second half of the season in the top three of the standings, even reaching second place with 62 points, one behind leaders Juventus and five ahead of third-placed Inter, before the COVID-19 pandemic suspension of the league in March 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/competition/co111/italy-serie-a/se31821/2019-2020/ro100927/round/md26/results-and-standings/ |title=Serie A 2019/2020 » 26. Round » Results and Table |website=worldfootball.net |access-date=17 May 2026}}</ref> After the championship resumed between June and August 2020, a series of defeats saw Lazio finish fourth on 78 points, level with Atalanta but behind on head-to-head record, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League group stage.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/comps/11/2019-2020/2019-2020-Serie-A-Stats |title=2019–2020 Serie A Stats |publisher=FBref |access-date=16 May 2026}}</ref>
During the 2020–21 season, Strakosha began the campaign as Lazio's starting goalkeeper, but after conceding nine goals in four Serie A matches following the opening clean sheet against Cagliari, he lost his place to veteran Pepe Reina following a COVID-19 infection and a series of injury problems, including hamstring and knee issues, which caused him to miss several matches.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thelaziali.com/2021/06/10/should-lazio-keep-hold-of-albania-international-thomas-strakosha/ |title=Should Lazio Keep Hold of Albania International Thomas Strakosha? |publisher=The Laziali |date=10 June 2021 |access-date=16 May 2026}}</ref> Reports indicated that his situation was influenced by recurring injury problems linked to a knee cartilage issue dating back to a youth injury at age 15, which affected his availability, contributed to the club's hesitation over renewing his contract, and ultimately led to expectations of his departure in the summer of 2021.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.gazetatema.net/2021/05/15/prapaskenat-e-divorcit-strakosha-lacio-problem-nje-demtim-qe-kur-ishte-15-vjecar |title=Prapaskenat e divorcit Strakosha-Lacio: Problem një dëmtim që kur ishte 15-vjeçar |trans-title=Behind the scenes of the Strakosha–Lazio divorce: A problem caused by an injury since he was 15 years old |publisher=Gazeta Tema |date=15 May 2021 |access-date=17 May 2026}}</ref> Strakosha made his UEFA Champions League debut on 20 October 2020 in Lazio's 3–1 group-stage win over Borussia Dortmund in opening matchday, playing the full 90 minutes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe299562/thomas-strakosha/co19/uefa-champions-league/se36850/2020-2021/club-matches/ |title=Thomas Strakosha » Club matches – UEFA Champions League 2020/2021 |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=17 May 2026}}</ref> Strakosha returned to the starting lineup in Serie A after a five-month absence on 12 May 2021, producing several decisive saves and keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 win over Parma, a performance that helped revive his chances of regaining a regular place in the team.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cna.al/newsmobile//264127/ |title=Strakosha rikthehet të shkëlqejë me Lazion, bën disa pritje fantastike |trans-title=Strakosha returns to shine with Lazio, makes several fantastic saves |publisher=CNA.al |date=13 May 2021 |access-date=17 May 2026}}</ref> Strakosha made his final appearances of the season after Lazio had secured 6th place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League, featuring in the last two matches, keeping a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw against Torino and playing in a 2–0 defeat to Sassuolo in his ninth league appearance of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe299562/thomas-strakosha/co111/italy-serie-a/se36220/2020-2021/club-matches/ |title=Thomas Strakosha » Club matches – Serie A 2020/2021 |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=17 May 2026}}</ref>
During the 2021–22 season, Strakosha began the campaign as second-choice goalkeeper behind Pepe Reina in domestic competitions, but was deployed as the starting goalkeeper in the 2021–22 UEFA Europa League group stage, starting all six group-stage matches and making eight appearances overall in the competition.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2021-2022/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2021–2022 |publisher=FBref |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref> On 16 September 2021, he made an error in Lazio's 1–0 defeat to Galatasaray in the opening group-stage match, misjudging a cross and conceding the decisive goal.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ftw/2021/09/16/thomas-strakosha-lazio-own-goal-europa-league/118828198/ |title=Worst own goal ever? Watch Lazio's keeper make epic blunder in Europa League |author=Andrew Joseph |publisher=USA Today (For The Win) |date=16 September 2021 |access-date=11 May 2026}}</ref> Strakosha kept clean sheets in all remaining group-stage matches except for a 2–2 draw against Marseille, as Lazio recorded two wins and three draws to qualify for the knockout phase, where they were narrowly eliminated 4–3 on aggregate by Porto.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2021-2022/c19/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2021–2022 UEFA Europa League |publisher=FBref |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref> By December 2021, Strakosha regained his place in the starting lineup in Serie A amid the team's defensive struggles and Pepe Reina's inconsistent performances, with the club reportedly turning back to Strakosha following a run of 29 goals conceded in 15 league matches.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/sport/strakosha-kthehet-titullar-lacio-kerkon-shpetimin-te-shqiptari-pas-statistikes-se-tmerrshme/ |title=Strakosha kthehet titullar, Lacio kërkon shpëtimin te shqiptari pas statistikës së tmerrshme |trans-title=Strakosha returns as starter, Lazio seeks salvation from the Albanian after dreadful statistics |publisher=Panorama Sport |date=5 December 2021 |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref> In his first Serie A start after regaining his place, Strakosha produced several decisive saves in a 3–1 away win against Sampdoria on 5 December 2021, although uncertainty over his future at the club remained due to ongoing contract renewal discussions ahead of the expiration of his deal in June 2022, with reports indicating that Lazio remained open to extending his contract under certain conditions.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.balkanweb.com/en/Strakosha-returns-as-starter-calms-sarri-down-but-future-remains-uncertain/ |title=Strakosha returns as starter, calms Sarri down but future remains uncertain |publisher=BalkanWeb |date=7 December 2021 |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.romatoday.it/sport/calcio/lazio-strakosha-rinnovo-alternative-porta.html |title=Lazio, Strakosha fra rinnovo e addio. Lotito studia le alternative: ecco i nomi |trans-title=Lazio, Strakosha between renewal and farewell. Lotito studies alternatives: here are the names |publisher=RomaToday |date=8 March 2022 |access-date=11 May 2026}}</ref> Strakosha went on to play every remaining minute of the campaign, initially conceding in each of his first six matches despite Lazio recording three wins and one draw, before keeping four consecutive clean sheets as the team earned three 3–0 victories and one draw.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2021-2022/c11/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2021–2022 Serie A |publisher=FBref |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref> Strakosha added three more clean sheets and finished the season in Serie A with 29 goals conceded in 23 appearances, as Lazio recorded 12 wins and six draws in matches he played to climb from ninth place to a fifth-place finish and secure qualification for the 2022–23 UEFA Europa League group stage.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/te1187/lazio-roma/vs2021-2022/all-matches/#hs-filter=competition_id-111; |title=Lazio Roma » Fixtures & Results 2021/2022 |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=18 May 2026}}</ref>
In the summer of 2022, Strakosha left Lazio after the expiration of his contract, ending a ten-year spell at the club in which he made 208 appearances across all competitions.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.al/strakosha-lazio-ime-iki-pas-10-vitesh-te-bukura-do-ju-kem-ne-zemer/ |title=Strakosha: Lazio ime, iki pas 10 vitesh të bukura! Do ju kem në zemër |publisher=Abc News |date=22 May 2022 |access-date=13 May 2026 |language=sq}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.laziostories.com/post/thomas-strakosha |title=Thomas Strakosha |publisher=Laziali |access-date=13 May 2026}}</ref>
===Brentford=== On 14 July 2022, Strakosha signed a three-year contract with Premier League club Brentford.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2022/july/thomas-strakosha-signs-for-brentford/ |title=THOMAS STRAKOSHA SIGNS FOR BRENTFORD |publisher=Brentford F.C. |date=14 July 2022 |access-date=14 July 2022}}</ref> Strakosha made his debut for the club on 23 August 2022 as a starter in a 2–0 away win over Colchester United in the 2022–23 EFL Cup second round, making four saves as the team advanced to the round of 32.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/debutim-fantastik-strakosha-shkelqen-si-titullar-me-brentford/ |title=Debutim fantastik, Strakosha shkëlqen si titullar me Brentford |trans-title=Fantastic debut, Strakosha shines as Brentford starter |publisher=Panorama |date=23 August 2022 |access-date=9 May 2026}}</ref> Strakosha did not make a single Premier League appearance during the 2022–23 season due to strong competition from first-choice and Spain international David Raya, as well as a series of injuries which limited his availability, particularly between October 2022 and May 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2022-2023/c9/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2022–23 |publisher=FBref |access-date=9 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4551626/2023/05/30/brentford-season-review-202223/ |title=Brentford season review 2022–23 |publisher=The Athletic |access-date=9 May 2026}}</ref><ref name="Soccerway" /> On 7 January 2023, Strakosha started in a 0–1 home defeat against West Ham United in the third round of the 2022–23 FA Cup, as Brentford were eliminated from the competition.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cna.al/sport/brentford-eliminohet-nga-fa-cup-tifozet-fajsojne-thomas-strakoshen-i345284 |title=Brentford eliminohet nga FA Cup |publisher=CNA |date=7 January 2023 |access-date=9 May 2026}}</ref> With only these two appearances in the domestic cup competitions, Strakosha concluded his first season in England.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2022-2023/keeper/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2022–23 |publisher=FBref |access-date=9 May 2026}}</ref>
He made his Premier League debut on 7 October 2023 in a 2–1 away defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66969161 |title=Manchester United 2-1 Brentford: Scott McTominay's late double salvages dramatic victory |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 October 2023 |access-date=9 May 2026}}</ref> On 4 November 2023, Strakosha replaced the injured Mark Flekken at half-time in Brentford's 3–2 comeback victory over West Ham United in the league, keeping a clean sheet in the second half as Brentford overturned a 1–2 deficit by scoring twice after the break.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/commentary/_/gameId/671134 |title=Brentford 3-2 West Ham United Commentary |publisher=ESPN |date=4 November 2023 |access-date=9 May 2026}}</ref> In January 2024, Strakosha featured in both matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third round of the 2023–24 FA Cup; after a 1–1 draw in the first match, Brentford were eliminated following a 3–2 defeat after extra time in the replay.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe299562/thomas-strakosha/co41/england-fa-cup/se58448/2023-2024/club-matches/ |title=Thomas Strakosha » FA Cup 2023/2024 |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=9 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/wolves-vs-brentford/502395 |title=Wolves 3-2 Brentford AET |publisher=Sky Sports |date=17 January 2024 |access-date=9 May 2026}}</ref> In July 2024, Strakosha left Brentford after making six appearances and being named on the bench on 50 occasions during his two-year spell, joining Greek club AEK Athens on a free transfer.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c4ngk278ejpo |title=Goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha joins AEK Athens |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 July 2024 |access-date=9 May 2026}}</ref>
===AEK Athens=== In July 2024, Strakosha moved to Super League Greece club AEK Athens on a free transfer.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/news/article/first-team-thomas-strakosha-aek-athens-transfer |title=Strakosha joins AEK Athens |publisher=Brentford F.C. |date=8 July 2024 |access-date=9 July 2024}}</ref> He signed a contract running until the summer of 2029, with an annual salary reported to exceed €1.2 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sport24.gr/football/thomas-strakosa-ayto-einai-to-chryso-symvolaioy-toy-29chronoy-gkolkiper-me-tin-aek.10347455.html|title=Θωμάς Στρακόσα: Αυτό είναι το χρυσό συμβόλαιο του Αλβανού γκολκίπερ με την ΑΕΚ|trans-title=Thomas Strakosha: This is the golden contract of the Albanian goalkeeper with AEK|publisher=Sport24|date=8 July 2024|language=el|access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> He made his competitive debut on 24 July 2024, starting in a 4–3 home win over Inter Club d'Escaldes in the 2024–25 UEFA Conference League second qualifying round.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/matches/29b0bb08/AEK-Athens-Inter-dEscaldes-July-24-2024-Conference-League |title=AEK Athens vs. Inter d'Escaldes Match Report – Wednesday July 24, 2024 (Leg 1) |publisher=FBref |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> During the match, he provided a long pass in the build-up to Levi Garcia's goal for AEK's temporary 2–0 lead in the 20th minute,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/sport/video-strakosha-poston-pamjet-e-pasimit-te-tij-per-gol-reagon-sulmuesi-i-anglise-asist-tani/ |title=VIDEO/ Strakosha poston pamjet e pasimit të tij për gol |publisher=Panorama Sport |date=25 July 2024 |language=sq |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> and later conceded a penalty in the second half, receiving a yellow card in the 76th minute, with the penalty converted to make the score 4–2.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaconferenceleague/match/2041114--aek-athens-vs-inter-escaldes/events/ |title=History: AEK Athens 4-3 Inter Escaldes |publisher=UEFA |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> On 1 August 2024, Strakosha kept a clean sheet in a 4–0 second-leg victory, helping AEK Athens progress to the third qualifying round, where they faced Armenian club Noah.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaconferenceleague/match/2041163/ |title=Inter Club d'Escaldes vs AEK Athens |website=UEFA.com |publisher=UEFA |access-date=12 May 2026}}</ref> On 8 August 2024, Strakosha conceded a goal from a long clearance by the Noah goalkeeper in the first leg during AEK’s 3–1 defeat.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.calciosalernitana.it/2024/08/08/ex-salernitana-clamoroso-thomas-strakosha-prende-gol-dal-rinvio-del-portiere-avversario-in-conference-league/ |title=Ex Salernitana: clamoroso Strakosha, prende gol dal rinvio del portiere avversario in Conference League |trans-title=Former Salernitana: sensational Strakosha, concedes goal from opposing goalkeeper’s clearance in Conference League |publisher=Calcio Salernitana |date=8 August 2024 |access-date=12 May 2026 |language=it}}</ref> Although Strakosha kept another clean sheet in a 1–0 home win in the return leg, AEK was eliminated from European competition on aggregate.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2024-2025/c882/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2024–2025 |publisher=FBref |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> He made his league debut on 18 August 2024 in the opening match of the 2024–25 Super League Greece, keeping a clean sheet in a 3–0 home victory over OFI.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/co122/greece-super-league/ma10434104/aek-athen_ofi-heraklion/lineup/ |title=Super League » AEK Athen against OFI Heraklion » Lineup |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> During the opening phase of the league, Strakosha remained ever-present, conceding only one goal in AEK Athens' first six games as the club recorded four wins and two draws, before a three-match winless run in which he conceded once per match, followed by two consecutive victories with clean sheets in both games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2024-2025/c27/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2024–2025 |publisher=FBref |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> In the following league match on 24 November 2024, Strakosha conceded four goals in a 4–1 away defeat against reigning champions Olympiacos, his highest number of goals conceded in a single match during the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/co122/greece-super-league/ma10434347/olympiacos-fc_aek-athen/lineup/ |title=Super League » Olympiacos FC against AEK Athen » Lineup |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> However, following that match, Strakosha conceded only six goals across the next 11 league matches, as AEK Athens recorded nine wins, one draw and one 0–1 defeat up to matchday 23 on 15 February 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe299562/thomas-strakosha/co122/greece-super-league/se75062/2024-2025/club-matches/ |title=Thomas Strakosha » Super League 2024/2025 |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> On 26 February 2025, Strakosha played in the first leg of the 2024–25 Greek Cup semi-finals against Olympiacos, conceding six goals in a 6–0 away defeat, his highest number of goals conceded in a single match during the season and the second such record against the same opponent.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe299562/thomas-strakosha/co56/greece-kypello-elladas/se78782/2024-2025/club-matches/ |title=Thomas Strakosha » Greek Cup 2024/2025 » Club matches |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> Greek media noted that he was not directly responsible for any of the goals conceded, attributing the result largely to AEK's defensive performance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sportekspres.com/olimpiakosi-fitoi-thelle-6-0-kunder-aek-media-greke-thomas-strakosha-nuk-kishte-faj-te-asnje-nga-6-golat-por-nuk-beri-1-pritje/ |title=Olimpiakosi fitoi thellë 6-0 kundër AEK |publisher=Sport Ekspres |date=27 February 2025 |language=sq |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> Although he also appeared in the 2–0 second-leg victory on 2 April 2025, Strakosha did not play another match for AEK Athens during the remainder of the season and remained on the bench, while the club was in second place with 49 points after matchday 23 of the league.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gazetatema.net/sport/media-ne-greqi-kritikon-portierin-e-shqiperise-thomas-strakosha-nuk-e-ka-j-i490354 |title=Media në Greqi kritikon portierin e Shqipërisë: Thomas Strakosha nuk e ka justifikuar kurrë pagën te AEK |publisher=Gazeta Tema |date=18 April 2025 |language=sq |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/competition/co122/greece-super-league/se75062/2024-2025/ro209960/round/md23/results-and-standings/ |title=Super League 2024/2025 » 23. Round » Results and standings |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> Without Strakosha in the squad, AEK Athens collected four points in the final three matches of the regular season,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/competition/co122/greece-super-league/se75062/2024-2025/ro209960/round/md26/results-and-standings/ |title=Super League 2024/2025 » 26. Round » Results and standings |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> before losing all six matches in the Championship Round and finishing fourth, although the club still qualified for the second qualifying round of the 2025–26 UEFA Conference League.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/competition/co122/greece-super-league/se88601/2024-2025-championship/results-and-standings/ |title=Super League 2024/2025 Championship » Results and standings |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref>
During the first-half of the 2025–26 season, Strakosha established himself as undisputed first-choice goalkeeper in both domestic and European competitions, earning praise for his consistent performances and role in providing defensive stability for the team.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tvklan.al/strakosha-ne-forme-te-jashtezakonshme-aek-u-gjen-stabilitet-garanci-edhe-per-kombetaren |title=Strakosha në formë të jashtëzakonshme, AEK-u gjen stabilitet. Garanci edhe për Kombëtaren |trans-title=Strakosha in extraordinary form, AEK find stability. A guarantee also for the national team |publisher=TV Klan |date=28 December 2025 |language=sq |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> On 28 November 2025, Strakosha delivered a standout performance in a 1–0 away victory over Fiorentina in the 2025–26 UEFA Conference League league phase, making several crucial saves and helping his side secure an important win at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, earning praise from the media for his display.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.balkanweb.com/aek-trondit-fioren-i-thyen-ne-franchi-shkelqen-thomas-strakosha/ |title=AEK trondit Fioren, i thyen në “Franchi”, shkëlqen Thomas Strakosha |trans-title=AEK stun Fiorentina at the Franchi, Thomas Strakosha shines |publisher=BalkanWeb |date=28 November 2025 |language=sq |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> On 1 December 2025, Strakosha played a key role in a 3–2 away victory over Panathinaikos in the Athenian derby, saving a penalty in the 28th minute.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.balkanweb.com/pret-penalltine-ne-derbi-strakosha-protagonist-me-aek-video/ |title=Pret penalltinë në derbi, Strakosha protagonist me AEK (VIDEO) |trans-title=Saves a penalty in the derby, Strakosha stars for AEK |publisher=BalkanWeb |date=1 December 2025 |language=sq |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> On 16 February 2026, Strakosha saved a penalty in the 12th minute in a goalless draw against PAOK, helping AEK Athens secure a point that kept the club at the top of the league standings.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://clubfm.al/strakosha-ne-forme-te-shkelqyer-pret-penalltine-dhe-i-jep-pike-aek-ut/ |title=Strakosha në formë të shkëlqyer, pret penalltinë dhe i jep pikë AEK-ut |publisher=Club FM |date=16 February 2026 |language=sq |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> Strakosha made a total of three penalty saves, all in away matches.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gazetablic.com/strakosha-i-mahnit-te-gjithe-penallti-te-pritura-dhe-17-ndeshje-pa-pesuar-gol/ |title=Strakosha i mahnit të gjithë! Penallti të pritura dhe 17 ndeshje pa pësuar gol |publisher=GazetaBlic |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> During the regular season of the 2025–26 Super League Greece, Strakosha played every minute in all 26 matches as AEK Athens recorded 20 wins, seven draws and only two consecutive defeats after mid-October 2025, both by a 2–0 scoreline against rivals PAOK and Olympiacos, with the club finishing top of the table on 60 points, two ahead of Olympiacos and three ahead of PAOK.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/339fe0e8/matchlogs/2025-2026/c27/Thomas-Strakosha-Match-Logs |title=Thomas Strakosha Match Logs 2025–2026 |publisher=FBref |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/competition/co122/greece-super-league/se98999/2025-2026/ro271526/round/md26/results-and-standings/ |title=Super League 2025/2026 » 26. Round » Results and standings |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> In the opening three matches of the Championship Round, he kept three consecutive clean sheets as AEK Athens recorded two wins and one goalless draw.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/competition/co122/greece-super-league/se117001/2025-2026-championship/ro310861/round/md6/results-and-standings/ |title=Super League 2025/2026 Championship » Round MD6 » Results and standings |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> On 11 May 2026, Strakosha played in the fourth match and was confirmed as Super League champion after a dramatic derby victory over Panathinaikos, securing the league title with matches still remaining.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.al/strakosha-kampion-ne-greqi-portieri-i-kombetares-fiton-titullin-ne-superligen-helene/ |title=Kuqezinjtë, kampionë në Greqi/ Thomas Strakosha dhe Stavro Pilo triumfojnë me AEK Athina |publisher=ABC News Albania |date=11 May 2026 |access-date=11 May 2026}}</ref>
==International career== Strakosha represented Albania at youth level from 2012 to 2016, starting with the U-17 side, continuing with the U-19 coached by his father Foto, and also featuring for the U-20 and U-21, where he debuted at the age of 18 as one of the youngest players and served as captain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/under17/season=2012/matches/index.html|title=Under-17 Matches|website= UEFA|publisher=Union of European Football Associations|access-date=10 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329185952/https://www.uefa.com/under17/season=2012/matches/index.html|archive-date=29 March 2012}}</ref><ref>[http://albaniasoccer.com/lajme/shqiperi/kombetarja/moshat/6698-u-19-foto-strakosha-shpall-listen-per-ndeshjet-eleminatore-te-europianit.html U-19/ Foto Strakosha shpall listen per ndeshjet eleminatore te Europianit] AlbaniaSoccer</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/under19/match/2009274--italy-vs-albania/|title=Under-19 - 2013 - Italy vs Albania|website= UEFA|publisher=Union of European Football Associations|access-date=10 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/under19/match/2009297--belgium-vs-albania/|title=Under-19 - 2013 - Belgium vs Albania|website=UEFA|publisher=Union of European Football Associations|access-date=10 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/under19/match/2009322--albania-vs-belarus/|title=Under-19 - 2013 - Albania vs Belarus|website=UEFA|publisher=Union of European Football Associations|access-date=10 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/international/europe/uefa-u19-championship/2012-2013/qualifying-round/group-7/g4970/|title=Summary - UEFA U19 Championship - Europe - Results, fixtures, tables and news|website=soccerway.com|publisher=Soccerway|accessdate=10 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/international/europe/uefa-u19-championship/20132014/qualifying-round/group-6/g6362/|title=Summary - UEFA U19 Championship - Europe - Results, fixtures, tables and news|website=soccerway.com|publisher=Soccerway|accessdate=10 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://asport.al/lojerat-mesdhetare-shqiperia-merr-pjese-me-75-sportiste-lista-e-plote/|title=Lojërat Mesdhetare: Shqipëria merr pjesë me 75 sportistë (Lista e plotë)|publisher=aSport.al|language=sq|date=14 June 2013|accessdate=4 October 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513055440/http://asport.al/lojerat-mesdhetare-shqiperia-merr-pjese-me-75-sportiste-lista-e-plote/|archive-date=13 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="Soccerway matches" >{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/thoma-strakosha/235328/matches/|title=Thomas Strakosha matches |website=soccerway.com |publisher=Soccerway|accessdate=10 April 2020}}</ref><ref name="BeSoccer">{{BeSoccer|t-strakosha-191151}}</ref>
[[File:Thomas Strakosha01.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Strakosha playing for Albania U-21 in 2014]]
Strakosha received his first call-up to the Albania senior squad in August 2016 by coach Gianni De Biasi for a friendly against Morocco on 31 August 2016 and the opening 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Macedonia on 5 September 2016, but as fourth-choice goalkeeper he was not included in the matchday squads and made no appearances.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://fshf.org/sq/de-biasi-duhet-te-japim-101-te-mundesive-tona/|title=De Biasi: Duhet të japim 101 % të mundësive tona|trans-title=De Biasi: We have to give 101% of our chances|publisher=Albanian Football Association|language=sq|date=29 August 2016|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref> Strakosha remained part of the national team in the second half of the 2016–17 season and, following Etrit Berisha's two-match suspension in November 2016, he was selected ahead of more experienced goalkeepers to start and played the full 90 minutes in a World Cup qualifier against Italy on 24 March 2017, a 2–0 defeat.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/italy-2-0-albania-gianluigi-10095058|title=Italy 2-0 Albania: Gianluigi Buffon's 1,000th career appearance nearly cut short by fan trouble|publisher=Mirror.co.uk|date=24 March 2017|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref> He also started in the following match, keeping a clean sheet in a 3–0 win over Israel on 11 June 2017.<ref name="Soccerway" /> After Berisha's return from suspension and the appointment of Christian Panucci as head coach, Strakosha returned to the bench for the remainder of the campaign, with Albania finishing third in the group with 13 points.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/europe/group=276499/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150816010556/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/europe/group=276499/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 August 2015|title=Group G|website=FIFA.com|publisher=FIFA|accessdate=15 October 2016}}</ref>
In the inaugural UEFA Nations League, Strakosha played in Albania's first three matches in League C, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 win over Israel on 7 September 2018, before conceding twice in each of the next two 0–2 defeats to Scotland and Israel.<ref name="Soccerway"/> In the final group match against Scotland, Strakosha remained on the bench as Albania lost 4–0 and finished bottom of Group 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/standings/|title=UEFA Nations League standings|publisher=UEFA|accessdate=19 September 2025}}</ref> In the Euro 2020 qualifiers under coach Edoardo Reja, he played four full matches between September and October 2019, with Albania recording wins over Iceland (4–2) and Moldova (4–0), and defeats to France (1–4) and Turkey (0–1),<ref name="Soccerway" /> as Albania finished fourth in the group with 13 points and failed to reach the play-offs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/news/0254-0d40efd5a52c-85c5352f1025-1000--uefa-euro-2020-qualifying-group-and-play-off-results/|title=UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying group and play-off results|publisher=UEFA|accessdate=19 September 2025}}</ref> In the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League C, Strakosha featured in Albania's opening two matches in September 2020, playing in a 2–0 away win over Belarus and a 0–1 home defeat to Lithuania,<ref name="EU-Football.info" /> as Albania later topped the group and earned promotion to League B for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/standings/2021/|title=UEFA Nations League 2020/21 standings|publisher=UEFA|accessdate=19 September 2025}}</ref> During the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Strakosha played in three of Albania's eight matches, keeping clean sheets in wins over San Marino (5–0) and Andorra (1–0), but conceding five goals in a 5–0 defeat to England,<ref name="EU-Football.info" /> as Albania finished third in the group, two points behind Poland, and missed the play-offs.<ref>{{cite web |title=World Cup 2022 Qualifying – UEFA Group I |url=https://eu-football.info/_tournament.php?id=QW-22 |website=EU-Football.info |access-date=19 September 2025}}</ref> In the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League B, after Berisha played in the opening two matches, Strakosha featured in the return fixtures against Israel and Iceland, as Albania recorded a 2–1 defeat and a 1–1 draw and finished bottom of the group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/standings/|title=UEFA Nations League 2022/23 standings|publisher=UEFA|accessdate=19 September 2025}}</ref>
In the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Group E under coach Sylvinho, Strakosha played in three of Albania's eight matches, keeping two clean sheets, including a 2–0 win over Poland on 10 September 2023, while conceding only once against the same opponent in the opening 1–0 defeat.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe299562/thomas-strakosha/co1172/uefa-euro-qualifiers/se47944/2023-2024/international-matches/ |title=Thomas Strakosha » EURO Qualifiers 2023/2024 |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=7 May 2026}}</ref> On 17 October 2023, he captained Albania for the first time in a friendly against Bulgaria, leading the team to a 2–0 win.<ref name="EU-Football.info"/> Albania finished top of the group for the first time in its history with 15 points, level with the Czech Republic but ahead on head-to-head record, qualifying for the European Championship finals for the second time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/standings/#grp-2006669|title=UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Group E standings|publisher=UEFA|accessdate=19 September 2025}}</ref> He was included in Albania's 26-man squad for the final tournament in Germany.<ref>{{cite news |title=Trajneri Silvinjo publikon listën e Kombëtares me emrat e 26 lojtarëve për Kampionatin Europian, Gjermani 2024 |url=https://fshf.org/sq/trajneri-silvinjo-publikon-listen-e-kombetares-me-emrat-e-26-lojtareve-per-kampionatin-europian-gjermani-2024/ |publisher=Albanian Football Association |date=7 June 2024 |access-date=16 September 2025 |language=sq}}</ref> At Euro 2024, Strakosha was selected as a starter ahead Etrit Berisha played all three group-stage matches, conceding five goals against Italy, Croatia and Spain as Albania finished bottom of the group with one point and were eliminated.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://shqiptarja.com/lajm/paraqitja-fantastike-ne-euro-2024-thomas-strakosha-drejt-rikthimit-ne-serie-a |title=Paraqitja fantastike në Euro 2024, Thomas Strakosha drejt rikthimit në Serie A |publisher=Shqiptarja.com |date=28 June 2024 |access-date=7 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Thomas Strakosha Euro 2024 |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe299562/thomas-strakosha/co36/uefa-euro/international-matches/ |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=7 May 2026}}</ref> Following the exclusion of Etrit Berisha,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://demokracia.com/pse-nuk-u-ftua-etrit-berisha-flet-sylvinho/ |title=Pse nuk u ftua Etrit Berisha, flet Sylvinho |publisher=Demokracia |access-date=7 May 2026}}</ref> Strakosha became Albania’s first-choice goalkeeper and played every minute of the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League B, keeping two clean sheets and conceding six goals across six matches, with Albania finishing bottom of the group and being relegated after a tightly contested campaign.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe299562/thomas-strakosha/co4229/uefa-nations-league-b/se64988/2024-2025/international-matches/ |title=Thomas Strakosha » UEFA Nations League B 2024/2025 |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=7 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/standings/ |title=UEFA Nations League standings |publisher=UEFA |access-date=7 May 2026}}</ref>
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) campaign, Strakosha was almost ever-present for Albania in Group K, missing only the final minutes of one match due to a minor injury; he kept five clean sheets, conceded five goals, and helped Albania record four wins and two draws,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe299562/thomas-strakosha/co588/fifa-wc-qualifiers-europe/se83885/2025-2026/international-matches/ |title=Thomas Strakosha – International Matches |work=WorldFootball.net |access-date=1 April 2026}}</ref> securing a play-off spot for the first time in their history one match before the end of the group; Albania ultimately finished second with 14 points, one ahead of third-placed Serbia.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/qualifiers/uefa/standings |title=European Qualifiers standings |publisher=FIFA |access-date=2 April 2026}}</ref> In the play-off round, Strakosha played the full match as Albania initially took the lead, but Poland came back to win 2–1, eliminating Albania from qualification.<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 on both goals eliminate Albania in Poland |work=Panorama Sport |date=26 March 2026 |access-date=1 April 2026}}</ref>
==Personal life== Strakosha was born in Athens, Greece, to Albanian parents from Memaliaj and holds dual citizenship for Greece and Albania.<ref>{{cite web |title=Η ΑΕΚ έκλεισε το deal για Στρακόσια, ανακοινώνει και Μπρινιόλι |url=https://www.amna.gr/sport/article/831063/I-AEK-ekleise-to-deal-gia-Strakosia--anakoinonei-kai-Mprinioli |website=amna |access-date=30 August 2024}}</ref> His father, Foto Strakosha, was also a goalkeeper who played for clubs in Albania and Greece and represented the Albania national team between 1990 and 2005,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://gazetadita.al/foto-strakosha-krenar-per-djalin-tim/|title=Foto Strakosha: Krenar për djalin tim|trans-title=Foto Strakosha: Proud for my son|publisher=Gazeta Dita|language=sq|author=Dritan Ikonomi|date=6 April 2013|accessdate=4 October 2016}}</ref> while his mother, Adelina, is his long-time spouse.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/sport/strakosha-me-futboll-shpreh-karakterin-me-kercim-dashurine/ |title=Strakosha: Me futboll shpreh karakterin, me kërcim dashurinë |publisher=Panorama Sport |language=sq |access-date=27 December 2025}}</ref> He also has an older brother Dhimitri who played football at an amateur level but did not pursue a professional career.<ref name="panionianea.gr"/>
In a 2017 interview, Thomas stated that his main influence and idol as a goalkeeper was his father, whom he has tried to emulate.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/karbonara-dhe-kartone-te-animuar-japoneze-thomas-strakosha-sfidon-bufonin/|title=Karbonara dhe kartonë të animuar japonezë, Thomas Strakosha sfidon Bufonin|trans-title=Carbonara and Japanese anime, Thomas Strakosha challenges Buffon|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|author=Jeton Stamolla|date=13 October 2017|accessdate=15 October 2016}}</ref>
==Career statistics==
===Club=== {{updated|match played 10 May 2026}}<ref name="Soccerway">{{Soccerway|235328|Thomas Strakosha|accessdate=7 January 2023}}</ref><ref name="BeSoccer" />
{| 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"|National cup{{efn|Includes Coppa Italia, FA Cup, Greek Cup}} !colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes EFL Cup}} !colspan="2"|Europe !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="10"|Lazio |2012–13 |rowspan="9"|Serie A |0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0 |- |2013–14 |0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||0||0||0||0 |- |2014–15 |0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||0||0 |- |2016–17 |21||0||4||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||25||0 |- |2017–18 |38||0||4||0||colspan="2"|—||10{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}}||0||1{{efn|name=SCI|Appearance in Supercoppa Italiana}}||0||53||0 |- |2018–19 |35||0||5||0||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|name=UEL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||44||0 |- |2019–20 |38||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|name=UEL}}||0||1{{efn|name=SCI}}||0||44||0 |- |2020–21 |9||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||1{{efn|Appearance in UEFA Champions League}}||0||colspan="2"|—||11||0 |- |2021–22 |23||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||8{{efn|name=UEL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||31||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !164!!0!!15!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!27!!0!!2!!0!!208!!0 |- |Salernitana (loan) |2015–16 |Serie B |11||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||13||0 |- |rowspan="3"|Brentford |2022–23 |rowspan="2"|Premier League |0||0||1||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2||0 |- |2023–24 |2||0||2||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||4||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !2!!0!!3!!0!!1!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!6!!0 |- |rowspan="3"|AEK Athens |2024–25 |rowspan="2"|Super League Greece |23||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|name=UECL|Appearances in UEFA Conference League}}||0||colspan="2"|—||29||0 |- |2025–26 |30||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||16{{efn|name=UECL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||46||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !53!!0!!2!!0!!0!!0!!20!!0!!0!!0!!75!!0 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !230!!0!!22!!0!!1!!0!!47!!0!!2!!0!!300!!0 |} {{notelist}}
===International=== {{updated|match played 31 March 2026}}<ref name="NFT">{{NFT player |67540 |name=Thomas Strakosha |access-date=5 October 2022}}</ref><ref name="EU-Football.info">{{EU-Football.info|29779|access-date=27 September 2022}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by national team and year !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="10"|Albania |2017||4||0 |- |2018||4||0 |- |2019||4||0 |- |2020||2||0 |- |2021||4||0 |- |2022||3||0 |- |2023||4||0 |- |2024||12||0 |- |2025||8||0 |- |2026||2||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total!!47!!0 |}
==Honours== '''Lazio'''<ref name="Soccerway"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Thomas Strakosha » Honours |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe299562/thomas-strakosha/honours/ |publisher=WorldFootball.net |access-date=17 May 2026}}</ref> *Coppa Italia: 2012–13, 2018–19 *Supercoppa Italiana: 2017, 2019
'''AEK Athens''' *Super League Greece: 2025–26
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} {{Portal|Biography|Association football}} *{{Sports links}} *{{UEFA player|250046901}} *{{FSHF player|226680}}
{{AEK Athens F.C. squad}} {{Albania squad UEFA Euro 2024}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Strakosha, Thomas}} Category:1995 births Category:Living people Category:People from Memaliaj Category:Sportspeople from Gjirokastër County Category:Albanian men's footballers Category:21st-century Albanian sportsmen Category:Albania men's under-21 international footballers Category:Albania men's youth international footballers Category:Albania men's international footballers Category:Men's association football goalkeepers Category:UEFA Euro 2024 players Category:Serie A players Category:Serie B players Category:Premier League players Category:SS Lazio players Category:US Salernitana 1919 players Category:Brentford F.C. players Category:AEK Athens F.C. players Category:Albanian expatriate men's footballers Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Greece Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Greece Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Italy Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in England Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England Category:Albanians in Greece Category:Greek people of Albanian descent