Arbër Hoxha

Arbër Hoxha
Personal information
Date of birth (1998-10-06) 6 October 1998
Place of birth Heidelberg, Germany
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position Left winger
Team information
Current team
 Dinamo Zagreb
Number 11
Youth career
–2016 Istogu
2016–2017 Prishtina
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2015–2016 Istogu 8 (2)
2016–2019 Prishtina 29 (2)
2016–2017 → Hajvalia (loan) 1 (0)
2017–2018 → Besa Pejë (loan) 19 (3)
2019–2021 Ballkani 41 (14)
2021–2022 Lokomotiva Zagreb 8 (0)
2022–2024 Slaven Belupo 61 (11)
2024– Dinamo Zagreb 61 (10)
International career‡
2019 Kosovo U21 1 (0)
2020–2021 Kosovo 3 (1)
2024– Albania 21 (1)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 6 December 2025
‡ National team caps and goals as of 16 November 2025

Arbër Hoxha (Albanian pronunciation: [ˈaɾbər ˈhɔd͡ʒa]; born 6 October 1998) is a professional footballer who plays as a left winger for Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb.

He began his senior career in Kosovo, playing for Istogu, Prishtina, Hajvalia, Besa Pejë and Ballkani. In 2021 he moved abroad to Croatia, joining Lokomotiva Zagreb, before later playing for Slaven Belupo and subsequently Dinamo Zagreb.

Hoxha represented the Kosovo national team in few friendly matches. In 2024, he switched his international allegiance to the Albania national team, whom he went on to represent at UEFA Euro 2024.

Club career

Early career in Kosovo

Hoxha began his youth football with Istogu, before moving to the youth setup of Prishtina.[1]

In the 2016–17 season he was loaned to Hajvalia, where he made his senior debut, a single first-team appearance.[2]

The following season he was sent on loan to Besa Pejë, scoring three goals in 19 league matches in the Kosovo Superleague.[2]

After returning to Prishtina, Hoxha made around 29 league appearances across two campaigns, adding two goals for the club.[2]

In August 2019 he transferred to Ballkani, where he enjoyed a breakthrough, scoring 14 goals in 41 league appearances during two seasons, establishing himself as one of the most promising wingers in the domestic league.[2][3] With Ballkani, he established himself as one of the most promising wingers in the league, contributing with goals and assists over two seasons.[4]

Lokomotiva Zagreb

On 5 July 2021, Hoxha joined Croatian First League side Lokomotiva.[5] He was presented as a young talent making the step into the Croatian top division.[6] He made his debut on 14 August 2021 in a 4–0 home win over Istra 1961, coming on as a substitute in the 70th minute for Lukas Kačavenda.[7] During his stint at Lokomotiva, Hoxha made 8 league appearances, 11 matches in all competitions, without finding the net. His total minutes played for the club were modest, reflecting his role as a rotational option.[8]

Although Hoxha did not score during his time at Lokomotiva, the period provided him with exposure to the Croatian top flight and helped him adapt to a higher level of competition, laying groundwork for his later transfer to Slaven Belupo.

Slaven Belupo

On 8 February 2022, Hoxha signed a three-year contract with Croatian First League club Slaven Belupo.[9] Ten days later, he made his debut in a 3–0 away win against Gorica after coming on as a substitute in the 80th minute in place of Hansel Zapata.[10] Within two months, he established himself as a starter in the team, eventually registering 10 league appearances by the end of the season in which he contributed with two assists.[2]

In the 2022–23 Prva HNL season, Hoxha quickly established himself as a starter, recording 33 league appearances (32 as a starter), while also being one of the most used players of the campaign.[11] On 14 October 2022, in a league match against Šibenik, Hoxha scored twice – once with a header in the 71st minute and once with a long-range shot from about 20 meters – to lead Slaven Belupo to a 2-0 victory.[12] Hoxha ended the campaign with a goal in Slaven Belupo’s final match (1-1) vs Istra, scoring with a header in the 56th minute. This was his 7th league goal of the season.[13]

During the first half of the 2023–24 season, before his departure, he featured in 18 league matches, scoring 5 goals and adding 1 assist, maintaining his reputation as one of the team’s key offensive outlets.[14] On 20 September 2023, in the Croatian Cup Round of 16, Hoxha scored in the 35th minute in Slaven Belupo’s 4-2 away win over Moslavina.[15] On 6 October 2023, in the game against Varazdin, Hoxha scored in the 16th minute to give Slaven Belupo the lead in an eventual 3-2 victory.[16] On 24 November 2023, in the match against his ex-team Lokomotiva Zagreb, Hoxha opened the scoring in the 14th minute, contributing decisively to a much-needed win 3-1 after a spell without victories.[17] On 10 December 2023, he scored against Hajduk Split a late goal in the 85th minute with a chip/parabola to complete a 4-2 win for Slaven Belupo.[18]

Overall, in all competitions, Hoxha made 63 appearances, scored 11 goals and provided 7 assists for Slaven Belupo.[19] His performances attracted interest from larger Croatian clubs, and by the end of the winter transfer window in January 2024 he departed Slaven Belupo to join Dinamo Zagreb, marking a major step in his career.[20]

Dinamo Zagreb

In January 2024, Hoxha joined Dinamo Zagreb for a reported fee of around €2 million.[21][22] He made his debut shortly after signing, appearing in the league match against city rivals and his former club Lokomotiva Zagreb.[23]

Impact in a double domestic titles

On 22 February 2024, Hoxha provided a decisive assist in the UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16 first leg against Real Betis (1–1 draw at home), helping Dinamo advance after winning the away leg 1–0.[24] He scored his first goal for Dinamo in the Conference League second leg against PAOK, netting early in the second half, although Dinamo were eliminated on aggregate.[25][26] On 5 May 2024, Hoxha came on as a substitute in the 87th minute and scored the decisive goal in a 1–0 away victory over Rijeka, Dinamo’s main rival for the title, a result regarded as pivotal in the championship race.[27] Dinamo won the 2023–24 Croatian First League, finishing four points ahead of Rijeka, with Hoxha contributing 15 appearances during the second half of the season.[28][29][30] On 22 May 2024, he assisted twice in the Croatian Cup final second leg against Rijeka, helping Dinamo secure a 3–1 away victory and complete the domestic double.[31]

2024–25 season

In the 2024–25 Prva HNL season, Hoxha had several impactful moments. In the opening match on 2 August, he scored with a header within 13 minutes against Istra 1961.[32] He also found the net in the following round away to Osijek, scoring the equalizer in the 21st minute of a match Dinamo eventually won 2–1.[33] With two goals in the opening two league fixtures, he was considered one of the key performers in Dinamo’s strong start to the season. On 7 February 2025, he came off the bench against Šibenik and, within four minutes, scored once and provided an assist, securing the victory for Dinamo and his display was described as one of his most decisive performances of the campaign.[34]

Across the league campaign, Hoxha made 31 appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists,[35] as Dinamo finished second in the table, level on 65 points with champions Rijeka but placed behind due to the head-to-head record.[36] In addition, Hoxha played three matches in the Croatian Cup and seven in the UEFA Champions League, but Dinamo did not secure any trophies that season.[2]

2025–26 season

During the 2025–26 season, he delivered several notable performances for the club. After establishing himself as a starter in mid-September 2025, Hoxha immediately contributed with a goal against Hajduk Split on 20 September and with an impressive performance helped his side to win 2–0.[37] He continued his form in European competition, providing an assist in the UEFA Europa League fixture against Fenerbahçe in a spectacular 3–1 win by Dinamo, where he was described as one of standout players.[38] On 28 September, he faced his former team Slaven Belupo, scoring once and providing an assist in the first half as Dinamo led 2–0 at half-time.[39] He was substituted at the break due to a minor thigh issue, with Dinamo eventually winning the match 4–1.[40][41] His performances in this run saw him included in the “team of the week” in Croatia, with media outlets rating him highly.[42]

On 6 December 2025, Hoxha scored in the 90+12' minute for the equaliser against eternal derby rivals Hajduk Split finished in the 1–1 draw.[43]

International career

Although born in Germany and holding both Kosovan and Albanian nationality,[44] Hoxha has represented both Kosovo and later Albania at international level.

Kosovo

Under-21

On 14 March 2018, Hoxha received his first call-up for the Kosovo U21 squad for the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification matches against Azerbaijan and Germany.[45] He made his U21 debut on 15 October 2019 in a 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification match against Albania, coming on as a substitute in the 78th minute for Ismet Lushaku and providing an assist in Kosovo's only goal in a 2–1 away defeat.[46]

Senior

Hoxha received his first senior call-up on 24 December 2019 for a friendly match against Sweden.[47] He made his senior debut the following month, coming on as a substitute in the 46th minute for Zymer Bytyqi.[48] On 11 June 2021, Hoxha scored his first senior international goal in his third appearance, securing a 1–0 home win over Gambia.[49]

Albania

In August 2023, Hoxha was granted an Albanian passport, and in January 2024 he confirmed his switch of international allegiance from Kosovo to Albania, explaining that although he had played three matches for Kosovo, he had not been called up recently and now intended to represent Albania.[50][51][52]

On 15 March 2024, Hoxha received his first call-up to the Albania for friendly matches against Chile and Sweden.[53] He made his debut on 22 March 2024 in a match against Chile.[54]

On 8 June 2024, coach Sylvinho included Hoxha in the final squad of 26 players for Euro 2024.[55] During the tournament, Hoxha appeared as a substitute in all three of Albania’s group stage matches, coming on in the second half against Italy, Spain, and Croatia. Albania finished bottom of Group B with one point.[2]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 11 December 2025[2]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup Continental[a] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Istogu 2015–16 Kosovo Superleague 8 2 1 0 — 9 2
Prishtina 2016–17 Kosovo Superleague 3 0 0 0 — 3 0
2017–18 13 1 1 0 — 14 1
2018–19 14 1 1 0 2[b] 0 17 1
Total 38 4 3 0 2 0 43 4
Hajvalia (loan) 2016–17 Kosovo Superleague 1 0 0 0 — 1 0
Besa Pejë (loan) 2017–18 Kosovo Superleague 19 3 0 0 — 19 3
Ballkani 2019–20 Kosovo Superleague 24 6 5 1 — 29 7
2020–21 17 8 1 0 — 18 8
Total 41 14 6 1 — 47 15
Lokomotiva Zagreb 2021–22 Croatian First League 8 0 3 0 — 11 0
Slaven Belupo Croatian First League 10 0 0 0 — 10 0
2022–23 33 7 2 0 — 35 7
2023–24 18 5 2 1 — 20 6
Total 61 12 4 1 — 65 13
Dinamo Zagreb 2023–24 Croatian First League 15 1 3 0 4[c] 1 22 1
2024–25 31 3 3 0 7[d] 0 41 3
2025–26 15 6 0 0 6[e] 0 21 6
Total 61 10 6 0 17 1 84 11
Career total 229 43 22 2 19 1 270 46

International

As of 16 November 2025[56]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Kosovo 2020 1 0
2021 2 1
Total 3 1
Albania 2024 11 0
2025 10 0
Total 21 1
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
List of international goals scored by Arbër Hoxha
Scores and results list Kosovo's and Albania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Hoxha goal.[56]
Kosovo goals
1. 11 June 2021 Arslan Zeki Demirci Sports Complex, Manavgat, Turkey  Gambia 1–0 1–0 Friendly [49]
Albania goals
1. 14 October 2025 Arena Kombëtare, Tirana, Albania  Jordan 3–1 4–2 Friendly [57]

References

  1. ^ "Zyrtare: Arbër Hoxha prezantohet te Lokomotiva e Zagrebit" (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 5 July 2021. Retrieved 2 October 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Arbër Hoxha at Soccerway
  3. ^ "Zyrtare: Arbër Hoxha kalon te Ballkani". Gazeta Express. 8 August 2019. Retrieved 2 October 2025.
  4. ^ "Ballkani prezanton Arbër Hoxhën". Telegrafi. 8 August 2019. Retrieved 2 October 2025.
  5. ^ "Arbër Hoxha novi je igrač Lokomotive" [Arbër Hoxha is a new Lokomotiva player] (in Croatian). NK Lokomotiva Zagreb. 5 July 2021.
  6. ^ "Arbër Hoxha is introduced to Lokomotiva Zagreb". IndeksOnline. 5 July 2021.
  7. ^ "Lokomotiva Zagreb vs. Istra 1961 4–0". Soccerway. Retrieved 2 October 2025.
  8. ^ Arbër Hoxha at BeSoccer
  9. ^ "Arbër Hoxha novi je igrač Slaven Belupa" [Arbër Hoxha is the new player of Slaven Belupo] (in Croatian). NK Slaven Belupo. 8 February 2022.
  10. ^ "Vrhunska utakmica i pobjeda Slaven Belupa u Gorica" [Top match and victory of Slaven Belupo in Gorica] (in Croatian). NK Slaven Belupo. 18 February 2022.
  11. ^ "Arbër Hoxha Stats 2022–23". FBref. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  12. ^ "Dva pogotka Hoxhe za slavlje Slaven Belupa u Šibeniku". HRT. 14 October 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  13. ^ "Arbër Hoxha ends the edition with a goal for Slaven Belupo". Telegrafi. 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  14. ^ "Arbër Hoxha 2023–24 season stats". FBref. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  15. ^ "Nakon Hajduka, Slaven Belupo je drugi klub u osmini finala Hrvatskog kupa". Sport Klub. 20 September 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  16. ^ "Tre shqiptarë shënojnë në derbin e "shqiponjave" në Kroaci, ishi i Egnatias jep asist". Top Channel. 6 October 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  17. ^ "Arbër Hoxha shënon, teksa Slaven Belupo rikthehet te fitorja". Lajmi.net. 24 November 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  18. ^ "Arbër Hoxha shënon një gol të mrekullueshëm për Slaven Belupos". Lajmi.net. 10 December 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  19. ^ "Slaven Belupo admits that Hoxha can join Dinamo". KOHA.net. 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  20. ^ "Arbër Hoxha transfers to Dinamo Zagreb". Gazeta Express. 1 August 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  21. ^ "Arbër Hoxha transfers to Dinamo Zagreb". Gazeta Express. 1 August 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  22. ^ "Arbër Hoxha moves to Dinamo Zagreb for €2 million". Telegrafi. 1 August 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  23. ^ "Arbër Hoxha makes his debut with Dinamo Zagreb in the championship". Indexsonline/Indeks. 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  24. ^ "Hoxha's assist, decisive in Dinamo's qualification". KOHA.net. 22 February 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  25. ^ "Arbër Hoxha scores the first goal with Dinamo Zagreb against PAOK". Telegrafi. 14 March 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  26. ^ "PAOK 5–1 Dinamo Zagreb: Hoxha nets for Dinamo in Thessaloniki". HRT. 14 March 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  27. ^ "Arbër Hoxha decides the big Croatian derby, his goal can be the title for Dinamo Zagreb". Telegrafi. 5 May 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  28. ^ "Croatia 2023/24". Soccerway. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  29. ^ "Arbër Hoxha, Croatian champion in his first season with Dinamo". Reporteri. 11 May 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  30. ^ "Coach Jakirović: The boys have rested, are in good condition and we are waiting for the new season with positivity". GNK Dinamo. 1 July 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  31. ^ "With Hoxha's contribution, Dinamo wins the Croatian Cup". KOHA.net. 22 May 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  32. ^ "VIDEO/ Arbër Hoxha e nis me gol sezonin e ri në Kroaci". BoldNews. 2 August 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  33. ^ "Arbër Hoxha scores again for Dinamo Zagreb". Koha.net. 11 August 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  34. ^ "Gol dhe asist brenda katër minutave, Arbër Hoxha futet nga stoli dhe dhuron spektakël me Dinamo Zagreb". Sinjali. 7 February 2025. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  35. ^ "Arbër Hoxha – statistics 2024–25 season". Soccerway. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  36. ^ "Croatia 2024/25 standings". Soccerway. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  37. ^ "Arbër Hoxha shines against Hajduk". Telegrafi. 20 September 2025. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  38. ^ "Special article about Arbër Hoxha from Croatian media". Indeksonline. 2025. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  39. ^ "Nuk po ndalet, me gol dhe asist brenda 45 minutave Arbër Hoxhën e ndez keq ndeshja me Slaven Belupo". Sport Ekspres. 28 September 2025. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  40. ^ "Dinamo Zagreb vs. Slaven Belupo 4–1". Soccerway. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  41. ^ "Dinamo Zagreb coach talks about Hoxha's injury". Koha.net. 29 September 2025. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  42. ^ "Goal and assist, Arbër Hoxha in the lineup of the week in Croatia". Alfa Press. 29 September 2025. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  43. ^ "VIDEO/ Arbër Hoxha bën mrekullinë në minutën e 102-të! Festë e çmendur ndaj rivalit historik, Dinamo Zagreb shpëton në fund". Panorama Sport (in Albanian). 6 December 2025. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  44. ^ "Arbër Hoxha chooses Albania over Kosovo for international career". Nogomania. 10 January 2024. Retrieved 2 October 2025.
  45. ^ "Prekazi publikon listën e futbollistëve për ndeshjet me Azerbejxhanin dhe Gjermaninë" [Prekazi published the list of players for matches with Azerbaijan and Germany] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 14 March 2018.
  46. ^ "Albania U21 vs. Kosovo U21 2–1". Soccerway. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  47. ^ "Lista e futbollistëve për ndeshjen Kosovë–Suedi" [List of players for the match Kosovo–Sweden] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 24 December 2019.
  48. ^ "Sweden (1–0) Kosovo". eu-football.info. 12 January 2020.
  49. ^ a b "Kosova dominon dhe mposht Gambinë – vendos super goli i Arbër Hoxhës" [Kosovo dominates and defeats Gambia – decides the super goal of Arbër Hoxha] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 11 June 2021.
  50. ^ "U pajis me pasaportë shqiptare, Hoxha gjen rrugën e rrjetës". Panorama Sport. 25 August 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  51. ^ ""I got the passport of Albania, I hope to go to Euro 2024" – Arbër Hoxha talks about not being invited from Kosovo". Telegrafi. 10 January 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  52. ^ "Dinamo Zagreb striker, Arbër Hoxha: I want to be part of the European Championship with Albania". Alfa Press. 10 January 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  53. ^ "Miqësoret ndaj Kilit & Suedisë/ Trajneri Silvinjo publikon listën me emrat e 26 lojtarëve të ftuar!" [Friendlies against Chile and Sweden/ Coach Sylvinho releases the list of players with the names of the 26 players called up!] (in Albanian). Albanian Football Association. 15 March 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  54. ^ "Albania v Chile game report". ESPN. 22 March 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  55. ^ "Trajneri Silvinjo publikon listën e Kombëtares me emrat e 26 lojtarëve për Kampionatin Europian "Gjermani 2024"". FSHF. 8 June 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  56. ^ a b Arbër Hoxha at EU-Football.info
  57. ^ "Albania vs Jordan, 14 October 2025". eu-football.info. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
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