Mergim Mavraj

• Full name: Mergim Mavraj
• Date of birth: February 7, 1986
• Place of birth: Gießen, West Germany
• Nationality: Albanian (also held German residency/heritage)
• Position: Centre-back (defender)
• Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)

Club career (selected highlights)

• Early career in Germany: youth and senior appearances for clubs including Hoffenheim (youth), VfL Bochum II and VfL Bochum.
• Arminia Bielefeld: played as a key defender and established himself in German football.
• Greuther Fürth: notable spell in 2. Bundesliga and Bundesliga.
• 1. FC Köln: contributed during his stint with the club.
• Hamburger SV: signed and featured as part of their defensive line.
• Later career included moves to clubs such as FC Erzgebirge Aue and other German sides before retirement from professional play.

International career with Albania

• Mavraj chose to represent Albania at senior international level despite being born in Germany.
• Made his debut for the Albania national team in 2011.
• Earned over 50 caps for Albania as a central defender, serving as captain on several occasions.
• Was part of the historic Albania squad that qualified for UEFA Euro 2016 — Albania’s first major tournament — and played in the finals.
• Contributed veteran leadership and defensive stability during his international career; retired from international football in 2018.

Playing style

• Strong, physical centre-back with good aerial ability.
• Organises the back line and is capable of reading the game to make timely interventions.
• Brings experience from top-level German leagues, combining tactical discipline with robust defending.

Notable facts

• Key member of Albania’s Euro 2016 campaign.
• Respected leader and occasional captain for Albania.
• Represents the generation of Albanian internationals developed in the German system who chose to play for Albania.