Enea Mihaj

Enea Mihaj (, born 5 July 1998) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Major League Soccer club Atlanta United FC and the Albania national team.

Early life He was born in Albania and later moved with his family to Thessaloniki, Greece, and then to Rhodes, where he discovered his interest for football. At the age of 13, he was admitted to the Olympic Arena Academy where he stood out with his talent and caught the eye of Panetolikos, who signed him to their academy. At the age of 16, he moved to Aetolia-Acarnania.

Club career Panetolikos Mihaj first suited up for Panetolikos on 14 December 2016 in a 2016–17 Greek Cup match against Kallithea where he was an unused substitute. After two league matches as an unused substitute, he made his professional debut on 11 January 2017 in a cup match against PAOK, coming on as a substitute in the 87th minute in place of Giorgos Mygas.

PAOK On 21 June 2019, Mihaj signed with PAOK. On 12 July 2020, he scored his first goal for PAOK in a 1–0 away victory against Olympiacos in the 90th minute.

Famalicão On 15 August 2022, Mihaj signed a three-year contract with Primeira Liga club Famalicão.

International career Youth Mihaj received his first call-up to the Albania under-19 team by coach Arjan Bellaj for the Roma Caput Mundi tournament in February and March 2016.

He received his first call-up at the under-21 level by coach Redi Jupi for the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification Group 4 match against Israel on 10 October 2016. He made his debut in the 4–0 defeat, coming on as a substitute at half-time in place of Kostandin Kariqi.

He was called up again to Albania's under-21 side for two friendly matches against Moldova on 25 and 27 March 2017.

Senior Mihaj received his first senior call-up to Albania senior team by coach Christian Panucci for the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League C debut against Israel and Scotland on 7 and 10 September 2018. He made his international debut in the 2–0 away loss to Scotland, entering in the last minutes of the match.

Mihaj was named in the squad by the new manager Sylvinho for the opening UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying game against Poland in March 2023, filling in for the injured Ardian Ismajli.

He is selected from the selection board's list of 26 Albanian players to participate in UEFA Euro 2024.

Career statistics Club

International

Honours Club PAOK Greek Cup: 2020–21; Runner-Up :2021–22