Lirim Kastrati

Lirim Kastrati (born 2 February 1999), also known as Lirim R. Kastrati, is a Kosovan professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Lithuanian club Kauno Žalgiris.

Club career Youth career Bologna On 23 July 2018, Kastrati signed a three-year contract with Campionato Primavera 2 club Bologna. On 15 September 2018, he made his debut in a 1–1 home draw against SPAL after being named in the starting line-up.

Újpest On 22 July 2020, Kastrati signed his first professional contract with Nemzeti Bajnokság I side Újpest after agreeing to a four-year deal and receiving squad number 62. On 15 August 2020, he was named as a Újpest substitute for the first time in a Nemzeti Bajnokság I match against Paksi. His debut with Újpest came eight days later against Budafoki MTE after being named in the starting line-up, and assists in his side's only goal during a 1–1 home draw.

Widzew Łódź On 28 January 2024, Kastrati signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Polish Ekstraklasa club Widzew Łódź. He made his debut on 11 February, in a 1–3 loss with Jagiellonia Białystok. He terminated his contract with Widzew by mutual consent on 31 May 2025.

International career Albania Under-17 On 16 October 2015, Kastrati was named as part of the Albania U17 squad for 2016 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification. On 22 October 2015, he made his debut with Albania U17 in a match against Switzerland after being named in the starting line-up.

Kosovo First call-up On 21 March 2017, Kastrati received his first call-up from Kosovo U21 for a 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification match against Republic of Ireland, he was an unused substitute in that match.

Promotion to the senior team On 5 June 2017, Kastrati received a call-up from Kosovo for a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Turkey. On 9 October 2017, he made his debut with Kosovo in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Iceland after coming on as a substitute at 78th minute in place of Besar Halimi.

Return to youth teams Under-19 On 17 March 2018, Kastrati was named as part of the Kosovo U19 squad for 2018 UEFA European Under-19 Championship elite qualifications. On 21 March 2018, he made his debut with Kosovo U19 in a match against Portugal after being named in the starting line-up.

Under-21 On 27 May 2019, Kastrati returned to the Kosovo U21 and was called up for 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification matches against Andorra and Turkey. On 6 June 2019, he made his under-21 debut against Andorra after being named in the starting line-up.

Career statistics International

Honours Újpest Magyar Kupa: 2020–21