Maldini Kacurri

Maldini Kacurri (born 4 October 2005) is a footballer who plays as a defender for club Grimsby Town. Born in England, he plays for the Albania national team.

Early life Kacurri was born on 4 October 2005 in Lewisham, London, He has an older sister, a younger brother, and a niece. His family is of the Catholic faith.

Club career Arsenal Kacurri began his youth career with the youth academy of English side Fulham, before moving to Arsenal in 2022. He was described as "regular feature for the Gunners at Premier League 2 level" while playing for them.

Kacurri first started training with their senior team during the 2022–23 season. Kacurri made his first senior matchday squad during a 1–0 win over rivals Tottenham on 15 September. On 25 September, he made his senior debut as a substitute for Riccardo Calafiori in a 5–1 win over Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup, becoming the first Albanian national to represent Arsenal's first team.

Bromley (loan) On 3 February 2025, Kacurri joined League Two club Bromley on loan for the remainder of the season.

Morecambe (loan) On 17 September 2025, Kacurri joined 5th tier Morecambe on a season long loan deal. He made his debut for on 20 September 2025, in a 4–3 victory over Wealdstone.

In November 2025, Kacurri was named Morecambe's Player of the Month for the second consecutive month after receiving more than 50% of the supporters’ votes.

Grimsby Town On 30 January 2026, Kacurri joined League Two club Grimsby Town on a permanent transfer, agreeing an 18-month deal for an undisclosed fee.

International career An Albanian youth international, Kacurri made two appearances for the Albania national under-17 team before joining the Albania national under-19 team in 2023.

On 1 September 2025, Kacurri received his first senior call-up from coach Sylvinho for a friendly against Gibraltar and a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Latvia, being a replacement for Adrian Bajrami, who withdrew from the squad amid reports of switching allegiance to Switzerland.

He made his senior debut three days later against Gibraltar, starting as a centre-back and playing the full 90 minutes, while also being booked in the 48th minute for a foul challenge, as Albania kept a clean sheet in a 0–1 away win.

Style of play Kacurri mainly operates as a defender, specifically operates as a center-back. He has been described as an "unstoppable defender, combative and with a tall stature that significantly distinguishes him from his peers."

Career statistics Club + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals

2022–23

2024–25

2024–25 National League

Grimsby Town 2025–26

Honours Individual

Grimsby Town Young Player of the Year: 2025-26