Napoli’s Rrahmani retires from Kosovo national team after ‘co-ordinated attacks’

NAPLES, ITALY - AUGUST 30: Amir Rrahmani of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on August 30, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Napoli centre-back and captain of the Kosovo national team Amir Rrahmani has announced on Friday evening that he will be retiring from international duty at the age of 32 ‘as long as the FKK is led by the current individuals’. 

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Rrahmani has been a Kosovo international for 12 years, dating back to 2014, and has served as his nation’s captain for the last seven years of his career. 

He has racked up 67 caps for Kosovo, but says that now, due to ‘persistent disagreements’ with the decision makers at the top of the Kosovar FA, he feels unable to continue playing for his country.

The 32-year-old, who made over 200 Serie A appearances, including 170 for Napoli, took to Instagram to inform his supporters of his decision to retire from international duty. 

He hints that there is a chance of a return, but only if widespread changes are made at the top of the Kosovar FA. 

“After 10 years with the national team, seven of which were spent as captain, I am announcing that I will no longer be part of the Kosovo national team as long as the FKK is led by its current individuals,” Rrahmani wrote in a post on Instagram. 

“Due to numerous factors, persistent disagreements and a lack of competent people available to address our problems and grievances, the situation has remained unimproved for years. 

“And what did I get in return? Constant, co-ordinated attacks for more than two years from those people who should have been protecting us. Justice will prevail one day. 

“This decision comes from the need to preserve my integrity as a captain and as a professional footballer, but above all, my values as a human being.”