Elseid Hysaj

On November 7, 2013, Elseid Hysaj made his international debut for the Albanian national team in a friendly match against Georgia. At just 19 years old, Hysaj showcased his potential by playing the full match and demonstrating solid defensive skills, composure under pressure, and ability to contribute to forward plays. His debut marked the beginning of what would become a key role for him in the national team, where he quickly cemented his position as a reliable right-back. Over the years, Hysaj built a reputation as a defensively sound, tactically aware, and versatile player, contributing significantly to Albania's defensive stability in numerous international campaigns.

Elseid Hysaj's impressive performances at Empoli during the 2014/15 season caught the attention of top clubs in Serie A. As a young defender, Hysaj displayed remarkable maturity, defensive acumen, and an ability to adapt to varying tactical setups. Throughout the season, he became known for his solid tackling, intelligent positioning, and capability to advance up the field, providing valuable support to Empoli's offense. His burgeoning talent and dynamic style of play were pivotal to Empoli's ability to establish themselves in Italy's top tier following their promotion. Recognized as one of the league's promising defenders, Hysaj’s performances laid the foundation for his future success at bigger clubs.

On June 3, 2015, Elseid Hysaj completed a transfer to SSC Napoli. The talented Albanian defender was acquired from Empoli in a move that signaled Napoli's intent to bolster their defensive line. Hysaj was well-regarded for his defensive capabilities and his ability to contribute to the attack with his forward runs. The transfer was seen as a strategic acquisition by manager Maurizio Sarri, who valued Hysaj’s versatility and familiarity with his tactical plans, having previously worked together at Empoli. Hysaj quickly became a key part of Napoli's defense, known for his consistency and work ethic, earning the trust of teammates and fans alike and becoming an integral part of the team’s successes in the Italian Serie A.

Elseid Hysaj was a key player for Albania during their historic appearance at UEFA Euro 2016. Held in France, this was Albania's first-ever participation in the European Championship finals. Hysaj played as the right-back in all three of Albania's group matches, showcasing his defensive skills and ability to support offensive plays. The Albanian national team faced tough competition in Group A, including matches against France, Switzerland, and Romania. Despite being in a challenging group, Albania managed to win against Romania. Hysaj's performances were noted for his tenacity on the field, his defensive discipline, and his tactical awareness, which assisted Albania in securing a memorable 1-0 victory over Romania and finishing third in the group, though they did not advance further.

On April 1, 2017, Elseid Hysaj signed a contract renewal with SSC Napoli amidst interest from several high-profile European clubs. The new deal extended his stay at Napoli, reflecting the club's confidence in his abilities and his integral role in the team's defensive lineup. Hysaj had already established himself as a reliable right-back known for his work rate, defensive stability, and effective forward play. The move was seen as a statement by Napoli to retain key players critical to their competitive aspirations both domestically and in European competitions. Hysaj's commitment to Napoli was lauded by fans, securing his status as a mainstay in the team's lineup.

Elseid Hysaj was a prominent figure in Napoli's remarkable 2017-18 Serie A season where they finished as runners-up. With Hysaj playing a key role in defense, Napoli accumulated 91 points on the table, a club record, finishing just four points behind champions Juventus. Hysaj's contributions included his consistent performances, his ability to secure the flank from opposing attacks, and his adeptness at supporting the forward momentum of his team. Under Maurizio Sarri's management, the season was characterized by attractive, attacking football, with Hysaj's defensive capabilities being crucial to maintaining the balance. His performances earned him significant plaudits throughout the season from both the fans and football analysts.

On August 24, 2019, at the start of the Serie A season, Elseid Hysaj underwent a tactical transformation under the guidance of manager Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli. During pre-season and the early matches, Ancelotti experimented with different formations and roles for Hysaj, utilizing him not only as a traditional right-back but also exploring his capabilities in various defensive setups. This season saw Hysaj adapting to a switch to a more versatile role, contributing to various facets of the game, providing defensive solidity as well as support in midfield. His adaptability was praised, showcasing his ability to thrive in an evolving tactical landscape while maintaining high performance levels.

On July 1, 2021, Elseid Hysaj signed with SS Lazio on a free transfer after his contract with Napoli expired. The move reunited him with manager Maurizio Sarri, who had previously coached him at both Empoli and Napoli. Hysaj's signing was part of Sarri's effort to implement his style of play known as 'Sarri-ball' at Lazio, with Hysaj seen as a versatile defender capable of playing in various defensive positions. The transfer was regarded as a significant addition to Lazio's squad due to Hysaj's experience in Serie A and his familiarity with Sarri's tactics. Fans and analysts expected him to strengthen Lazio's defense and provide depth across the back line.

Elseid Hysaj was part of the Lazio squad that won the Coppa Italia on May 14, 2022, marking a major achievement in his career. The victory came after a series of challenging matches in the tournament, where Hysaj's defensive skills proved crucial in securing Lazio's success. Throughout the tournament, he demonstrated remarkable resilience and leadership on the field, helping his team overcome tough opponents and advance through various stages. The win was celebrated as a significant triumph for Lazio and an important trophy in Hysaj's personal career accolades, reinforcing his status as a key player in their squad.

On January 18, 2023, Elseid Hysaj reached a milestone, making his 200th appearance in Serie A during a match for SS Lazio. This landmark highlighted his longevity and sustained performance excellence in one of Europe's top football leagues. Throughout his time in Serie A, Hysaj had consistently been recognized for his defensive abilities, versatility, and tactical understanding. Having transitioned from Napoli to Lazio, he continued to display the same level of professionalism and commitment that marked his earlier career, demonstrating his value as a seasoned and capable defender. His experience and leadership on the pitch were invaluable assets to his team.