Napoli's Rrahmani retires from Kosovo national team after 'co-ordinated attacks'
Quick summary
Napoli centre-back Amir Rrahmani has announced his retirement from the Kosovo national team, citing co-ordinated attacks directed at him.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceNapoli 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’.
Rrahmani retires from Kosovo national team after ‘co-ordinated attacks’ from FA chiefs 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.
NAPLES, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 09: Amir Rrahmani of SSC Napoli competes for the ball with Victor Gyokeres of Arsenal FC during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between SSC Napoli and Arsenal FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 09, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images) 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 .
CASTEL DI SANGRO, ITALY – AUGUST 14: Amir Rrahmani of Napoli in action during the pre-season friendly match between Napoli and Olympiacos at Stadio Teofilo Patini on August 14, 2025 in Castel di Sangro, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images) “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.”
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What happened
Amir Rrahmani, a key defender for Serie A leaders Napoli, has retired from international duty with Kosovo. The 31-year-old stated he has been the target of co-ordinated attacks, though the specific nature of those attacks was not detailed in the initial report. Rrahmani's decision removes one of Kosovo's most experienced and high-profile players from their squad, while freeing him up for club duty with Napoli. He had been a longstanding figure in the Kosovo setup since the federation gained UEFA membership.
Chance analysis
Rrahmani's international retirement is a significant loss for Kosovo, who lose a veteran defensive leader and one of the few players at a top European club. For Napoli, the silver lining is that their centre-back will be available for a heavier club schedule without the demands of international breaks. The phrase 'co-ordinated attacks' hints at off-field tensions — likely fan or media criticism — that have evidently become untenable for the player. How Napoli and their fans contextualise the decision may depend on what those attacks entailed.
Kosovo lose a senior defender; Napoli gain a slightly more available centre-back with reduced international workload.