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Altin Lala
Albanian footballer (born 1975) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Altin Dodë Lala (Albanian pronunciation: [aɫˈtin laɫa]; born 18 November 1975) is an Albanian former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder, and later worked as a football manager. He spent his entire professional club career in Germany, most notably with Hannover 96, and represented the Albania national team at international level.
Born and raised in Tirana, Lala began his football journey with the youth ranks of Dinamo Tirana before defecting to Germany in 1991 while on international duty with the Albania under-16 team. After spending his early years adapting to life in Germany and playing for SpVgg Hosenfeld, he joined Borussia Fulda in 1994, where he developed into one of the club’s key players. His performances in the Regionalliga Süd attracted attention from higher-tier teams, eventually leading to his transfer to Hannover 96 in 1998.
During his fourteen-year spell with Hannover 96, from 1998 to 2012, Lala became one of the club’s most influential and longest-serving players, making over 300 competitive appearances across all competitions. Known for his tireless work rate, aggressive yet fair playing style, and defensive consistency, he played a central role in Hannover’s promotion to the Bundesliga in 2002 and went on to captain the side for several seasons. Under a succession of managers including Ralf Rangnick, Ewald Lienen, and Peter Neururer, Lala established himself as a symbol of leadership and determination, earning admiration from both teammates and supporters. Despite recurring injuries in his later years, he remained a key squad figure and made his European debut with Hannover in the 2011–12 UEFA Europa League, helping the team reach the quarter-finals. His 14-year tenure concluded in May 2012, when he received a standing ovation in his farewell appearance at the AWD-Arena, marking the end of a highly respected era in the club’s modern history.
Lala made 79 appearances for Albania between 1998 and 2011, making him one of the country's most-capped players. He made his debut in January 1998 in a friendly match and was part of the team that won the 2000 Rothmans International Tournament. During his international career, he took part in seven qualifying campaigns for the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup. Lala scored three goals for Albania, the first coming in March 2003 during a UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying match against Russia. He became Albania’s captain in 2007 following Igli Tare’s retirement from international football under coach Otto Barić. Lala led the national side during the qualifying campaigns for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012 before retiring from international duty in 2011.
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Early life
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Lala was born in Tirana, the capital of Albania, to Dodë and Pashke Lala, who were originally from the Mirditë District in northern Albania.[1] He grew up in the Tirana e Re neighborhood with his family. Like many children in the area, he developed an early interest in football. Although his father initially encouraged him to focus on education, he later supported Lala's decision to join the youth academy of Dinamo Tirana.[2]
In November 1991, aged 15, while playing with the Albania under-16 team in a friendly match in Offenbach, West Germany, Lala was among ten players who remained in Germany after the game and did not return to Albania. The country was undergoing a period of political and economic transition, and Lala later recalled that living conditions at the time were difficult. He initially stayed with a former school friend in Offenbach before being placed in an asylum centre near Frankfurt. Despite not speaking German, he began to adapt to life in Germany and soon resumed playing football. Lala joined the local amateur club SpVgg Hosenfeld, where he played alongside other Albanian refugees.[3]
His performances attracted the attention of a coach from Borussia Fulda, who offered him an opportunity to join the club. As an asylum seeker, Lala was not permitted to attend school, so he worked various manual jobs while continuing to train and play football. At the age of 18, he signed his first professional contract with Borussia Fulda, earning 1,200 D-Mark per month.[4]
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Club career
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Borussia Fulda
After the first team of Borussia Fulda earned promotion to the third-tier Oberliga Hessen, Lala was mostly an unused substitute during the second half of the 1993–94 season, making two appearances. In the following season, the Oberliga Hessen became part of the fourth tier of German football, and Lala featured in eight matches as the club finished eighth in the league.[5]
Following the club’s unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the Regionalliga, new head coach Martin Hohmann rebuilt the squad largely around local talents and young players, including Lala, then a 19-year-old. He quickly became one of the key figures of the team and, according to Fuldaer Zeitung, made “a huge career leap within a few months.”[6] Lala established himself as a regular starter during the 1995–96 campaign, making 24 appearances and scoring his first goal for the club that season. Borussia Fulda finished first in the table, earning promotion to the Regionalliga Süd for the following season.[5]
Lala debuted in the 1996–97 Regionalliga season, when Borussia Fulda was regarded as one of the stronger sides in the league, featuring Lala and top scorer Olivier Djappa among its key players.[7] He made 23 league appearances, including 14 starts and nine as a substitute, scoring two goals in back-to-back home victories in mid-March 1997 — a 4–1 win against VfR Mannheim and a 3–1 success over KSV Hessen Kassel — helping Fulda to a fourth-place finish in the league.[5][8][9]
In the following 1997–98 Regionalliga season, Lala became an undisputed starter, appearing in 33 league matches. The few games he missed were due to suspensions, as he collected seven yellow cards and one red card during the campaign. He also scored four goals, three of which proved decisive in Fulda's victories.[10]
That season marked one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history. Under coach Martin Hohmann, Borussia Fulda was briefly in contention for promotion to the 2. Bundesliga, attracting large crowds of up to 18,000 spectators at the Johannisau Stadium. Local reports later described this period as a “golden era” for the club, with players such as Lala and Djappa gaining recognition and later making the step up to higher divisions.[11]
Hannover 96
Early years (1998–2001)
On 21 July 1998, Lala signed with newly promoted 2. Bundesliga side Hannover 96. He made his debut on 30 July 1998 in a 1–0 victory over Karlsruher SC.[12] In his first season at the club, he quickly established himself as a reliable central midfielder known for his tenacity and leadership. He became a regular starter, completing several matches for the full 90 minutes.[10] He also made an immediate impact by scoring twice in back-to-back rounds in early months, against FC Gütersloh 2000 and 1. FC Köln, adding another later in the campaign, finishing with three goals from 24 league appearances.[5] His performances helped Hannover 96 collect 57 points and finish fourth, just one point short of promotion spots to the Bundesliga.[13]
During the 1999–2000 season, Lala was part of Hannover’s core midfield under coach Branko Ivanković. He featured regularly in both league and cup matches and was often praised for his work rate and tactical discipline. Despite missing several games early in the campaign due to a knee injury, he returned to the starting lineup in August and soon re-established himself. In September 1999, Lala received a four-match suspension following a red card against SC Fortuna Köln, but regained his place upon his return in October and remained a mainstay through the rest of the season. On 18 March 2000, he scored his first goal of the campaign in a 2–1 home victory over 1. FSV Mainz 05, and later added another in a 3–5 loss to 1. FC Köln on 9 May 2000. Lala was one of Hannover’s most combative players, known for his ball-winning ability and leadership on the pitch.[14] By the end of the season, Lala collected 29 total appearances and Hannover 96 achieved a mid-table rank.[5]
In the 2000–01 2. Bundesliga season, Lala continued as a key figure in Hannover 96’s midfield. Having overcome injury setbacks from the previous campaign, he started the new season as a regular, noted for his energy, pressing, and defensive contribution. Lala provided balance and leadership in a young squad that included emerging talents such as Sebastian Kehl and Daniel Stendel. Throughout the season, Lala contributed crucial performances as a link between defense and attack. He also scored three goals during the campaign — in a 5–1 win over SSV Reutlingen 05 on 1 October 2000, a 3–0 victory over 1. FC Saarbrücken on 10 February 2001, and a 3–0 home win against Rot-Weiß Oberhausen on 1 April 2001. His consistent performances earned him the club’s “Player of the Month” award in March 2001. Lala also scored in Hannover’s 2–1 DFB-Pokal win over Bundesliga side FC Hansa Rostock, highlighting his impact in cup competitions. Hannover finished the campaign in mid-table, while Lala’s leadership and commitment made him one of the team’s most respected professionals.[15]
Promotion to Bundesliga (2001–2002)
Lala played an instrumental role in helping Hannover 96 achieve promotion to the Bundesliga at the end of the 2001–02 season, appearing in 31 league matches and scoring one goal.[16]
He began the season as vice-captain, forming part of the team’s leadership group alongside Jörg Sievers, Carsten Linke, and Steve Cherundolo. Known for his tireless work rate and aggressive defensive play, Lala became a key component of coach Ralf Rangnick’s system. Despite sustaining minor injuries — including a broken hand in October 2001 and a muscle strain in March 2002 — he remained a regular starter throughout the campaign. His only league goal came in a 4–2 away win against Alemannia Aachen on 28 January 2002, a result that extended Hannover’s unbeaten run and strengthened their promotion push. In November 2001, Lala was voted the club’s “Player of the Month,” and by season’s end, he finished second in the official “Player of the Season” poll behind Jan Šimák and ahead of Nebojša Krupniković. In March 2002, he extended his contract with Hannover 96 until June 2005, rejecting interest from Bundesliga clubs including Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Hamburger SV. The new agreement contained a release clause permitting a transfer only to a Champions League club for a fixed fee of €4 million. Lala’s commitment to remain with Hannover was warmly received by supporters during the club’s promotion-clinching 6–0 home victory over 1. FC Schweinfurt 05 on 31 March 2002. Hannover 96 returned to the Bundesliga for the first time in 13 years, with Lala’s leadership and consistency earning widespread praise from both fans and the media.[17]
Bundesliga and rise to captaincy (2002–2004)
Lala made his Bundesliga debut on 11 August 2002 in a 2–1 away defeat to Hamburger SV on the opening day of the 2002–03 season.[18] The match marked Hannover 96’s return to the top flight after thirteen years, with Lala starting in central midfield and quickly becoming a key figure in coach Ralf Rangnick’s tactical setup. Throughout the campaign, he remained an undisputed starter, anchoring the midfield with his tireless work rate and defensive discipline. His leadership and commitment earned him growing respect from both teammates and supporters. In October 2002, he received his fifth yellow card of the season following a 3–3 draw against FC Bayern Munich, underlining his combative style of play. Despite suffering a broken nose in December during a training collision with teammate Daniel Stendel, Lala returned to action within days wearing a protective mask, enhancing his reputation for toughness and determination. By season’s end, he had become one of Hannover’s most dependable players, contributing significantly to the club’s successful fight for survival in their first Bundesliga campaign.[19] Lala made 34 appearances in all competitions as Hannover 96 finished 11th in the league.[5]
For the 2003–04 season, Lala was appointed club captain by Rangnick, continuing to play a central role in Hannover’s midfield. Popular both within the squad and among fans—who nicknamed him "The Battle Dwarf" (German: Kampfzwerg)—Lala became a fan favourite for his aggressive yet fair style of play and strong commitment to the team. He started the campaign as a regular, noted for his stamina and consistency, and was frequently highlighted in match reports for his influence and leadership. However, his season was interrupted by a series of minor injuries that sidelined him between November 2003 and February 2004. Upon returning to full fitness, he regained his starting position and provided valuable experience during a challenging period for the club. In March 2004, following a run of poor results, Rangnick was replaced by Ewald Lienen, who retained Lala as captain and relied on his leadership during the remainder of the campaign. Under Lienen, Hannover 96 secured their Bundesliga status with several strong performances in the closing rounds. Lala concluded the season as one of the club’s most respected figures, making 27 appearances in all competitions as Hannover finished mid-table.[20][5][10][16]
Captaincy establishment (2004–2007)
Lala remained team captain under Lienen for the 2004–05 season, leading Hannover 96 through a campaign characterized by consistent performances and a solid defensive record. Early in the season, he was officially confirmed as club captain once again, with Steven Cherundolo and Michael Tarnat serving as his deputies. Despite several minor setbacks—including a muscle strain and brief illness spells in October and April 2005—Lala remained a central figure in midfield. In December 2004, he extended his contract with Hannover 96 until June 2007, reaffirming his long-term commitment to the club, a decision widely welcomed by supporters and management. Throughout the campaign, he was regularly cited in match reports for his leadership, work rate, and defensive organization.[21] Lala made 29 Bundesliga appearances and helped Hannover achieve a comfortable mid-table finish, maintaining their top-flight status.[5][10][16]
During the 2005–06 season, Lala continued as captain under both Lienen and his successor Peter Neururer. Despite recurring injury issues during pre-season and early in the campaign, he remained an influential presence in Hannover’s midfield. Lala missed several matches due to suspensions and injuries, including a three-match ban imposed by the DFB in January 2006 following a red card against Hertha BSC, and another dismissal in April during a 3–3 draw with VfB Stuttgart. Known for his relentless work ethic and leadership, he returned each time to help stabilize the team, which went on to secure another mid-table finish.[22] Lala concluded the season with 29 league appearances as Hannover 96 finished 12th in the Bundesliga.[5] He also made three DFB-Pokal appearances as Hannover reached the round of 16 before being eliminated by SV Werder Bremen.[16]
In the 2006–07 Bundesliga season, Lala began as a key midfield leader but was sidelined in October after sustaining a knee ligament injury during international duty. Although fitness issues persisted throughout the season, he returned in the second half of the campaign and continued to provide leadership and stability during a difficult period for the club. His disciplined and hard-working style remained vital to Hannover’s defensive structure. Lala scored his only goal of the season on 31 January 2007 in a 5–0 home win over Hertha BSC.[23] Persistent knee problems forced him to miss the closing stages of the season, including the final match against 1. FC Nürnberg.[24] Lala finished the campaign with 17 Bundesliga appearances as Hannover 96 placed 11th.[5] He also captained the team to the quarter-finals of the DFB-Pokal—his first time reaching that stage with the club—where they were eliminated by Nürnberg after a penalty shoot-out.[16]
Captaincy change and persistent injuries
Ahead of the 2007–08 Bundesliga season, a new captaincy vote was held at Hannover 96 in which Lala narrowly lost to goalkeeper Robert Enke. Following the decision, Lala continued to serve as vice-captain, maintaining his leadership influence within the team and remaining a respected figure in the dressing room. He began the campaign as a regular starter, earning praise for his work rate and tactical discipline. Lala received a red card in the second match of the season against FC Bayern Munich on 27 August 2007 and later missed several games due to minor injuries, including a shin bruise sustained in September. Despite these setbacks, he returned to the starting lineup in October and featured regularly until the winter break, helping Hannover maintain mid-table form in the opening half of the campaign.[25] Lala went on to make 28 domestic appearances as Hannover 96 finished eighth in the Bundesliga—the club’s best position since his arrival.[5]
During the 2008–09 Bundesliga season, Lala started the opening matches but gradually lost his regular place as Hannover struggled for consistency. He sustained a back injury in the autumn that sidelined him for several months. By early 2009, Lala was working toward full fitness and made several appearances for Hannover 96 II in the Regionalliga Nord, scoring once against Altona 93 on 28 February 2009.[16] After nearly 100 days out, he returned to the first-team squad in March 2009, shortly after Albanian media reported his recovery.[26] In April 2009, Hannover offered Lala a new two-year contract extension, which included a salary reduction in line with the club’s wage policy for senior players. The decision, supported by club president Martin Kind, was generally welcomed by fans and teammates.[27] Lala made three substitute appearances during the remainder of the campaign, finishing the season with 12 Bundesliga matches as Hannover placed 11th.[5]
At the start of the 2009–10 Bundesliga season, Lala was still recovering from a persistent back injury that had sidelined him since April 2009.[28] He returned to competitive action in early February 2010, starting four consecutive league matches before sustaining a leg injury that required surgery and ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.[16][10] Hannover 96 endured a difficult season, further impacted by the tragic death of captain Robert Enke in November 2009, and ultimately finished 15th, narrowly avoiding relegation.[29][5]
Later years
After missing most of the previous campaign through a leg injury, Lala returned to match fitness by appearing for Hannover 96 II in mid-October 2010.[16] He rejoined the first-team squad in early November and gradually regained playing rhythm, featuring mainly as a late substitute throughout the season. In the final weeks of the campaign, he started two matches and concluded the season with 10 Bundesliga appearances.[5]
During the 2011–12 season, Lala made his long-awaited European debut in the 2011–12 UEFA Europa League group stage on 29 September 2011, contributing an assist for the opening goal of Mohammed Abdellaoue in a 2–1 away victory over Vorskla Poltava in Ukraine.[30] He also appeared in the following Europa League fixture against København on 20 October and later captained Hannover in the home match against Vorskla Poltava on 15 December 2011, a 3–1 win that sealed qualification for the knockout stage.[31] Hannover advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition, while Lala made five appearances in the campaign.[32]
In the 2011–12 Bundesliga, Lala played a limited role, starting once, featuring for 45 minutes in another match, and making four brief substitute appearances.[16] He remained part of the first-team setup until the end of the season, when he announced his departure from the club, concluding a 14-year spell with Hannover 96 that encompassed over 300 competitive appearances in all competitions.[33] On 5 May 2012, Lala made his final appearance for Hannover in the home fixture against 1. FC Kaiserslautern, receiving a standing ovation from 49,000 spectators at the AWD-Arena as the club honoured his service from 1998 to 2012.[34] Lala made 181 Bundesliga appearances, scoring once, and was widely recognised for his consistency, work rate, and defensive discipline.[35]
Bayern Munich II
Despite planning his retirement once his contract with Hannover ran out in the summer of 2012, Bayern Munich II were in talks with Lala in March about joining the club on a free transfer in the summer.[36] The idea was proposed by Lala's former teammate Michael Tarnat, a youth scout at Bayern Munich.[37] Lala made three appearances for Bayern's reserve team before being forced to retire due to injury in October 2012.[38]
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International career
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Lala recorded 79 appearances for Albania national team and is currently the second highest in Albania's international history, being overtaken only by Lorik Cana in 2014. He has also scored three goals for his country.[39]
He debuted with Albania senior team under coach Astrit Hafizi on 21 January 1998 in a friendly against Turkey as a half-time substitute for Përparim Daiu; in Lala's presence on the pitch during the second-half, Albania managed to score three times to take an away 1–4 victory at İzmir Atatürk Stadium.[40] Right after his debut he went on to participate in the 1998 Rothmans International Tournament in next month. He was ever-present in the whole tournament under coach Hafizi and Albania took two draws against hosts Malta (1–1) and Latvia (2–2) and lost to Georgia to end the tournament in the third place.[41] He participated in the next edition in 2000, helping his team to win the tournament. He scored his first international goal on 29 March 2003 in a UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying match against Russia in the 79th minute; the match ended 3–1 for Albania and became one of the country's greatest ever achievements in football. His second goal came just three months later during the same qualifying tournament against Switzerland in the 22nd minute of a thrilling 3–2 loss. Lala became the captain of Albania during the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying, since Igli Tare was no longer capped by former manager Otto Baric. His third and final goal was scored in his 50th match for the Red and Blacks against San Marino in 2006.[42][43]
Managerial career
On 3 March 2014, Lala was presented as assistant coach of Albania national team by head coach Gianni De Biasi, replacing previous assistant Angelo Pereni.[44] On 12 August 2014, Lala was named as the Albania national under-19 team coach, after the previous coach Foto Strakosha left to work for Olympiakos.[45]
Career statistics
Club
- Appearances in 2011–12 UEFA Europa League
International
- Scores and results list Albania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Lala goal.
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Honours
Hannover 96
References
External links
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