Pristina, Kosovo – Gianni Infantino, the President of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), has been presented with a distinguished presidential-level medal of honor by the Republic of Kosovo. This high accolade recognizes his unwavering dedication to the development of global football and, in particular, his direct and vital support for football within Kosovo.
The prestigious ceremony took place in Kosovo’s capital, Pristina, on October 8. The event followed Infantino’s participation in a Confederation of African Football (CAF) Congress, during which he received the honor directly from Kosovo’s President, Vjosa Osmani, at a special welcoming reception.
President Osmani lauded the 55-year-old Swiss national’s significant leadership, describing his profound contribution to Kosovo’s football as akin to a member of its own football family. She highlighted his instrumental role in helping elevate the nation’s football landscape to international standards over the past two and a half decades. Furthermore, President Osmani characterized Infantino as a true friend to football and, by extension, a direct friend to the nation of Kosovo itself.
Football has emerged as a profoundly popular sport within Kosovo, offering a path for many, especially children, to engage and even pursue professional careers since the conclusion of the Kosovo War in 1999.
Expressing profound pride in the warm reception from Kosovo, Infantino regarded the medal as an immense personal honor, noting it was the first major honor he had received since assuming the FIFA presidency. He reflected, “This is a great honor, with immense joy; it’s like happiness for me to be here in Kosovo today and to receive this special medal of honor directly from the President, representing the people of Kosovo.”
Recalling a pivotal moment from his tenure, the FIFA head recounted his first major decision since taking office in 2016 at a congress in Mexico: the formal inclusion of Kosovo as FIFA’s 210th member. This landmark decision has garnered Infantino continuous respect and gratitude from the people of Kosovo.
Kosovo made its international football debut in March 2014, subsequently participating in the official FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers in 2016. Since these foundational steps, football in Kosovo has experienced rapid and substantial growth.
Currently, the Kosovo men’s national team holds the 91st position in the FIFA world rankings and is actively enhancing its competitiveness with ambitions to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Simultaneously, the Kosovo women’s national team is demonstrating significant potential, aiming for its inaugural appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.
