23 Facts About Sabien Lilaj

Sabien Lilaj was born on 10 February 1989 and is an Albanian former professional footballer who played as a central midfielder.

Sabien Lilaj is a versatile midfielder who mainly operates in a holding role, but he has played in more advanced midfield roles.

Sabien Lilaj scored once in the run up to the final, as well as featuring in six games, including both legs of the quarter and semi-finals, respectively and the final, where he played the full 120 minutes as Tirana won on penalties to rescue their season.

Sabien Lilaj was then allowed to leave the club at the end of the season, as did many other first team players, including Andi Lila, Jahmir Hyka, Tefik Osmani and Pero Pejic.

On 7 August 2012, Sabien Lilaj completed a transfer to reigning Superliga champions Skenderbeu Korce, returning to his birthplace.

Sabien Lilaj signed a three-year deal and took squad number 88.

Sabien Lilaj impressed in his first season at Skenderbeu Korce, despite competition in the centre of midfield with captain Bledi Shkembi and Nurudeen Orelesi.

Sabien Lilaj featured in 20 league games and scored four league goals to help his side retain the Superliga title for a third consecutive season.

Sabien Lilaj's second came from the penalty spot as teammate Liridon Latifi was fouled by Sporting goalkeeper Rui Patricio, who was then sent off.

On 28 December 2015, Sabien Lilaj was named Albanian Footballer of the Year.

Sabien Lilaj enjoyed a prolific form at the start of championship, scoring from penalty spot against Flamurtari Vlore in opening week, Partizani Tirana in week 3, Kukesi in week 4, Teuta Durres in week 7 and Luftetari Gjirokaster in week 8, which lifted his tally to 5 league goals, a new personal best.

Sabien Lilaj finished the championship by scoring 7 goals in 27 appearances as Skenderbeu won their 8th Albanian Superliga title in history.

On 27 May 2018, Sabien Lilaj played in the 2018 Albanian Cup Final against Laci and scored the only goal of the match with a penalty kick to give the club their first ever Albanian Cup trophy.

In June 2009, Sabien Lilaj was called up by manager of Albania under-20 side Artan Bushati to be part of the team at 2009 Mediterranean Games.

Sabien Lilaj was first selected for the Albania under-21 squad by coach Artan Bushati for a friendly match against Macedonia.

Sabien Lilaj was picked in the 23-man squad that travelled to Macedonia for the friendly along with two other KF Tirana teammates, Enri Tafaj and Migen Metani.

Sabien Lilaj was again picked by Bushati in February 2009, this time preparation for the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification.

Sabien Lilaj was picked in the squad with fellow club teammate Metani.

Sabien Lilaj participated with Albania U21 in the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification where he was a regular starter under coach Artan Bushati playing overall 7 matches as a starter completing 5 full 90-minutes.

Sabien Lilaj was first approached to Albania senior team by manager Josip Kuze for the last UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying matches against France and Romania respectively on 7 and 11 October 2011.

Sabien Lilaj then was called up by interim-manager Dzemal Mustedanagic for the post-Euro 2012 qualifying friendlies against Azerbaijan and Macedonia on 11 and 15 November 2011.

Sabien Lilaj was called up by new arrived coach Gianni De Biasi for friendlies against Qatar and Iran in May 2012.

Sabien Lilaj was called up regularly for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification but didn't make any appearances, standing on the bench for 8 matches.