TODAY marks the 74th birthday of football legend Dhimitraq Xhambazi! Happy birthday, Master…

Today is a special day for one of the icons of Korça and Albanian football Dhimitraq Xhambazi who celebrates his 74th birthday.

Dhimitraq Xhambazi, a true master of football, was born in Korça in 1952 and from childhood had a passion for football a sport with deep tradition in the city.

From 1967 to 1970 he shone with the youth team, and then for 12 consecutive years became an inseparable part of Skënderbeu Korçë, playing under coaches Ilia Shuke and Aleko Pilika until 1982.

In 12 years of career, Xhambazi played over 240 matches and scored around 110 goals.

He was physically strong and a natural goal scorer “fearsome” for any defense and any goalkeeper. His greatest football achievements were reaching the final of the Albanian Cup in 1976, as well as the 1976–77 season, when Skënderbeu was crowned runner-up of the country.

He played in several friendly matches against Romanian and Turkish teams that visited Albania at the time, as well as in four matches of the Balkan Cup in 1978, where Skënderbeu faced Aris Thessaloniki and HNK Rijeka.

It seems paradoxical that Dhimitraq Xhambazi was never part of the Albanian national team, even though during those years he was among the best strikers and goal scorers in the country.

After retiring from football, Xhambazi worked for many years as a youth coach at Skënderbeu and also served as a school director, where through his kindness, dedication, professionalism, and experience he earned the respect and affection of students and colleagues.

He holds the titles “Master of Sports,” “Honorary Citizen of Korça,” and the “Order of Skanderbeg” awarded by the President of the Republic.

Dhimitraq Xhambazi remains a true icon of sport and a highly respected and beloved figure in his hometown, where for fellow citizens and sports fans he is a legend and a great name but equally a remarkable person and a good friend, enjoying their admiration and gratitude.

On this marked day, the staff of “Korça Boom” wishes the esteemed Professor: Many more years, Master and Legend of Albanian football!

Wishing you health and a long life!

“KORÇA BOOM”