Andi Lila

Lila started his career with hometown club, Besa Kavajë. He made his debut for the club during the 2002–03 season in the Albanian Superliga on 14 December 2002 in an away match against Teuta Durrës. Lila came on as a substitute at half time by replacing Ervin Bardhi. However it was not a game to remember for the young Lila as it finished 5–0 to Teuta Durrës.

Lila's performances at right-back paved the way for his move to Greek club Iraklis in January 2007, where he joined fellow Albanians, Enea Koliçi, Elvis Kaja and Indrit Fortuzi.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Despite making his dream move abroad a reality, Lila struggled to settle in Greece and after only 6 months and 3 appearances he moved back to his original club Besa Kavajë.

Following his return, he was made captain of the team. During the 2007–08 season he played 26 times without scoring a goal. The team also was defeated at the 2007 Albanian Supercup by Tirana.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/albacup07.html|title=Albania Cup (Kupa e Shqipërisë) 2006/07|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|access-date=22 December 2017}} Lila played his final match with Besa in the Intertoto Cup against Grasshopper which finished in a 0–3 loss.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}

File:Lila Andi.jpg in 2010.]]

Lila completed his move to Tirana on 21 July 2008 after him and his agent Sokol Haxhia agreed to terms with the capital club and its president Refik Halili.{{cite news|url=http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/Andi-Lila-firmos-me-Tiranen.62634/|title=Andi Lila firmos me Tiranën|trans-title=Andi Lila signs with Tirana|publisher=Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve|language=sq|date=21 July 2008|access-date=9 January 2016}} His first game as a Tirana player was the opening game of the season against Vllaznia Shkodër in which he played full-90 minutes of the goalless draw.{{cite news|url=http://fshf.org/garat/components/match.php?match_id=141340|title=Vllaznia 0 – 0 Tirana|publisher=FSHF|language=sq|date=24 August 2008|access-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312095919/http://fshf.org/garat/components/match.php?match_id=141340|archive-date=12 March 2016|url-status=dead}} His first score-sheet contributions with the team came on 14 September in his third appearance in the capital derby against Partizani Tirana, netting a later winner to hand his team the three points.{{cite news|url=http://fshf.org/garat/components/match.php?match_id=141348|title=Tirana 2 – 1 Partizani|publisher=FSHF|language=sq|date=14 September 2008|access-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312095907/http://fshf.org/garat/components/match.php?match_id=141348|archive-date=12 March 2016|url-status=dead}}

Lila didn't have to wait long for another goal as it came less than a week later on 20 September 2008 against Apolonia Fier, his goal came in the 28th minute of the game.{{cite news|url=http://fshf.org/garat/components/match.php?match_id=141354|title=Apolonia 0 – 2 Tirana|publisher=FSHF|language=sq|date=20 September 2008|access-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312095754/http://fshf.org/garat/components/match.php?match_id=141354|archive-date=12 March 2016|url-status=dead}} During the entire 2008–09 season he became the club's first choice right back and he played 29 games, he also proved that he has attacking qualities as well by scoring 4 goals during the campaign.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Tirana concluded the league season by winning its 24 title in history, leaving Vllaznia Shkodër four points behind.{{cite news |date=24 May 2009 |title=Tirana, 24 herë kampione e Shqipërisë |trans-title=Tirana, 24-time champion of Albania. |url=http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/Tirana-24-here-kampione-e-Shqiperise.248539/ |access-date=6 March 2016 |publisher=Arkiva Lajmeve |language=sq}} Tirana also went into the final of 2008–09 Albanian Cup, where "The White and Blues" were defeated 2–1 by Flamurtari Vlorë, in a match where Lila was an unused substitute.

Lila started his second season with Tirana on 15 July 2009 by making his European debut with Tirana against Stabæk in the first leg of 2009–10 UEFA Champions League's first round.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01db-0e726c40acb6-9d8544f5e5ec-1000--stab%C3%A6k-smiling-after-tirana-draw/|title=Stabæk smiling after Tirana draw|publisher=UEFA|date=15 July 2009|access-date=6 March 2015}} He was a starter even in the returning leg with Tirana slumped into a 4–0 defeat at Telenor Arena, crashing out of competition 1–5 on aggregate.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01db-0e727557f73f-dd0bc1f6e10a-1000--swedes-steal-show-for-stab%C3%A6k/|title=Swedes steal show for Stabæk|publisher=UEFA|date=21 July 2009|access-date=6 March 2015}} Later, on 16 August, Lila won his second silverware at Tirana, the Albanian Supercup, where he aided the team to beat Flamurtari Vlorë 1–0 at Qemal Stafa Stadium.{{cite news|url=http://www.oranews.tv/uncategorized/tirana-fiton-superkupn-me-rezultatin-1-0-ndaj-flamurtarit/|title=Tirana fiton Superkupën me rezultatin 1-0 ndaj Flamurtarit|trans-title=Tirana wins the Supercup with a 1-0 result over Flamurtari|work=Ora News|language=sq|date=17 August 2009|access-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306213455/http://www.oranews.tv/uncategorized/tirana-fiton-superkupn-me-rezultatin-1-0-ndaj-flamurtarit/|archive-date=6 March 2016|url-status=dead}}

Lila completed a transfer to Greek side PAS Giannina on 24 June 2011 by signing a three-year contract worth €200,000 plus bonuses.{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/lila-firmos-te-janina-per-200-mije-euro/|title=Lila firmos te Janina për 200 mijë euro |trans-title=Lila signs at Giannina for €200,000|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|author=Jorgis Memo|date=25 February 2011 |access-date=26 June 2011}}{{cite web |date=24 February 2011 |title= |script-title=el:Άντι Λίλα για τρία χρόνια στον ΠΑΣ ΓΙΑΝΝΙΝΑ |trans-title=Andy Lila for three years at PAS Giannina. |url=http://www.pasgiannina.gr/articles/deltio_tupou_anti_lila_gia_tria_cronia_ston_pas_giannina_24_06_11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625132837/http://www.pasgiannina.gr/articles/deltio_tupou_anti_lila_gia_tria_cronia_ston_pas_giannina_24_06_11 |archive-date=25 June 2011 |access-date=26 June 2011 |publisher=PAS Giannina |language=el}} He was given squad number 3 and made his competitive debut on 27 August by starting in the goalless draw against Aris Thessaloniki in the opening week of 2011–12 Superleague Greece.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/08/27/greece/super-league/pas-giannina/aris-thessaloniki-fc/1187751/|title=PAS Giannina vs. Aris Thessaloniki 0 – 0|work=Soccerway|date=27 August 2011|access-date=27 August 2011}} In his first full season at Ajax of Epirus Lila contributed with 21 league appearances, scoring no goals as the team finished 8th in championship. With 8 yellow cards, Lila had the second worst disciplinary record within the team.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/national/greece/super-league/2011-2012/regular-season/r15799/|title=Summary – Super League – Greece – Results, fixtures, tables and news|work=Soccerway|access-date=26 December 2017}}

Lila begun his second season on 25 August 2012 by playing in the 0–0 draw versus Platanias at Zosimades Stadium.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/08/25/greece/super-league/pas-giannina/platanias/1329638/|title=PAS Giannina vs. Palatanias 0 – 0|work=Soccerway|date=25 August 2012|access-date=27 August 2013}} He made his first Greek Football Cup appearance later on 29 November in the 1–0 win against Panserraikos in the first leg of third round.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/11/29/greece/cup/pas-giannina/panserraikos-fc/1408166/|title=PAS Giannina vs. Panserraikos 1 – 0|work=Soccerway|date=29 November 2012|access-date=27 August 2016}} His first score-sheet contributions for the club came later on 8 December as he netted the opener of the 0–2 win at Kerkyra.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/12/08/greece/super-league/pae-ao-kerkyra/pas-giannina/1372875/|title=Kerkyra vs. PAS Giannina 0 – 2|work=Soccerway|date=8 December 2012|access-date=26 December 2017}} His second of the season came on 24 January of the following year in the second leg of Greek Football Cup against Fostiras, leading his team into a 2–3 win and progression to quarter-finals.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/01/24/greece/cup/fostiras-tavros/pas-giannina/1424612/|title=Fostiras vs. PAS Giannina 2 – 3|work=Soccerway|date=24 January 2013|access-date=26 December 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.sportishqiptar.com.al/newsite/2013/01/25/lila-dhe-vila-gola-kualifikimi-per-pas-janinen/|title=Lila dhe Vila, gola kualifikimi për Pas Janinën|trans-title=Lila and Vila, qualification goals for PAS Giannina|work=Sporti Shqiptar|language=sq|date=25 January 2013|access-date=25 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805142538/http://www.sportishqiptar.com.al/newsite/2013/01/25/lila-dhe-vila-gola-kualifikimi-per-pas-janinen/|archive-date=5 August 2017|url-status=dead}} He concluded his second season in Greece by playing 35 matches between league and cup, as PAS Giannina finished 5th in championship and was eliminated by Olympiacos at the quarter-finals of cup. Once again he had the second worst disciplinary record within the team.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/national/greece/super-league/20122013/regular-season/r18160/|title=Summary – Super League – Greece – Results, fixtures, tables and news|work=Soccerway|access-date=26 December 2017}}

On 12 July 2014, Lila had even declared that his contract with PAS Giannina had come to an end, allowing him to sign a contract with Croatian side HNK Rijeka,{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/a-lila-e-konfirmon-do-shkoj-te-rijeka/|title=Andi Lila e konfirmon: Do të shkoj te Rijeka|trans-title=Andi Lila confirms: I will go at Rijeka|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|author=Jorgis Memo|date=24 June 2014|access-date=17 March 2015}} however, he eventually opted against this and signed a new three-year contract with PAS Giannina .{{cite news|url=http://www.sport24.gr/football/omades/PasGiannina/emeine_o_lila.2914967.html|title=Έμεινε ο Λίλα 12 July 2014|work=Sport24.gr|language=el|date=12 July 2014|access-date=17 March 2015}}

On 28 December 2014, Lila was sent on loan at Serie A club Parma.{{cite news|url=http://www.football-italia.net/60535/lila-confirms-parma-transfer|title=Lila confirms Parma transfer|work=Football Italia|date=28 December 2014|access-date=28 December 2014}} The transfer was made official on 1 January 2015 when the transfer window reopened.{{cite news|url=https://telegrafi.com/lila-konfirmon-po-shkoj-te-parma/|title=Lila konfirmon: Po shkoj te Parma|trans-title=Lila confirms: I'm going to Parma|work=Telegrafi|language=sq|date=1 January 2015|access-date=1 January 2015}} During his presentation, Lila stated that moving to Serie A is a dream come true, adding that Serie A is the best league in the world.{{cite news|url=http://botasot.info/sporti/389600/andi-lila-dhe-basti-i-fituar-ne-serine-a/|title=Andi Lila dhe basti i fituar në Serinë A|trans-title=Andi Lila and winning bet in Serie A|work=Bota Sot|language=sq|date=4 April 2015|access-date=4 April 2015}} Eleven days later, the club announced that the deal temporary with an option to purchase,{{cite web|url=http://fcparma.com/news/e-ufficiale-andi-lila-e-un-giocatore-del-parma-avra-la-crociata-con-il-numero-3|title=E' ufficiale: Andi Lila è un giocatore del Parma. Avrà la crociata con il numero 3|trans-title=Andi Lila is a player of Parma. He will have the crusade with the number 3|date=12 January 2015|access-date=22 June 2015|publisher=Parma F.C.|language=it|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622212103/http://fcparma.com/news/e-ufficiale-andi-lila-e-un-giocatore-del-parma-avra-la-crociata-con-il-numero-3|archive-date=22 June 2015}} due to ongoing financial difficulties of the club.

He made his debut for Parma on 14 January 2015, starting in the Coppa Italia match against Cagliari.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/01/14/italy/coppa-italia/parma-fc/cagliari-calcio/1972960/|title=Parma vs. Cagliari 2 – 1|work=Soccerway|date=14 January 2015|access-date=6 March 2016}} After 13 minutes, however, Lila was forced off the field with a thigh muscle problem.{{cite news|url=http://asport.al/lila-braktis-debutimin-demtuar/|title=Lila braktis debutimin i dëmtuar|trans-title=Lila abandon the debut injured|work=Asport.al|language=sq|date=14 January 2015|access-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601090200/http://asport.al/lila-braktis-debutimin-demtuar/|archive-date=1 June 2016|url-status=dead}} In his first game back after returning from injury, Lila scored his first goal for Parma against Sassuolo on 15 March 2015; having played from the start, with the match ending as a 4–1 defeat for the Gialloblù.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/03/15/italy/serie-a/us-sassuolo-calcio/parma-fc/1836633/|title=Sassuolo vs. Parma 4 – 1|work=Soccerway|date=15 March 2015|access-date=17 March 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/lila-gol-ne-serine-a-ja-pse-festova-si-shqipe-tani-dua-fitoren-me-armenine/|title=Lila, gol në Serinë A: Ja pse festova si shqipe, tani dua fitoren me Armeninë|trans-title=Lila, goal in Serie A: That why I celebrated as an Albanian, now I want the win with Armenia|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=16 March 2015|access-date=17 March 2015}}

After his loan spell at Parma ended, Lila initially refused to return with the hopes of finding a new club in Serie A.{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/pas-janina-lila-i-huazuar-te-parma-e-presim-te-kthehet/|title=Pas Janina: Lila i huazuar te Parma, e presim të kthehet!|trans-title=PAS Giannina: Lila on loan at Parma, we except him to be back|work=Sport Ekspres|language=sq|date=5 June 2015|access-date=5 June 2015|archive-date=26 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826123134/http://sportekspres.com/pas-janina-lila-i-huazuar-te-parma-e-presim-te-kthehet/|url-status=dead}} He then begun training with Albanian side Skënderbeu Korçë in the first days of August 2015 in order to maintain his form.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/lila-te-skenderbeu-qendroj-te-korcaret-derisa-te-gjej-ekip-me-keshilloi-de-biazi/|title=Lila te Skënderbeu: Qëndroj te korçarët derisa të gjej ekip, më këshilloi De Biazi|trans-title=Lila at Skënderbeu: I stay at Korça until i find a new club, De Biasi advised me|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=10 August 2015|access-date=10 August 2015}} After that, Lila left the team to returning to parent club PAS Giannina for the new season, where he was acollated his old squad number 3.{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/andi-lila-rikthehet-te-pas-janina/|title=Andi Lila rikthehet te PAS Janina|trans-title=Andi Lila returns to PAS Giannina|work=SuperSport Albania|language=sq|author=Olsi Karagjozi|date=26 August 2015|access-date=26 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306030943/http://www.supersport.al/andi-lila-rikthehet-te-pas-janina/|archive-date=6 March 2016|url-status=dead}} He made his 100th Superleague Greece on 24 January 2016 by playing 70th minutes in the 0–2 win against Atromitos.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/01/24/greece/super-league/pae-aps-atromitos-athens/pas-giannina/2088812/|title=Atromitos vs. PAS Giannina 0 – 2|work=Soccerway|date=24 January 2016|access-date=26 December 2017}}

Lila started the 2016–17 season by making his Europa League debut for the club on 14 July 2016 by starting in the first leg of first qualifying round against Odds BK as the team achieved a comfortable 3–0 win.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/07/14/europe/uefa-cup/pas-giannina/odd-grenland-ballklubb/2245339/|title=PAS Giannina vs. Odds BK 3 – 0|work=Soccerway|date=14 July 2016|access-date=26 December 2017}} He also played in the returning leg a week later as PAS Giannina won at extra-time after regular time ended 3–0.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/07/14/europe/uefa-cup/pas-giannina/odd-grenland-ballklubb/2245339/|title=Odds BK vs. PAS Giannina 3 – 1|work=Soccerway|date=21 July 2016|access-date=26 December 2017}} Lila ended his European campaign with 4 matches after the team was eliminated by AZ Alkmaar in the second qualifying round.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/08/04/europe/uefa-cup/pas-giannina/stichting-az/2282887/|title=PAS Giannina vs. AZ 1 – 2|work=Soccerway|date=4 August 2016|access-date=26 December 2017}}

On 25 March 2017, Lila was recorded making fun with a certain Greek priest while on international duties.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/video-skandal-ne-kombetare-andi-lila-tallet-me-prifterinjte/|title=VIDEO / Skandal në Kombëtare, Andi Lila tallet me priftërinjtë|trans-title=Scandal at the national team, Andi Lila makes fun of priests|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=23 March 2015|access-date=10 August 2015}} This led the club to ask for his contract to be terminated.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/ceshtja-lila-pas-janina-do-te-kerkoje-te-prishe-kontraten-e-tij/|title=Çështja "Lila", PAS Janina do të kërkojë të prishë kontratën e tij|trans-title="Lila" case, PAS Giannina will ask to break his contract|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=25 March 2015|access-date=10 August 2015}} Three days later, he reacted and apologised for the incident, stating that his behaviour was "extremely inappropriate".{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/ndjese-ne-anglisht-per-videon-andi-lila-shqetesohet-vetem-per-greket/|title=Ndjesë në anglisht për videon, Andi Lila shqetësohet vetëm për grekët|trans-title=Forgiveness in english for the video, Andi Lila is worried only for the greeks|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=28 March 2015|access-date=26 December 2017}} Lila then went to personally meet the priest and to apologize to him in person, also giving him a gift.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/andi-lila-ia-hedh-paq-prifti-i-janines-ia-fal-talljen-ne-video/|title=Andi Lila ia hedh paq, prifti i Janinës ia fal talljen në video|trans-title=Andi Lila escapes, Giannina's priest forgives him about the video|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=30 March 2017|access-date=26 December 2017}} On 1 April, he was left on bench in the 1–1 home draw versus Xanthi.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/ndjesa-nuk-mjafton-lila-perfundon-ne-stol-pas-videos-per-priftin/|title=Ndjesa nuk mjafton, Lila përfundon në stol pas videos për priftin|trans-title=The apology isn't enough, Lila ends up in bench after the video about the priest|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=1 April 2015|access-date=26 December 2017}} He returned on the starting lineup four days later by playing 64 minutes in the 3–0 loss at Veria,{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/04/05/greece/super-league/veria-fc/pas-giannina/2404090/|title=Veria vs. PAS Giannina 3 – 0|work=Soccerway|date=5 April 2017|access-date=26 December 2017}} and scored his first of the campaign later that month, an opener in an eventual 1–1 home draw against AEK Athens in the matchday 30.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/04/30/greece/super-league/pas-giannina/aek-athens-fc/2404117/|title=PAS Giannina vs. AEK Athenes 1 – 1|work=Soccerway|date=30 April 2017|access-date=26 December 2017}} He concluded his 6th season with the club by making 22 appearances in all competitions.

On 21 July 2017, Lila signed a new contract until June 2020.{{cite web |date=20 July 2017 |title=Ανακοίνωση ΠΑΕ ΠΑΣ ΓΙΑΝΝΙΝΑ 1966 |trans-title=Announcement from PAE PAS Giannina 1966. |url=http://www.pasgiannina.gr/articles/anakoinose_pae_pas_giannina_1966_113 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170726092352/http://www.pasgiannina.gr/articles/anakoinose_pae_pas_giannina_1966_113 |archive-date=26 July 2017 |access-date=20 July 2017 |publisher=PAS Giannina |language=el}}{{cite web|url=http://zeri.info/sport/153813/andi-lila-rinovon-deri-ne-vitin-2020-me-pas-janinen/|title=Andi Lila rinovon deri në vitin 2020 me Pas Janinën|trans-title=Andi Lila renew until 2020 with PAS Giannina|publisher=PAS Giannina|language=el|date=20 July 2017|access-date=20 July 2017}} On 1 July 2019 Lila mutual solved his contract with the club.{{Cite web |date=1 July 2019 |title=ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΟΥΜΕ ΓΙΑ ΟΛΑ ΟΣΑ ΠΡΟΣΕΦΕΡΕΣ ANDI |trans-title=THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU GAVE, ANDI. |url=http://pasgiannina.gr/anakoinwseis/andi-lila-07-19/}}

File:And Lila.jpeg

Lila was first called up to the Albania national team by Otto Baric in late 2007; it was his performances as a right back for Besa Kavajë in the Albanian Superliga that caught the eye of the Croatian. He made his debut for the senior team in a Euro 2008 qualifiers against Romania in Bucharest on 21 November 2007.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7bac8e97df-c4843cfdf923-1000--rampant-romania-sign-off-in-style/|title=Rampant Romania sign off in style|publisher=UEFA|date=22 November 2007|access-date=5 March 2016}} Lila started the game at right back and played the full 90 minutes. However it was not a debut to remember because the match ended 6–1 to Romania and the coach that had called the young defender up to the senior squad quit as the head coach of the Albania national team just one hour after the final whistle of the embarrassing defeat.{{cite news|url=http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/Panorama-Sport-Kombetarja-i-ben-puc-Baric-jep-doreheqjen.89086/|title=Panorama Sport: Kombëtarja i bën puç, Bariç jep dorëheqjen|publisher=Arkiva Lajmeve|language=sq|author=Jetmir Halilaj|date=22 November 2007|access-date=5 March 2016}}

File:AUT vs. ALB 2016-03-26 (004).jpgThe next manager of the national team also liked Lila's play and this earned him a call up by Arie Haan to his first game in charge which was a friendly against Poland on 27 May 2008.{{cite news|url=http://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=338|title=Football MATCH: 27.05.2008 Albania v Poland|publisher=EU-Football.info|date=27 May 2008|access-date=5 March 2016}} Lila started the game but was substituted at half time for Endrit Vrapi. The game ended in a 1–0 loss but the Albanians played well after conceding in the 3rd minute. Andi Lila managed to play another two games under Arie Haan, in a friendly against Liechtenstein and a 2010 World Cup qualifier against Malta. In both matches he came on as a substitute. Lila was regular in Albania's successful UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. He played in the last 15 minutes of the opening Group I match versus Portugal as Albania achieved a historic 0–1 win at Estádio Municipal,{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/match/2014/sep/07/portugal-v-albania|title = All results | Football|website = TheGuardian.com}} the first ever win against "Seleção das Quinas".{{cite news|url=http://www.11v11.com/teams/albania/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Portugal/|title=Albania national football team: record v Portugal|publisher=11v11.com|access-date=8 October 2016}}{{Cite web |last=Găman |first=Valerică |date=2025-03-26 |title=tin68 |url=https://tin688.com/ |access-date=2025-04-20 |language=en}} Later in October 2014 Lila was a protagonist in the match against Serbia, which was also his 50th international appearance; he played as a starter until 42nd minute where the match was postponed due to Serbian fans launching flares onto the pitch.{{cite news|last1=Ames|first1=Nick|title=Reflecting on the chaos of Serbia vs. Albania in Belgrade|url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/espn-fc-united-blog/68/post/2089836/euro-2016-making-sense-of-the-chaos-between-serbia-albania-in-belgrade|access-date=22 October 2014|issue=ESPN|publisher=ESPN|date=15 October 2014}} He along with other Albanian players were attacked by Serbian hooligans who came onto the pitch with chairs and other objects. Initially, UEFA awarded Serbia with a 3–0 win, but were deducted three points, leading both Serbia and Albania appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,{{cite news|title=The football associations of Albania and Serbia file appeals at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)|url=http://www.tas-cas.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Media_Release_3874_3875__2_.pdf|publisher=Court of Arbitration for Sport|access-date=8 January 2015}} who on 10 July 2015, awarded Albania with a 3–0 victory and Serbia were still deducted three points.{{cite news |url=http://www.tas-cas.org/en/general-information/news-detail/article/football-the-cas-rejects-the-appeal-filed-by-the-serbian-fa-upholds-in-part-the-appeal-filed-by-the-albanian-fa-the-match-serbia-albania-is-deemed-to-have-been-forfeited-by-serbia-0-3.html |title=FOOTBALL: The CAS rejects the appeal filed by the Serbian FA, upholds in part the appeal filed by the Albanian FA: the match Serbia-Albania is deemed to have been forfeited by Serbia (0-3) |publisher=Tribunal Arbitral du Sport / Court of Arbitration for Sport |date=10 July 2015 |access-date=10 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711073233/http://www.tas-cas.org/en/general-information/news-detail/article/football-the-cas-rejects-the-appeal-filed-by-the-serbian-fa-upholds-in-part-the-appeal-filed-by-the-albanian-fa-the-match-serbia-albania-is-deemed-to-have-been-forfeited-by-serbia-0-3.html |archive-date=11 July 2015 |url-status=dead}} After winning 0–3 at Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium against Armenia on 11 October 2015,{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34501117|title=Armenia 0-3 Albania|work=BBC Sport}} Albania's spot at UEFA Euro 2016 was confirmed as team finished second in Group I with 14 points.{{Cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/seasons/2016/qualifying/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807202921/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/seasons/2016/qualifying/|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 August 2020|title = History}} On 21 May 2016, Lila was named in Albania's preliminary 27-man squad for UEFA Euro 2016,{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d813edc940a-8dc9dd59ba20-1000--de-biasi-leaves-out-albanian-top-scorer-salihi/|title=De Biasi leaves out Albanian top scorer Salihi|publisher=UEFA|author=Fatjon Pandovski|date=21 May 2016|access-date=30 May 2016}} and in Albania's final 23-man UEFA Euro 2016 squad on 31 May.{{cite news|url=http://euro.fshf.org/de-biasi-shpall-listen-zyrtare-te-euro-2016/|title=De Biasi shpall listën zyrtare të Euro 2016|trans-title=De Biasi announces the official list of Euro 2016|publisher=FSHF|language=sq|date=31 May 2016|access-date=31 May 2016}} Lila was an unused substitute in the opening Group A match against Switzerland as Albania fall 0–1.{{cite news|last1=Tweedale|last2=Liew|first1=Alistair|first2=Jonathan (11 June 2016)|title=Switzerland down 10-man Albania as Xhaka derby is settled by Fabian Schar header|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/06/10/albania-vs-switzerland-euro-2016-live/|website=The Telegraph|access-date=11 June 2016}} His first European Championship appearance occurred later 16 June against hosts of France that won the match 2–0 at the last minutes.{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/france-2-0-albania-late-8044893|title=France 2-0 Albania: Late double breaks Albanian hearts – 5 things we learned|work=Mirror|author=Ed Maylon|date=16 June 2016|access-date=9 October 2016}} Lilaj also played as starter in last group match against Romania as Albania won 1–0 for first victory in a major football tournament.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/06/19/albania-vs-romania-euro-2016---live/|title=Euro 2016: Romania 0 Albania 1 – Armando Sadiku scores the only goal to seal his country's first ever win at a major competition|work=The Telegraph|author=Richard Amofa|date=19 June 2016|access-date=9 October 2016}} It was Albania's first win over Romania since 1948.{{cite news|url=http://www.11v11.com/teams/albania/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Romania/|title=Albania national football team: record v Romania|publisher=11v11.com|access-date=9 October 2016}} Albania finished the group in the third position with three points and with a goal difference –2, and was ranked last in the third-placed teams, which eventually eliminated them.{{cite news|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/albania-out-euro-2016-after-portugal-draw-hungary|title=Albania out of Euro 2016 after Portugal draw with Hungary|work=Four Four Two|date=22 June 2016|access-date=9 October 2016}}

He is married with Ornela Lila, and they become parents for the first time on 20 March 2015 when Lila's wife gave birth to the couple's first son, named Ayan.{{cite news|url=http://www.kohajone.com/2015/03/20/andi-lila-behet-baba-djalin-e-quajne-ayan/|title=Andi Lila bëhet baba, djalin e quajnë Ayan|trans-title=Andi Lila becomes father, the son is called Ayan|work=Koha Jonë|language=sq|date=20 March 2015|access-date=6 March 2016}} On 16 July 2015 Lila was decorated with the "Honorary Citizen of Kavaja" award for protecting the national symbols and for his contribution to Albanian football.{{cite news|url=http://www.golalb.com/2015/07/16/andi-lila-shpallet-qytetar-nderi-i-kavajes/|title=Andi Lila shpallet "Qytetar Nderi i Kavajës"|trans-title=Andi Lila named "Honorary Citizen of Kavaja"|work=GolAlb.com|language=sq|date=16 July 2015|access-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716205640/http://www.golalb.com/2015/07/16/andi-lila-shpallet-qytetar-nderi-i-kavajes/|archive-date=16 July 2015|url-status=dead}} In an interview, Lila stated that his favourite club while growing up was Italian side Internazionale.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/rrefehet-andi-lila-donadoni-me-therriste-ajnshtajn-ju-tregoi-fillimet-e-karrieres/|title="Kur Donadoni më thërriste Ajnshtajn", Andi Lila zbulon të fshehtat e Greqisë, Tiranës dhe Parmës (E PLOTË)|trans-title="When Donadoni called me Einstein", Andi Lila discovers the secrets of Greece, Tirana and Parma (Full)|work=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=8 September 2019|access-date=30 September 2019}} He is also a fan of American heavy metal band Metallica and English rock band The Beatles.

{{updated|1 September 2020}}{{Soccerway|andi-lila/35304|accessdate=21 December 2017}}{{NFT|23549|accessdate=21 December 2017}}{{cite web|title=Andi Lila profile|url=http://www.fshf.org/garat/components/lojtar.php?player_id=226631|publisher=FSHF|access-date=23 November 2017|language=sq|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201050034/http://www.fshf.org/garat/components/lojtar.php?player_id=226631|url-status=dead}}

{{notelist}}

{{updated|20 November 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=24497|title=Andi Lila – national football team player|website=EU-Football.info|access-date=24 October 2017}}

Tirana

• Albanian Superliga: 2008–09, 2019–20
• Albanian Cup: 2010–11

Decoration

• Honorary citizen of Kavajë: 2015

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Andi Lila}}

• {{Soccerway|andi-lila/35304}}
• {{NFT player|23549}}
• {{UEFA player|62091}}
• [http://euro.fshf.org/andi-lila/ Andi Lila – Euro 2016 profile] at FSHF.org

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{{s-sports}}

{{succession box|title=KF Tirana captain|before=Devi Muka|after=Devi Muka|years=2011}}

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{{Albania squad UEFA Euro 2016}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lila, Andi}}

Category:1986 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from Kavajë

Category:Albanian men's footballers

Category:Men's association football defenders

Category:Men's association football midfielders

Category:KF Besa Kavajë players

Category:Iraklis F.C. (Thessaloniki) players

Category:KF Tirana players

Category:PAS Giannina F.C. players

Category:Parma Calcio 1913 players

Category:Kategoria Superiore players

Category:Super League Greece players

Category:Serie A players

Category:Albania men's under-21 international footballers

Category:Albania men's youth international footballers

Category:Albania men's international footballers

Category:Albanian expatriate men's footballers

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Greece

Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Greece

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy

Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Italy

Category:UEFA Euro 2016 players

Category:21st-century Albanian sportsmen