Renato Malota

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Renato Malota

| image = Renato Mallota - Albania U-21 (1).jpg

| caption = Malota with Albania U–21

| fullname =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1989|6|24}}

| birth_place = Lezhë, PSR Albania

| height = {{convert|1.91|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}

| position = Centre-back

| currentclub = Egnatia

| clubnumber = 13

| youthyears1 = 2002–2007

| youthclubs1 = Besëlidhja

| years1 = 2007–2008 | clubs1 = Besëlidhja | caps1 = 5 | goals1 = 0

| years2 = 2008–2009 | clubs2 = Partizani Tirana | caps2 = 22 | goals2 = 1

| years3 = 2009–2012 | clubs3 = Dinamo Tirana | caps3 = 50 | goals3 = 4

| years4 = 2012–2016 | clubs4 = Kukësi | caps4 = 115 | goals4 = 4

| years5 = 2016–2017 | clubs5 = Partizani Tirana | caps5 = 31 | goals5 = 1

| years6 = 2018–2020 | clubs6 = Vllaznia Shkodër | caps6 = 60 | goals6 = 5

| years7 = 2020–2022 | clubs7 = Laçi | caps7 = 47 | goals7 = 2

| years8 = 2022–2025 | clubs8 = Egnatia | caps8 = 83 | goals8 = 3

| nationalyears1 = 2007–2008 | nationalteam1 = Albania U19 | nationalcaps1 = 6 | nationalgoals1 = 0

| nationalyears2 = 2009 | nationalteam2 = Albania U20 | nationalcaps2 = 2 | nationalgoals2 = 0

| nationalyears3 = 2008–2009 | nationalteam3 = Albania U21 | nationalcaps3 = 7 | nationalgoals3 = 0

| pcupdate = 1 June 2024

| ntupdate = 16 September 2015

}}

Renato Malota (born 24 June 1989) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Egnatia in the Kategoria Superiore.

Club career

=Kukësi=

On 9 August 2012, Malota completed a transfer at newly promoted Kukësi in club's first ever top flight season.{{cite news|url=http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/Kukesi-firmos-edhe-me-Alikajn-dhe-Maloten.1047270728/|title=Kukësi firmos edhe me Alikajn dhe Malotën|trans-title=Kukësi signs with Alikaj and Malota|publisher=Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve|language=Albanian|date=9 August 2012|accessdate=20 December 2017}} He was handed squad number 24, and played as starter in club's first ever Albanian Superliga match versus Luftëtari Gjirokastër which ended in a goalless draw.{{cite news|url=http://www.albaniasoccer.com/lajme/shqiperi/superliga/6547-kategoria-superiore-luftetari-mace-e-zeze-per-kukesin.html|title=Kategoria Superiore/ Luftetari "mace e zeze" per Kukesin|trans-title=Albanian Superliga/ Luftëtari a “black cat” for Kukesin|publisher=Albania Soccer|language=Albanian|date=27 August 2012|accessdate=20 December 2017}} Malota made his first cup appearance on 24 October in the first leg of second round against Tirana to help Kukësi achieve a historic 4–0 win at home versus capital club.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/thellohet-kriza-kukesi-ben-%E2%80%9Ckurban%E2%80%9D-tiranen/|title=Thellohet kriza bardheblu, Kukësi bën "kurban" Tiranën…|trans-title=The white&blue crisis deepened, Kukësi “sacrifice” Tirana|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|author1=Jonuz Hallaçi|author2=Adela Merko|date=24 October 2012|accessdate=20 December 2017}} Malota's first score-sheet contributions came later on 10 February of the following year by netting the second of the 1–3 at Luftëtari Gjirokastër in the matchday 14.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/02/10/albania/super-league/ks-luftetari-gjirokaster/ks-perparimi-kukes/1306053/|title=Luftëtari Gjirokastër vs. Kukësi 1 – 3|publisher=Soccerway|date=10 February 2013|accessdate=20 December 2017}} His second of the season came later on 7 April in form of an opener in an eventual 1–1 draw at Teuta Durrës.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/04/07/albania/super-league/ks-teuta-durres/ks-perparimi-kukes/1306105/|title=Teuta Durrës vs. Kukësi 1 – 1|publisher=Soccerway|date=7 April 2013|accessdate=20 December 2017}} Malota concluded his first season at Kukësi by making 30 appearances, including 23 in league as Kukësi finished runner-up in championship to Skënderbeu Korçë and was eliminated in the semi-final of Albanian Cup by Laçi.{{cite news|url=http://www.albaniasoccer.com/lajme/shqiperi/superliga/7270-kategoria-superiore-kukesi-ne-feste-skenderbeu-kampion-per-te-tretin-sezon-radhazi.html|title=Kategoria Superiore/ Kukesi ne feste, Skënderbeu kampion për të tretin sezon radhazi|trans-title=Albanian Superliga/ Kukësi celebrating, Skënderbeu champions for the third consecutive season|publisher=Albania Soccer|language=Albanian|date=12 April 2013|accessdate=21 December 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/Arritje-historike-Laci-ne-finale.1047359417/|title=Arritje historike, Laçi në finale|trans-title=Historic achievement, Laçi in the final|publisher=Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve|language=Albanian|date=18 April 2013|accessdate=20 December 2017}}

In the summer of 2013, Malota played an important role in Kukësi's squad that reached the play-off round of UEFA Europa League.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/history/clubs/2604186--kukes/|title=UEFA Europa League 2013/14 - History Kukës|publisher=UEFA|access-date=24 December 2017}} He played in all 8 matches and scored one goal. He appeared as substitute in both matches of first qualifying round against Flora as Kukësi progressed though away goal rule.{{cite news|url=http://borozani.com/artikulli/kukesi-ndaj-sarajeves|title=Kukësi kundër Sarajevës|trans-title=Kukësi versus Sarajeva|publisher=Borozani.com|language=Albanian|date=12 July 2013|accessdate=24 December 2017}} Malota then played as starter in the next two-legged tie against Sarajevo, as Kukësi won 3–2 on aggregate to advance to the third qualifying round.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/025a-0ea8f43e28cd-eed7f9d2dae3-1000--lowly-kukes-continue-to-roar-for-albania/|title=Lowly Kukës continue to roar for Albania|publisher=UEFA|author=Fatjon Pandovski|location=Tirana|date=2 August 2013|access-date=24 December 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://illyriapress.com/kukesi-kualifikohet-per-ne-turin-e-trete-eliminoi-sarajeven/|title=Kukësi kualifikohet për në turin e tretë, eliminoi Sarajevën|trans-title=Kukësi qualifies to the third round, eliminated Sarajeva|publisher=Illyrian Press|language=Albanian|author=Denion Ndrenika|date=25 August 2013|accessdate=24 December 2017}} He scored his first European goal on 1 August 2013 in the first leg of third qualifying round versus Metalurh Donetsk to lead Kukësi into a 2–0 home win.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/08/01/europe/uefa-cup/ks-perparimi-kukes/fc-metalurh-donetsk/1541605/|title=Kukësi vs. Metalurh Donetsk 2 – 0|publisher=Soccerway|date=1 August 2013|accessdate=27 December 2017}} Kukësi then become the first Albanian club to reach play-off of an UEFA club competition after losing 1–0 in the second leg.{{cite news|url=http://www.oranews.tv/article/kukesi-ben-historine-ekipi-i-pare-shqiptar-ne-play-off-te-europa-league|title=Kukësi bën historinë, ekipi i parë shqiptar në play-off të Europa League|trans-title=Kukësi makes history, the first albanian team in play-off of Europa League|publisher=Ora News|language=Albanian|date=8 August 2013|accessdate=24 December 2017}} At play-off round, Malota couldn't avoid the elimination at the hands of Trabzonspor as Süper Lig club reached group stage by winning 5–1 on aggregate.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/kukesi-te-pamunduren-skenderbeu-per-te-hyre-ne-histori/|title=Kukësi kryelartë, Skënderbeu një penallti larg grupeve…|trans-title=Kukësi cooky, Skënderbeu one penalty away from groups|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|author=Jonuz Hallaçi|date=29 August 2013|accessdate=24 December 2017}}

=Return to Partizani Tirana=

On 8 August 2016, Malota completed a move to Partizani Tirana for an undisclosed fee, returning at Red Bulls for the first time after seven years.{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/partizani-prezantohet-renato-malota/|title=Partizani, prezantohet Renato Malota|trans-title=Partizani, Renato Malota presented|publisher=SuperSport Albania|language=Albanian|author=Sotir Kora|date=8 August 2016|accessdate=4 February 2017}} He was presented on the same day, where he penned a two-year contract, stating: "This is the right year to win the title",{{cite news|url=http://newsport.al/2016/08/malota-zyrtarisht-kuq-tregon-arsyet-pse-zgjodhi-skuadren-e-partizanit/|title=Malota zyrtarisht i kuq, tregon arsyet pse zgjodhi skuadrën e Partizanit|trans-title=Malota officially red, shows the reasons why he choose the team of Partizani|publisher=Newsport.al|language=Albanian|date=8 August 2016|accessdate=4 February 2017}} while refused to show the reasons why he left Kukësi where he was the captain. He had to wait until matchday 8 to made his debut as he entered as a second-half substitute in Partizani's 0–1 defeat of Korabi Peshkopi at Selman Stërmasi Stadium.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/10/22/albania/super-league/ks-korabi-peshkop-/kf-partizani-tirana/2342607/|title=Korabi Peshkopi vs. Partizani Tirana|publisher=Soccerway|date=22 October 2016|accessdate=4 February 2017}} In the beginning of 2017, Malota finally won his place at the starting lineup, making four full-90 minutes appearances in February. He scored his first goal of the season on 20 February in the Capital derby against Tirana, heading home a Lorenc Trashi cross in an eventual 2–1 win at Selman Stërmasi Stadium.{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/68202-2/|title=Derbi i kuq, Partizani fiton 2-1 ndaj Tiranes|trans-title=Derby is red, Partizani wins 2-1 against Tirana|publisher=SuperSport Albania|language=Albanian|author=Andi Deçka|date=20 February 2017|accessdate=3 March 2017|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303203330/http://www.supersport.al/68202-2/|archivedate=3 March 2017}}

Malota left the club in the first days of January 2018 after being excluded from winter training camp in Antalya.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/termet-te-partizani-tre-futbolliste-te-rendesishem-mbeten-jashte-listes/|title=EKSKLUZIVE/ Tërmet te Partizani, tre futbollistë të rëndësishëm mbeten jashtë listës|trans-title=EXCLUSIVE/ Earthquake at Partizani, three important players outside the list|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=7 January 2018|accessdate=10 January 2018}} He finished his second stint at capital club by playing 35 appearances in all competitions.

=Vllaznia Shkodër=

On 10 January 2017, Vllaznia Shkodër completed the signing of Malota on a free transfer.{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/e-kryer-malota-firmos-per-vllaznine/|title=ZYRTARE / Malota firmos për Vllazninë|trans-title=OFFICIAL / Malota signs for Vllaznia|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=Albanian|date=10 January 2018|accessdate=10 January 2018}} The player penned a contract running until the end of the season with an option to renew for another season.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/zyrtare-vllaznia-blindon-mbrojtjen-firmos-edhe-renato-malota/|title=ZYRTARE/ Vllaznia blindon mbrojtjen, firmos edhe Renato Malota|trans-title=OFFICIAL / Vllaznia armor the defence, Renato Malota signs|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=Albanian|date=10 January 2018|accessdate=10 January 2018}}

International career

=Youth=

Malota has represented Albania in under-19, -20 and -21 levels, but is yet to make his senior debut.

;Under-20

In June 2009, Malota was called up by manager of under-20 side Artan Bushati to be part of the team at 2009 Mediterranean Games.{{cite news|url=http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/Peskara-2009-Shqiperia-zbardh-listen-e-futbollisteve.260840/|title=Peskara 2009, Shqipëria zbardh listën e futbollistëve|trans-title=Pescara 2009, Albania unveils the list of footballers|publisher=Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve|language=Albanian|date=17 June 2009|accessdate=20 December 2017}} He captained his side in both matches of Group D; the first, a 1–2 loss to Tunisia,[https://web.archive.org/web/20110722045149/http://www.pescara2009.it/results/pdf/FB/FB_C73_FB040000400002ENG.pdf ALB - TUN 1:2 (1:2)] Wayback Machine and the second, a 0–3 loss to Spain which brought the elimination from the tournament.[https://web.archive.org/web/20110722045226/http://www.pescara2009.it/results/pdf/FB/FB_C73_FB040000400003ENG.pdf ESP - ALB 3:0 (2:0)] Wayback Machine

;Under-21

Malota become part of under-21 squad for the remaining three matches of Group 1 qualifying campaign.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/under21/history/teams/200002--albania/|title=Albania squad 2009|publisher=UEFA|access-date=20 December 2017}} He played his first match on 20 August 2008 as Albania drew 1–1 against Greece at Ruzhdi Bizhuta Stadium.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/0257-0de76ae9b38e-a67374b996c7-1000--sukaj-edges-greece-towards-exit/|title=Sukaj edges Greece towards exit|publisher=UEFA|date=20 August 2008|access-date=20 December 2017}} Malota also played in the final two matches, receiving two yellow cards as Albania lost 0–4 to Croatia and drew 0–0 against Azerbaijan.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/0257-0de76e58abc2-caab0856f4ab-1000--albania-scalp-keeps-croatia-in-touch/|title=Albania scalp keeps Croatia in touch|publisher=UEFA|date=5 September 2008|access-date=20 December 2017}}{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/0257-0de771846e6d-59cc1a98b623-1000--albania-and-azerbaijan-finish-with-nothing/|title=Albania and Azerbaijan finish with nothing|publisher=UEFA|date=10 September 2008|access-date=20 December 2017}} Albania finished Group 1 in 4th place with 12 points.{{cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/under21/season=2009/standings/round=15084/group=700384/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322074240/http://www.uefa.com/under21/season=2009/standings/round=15084/group=700384/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 March 2014|title=Qualifying round Group 1|publisher=UEFA|access-date=20 December 2017}}

Malota continued to be part of under-21 squad for the next European qualifying campaign where Albania was placed in Group 10.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/under21/history/teams/200002--albania/|title=Qualifying round Group 10|publisher=UEFA|access-date=20 December 2017}} He started in the team's opening match on 28 March 2009, a late loss home to Scotland.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/0257-0de7955f81b5-01bc437ab964-1000--scotland-sucker-punch-downs-albania/|title=Scotland sucker punch downs Albania|publisher=UEFA|date=28 March 2009|access-date=20 December 2017}} He appeared in the next three matches as Albania finished 5th in their group, leaving behind only Azerbaijan.{{cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/under21/season=2011/standings/round=2000006/group=2000017/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005181645/http://www.uefa.com/under21/season=2011/standings/round=2000006/group=2000017/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 October 2013|title=Qualifying round Group 10|publisher=UEFA|access-date=20 December 2017}} Malota concluded his under-21 career by playing 7 matches and scoring no goals.

Career statistics

{{updated|17 December 2017}}{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/renato-mallota/69330/|title=Albania - R. Malota - Profile with news, career statistics and history|publisher=Soccerway|accessdate=20 December 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://fshf.org/garat/components/lojtar.php?player_id=215328|title=AFA profile|publisher=FSHF.org|language=Albanian|accessdate=20 December 2017}}

rowspan="2"\|Club !rowspan="2"\|Season !colspan="3"\|League !colspan="2"\|Cup !colspan="2"\|Europe !colspan="2"\|Total
class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
rowspan="1"\|Besëlidhja Lezhë \|2007–08 \|rowspan="1"\|Albanian Superliga \|5	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	5	0
rowspan="1"\|Partizani Tirana \|2008–09 \|rowspan="1"\|Albanian Superliga \|22	1	6	0	colspan="2"\|—	28	1
rowspan="4"\|Dinamo Tirana \|2009–10 \|rowspan="3"\|Albanian Superliga \|19	2	5	0	colspan="2"\|—	24	2
2010–11 \|13	0	5	0	1All appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League	0	19	0
2011–12 \|18	2	1	0	colspan="2"\|—	19	2
colspan="2"\|Total !50	4	11	0	1	0	62	4
rowspan="6"\|Kukësi \|2012–13 \|rowspan="5"\|Albanian Superliga \|23	2	7	0	colspan="2"\|—	30	2
2013–14 \|29	0	8	0	8All appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League	1	45	1
2014–15 \|34	1	5	0	0	0	39	0
2015–16 \|29	1	7	2	6	0	42	3
2016–17 \|0	0	1	0	4	0	4	0
colspan="2"\|Total !115	4	27	2	18	1	215	1
rowspan="3"\|Partizani Tirana \|2016–17 \|rowspan="2"\|Albanian Superliga \|20	1	1	0	colspan="2"\|—	21	1
2017–18 \|11	0	3	1	0	0	14	1
colspan="2"\|Total !31	1	4	1	0	0	35	2
rowspan="1"\|Vllaznia Shkodër \|2017–18 \|rowspan="1"\|Albanian Superliga \|0	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	0	0
colspan="3"\|Career total !221	10	48	3	19	1	288	14