Rey Manaj

Manaj was born in Lushnjë, Albania in 1997, and moved to Italy with his parents at a young age, where he began his football youth career at the age of 11 with Piacenza.{{cite news|url=http://www.mapo.al/2015/11/profil-nga-lushnja-ne-milano-historia-e-futbollistit-rey-manaj/1|title=Profil: Nga Lushnja në Milano, historia e futbollistit Rey Manaj|publisher=Gazeta Mapo|language=sq|date=19 November 2015|access-date=29 August 2016}} Principally he had two trials at two major academies at Italy Milan and Atalanta but didn't managed to pass at either one. When he was 11 years old in 2008 he managed to enter at Piacenza academies where he achieved a few trophies and individual ratings. In 2012 this academy managed by Leonardo Garilli family was declared bankrupt in 2012 and Manaj moved to U.S. Cremonese managed by Gigi Simoni.

In 2013, Cremonese loaned him to Sampdoria youths which was managed at the time by Pedone. During a training game against the first team, as soon as Manaj saw that the goalkeeper Júnior da Costa went wide, he tried to catch him by surprise with a shot from the middle of the field. The shot finished wide, but close to the goal. Pedone told Manaj "If you do this the next time I will replace you!" A few weeks later, when Genovese team faced Siena primavera, Manaj made the same effort, but this time the ball ended straight into the net. Recalling what happened in training match against the first team Sampdoria, Manaj addressed the technician Pedone saying: "Coach, so is this good?" He managed to play some games with the "Primavera" (U-19) of coach Enrico Chiesa.{{cite news|url=http://asport.al/goal-com-zbulon-rey-manajn/|title="Goal.com" zbulon Rey Manajn|publisher=Sport.al|language=sq|date=29 April 2015|access-date=29 August 2016}}

Sampdoria could have purchased Manaj definitively as it was part of the loan deal with right clauses for purchase of €300,000 fee after the loan ended on 30 June 2015 but Sampdoria had a club change in ownership with Massimo Ferrero replacing former president Riccardo Garrone's family, and the purchase option expired. When Sampdoria was presented again at the table of Cremonese after 30 June, the demand of Cremonese's president, Luigi Simoni, was €700,000 for co-ownership with many other provisions and Sampdoria refused to pay that amount.{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/rej-manaj-mund-te-ishte-i-sampdorias-per-300-mije-euro/|title=Rej Manaj mund të ishte i Sampdorias për 300 mijë euro|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=sq|date=7 July 2015|access-date=29 August 2016}}

Manaj made his Cremonese debut on 7 September 2014 at the age of 17, featuring in the last 14 minutes of the 1–2 away win against Mantova.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/09/07/italy/serie-c1/ac-mantova/us-cremonese/1893087/|title=Mantova vs. Cremonese 1 – 2|publisher=Soccerway|date=7 September 2014|access-date=14 November 2015}} He later played his first match as a starter in a 1–0 away lose against Pordenone.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/10/05/italy/serie-c1/pordenone-calcio-ssd/us-cremonese/1893193/|title=Pordenone vs. Cremonese 1 – 0|publisher=Soccerway|date=5 October 2014|access-date=14 November 2015}} Manaj scored his first professional goal on 11 October during the 1–1 draw against Alessandria Calcio, became the youngest player to score a goal in this category at the age of 17 years and 7 months.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/10/11/italy/serie-c1/us-cremonese/us-alessandria-1912/1893207/|title=Cremonese vs. Alessandria 1 – 1|publisher=Soccerway|date=11 October 2014|access-date=14 November 2015}}

After many speculations about his future which related him with teams like Juventus, Atlético Madrid, Roma, on 14 July 2015 Manaj was sold to Inter Milan for a fee of €1 million and he signed a five-year contract.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/zyrtare-manaj-firmos-me-interin/|title=Zyrtare, Manaj firmos me Interin|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=14 July 2015|access-date=14 November 2015}} Also in return, Inter loaned Cremonese two players Fabio Eguelfi and Francesco Forte as a part of the operation for Manaj's transfer to Inter.{{cite news|url=http://www.uscremonese.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4181:bianchi-eguelfi-e-forte-in-grigiorosso&catid=1:latest-news|title=Bianchi, Eguelfi and Forte in grigiorosso|publisher=U.S. Cremonese|language=it|date=14 July 2015|access-date=29 August 2016}} Principally Manaj was included to training in the first team by the coach Roberto Mancini. He showed an impressive form, scoring two goals in two consecutive mini-preparatory matches between Inter.

Manaj debuted for Inter as a substitute in place of Jeison Murillo in a friendly match against Athletic Bilbao on 6 August 2015 won by Inter 2–0.{{cite news|url=http://www.telegrafi.com/sport/rey-manaj-debuton-me-interin-ne-fitoren-2-0-ndaj-bilbaos-5-0-70827.html|title=Rey Manaj debuton me Interin ne fitoren 2-0 ndaj Bilbaos|publisher=Telegrafi.com|language=sq|date=9 August 2015|access-date=14 November 2015}} He made his Serie A debut on 23 August 2015 in team's opening match of 2015–16 season, replacing Brozović in the 85th minute of the 1–0 home win against Atalanta.{{cite news|url=http://www.inter-news.it/match/partite/inter-atalanta-1-a-0-al-fischio-finale-gran-gol-di-jovetic/|title=Inter-Atalanta: 1 a 0 al fischio finale. Gran gol di Jovetic!|publisher=Inter-News.it|author=Gabriele Radaelli|language=it|date=23 August 2015|access-date=14 November 2015}} On 15 December, Manaj started for the first time during the Coppa Italia encounter against Cagliari, playing full-90 minutes and providing the assist of the first goal scored by Palacio in an eventual 3–0 win.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en/match/internazionale-vs-cagliari/2140639/report|title=Inter 3-0 Cagliari: Mancini's men stroll to Coppa Italia win|publisher=Goal.com|date=15 December 2015|access-date=15 December 2015}}

On 2 March 2016, in the returning leg of Coppa Italia's semi-final against Juventus at San Siro, Manaj entered during the extra time as the match subsequently went into the penalty shootouts; he scored his penalty shootout attempt, but Inter lost 3–5 and eventually was eliminated from the competition.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/02/internazionale-juventus-coppa-italia-match-report|title=Inter overturn 3-0 deficit but lose Coppa Italia shootout to Juventus|newspaper=The Guardian|date=2 March 2016|access-date=6 March 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.football-italia.net/80709/coppa-juve-penalties-break-inter-hearts|title=Coppa: Juve penalties break Inter hearts|publisher=Football Italia|date=2 March 2016|access-date=6 March 2016}} He finished his first season with Inter by making six appearances between league and cup, as he meanwhile contributed in the reserve team's success in Coppa Italia Primavera.{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/calcio/nuove-forze-calcio/13-04-2016/inter-juventus-coppa-italia-primavera-finale-ritorno-fabio-grosso-stefano-vecchi-150224389346.shtml|title=Coppa Italia Primavera, Inter-Juve 2-1: nerazzurri campioni con Manaj e Zonta|publisher=Gazzetta.it|language=it|date=2 March 2016|access-date=6 March 2016}} On 24 June 2016, Inter and Cremonese reached the deal to terminate the co-ownership for another €500,000, making Inter the sole employer of Manaj in the football field.{{cite news|url=http://www.uscremonese.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4943:tesserati-belingheri-gemiti-e-salviato&catid=1:latest-news|title=Tesserati Belingheri, Gemiti e Salviato|publisher=U.S. Cremonese|date=24 June 2016|access-date=29 August 2016}}

On 11 July 2016, Manaj was sent on loan at fellow Serie A side Pescara along with Cristiano Biraghi as part of the transfer of Gianluca Caprari to Inter in 2017.{{cite news|url=http://www.football-italia.net/86876/inter-send-manaj-pescara|title=Inter send Manaj to Pescara|publisher=Football Italia|date=5 July 2016|access-date=29 August 2016}} He was presented on the same, where he has handed the squad number 9, quoting: "I want to show all my qualities".{{cite news|url=http://www.lapsi.al/sport/2016/07/10/manaj-prezantohet-te-pescara-fjal%C3%ABt-e-para-t%C3%AB-sulmuesit-p%C3%ABr-ekipin-e-ri#.V8QUaFt97cs|title=Manaj prezantohet te Pescara. Fjalët e para të sulmuesit për ekipin e ri|publisher=Football Italia|date=10 July 2016|access-date=29 August 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Pescara/09-07-2016/pescara-preso-manaj-arriva-prestito-secco-inter-160285273681.shtml|title=Pescara, preso Manaj: arriva in prestito secco dall'Inter|publisher=Gazzetta.it|date=9 July 2016|access-date=29 August 2016}}

Manaj made his Pescara debut on 21 August in the opening league match of the season against Napoli, appearing as a second-half substitute for Ledian Memushaj in the 2–2 draw,{{cite news|url=http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/87834|title=Pescara 2 - 2 Napoli|publisher=Football Italia|date=21 August 2016|access-date=29 August 2016}} and scored his first top-flight goal one week later against Sassuolo, again appearing as a substitute, as the match finished in a 2–1 away loss.{{cite news|url=http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/87843|title=Sassuolo 2 - 1 Pescara|publisher=Football Italia|date=28 August 2016|access-date=29 August 2016}}

His spell at Pescara was marred by his behaviour, as he was suspended in November by coach Massimo Oddo due to lack of discipline.{{cite news|url=http://indeksonline.net/sport/manaj-perjashtohet-nga-pescara-36350/|title=Manaj përjashtohet nga Pescara|trans-title=Manaj suspended by Pescara|publisher=Indeksonline.net|language=sq|date=26 November 2016|access-date=18 January 2017}} In the press conference, Oddo said: "Manaj is out for disciplinary reasons. I'm not here to tell what has happened in the dressing room, but today something has happened that should not happen. I prefer to take a player from the youth team instead of a player who doesn't know how to behave."{{cite news|url=http://fax.al/read/news/6581432/13244894/plas-ceshtja-manaj-te-pescara|title=Plas çështja Manaj te Pescara|trans-title=Manaj issue at Pescara|language=sq|author=Rinald Bregasi|date=26 November 2016|access-date=18 January 2017}} This lead the club to cut short his loan, as Manaj made only 12 league appearances for the team, scoring twice in the process.{{cite news|url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/pescara/?action=read&idnet=dHV0dG9wZXNjYXJhY2FsY2lvLmNvbS02NTM3|title=Manaj, Muric e Mitrita pronti a lasciare Pescara|trans-title=Manaj, Muric and Mitrita ready to leave Pescara|language=it|date=2 January 2017|access-date=18 January 2017}}

On 18 January 2017, Inter Milan confirmed via its official website that Manaj joined Serie B side Pisa on loan until the end of 2016–17 season.{{cite news|url=http://www.inter.it/en/news/56587/manaj-joins-pisa-on-loan|title=Manaj jonis Pisa on loan|publisher=inter.it|date=18 January 2017|access-date=18 January 2017}} He joined with his compatriots Edgar Çani and former Albania international Samir Ujkani, who was the one to convince him to join the club.{{cite news|url=http://sport.oranews.tv/manaj-kalon-tek-pisa-sulmuesi-i-kombetares-i-bashkohet-canit-dhe-ujkanit/|title=Manaj kalon te Pisa, i bashkohet Çanit dhe Ujkanit|trans-title=Manaj passes to Pisa, joins Çani and Ujkani|publisher=Ora Sport|language=sq|date=17 January 2017|access-date=18 January 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://gazetablic.com/ky-eshte-klubi-ri-rey-manaj/|title=Ky është klubi i ri i Rey Manaj|trans-title=This is the new club of Rey Manaj|publisher=Gazeta Blic|language=sq|date=17 January 2017|access-date=18 January 2017}} He made his competitive debut three days later in the league match against Ternana, missing a penalty kick in the last minutes of the match as Pisa won 1–0 at home.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/01/21/italy/serie-b/pisa-calcio/ternana-calcio/2327690/|title=Pisa vs. Ternana 1 – 0|publisher=Soccerway|date=21 January 2017|access-date=22 January 2017}} Despite missing the penalty, coach Gennaro Gattuso still praised his performance, saying that "missing a penalty is a thing that could happen to everyone."{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/dergoi-penalltine-ne-tribune-por-gatuzo-i-thur-elozhe-rei-manajt/|title=Dërgoi penalltinë në tribunë, por Gatuzo i thur elozhe Rei Manajt|trans-title=Sends the penalty in the tribune, but still Gattuso praise Rey Manaj|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=21 January 2017|access-date=22 January 2017}} Manaj scored his first goal on 12 March 2017 against Vicenza in the 60th minute, 4 minutes after coming on the pitch; his goal wasn't enough however, as Pisa lost 2–1 in the final moments.{{cite web|url=http://sportekspres.com/manaj-e-ben-sefte-te-piza/|title=Manaj e bën sefte te Piza|trans-title=Manaj the first at Pisa|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=sq|date=12 March 2017|access-date=28 March 2018}}

On 30 August 2017, Manaj joined Segunda División side Granada on a season-long loan with an option to buy.{{cite news|url=http://enjoyinternews.com/sky-manaj-to-granada-on-loan-with-option-to-buy/|title=Sky – Rey Manaj to Granada on loan with option to buy|publisher=Enjoy Inter News|date=29 August 2017|access-date=30 August 2017}} He made his debut two days later against Barcelona B coming on as a substitute in the 72nd minute in place of Adrián Ramos.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/09/01/spain/segunda-division/granada-club-de-futbol/futbol-club-barcelona-ii/2531207/|title=Granada vs. Barcelona II 2 – 2|publisher=Soccerway|date=1 September 2017|access-date=1 September 2017}}

On 1 July 2018, Manaj joined another Segunda División side Albacete on a one-year loan deal with obligation to make it permanent.{{cite press release|url=https://www.inter.it/en/news/63213/manaj-moves-to-albacete|title=Manaj moves to Albacete|date=30 June 2018|access-date=30 June 2018|publisher=inter.it}} He enjoyed a good start of the season, scoring a penalty in his debut match after coming on as substitute to rescue his side a point in the match against Deportivo de La Coruña.{{cite web|url=http://insporti.com/manaj-debuton-me-gol-ne-spanje-video/|title=Manaj debuton me gol në Spanjë (VIDEO)|trans-title=Manaj debutes with goal in Spain (Video)|publisher=Insporti.com|language=sq|date=18 August 2018|access-date=29 September 2018}} He got his first start of his new side on 25 August in the matchday 2 against Las Palmas which ended in a 1–1.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2018/08/25/spain/segunda-division/union-deportiva-las-palmas/albacete-balompie/2861558/|title=Las Palmas vs. Albacete 1 – 1|publisher=Soccerway|date=25 August 2018|access-date=29 September 2018}} Later Manaj scored his first Copa del Rey goal in the second round tie against CD Lugo; his goal was a consolation one in the 93rd minute which was not enough to prevent the elimination of Albacete.{{cite web|url=http://www.oranews.tv/article/manaj-shenon-albacete-eliminohet-nga-kupa-e-mbretit|title=Manaj shënon, Albacete eliminohet nga Kupa e Mbretit|trans-title=Manaj scores, Albacete eliminated from Copa del Rey|publisher=Ora News|language=sq|date=13 September 2018|access-date=29 September 2018}}

On 9 July 2019, Albacete announced that Manaj signed a permanent five-year contract with the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.albacetebalompie.es/noticia/reimanaj2024|title=#ReyManaj2024|publisher=Albacete Balompié|language=es|date=9 July 2019|access-date=9 July 2019}}

On 20 January 2020, Manaj joined Segunda División B side Barcelona B, on a {{frac|3|1|2}}-year contract and his buyout clause is set at €50 million. Barcelona B reportedly paid a €700,000 transfer fee with €2 million in add-ons dependent on the player's performance over the {{frac|3|1|2}} years of his contract.{{cite news|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/1580746/rei-manaj-joins-barca-b|title=Rei Manaj joins Barça B|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=20 January 2020|access-date=15 February 2020}} Five days later, he made his debut in a 2–0 home win against Ejea after being named in the starting line-up.{{cite news|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/barca-b/news/1589308/barca-b-2-0-ejea-hard-work-gets-its-reward|title=Barça B 2–0 Ejea: Hard work gets its reward|quote=Barça B: Carevic, Morer (Mika, min 90), O. Mingueza, Guillem, Monchu, Saverio (Abel Ruiz, min 88), Hiroki, Jandro (Ilaix Moriba, min 78), Reis, Chumi, R. Manaj|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=25 January 2020}}

On 29 January, Manaj trained for the first time with Barcelona senior side,{{cite web|url=https://www.gazeta-shqip.com/2020/01/29/rey-manaj-stervitet-me-mesin-te-barcelona-thirret-ne-ekipin-e-pare-video/|title=Rey Manaj stërvitet me Mesin te Barcelona, thirret në ekipin e parë (VIDEO)|trans-title=Rey Manaj trains with Messi at Barcelona, gets called up in the first team (Video)|publisher=Gazeta Shqip|language=sq|date=29 January 2020|access-date=15 February 2020}} and on 14 February, he was called up by coach Quique Setien for the league match against Getafe at home, becoming the first ever Albanian to make it to the club's first team.{{cite web|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2020/02/14/5e46a09846163f79438b45d4.html|title=Rey Manaj earns a place in Barcelona's matchday squad|publisher=Marca|language=en|date=14 February 2020|access-date=15 February 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2020/02/14/5e46c1b446163f434c8b4607.html|title=Who is Rey Manaj?|publisher=Marca|language=en|date=14 February 2020|access-date=15 February 2020}} He was an unused substitute as Barcelona won 2–1 at Camp Nou.{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/video-var-i-shpeton-barcelonen-katalanasit-mposhtin-getafen-nuk-ka-vend-per-manajn/|title=VIDEO/ VAR-i shpëton Barcelonën, katalanasit mposhtin Getafen. Nuk ka vend për Manajn|trans-title=Video/ VAR saves Barcelona, the catalans defeats Getafe, there is no place for Manaj|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=15 February 2020|access-date=15 February 2020}}

On 31 August 2021, Manaj joined Serie A side Spezia Calcio on loan with an option to buy for a fee of €2.7 million.{{cite news|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/2240356/agreement-with-spezia-calcio-for-the-loan-of-rey-manaj|title=Agreement with Spezia Calcio for the loan of Rey Manaj|newspaper=FC Barcelona|language=en|date=31 August 2021|accessdate=31 October 2021}}

On 12 July 2022, Manaj joined Championship club Watford on a three-year deal from Barcelona, for an undisclosed fee.{{Cite web |date=12 July 2022 |title=Official: Manaj Joins Watford |url=https://www.watfordfc.com/news/official-manaj-joins-watford |access-date=12 July 2022 |website=WatfordFC.com}} In the fourth game of the season, Manaj came off the bench to score his first goal for the Hornets in a 1–1 draw away at Birmingham City. He suffered a hamstring injury in early September 2022, and was successfully operated by surgeon Lasse Lempainen in Turku, Finland.[https://www.hs.fi/urheilu/art-2000009061394.html Lasse Lempainen leikkasi torstaina AC Milanin ja Watfordin tähtipelaajat – Näin heidät kuntoutetaan takaisin pelikentille], Helsingin Sanomat, 10 September 2022 His contract with Watford was terminated by mutual consent after the January transfer window{{cite web |last1=Manaj |first1=Rey |title=Rey Manaj's contract has been terminated by mutual consent. |url=https://twitter.com/WatfordFC/status/1623283249039527936 |website=Twitter |publisher=Watford FC |access-date=8 February 2023}}

On 22 August 2023, he signed a three-year contract with Süper Lig club Sivasspor.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sivasspor.org.tr/rey-manaj-ems-yapi-sivassporumuzda/|title=Rey Manaj EMS Yapı Sivasspor'umuzda|last=|first=|date=August 22, 2023|website=|publisher=Sivasspor|language=tr|access-date=August 22, 2023}}

Manaj received his first international call-up in the Albania under-19 team by the coach Altin Lala to participate in the qualifiers of 2015 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/barazon-kombetarja-lala-kualifikohemi-ne-europian/|title=Barazon Kombëtarja, Lala: Kualifikohemi në Europian|trans-title=National team draws, Lala: We qualify for the European|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=7 November 2015|access-date=14 November 2015}} He made his debut in the opening match against Denmark on 12 November 2014, playing as a starter in a 1–0 loss where he substituted off in the 60th minute for Esad Morina.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/11/12/europe/uefa-u19-championship/denmark-under-19/albania-under-19/1953019/|title=Denmark U19 vs. Albania U19|publisher=Soccerway|date=12 November 2014|access-date=12 November 2014}} In the next match against Portugal he remained on the bench for the entire game but however he managed to play as a starter in the closing match against Wales U19 on 17 November 2014 and substituted off for Fabian Lokaj in the 62nd minute where the match finished in the 2–1 loss.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/11/17/europe/uefa-u19-championship/wales-under-19/albania-under-19/1953029/|title=Wales U19 vs. Albania U19|publisher=Soccerway|date=17 November 2014|access-date=17 November 2014}} Albania U19 were eliminated from competition losing all 3 matches with total of goals collected 2–7, where all two goals were scored by Esad Morina of FC Schalke 04 youth.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/international/europe/uefa-u19-championship/20142015/qualifying-round/group-7/g7919/|title=Summary – UEFA U19 Championship – Europe – Results, fixtures, tables and news|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=29 August 2016}}

Manaj was called up for the first time to the under-21 squad by the coach Skënder Gega for the opening 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying match against Liechtenstein on 28 March 2015.{{cite news|url=http://asport.al/shpresat-nisin-kualifikimet-kunder-lihtenshtajnit/|title=Shpresat nisi kualikimet kundër Lihtenshtajnit|trans-title=Hopes start the qualifiers versus Liechtenstein|publisher=aSport.al|language=sq|date=17 March 2015|access-date=29 August 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417033744/http://asport.al/shpresat-nisin-kualifikimet-kunder-lihtenshtajnit/|archive-date=17 April 2016}} He made his debut for the Albania under-21 side against Liechtenstein U21 coming on as a substitute at half-time in place of Jurgen Vatnikaj and managed also to score in his debut, in the 52nd minute of the match to sign the Albania U21s' 0–2 away victory.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/u21-shqiperia-thyen-2-0-lihtenshtejnin/|title=U21, Shqipëria thyen 2–0 Lihtenshtejnin, vendosin golat e Latifit dhe Rei Manajt|trans-title=U21, Albania breaks 2–0 Liechtenstein, Latifi's and Manaj's goals decides|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=28 March 2015|access-date=28 March 2015}} Manaj was called up by a new appointed coach, Redi Jupi, for the next qualifying matches against Israel and Portugal on 3 and 8 September 2015.{{cite news|url=http://www.fshf.org/index.php/sq/lajme/3013-grumbullohet-kombetarja-u-21|title=Grumbullohet kombetarja U-21|trans-title=Under-21 national team gathered|publisher=FSHF.org|language=sq|date=28 August 2015|access-date=28 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924040515/http://www.fshf.org/index.php/sq/lajme/3013-grumbullohet-kombetarja-u-21|archive-date=24 September 2015}} He played as a starter on 3 September 2015 against Israel and was substituted off in the first-half 29th minute with Albion Avdijaj due to physique problems.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/shpresat-barazojne-me-10-lojtare-ndaj-izraelit-jupi-i-kenaqur-me-reagimin-e-skuadres/|title=Shpresat barazojnë me 10 lojtarë ndaj Izraelit, Jupi: I kënaqur me reagimin e skuadrës|trans-title=Hopes draw with 10 players versus Israel, Jupi: Happy with team's reaction|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=3 September 2015|access-date=24 December 2017}} On 28 March 2016, Manaj scored the equaliser 1–1 against Hungary U21 and his side went to win 2–1 following another goal scored by Herdi Prenga.{{cite web|url=http://albaniasoccer.com/lajme/shqiperi/kombetarja/shpresat/8789-u-21-fiton-kunder-hungarise.html|title=U-21 fiton kunder Hungarise|trans-title=U-21 wins against Hungary|publisher=AlbaniaSoccer|language=sq|date=28 March 2016|access-date=28 March 2018}}

Manaj returned to the under-21 side after two years absence in March 2018 for the double 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying matches versus Slovakia.{{cite news|url=http://fshf.org/sq/trajneri-bushi-sllovakia-e-forte-por-nuk-e-ka-aspak-te-lehte-shqiperine/|title=TRAJNERI BUSHI: "SLLOVAKIA E FORTË, POR NUK E KA ASPAK TË LEHTË ME SHQIPËRINË!"|trans-title=Coach Bushi: "Slovakia strong, but they are not going to have it easy with Albania!"|publisher=FSHF.org|language=sq|date=17 March 2018|access-date=28 March 2018}} He scored a brace in the first match on 23 March which ended in a 3–2 home loss, despite Manaj giving Albania the advantage twice.{{cite news|url=http://fshf.org/sq/kombetarja-u-21-humbet-sllovakine-dy-golat-e-manajt-nuk-mjaftojne/|title=KOMBËTARJA U-21 HUMBET ME SLLOVAKINË, DY GOLAT E MANAJT NUK MJAFTOJNË|trans-title=Under-21 national team loses with Slovakia, two goals of Manaj wasn't enough|publisher=FSHF.org|language=sq|date=23 March 2018|access-date=28 March 2018}} He also scored his team's only goal in the second match four days later as Albania lost 4–1 at Štadión pod Dubňom.{{cite news|url=http://fshf.org/sq/kombetarja-u-21-humbet-ne-sllovaki/|title=KOMBËTARJA U-21 HUMBET NË SLLOVAKI|trans-title=Under-21 national team loses in Slovakia|publisher=FSHF.org|language=sq|date=27 March 2018|access-date=28 March 2018}} Manaj was also captain in this match.

Manaj's dream was that one day he could play for Albania senior team.{{cite news|url=http://asport.al/talenti-i-sampdorias-enderra-ime-te-luaj-me-shqiperine/|title=Talenti i Sampdorias: Ëndërra ime të luaj me Shqipërinë|trans-title=Sampdoria's talent: My dream is to play with Albania|publisher=ASport.al|language=sq|date=8 January 2014|access-date=14 November 2015}} Manaj scored after 12 seconds with a first touch from his debut as a substitute for Albania against Kosovo putting two individual records at the same time for the fastest goal by an Albanian international as a substitute and youngest Albanian international goalscorer.{{cite news|url=http://www.gazetatema.net/web/2015/11/14/mediat-italiane-per-manajn-goli-rekord-dhe-historia-e-rralle/|title=Mediat italiane për Manajn: Goli rekord dhe historia e rrallë|work=Gazeta Tema|language=sq|date=13 November 2015|access-date=14 November 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116122433/http://www.gazetatema.net/web/2015/11/14/mediat-italiane-per-manajn-goli-rekord-dhe-historia-e-rralle/|archive-date=16 November 2015}} He later dedicated his goal to his family.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/manaj-ia-dedikon-golin-familjes/|title=Manaj ia dedikon golin familjes|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=13 November 2015|access-date=14 November 2015}} De Biasi stated that Manaj can play for Albania in Euro 2016,{{cite news|url=http://fax.al/read/news/1489715/10372425/de-biasi-manaj-ne-evropian-sepse-ai-e-do-kete-vend|title=De Biasi: Manaj në Evropian, sepse ai e do këtë vend|work=Fax.al|language=sq|date=14 October 2014|access-date=14 November 2015}} but however, he was not called up in the provisional 27-man UEFA Euro 2016 squad.{{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=19 July 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/football/no-place-for-hamdi-salihi-in-albania-s-preliminary-euro-2016-squad/story-791OpJ9iVBEfviTD4Ntt2L.html|title=No place for Hamdi Salihi in Albania's preliminary Euro 2016 squad|newspaper=Hindustan Times|author=Fatjon Pandovski|date=22 May 2016|access-date=19 July 2015}}

Following Euro 2016, Manaj was called up for the friendly against Morocco and the opening 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Macedonia on 31 August and 5 September.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/xhani-de-biazi-publikon-listen-risite-hyka-manaj-dhe-strakosha/|title=Xhani De Biazi publikon listën, risitë: Hyka, Manaj dhe Strakosha|trans-title=Gianni De Biasi publishes the list, the innovations: Hyka, Manaj and Strakosha|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=29 August 2016|access-date=29 August 2016}}

{{updated|match played 18 November 2024}}{{NFT player|id=61398|accessdate=9 October 2017}}{{Soccerway|rey-manaj/357321|accessdate=16 December 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.espnfc.com/player/210042/rey-manaj|title=Rey Manaj Player Profile|publisher=ESPN FC|date=29 August 2016|access-date=29 August 2016}}{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}

{{notelist}}

{{updated|match played 25 March 2025}}{{cite news|url=http://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=29220|title=Rey Manaj - national football team player|publisher=EU-Football.info|access-date=16 November 2015}}

:{{updated|25 March 2025}}. Albania score listed first, score column indicates score after each Manaj's goal.

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{FSHF player|305022}}
• {{BDFutbol|27006}}
• [http://www.inter.it/en/squadra/G0967 Inter Milan official profile]
• {{UEFA player|250080439}}
• {{Soccerbase}}

{{Sivasspor squad}}

{{Albania squad UEFA Euro 2024}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Manaj, Rey}}

Category:1997 births

Category:Living people

Category:Albacete Balompié players

Category:Albania men's international footballers

Category:Albania men's under-21 international footballers

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Category:21st-century Albanian sportsmen

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