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Aiming for Glory
Anis Mehmeti is on a remarkable path, hoping to follow in the illustrious footsteps of England football stars like Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling. The Bristol City winger dreams of showcasing his talent on the grand stage of Wembley as England kicks off its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign this March.
With three caps for Albania under his belt, Mehmeti’s aspirations reflect a journey that began in the bustling streets of North London, where he honed his skills in local football cages. At just 23 years old, he is determined to make his mark on international football.
Street Football: The Foundation of Fearlessness
Mehmeti credits his upbringing in North London for shaping his fearless playing style. He fondly recalls learning the game from the age of three, playing football every day in the neighbourhood. “I grew up on an estate, and all I wanted to do was play football in the cages,” he shared. “That’s where I learned to be fearless.”
He draws parallels between his experiences and those of other football talents like Sterling and Saka, who also developed their skills in different parts of North London. For Mehmeti, the essence of football lies in the joy of playing and the thrill of taking on opponents.
Roots and Aspirations
Mehmeti’s family journey to England began over 25 years ago, and his Albanian heritage remains a significant part of his identity. “I was born in England, but my blood is Albanian, and I speak Albanian,” he explained. His summer visits to Albania have instilled a deep connection to his roots, and he dreams of representing Albania against England.
With the prospect of facing top-tier players like Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mehmeti remains unfazed. “I always joke with the lads that, respectfully, I don’t care who’s in front of me,” he stated confidently. “Games like England versus Albania are the sort you live for.” His determination to test himself against the best is palpable, and he eagerly anticipates the opportunity.
Frustrations and Opportunities
Despite his passion and readiness, Mehmeti has faced challenges in securing a spot on the national team. “I’ve played three times for Albania, but there’s been a stint where I didn’t get called up over the last year,” he admitted. “That’s frustrating, but hopefully, I’ll get a chance to play against England.” His commitment to hard work and scoring goals for Bristol City is unwavering, as he aims to impress the Albanian Federation.
From Non-League to Championship Star
Since joining Bristol City for £1 million from Wycombe in January 2023, Mehmeti has become a crowd favourite, netting six goals this season. His journey to professional football has not been straightforward; after a youth career at Fulham, Tottenham, and Norwich, he found himself without a club during the Covid pandemic.
Reflecting on those challenging times, he said, “I ended up clubless for a while because of Covid. I always had belief in myself, but there are doubts when it’s five months without a club.” His perseverance led him to Woodford Town in the Essex Senior League, where he trained hard and seized the opportunity to join Wycombe on trial, ultimately propelling him to success.
Ready for the Next Challenge
As he prepares for the upcoming match against West Brom, Mehmeti is focused on maintaining his goal-scoring form and contributing to his team’s success. He understands that the road ahead may still be filled with obstacles, but his journey has equipped him with the resilience needed to face whatever comes next.
With his sights set on international glory and a desire to represent Albania on the world stage, Anis Mehmeti’s story is one of determination, passion, and an unwavering love for the beautiful game. The streets of North London may have been his starting point, but Wembley could soon be his next destination.
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