Misini joins Leverkusen: Xhaka is my idol

Kosovo footballer Lumbardha Misini has joined Bayer Leverkusen, who compete in Germany’s Bundesliga.

The 23-year-old midfielder has signed a contract with Leverkusen until 2029.

She joined Leverkusen from Swiss club Servette.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing for such a big club in one of the strongest leagues in the world,” Misini told the German club’s website. “I want to bring a lot of energy and passion to the team. Granit Xhaka is my idol. He has inspired me, which is why I told my family a long time ago that I would also like to play for Bayer Leverkusen one day. With this team, we can achieve great things.” 

Misini began her career in Kosovo and also played in Albania before joining Trabzonspor in Turkey in 2024. A year later, she joined Servette and made 15 appearances for the Geneva-based team. She won the Swiss championship title with Servette.

Misini has made 28 international appearances for Kosovo to date.

Leverkusen have high expectations of Misini.