Lorik Cana: Biography, Facts and Career

Lorik Agim Cana (Albanian pronunciation: [ˈlɔɾik ˈtsana]; born 27 July 1983) is a former professional footballer who played as a centre-back or midfielder. He is currently the Grassroots ambassador for children's football in Albania, a role assigned by the Albanian Football Association on 26 October 2017. Born in Yugoslavia, he represented Albania internationally. Cana played in the top divisions of France, England, Italy and Turkey, representing Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille, Sunderland, Galatasaray, Lazio and Nantes. He also represented the Albania national team, making 94 appearances from his debut in 2002 until his retirement in 2016. Initially a defensive and central midfielder, he later transitioned into a centre-back role. Cana captained Albania at their first major international tournament, UEFA Euro 2016 in France. At the age of 16, Cana was invited for a trial with Arsenal but was unable to attend due to being denied a British visa. He began his senior club career with Paris Saint-Germain before signing for their rivals Marseille in 2004, where he went on to become captain. In 2009, Cana joined Sunderland, becoming the first player of Albanian origin to play in the Premier League and was appointed captain immediately. He later played for Galatasaray in Turkey and then signed for Italian Serie A club Lazio in 2011, where he spent four seasons. During his career, Cana won the Coupe de France in 2003–04 with Paris Saint-Germain and the Coppa Italia in 2012–13 with Lazio. In 2015, Cana returned to France, signing a two-year contract with Nantes. Eligible to represent Albania, Switzerland or France, as he held all three passports, He chose Albania and made his international debut in June 2003 at the age of 19. Cana was named captain in 2011 and retired from international football following UEFA Euro 2016, making a total of 94 appearances, setting a record for the most caps in national team history, which he held until 2025 when it was surpassed by Elseid Hysaj.

Quick facts about Lorik Cana

• Full name: Lorik Cana
• Born: 1983-07-27
• Nationality: Switzerland
• Known as: Athlete
• Wikidata ID: Q311155

Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.