Myrto Uzuni Bio
Myrto Uzuni (born 31 May 1995) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a forward or left winger for Major League Soccer club Austin FC and the Albania national team. Standing 178 centimeters tall, he has built a reputation as a clinical finisher across multiple European leagues before his move to North America.
Known for his pace, sharp movement off the ball, and ability to operate on either flank or through the middle, Uzuni has become one of the most traveled Albanian players of his generation. His journey from a small-town academy in Greece to top-flight football in Spain, Hungary, and now the United States reflects both his ambition and his steady rise through the game.
Early Life and Background
Myrto Uzuni was born in Berat, Albania, in 1995 into an Albanian family. At the age of ten, he relocated with his parents and two brothers to Zakynthos, Greece, where his family opened a restaurant. The young Uzuni helped his parents at the restaurant while also chasing his growing passion for football on the islands of Greece.
His formal football education began at the academies of the Zakynthos Club Association Doxa Pigadakia, where he spent seven years refining his technique and understanding of the game. In 2012, at seventeen, he returned to his hometown of Berat and joined the local club Tomori, beginning the structured phase of his career in Albanian football.
Path to Soccer
Upon returning to Berat, Uzuni quickly stood out in Tomori’s youth system. During the 2012–13 season, he finished as the top scorer in the Albanian under-17 First Division with fourteen goals. The following season, he scored four times in his first four matches before being promoted to the under-19 squad.
His performances with the under-19s earned him a senior debut with Tomori under head coach Madrid Muxhaj. By the end of his time in Albania’s lower divisions, his consistent goalscoring had attracted the attention of top-flight clubs, setting the stage for his move to the Kategoria Superiore.
Myrto Uzuni Career
Early Career (2013–2017)
Uzuni made his professional debut for Tomori in an Albanian Cup match on 24 October 2013, scoring his first senior goal shortly after. Over the next two seasons, he featured for Tomori and Apolonia, earning the Tomori Player of the Year award in 2014 before moving to Laçi in August 2017.
With Laçi, Uzuni established himself as a reliable attacking option in the Kategoria Superiore. He scored ten goals during the 2017–18 season, including a brace in the final matchday against Teuta, helping Laçi finish fourth and return to the UEFA Europa League after a three-year absence.
NK Lokomotiva Breakthrough (2018–2020)
In September 2018, Uzuni completed his first move abroad, signing a four-year contract with Croatian side NK Lokomotiva in a deal valued at €350,000. He adapted quickly, scoring his first goal for the club in only his third league appearance in a 3–0 win at Gorica.
His consistent performances in the Croatian top flight caught the attention of larger clubs and showcased his ability to score in a more demanding league. Across two seasons with Lokomotiva, he built a strong reputation as a goalscorer, paving the way for a high-profile transfer to Hungary.
Ferencváros Era (2020–2022)
On 7 August 2020, Uzuni joined Nemzeti Bajnokság I champions Ferencváros on a four-year deal for a reported fee of $1.98 million. His impact was immediate, scoring the winner against Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round before helping the club qualify for the group stage.
On 24 November 2020, Uzuni scored his first Champions League goal in a 2–1 defeat to Juventus, marking the first goal Juventus had conceded to a Hungarian side in European competition. He celebrated by imitating Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature celebration and exchanged shirts with the Portuguese star after the match. The following April, he scored twice against Újpest FC as Ferencváros secured the 2020–21 league title.
Granada Era (2022–2025)
On 31 January 2022, Uzuni moved to Spanish La Liga side Granada on a three-and-a-half-year contract. His La Liga debut came against Real Madrid on 6 February 2022, and he opened his league account in May 2022 against Mallorca in a 2–6 away victory. Despite his efforts, Granada finished eighteenth and were relegated.
Back in the Segunda División, Uzuni became the centerpiece of Granada’s attack, registering 23 goals and 5 assists in the 2022–23 season to help the club secure promotion to La Liga. The following season, he was Granada’s top scorer in La Liga with 11 goals. He renewed his contract in October 2022, extending his stay through 2026, before departing for Major League Soccer in January 2025.
Austin FC Era (2025–Present)
On 24 January 2025, Uzuni signed with Major League Soccer side Austin FC on a three-year deal for a reported transfer fee of $12.3 million. The move marked his transition to North American soccer and brought one of Europe’s most prolific Albanian forwards to the United States.
Joining a club aiming to establish itself in the Western Conference, Uzuni is expected to play a leading role in Austin FC’s attacking line. His arrival signals a major statement of intent for the franchise as it continues to build a competitive roster for the 2025 season.
Notable Events and Milestones
Uzuni’s historic Champions League goal against Juventus in November 2020 stands as one of the defining moments of his career, both for its sporting significance and for the personal connection to his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. His hat-trick against Villarreal B in August 2022 and his brace against Újpest FC to clinch the Hungarian title further underline his ability to deliver on big stages.
Myrto Uzuni Career Wins
Across his time with Laçi, NK Lokomotiva, Ferencváros, Granada, and now Austin FC, Myrto Uzuni has built a strong record as both a goal scorer and a creator. His honors include league titles in Hungary and a leading role in Granada’s promotion from the Spanish second division.
Ferencváros Highlights
During his two seasons in Budapest, Uzuni helped Ferencváros capture the 2020–21 Nemzeti Bajnokság I title, scoring twice in the decisive 3–0 victory over Újpest FC. He also played a central role in the club’s qualification for the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League group stage.
Myrto Uzuni Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Uzuni was raised in an Albanian family alongside two brothers. The family’s move to Zakynthos, Greece, when he was ten years old introduced him to a new culture and shaped his early development as a footballer and as a person.
Personal Life
In December 2017, Uzuni publicly identified Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo as his primary football inspiration. His admiration was visible on the pitch in November 2020, when he celebrated his Champions League goal against Juventus by imitating Ronaldo’s famous celebration and later exchanged shirts with him after the final whistle.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks Myrto Uzuni’s debut campaign in Major League Soccer with Austin FC. Arriving in January after a high-profile $12.3 million transfer from Granada, he is expected to serve as a focal point of the team’s attack alongside other Designated Players.
As the season progresses, Austin FC will look to Uzuni for goalscoring consistency and creative output. His proven record across La Liga, the Segunda División, and the Hungarian top flight suggests he has the experience to adapt quickly to the demands of MLS competition.
With a three-year contract in place and a clear role within the squad, Uzuni’s first season in the United States will be closely watched as both he and Austin FC aim to establish themselves among the league’s most dangerous attacking units.