Juljan Shehu

Juljan Shehu (Albanian pronunciation: ; born 6 September 1998) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Ekstraklasa club Widzew Łódź and the Albania national team.

Shehu came through the youth systems of Olimpic, Partizani Tirana, and Internacionale Tirana before moving abroad in 2017 to join Greek third-tier side Paniliakos, where he began his senior career. In 2018, he returned to Albania and signed for Kastrioti, becoming a regular starter in the Kategoria Superiore and contributing consistently during the 2018–19 season, despite the club’s eventual relegation in a tightly contested campaign that was decided by narrow point margins.

He subsequently moved to Laçi, remaining in the Kategoria Superiore. During his three seasons there from 2019 to 2022, Shehu established himself as one of the team’s most consistent and influential midfielders. He made over 90 league appearances, contributing goals and assists while helping the club to consecutive top-four finishes in the Kategoria Superiore, including a runners-up position in 2021–22. At Laçi, he also gained extensive experience in European competitions, featuring in both the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers, and played a key role in the team’s domestic cup campaigns, reaching the 2022 Albanian Cup final.

After his successful spell in Albania, Shehu moved abroad in June 2022, joining Polish Ekstraklasa side Widzew Łódź, where he gradually became an integral part of the team’s midfield. Over his first three seasons in Poland, he amassed more than 70 appearances in all competitions, noted for his work rate, ball-winning ability, and leadership. His performances earned him a contract extension until 2028 and a call-up to the Albania national team in March 2025, where he made his senior debut during the World Cup qualifiers under coach Sylvinho.

Shehu represented the Albania U21 during 2019, making five appearances in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers and featuring in three friendly matches that year.