Meet Mërgim Vojvoda: From Liège to Como

Mërgim Vojvoda’s journey to Como 1907 has been anything but conventional. Born in Germany to Kosovar Albanian parents, he moved to Belgium at a young age, where he first fell in love with football. From playing in the streets of Liège to making his mark in Belgian football with Standard Liège and Royal Excel Mouscron, Vojvoda took a leap to Italy in 2020, joining Torino, where he spent five seasons in Italy’s top flight. Now, as he settles into life in Como, BLU sat down with him to talk about first impressions, his love for football, and why he might just be the next ping-pong champion at the club.

Welcome to Como, Mërgim! What were your first thoughts upon arriving and seeing the lake?
“First of all, thank you so much. It’s been fantastic; I didn’t expect this. My impression is very positive; the city is beautiful. I’ve seen it before, and in summer, it’s even more stunning. So, everything’s been great.”

So, you’ve been to Como before. Was it this summer or in previous summers?
“Yes, I’ve been here. I spent a weekend here and really enjoyed it.”

What do you remember about it, and where did you go?
“I stayed at the Mandarin Oriental, which had a lovely pool by the lake, perfect for relaxation. That’s what I remember most, just unwinding there.”

What are your expectations for the next few years, both for the Como project and personally?
“In the short term, our main goal is to stay in the league. That’s crucial, especially since we were in Serie B last year. Staying in Serie A is really important for building confidence and setting up for something good. Beyond that, we want to achieve something remarkable with Como, something unexpected. We, the players, know what the goals are: to reach them and make Como more well-known in a new way.”

What are your first memories of football, both playing and watching?
“For me, I started playing in the streets. I joined a professional club at 16, but before that, I spent a lot of time playing in the streets. Everything about football, whether it’s street football or futsal, reminds me of that. That’s where I grew up. As for professional football, Ronaldinho was my idol; he made me fall in love with the sport. I think he did that for a lot of kids. The sound of the ball hitting the net gives you goosebumps; it’s one of those feelings.”

You became a central defender or full-back, which isn’t really a futsal position.
“Yes, that’s true. But thanks to my brother, who has supported me my whole life, I became a versatile central defender who often did things that were more typical of futsal. Over time, I developed this unique style of playing, doing things you don’t usually see from a centre-back. As I’ve grown, I’ve had more responsibilities, and I’ve learned to be more aware of what I need to do on the pitch. That bit of risk, that element of madness, is part of who I am, and I hope to keep doing it as best I can.”

Is there a team you supported as a child, or do you still support any team?
“Yes, there are two: Chelsea and Barcelona. They were two teams I liked for the way they played.”

As a kid, was Ronaldinho your idol, or was there someone else?
“It was definitely Ronaldinho. He was my idol because of how much fun he had playing football. He just played for the joy of it, and that’s something I really loved too. I used to have fun like that when I played in the streets. Of course, now that I’m a professional, the fun is different, but I loved that carefree attitude.”

Do you have any rituals or superstitions before matches?
“No, I’m Muslim and have a strong belief in God. I don’t have any specific superstitions; I just believe in doing everything as well as I possibly can.”

Is there a person who has had the biggest influence on your career?
“Yes, my brother. He’s always been there for me, guiding me, introducing me to football, and supporting me throughout. He’s been a very important figure in my life and still is today.”

What’s his name?
“Gazmend.”

Does he play?
“He used to, but he stopped so he could support me better. When I was younger, we played together on the same team, but he stopped so he could focus more on helping me.”

What advice would you give to a young person who wants to become a footballer?
“If you love what you do, you have to make a lot of sacrifices. Many people think that getting there is the hardest part, but the toughest challenge is staying at the top and maintaining that level. Keep learning, never give up, and don’t worry about what others are doing. Everyone has their own strengths and journey.”

What do you like most about Italy, given that you’ve lived here for five years?
“The weather, without a doubt. I’m from Belgium, where it rains a lot and it’s cold, so the sun in Italy really changes your day. It’s something I really appreciate.”

You started playing for Albania and then switched to Kosovo. Can you tell us a bit about your international experience?
“I started with the Albania U21 team at 19, then when Kosovo was accepted by FIFA, I decided to switch and play for them. I’m very proud to represent my homeland. Today, I’m the second player with the most appearances for the Kosovo national team.”

Is there any sport you enjoy, aside from football?
“I like mountain biking, and I also enjoy basketball and ping pong. I’m really good at ping pong, and those are the sports I practice most.”

Did you know that Gabrielloni claims to be a ping pong champion?
“Really? Well, whenever he wants, we can have a match.”