Meriton Korenica


Meriton Korenica is a Kosovan professional footballer who plays as a winger for Liga I club CFR Cluj and the Kosovo national team.

Club career

Early career

Korenica began his youth career at Rahoveci. In 2015, he joined the youth setup of Shkëndija, one of Macedonia's top clubs, and progressed quickly to the senior team. He made his professional debut during the 2015–16 season, appearing once for Shkëndija's first team. In 2016, he was sent on loan to Metalurg Skopje to gain more first-team experience, making eight appearances during his spell.
Later that year, he returned to Kosovo and signed with Liria Prizren, where he played until 2018, making 23 appearances and scoring his first two professional goals. His time at Liria marked an important stage in his development, helping him establish himself as a reliable senior-level player.

Ballkani

In 2020, Korenica joined FC Ballkani. During his time at the club, Ballkani won the Kosovo Superleague three consecutive times, as well as the Kosovar Cup and Kosovar Supercup. Korenica was a regular starter and contributed with both goals and assists.

Manisa

On 3 September 2023, Korenica signed a two-year contract with TFF First League club Manisa with an option for a further year, and received squad number 77. Manisa reportedly paid a €200,000 transfer fee. His debut with Manisa came fourteen days later against Giresunspor after coming on as a substitute at 57th minute in place of Kerim Frei.

Return to Ballkani as loan

On 29 January 2024, Korenica returned to Kosovo Superleague side Ballkani, on loan for the remainder of the 2023–24 season.

CFR Cluj

On 9 July 2024, Korenica transferred to CFR Cluj in Romania's Liga I. In the 2024–25 season, he made 39 league appearances, scored 9 goals, and provided 6 assists. He helped the club win the Cupa României and was awarded CFR Cluj's Player of the Month twice. He was later named to the Liga I Team of the Season.

International career

Korenica represented Kosovo U21 at 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifications and played in four matches as a substitute. On 22 January 2018, he received a call-up from Kosovo for the friendly match against Azerbaijan. The match however was cancelled two days later, which prolonged his debut.
On 31 August 2023, Korenica received again a call-up from Kosovo for the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Switzerland and Romania. His debut with Kosovo came nine days later in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Switzerland after coming on as a substitute in the 81st minute in place of Milot Rashica, and assists in his side's second goal during a 2–2 home draw.

Honours

;Prishtina
;Ballkani
;CFR Cluj
;Individual