Niko Bespalla

Famous for his fierce shooting, he played for Lokomotiva Durrës, Partizani Tirana, Dinamo Tirana and Erzeni Shijak in his career.

He captained the Durrës under-19 side to the national championship before being promoted to the senior team by then coach Adem Karapici in 1957 at the age of 19.

[1] In 1957, he was summoned to fulfil his military service and subsequently joined army club Partizani Tirana with whom he won two league titles.

[1] He was jailed for 7 years by the Communist regime in 1967 after allegedly stealing tin .

[3] He was married to Flora and his only surviving child Justin Bespalla was also a footballer who played for Teuta Durrës and Erzeni Shijak amongst others.