Albania is calling, but soccer prodigy Mece dreams of playing for the Swiss national team

Here’s what it’s all about

Emilie Mece, a 19-year-old Swiss player, is under contract with Juventus Turin and is currently gaining playing experience on loan at Napoli. In her very first game, she scored against Juventus, of all teams.
Mece dreams of playing for the Swiss national team and competing in the World Cup. Although the Albanian Football Association has already contacted her, changing national team affiliations is not currently on the table.
In addition to her soccer career, Mece is studying law at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. Despite frequently changing teams and being separated from her family at an early age, she ambitiously pursues her goals.

Emilie Mece made a name for herself with a dream goal against Spain at the U19 European Championship. The 19-year-old Swiss player has been under contract with Juventus Turin since this summer, but is currently gaining valuable playing experience on loan at league rival Napoli. There, the attacking player scored on her very first appearance—and against Juventus, of all teams. While she’s making a name for herself in Italy, Mece also dreams of a future with the Swiss national team. In Albania, she would already be welcomed with open arms, as she reveals in an interview with blue Sport.

Emilie Mece, you scored a dream goal against Spain at the U19 European Championship. Did you watch that goal a lot afterward?

Yeah, I’ve watched it a lot. It’s a really special goal, especially because it was in my first European Championship match—and against Spain, no less. That was truly something special. And as a young player, you’re really happy about it.

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And then you were loaned from Juventus to Napoli and scored a goal against them in your very first match. Could you imagine a crazier start?

No, I think it’s hard to imagine anything better. When I join a new club, I always try to show what I can do and help the team.

Did you hear any messages or comments from your teammates at Juventus after the game?

Yes, I’m on good terms with them. And they told me they knew I was going to score a goal—which, of course, makes me happy.

In the summer of 2024, you moved from YB’s youth academy to Lyon’s youth academy. This summer, you signed a contract with Juventus, and after a few games, you were loaned to Napoli. Does it sometimes feel like things are moving a little too fast for you?

It’s true that things are moving a bit fast. There have been a lot of changes in just a few years, and you have to keep adapting and getting used to the new environment. But that’s just how a female athlete’s career goes. So I think that’s normal.

Emelie Mece has played five times for Juventus, including one appearance in the Champions League qualifiers and one in the Serie A Cup final against AS Roma. She has been playing for Napoli since September 23, where she has immediately secured a spot in the starting lineup.

Do you have a specific career plan, or why have you made all these changes?

Every decision I make is truly made with the goal of growing and taking a step forward. So you could say that everything is well thought out.

What role does your family play?

My family is very important to me. Thanks to them, I am the person I am today. So I owe everything to them. Especially to my mother, who made many sacrifices for me. I try to repay her as best I can by succeeding in life, so that she can be proud of me.

Did a family member always accompany you when you were abroad?

No, I’ve always been on my own. I left my family very early on, which wasn’t easy because you’re leaving your loved ones behind. And for them, it’s sometimes even harder than it is for me. But those are the sacrifices you have to make to be successful in your career.

Many people your age are still in school, doing an apprenticeship or going to college. What about you?

My mother always drilled it into me that school is important, so I kept studying. Last year, I passed my Matura with a “good” grade. I’ve now started my first year in the bachelor’s program in law at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. It’s sometimes hard to juggle everything. But I try to do my best.

Have you ever faced difficult moments in your career?

There are always difficult moments, like when you’re injured or not playing much. I’m thinking especially of my early days at Juventus, when I didn’t get much playing time. But I think the hardest part is really the human aspect: leaving your family early on or changing environments several times and having to start over somewhere else. That can be complicated at times, but that’s exactly what helps you grow.

Was there ever a moment when you felt like giving up on everything?

No, not that. Of course, there are moments of doubt, but that’s exactly when you need the strength to keep going anyway. I think that’s exactly what takes you far.

How do you like living in soccer-crazy Naples?

I really like it here. Naples is a beautiful city, and soccer is deeply rooted in the culture here—Maradona is revered like a god. We have a good team, a good coach, and the club is behind us.

You’ve played for Switzerland’s U17 and U19 teams. Have you been in contact with the Swiss national team’s coaching staff yet?

I’m part of the “Next-Gen” project. Unfortunately, these are only one- or two-day gatherings. Since I play abroad, it’s difficult for me to attend. But I’m often in touch with Johan Djourou (Technical Director of the Women’s National Teams; Ed.). He’s a wonderful person, and it’s always a pleasure to talk to him. We have very enriching conversations.

What do you still need to make the leap to the senior national team?

I think that at 19, I still have a lot to learn and improve on. But I’m ambitious, and one of my goals is to play for the national team. I’ll keep working hard to achieve that goal as soon as possible.

Do you ever imagine what it would be like to take the field for the first time in the Swiss national team’s jersey? Maybe even at the World Cup?

It goes without saying that just playing for the national team is a dream come true. But competing in a tournament like the World Cup is, of course, an even bigger dream. In any case, I’ll do everything I can to achieve that goal.

But you could also play for Albania?

I don’t have an Albanian passport right now, but I would have the opportunity to apply for one. So far, I’ve played for all the youth national teams in Switzerland, and I’m very happy with that. I don’t know what the future holds. For now, I’m focusing on the present, and we’ll see what comes later.

Have officials from the Albanian Soccer Association contacted you yet?

Yes, they’ve already contacted me.

What did you tell them?

I thanked them for their interest. At this point, I haven’t made a decision yet about my future abroad.

Are you in touch with any players on the Swiss national team?

I know a few female players. I’m in touch with Iman Beney a lot, especially—she’s a friend of mine. We were both at YB at the same time; that’s where I met her.

What is your biggest dream as a soccer player?

My biggest dream is to win the Champions League and compete in major tournaments with the national team.

Roster announcement on November 17

On November 17, national team coach Rafel Navarro will announce his roster for the two World Cup qualifying playoff games against Austria (December 1 and 5).