Football in Lezhë dates back to 1916 when a senior Austrian officer introduced two leather balls, complete with inner bladders made from cattle, to the local youth. On June 1, 1920, an amateur team under the name Djelmnia e Leshit played organized matches in nearby Shkodër.
By 1930, the Zogu government, through a decree dated June 6, established the Albanian Sports Federation and mandated the formation of football clubs in regions of the country that lacked such teams. That same year, the first national football championship was launched.
Bardhyli i Leshit was officially established on November 17, 1930.
In 1936, the club competed in the Second Division Championship, Group A, where they faced teams like Kongresi i Lushnjes, Tomorri of Berat and Foleta e Lirisë of Krujë. Finishing first in their group, Bardhyli advanced to the final tournament, held in Tirana. On July 26, they triumphed over Shkumbini of Peqin with a 2–0 win and the following day defeated Aleksandri i Madh of Përmet 7–2. These victories earned the team the Second Division championship, securing its promotion to the First Division for the following season.
The club made its debut in the national championship against Teuta of Durrës. Hundreds of fans traveled from Lezhë — by foot, bicycle and car — to witness the inaugural match, which ended in a 1–7 defeat. Bardhyli’s second match against Erzeni, in Shijak, also resulted in a loss (0–4), but the return leg saw Lezhë secure a 5–1 victory, its first official win.
Home matches during this period were played at Gryka e Zezë field.[1]
Besëlidhja has participated in the top flight league for 24 seasons, having yet to secure qualification for European competitions.[2]
Biggest Away Defeat: 1–5 vs KF Tirana (21.02.2003)
Current squad
As of 1 January 2024
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
