S5E4. Eva Murati: Stay true to your passion
Exclusive interview with the Albanian TV host and model, famous throughout Europe, on her career in sports journalism and the fashion industry, her fight against stereotypes, and her upcoming projects
Dear reader,
welcome back to BarBalkans, the newsletter with blurred boundaries.
The time has come to introduce one of the most prominent emerging Balkan personalities on the European stage, a professional gaining recognition beyond her home country for her competence and passion.
Meet Eva Murati, Albanian TV presenter, actress and model.
Born in Elbasan on 25 May 1995, Murati has lived in Tirana since the age of 6 and holds a law degree from the University of Tirana.
She is a feminist and advocate for gender equality, especially in the TV sector. In 2013, she took part in the One Billion Rising event in Tirana, in the context of the global campaign to end rape and sexual violence against women.
In the professional field, Murati is well-known for her great expertise in football. She is the first host of Studio UEFA Champions League - the nationwide Albanian TV program about the major European football competition - which she has been hosting continuously since 2017.
At the age of 21, while introducing her new professional project Studio UEFA Champions League, she became the youngest Albanian to appear on the cover of the international magazine Living. She has been modeling for Italian lingerie brand Yamamay since 2021.
Last but not least, Eva Murati is the winner of the second edition of Balkan Playoff - BarBalkans’ summer contest on Instagram - succeeding her compatriot and writer Anilda Ibrahimi.
Today, Murati is here to discuss her multifaceted professional career, her passions and personal challenges, and also her increasingly ambitious plans for the future.
Into the game
How did your passion for football develop, both as a personal interest and in terms of work as TV host?
“My passion for football started in my childhood. Growing up, football was always present in my household, and I found myself fascinated by the energy and excitement it brought.
As I transitioned into a career in television, I naturally gravitated towards sports media, especially football. It wasn’t just about following matches, I wanted to understand the game on a deeper level, including tactics, strategies, and player dynamics.
Although I have not played football professionally, I have been active in other sports like tennis and swimming. This personal involvement in sports helped me appreciate the athleticism and dedication that footballers put into their careers.”
Who are your national and international inspirations in your career as a sports journalist?
“Nationally, I look up to Albanian sports journalists who have paved the way for the next generation, showing that you can break into this field with knowledge and passion.
Internationally, I admire Ilaria D’Amico who presented the UCL program in Italy and of course Kate Abdo for the English version. They are not just skilled presenters, they possess a deep understanding of the sport and bring their unique personalities to their work.
Their careers show that hard work, determination, and staying true to who you are can lead to success in this industry.”
When do you think we might see an Albanian team in the UEFA Champions League?
“I believe that with the right investment and focus on developing young talent, Albanian football can reach new heights.
Partizani FK, for instance, has shown promise in domestic competitions. If they continue building a strong foundation and focus on youth development, I think they have the potential to represent Albania in major European competitions. It’s about believing in our players and creating an environment that nurtures their growth.”
Read also: S4E20. It’s never ‘just’ a game
Breaking gender stereotypes
Football has long been considered a male-dominated field. Have you experienced discrimination or prejudice as a female professional in TV sports?
“Yes, the sports media world can be challenging for women, and I have faced my share of skepticism.
There is often an underlying expectation that female presenters are less knowledgeable about the sport. This is one of the reasons I did not want to have a career in sports journalism in the beginning. Sometimes we have to work twice as hard to prove our credibility. This manifests in different ways, from how we are questioned to the types of roles we are offered.
However, I see this as an opportunity to break stereotypes and show that passion and expertise are not defined by gender. The positive side is that things are changing. Many talented and capable female sports hosts are leading with professionalism. I am proud to be one of them and part of that change.”
Read also: S4E15. The feminist fight of Serbian Gen Z
You were the youngest person to appear on the cover of “Living Albania” and, since 2021, you have been part of the Yamamay team. How did you join the fashion industry, and what aspects of this field attract you?
“Joining the fashion industry was an unexpected but exciting journey for me. My involvement started with collaborations, and soon I realized that fashion is another form of expression, just like sports.
What attracts me to this field is the creativity it allows. Fashion, to me, is about confidence and representing who you are. Working with brands like Yamamay has given me a platform to express another side of my personality, one that is playful and open to new challenges, apart from the serious role I have in the UCL studio, and I love that.”
What advice would you give to a girl aspiring to become a journalist and/or a model?
“My advice would be simple. Believe in yourself and stay true to your passion.
Whether it is journalism or any other field, everything will need hard work, confidence, and a sense of authenticity. Most importantly, listen to your gut because only you know what is best for you!
Specifically in journalism, I would say don’t be afraid to voice your perspective. You need to embrace who you are and let that shine through!”
Bringing the future to a new level
Which country would you consider as a professional destination other than Albania, and why?
“Italy holds a special place in my heart. It represents elegance, passion, and a rich cultural heritage. My work has often brought me in contact with Italian football and fashion, so I have a deep admiration for the country’s way of combining tradition with modernity.
I would definitely consider Italy a professional destination. Its sports media industry is dynamic, and the fashion world there is simply inspiring. I love Italy. This is why I try to be there as much as possible for fun or professional opportunities.”
Read also: S4E1. Anilda Ibrahimi. Overcoming limits
What are your professional plans for the future? Will you continue to balance careers in sports journalism and modeling, or do you foresee prioritizing one?
“I love the versatility of my career, and I aim to continue balancing journalism and modeling for as long as I can. Each field brings out a different side of me and challenges me in unique ways. However, sports journalism will always have a special place in my heart because it is where my passion for football meets my love for storytelling.
In the future, I want to explore even more international projects, continuing to do what I already do, but on a bigger scale!”
Pit stop. Sittin’ at the BarBalkans
We have reached the end of this piece of the road.
Today at our bar, the BarBalkans, we ask Albanian TV host and model Eva Murati what she recommends we drink together.
“I would recommend trying Raki, a traditional Albanian spirit, often enjoyed in good company. This is the perfect way to experience a bit of the local culture! Personally, I like the nut-flavored one with honey.
And for non-alcoholic beverages, you need to try freshly made rose lemonade. It is always a safe choice for everyone!”
Let’s continue BarBalkans journey. We will meet again in two weeks, for the 5th stop of this season.
A big hug and have a good journey!
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