Renato Malota

On 9 August 2012, Malota completed a transfer at newly promoted Kukësi in club's first ever top flight season.[2] He was handed squad number 24, and played as starter in club's first ever Albanian Superliga match versus Luftëtari Gjirokastër which ended in a goalless draw.[3] Malota made his first cup appearance on 24 October in the first leg of second round against Tirana to help Kukësi achieve a historic 4–0 win at home versus capital club.[4] Malota's first score-sheet contributions came later on 10 February of the following year by netting the second of the 1–3 at Luftëtari Gjirokastër in the matchday 14.[5] His second of the season came later on 7 April in form of an opener in an eventual 1–1 draw at Teuta Durrës.[6] Malota concluded his first season at Kukësi by making 30 appearances, including 23 in league as Kukësi finished runner-up in championship to Skënderbeu Korçë and was eliminated in the semi-final of Albanian Cup by Laçi.[7][8]

In the summer of 2013, Malota played an important role in Kukësi's squad that reached the play-off round of UEFA Europa League.[9] He played in all 8 matches and scored one goal. He appeared as substitute in both matches of first qualifying round against Flora as Kukësi progressed though away goal rule.[10] Malota then played as starter in the next two-legged tie against Sarajevo, as Kukësi won 3–2 on aggregate to advance to the third qualifying round.[11][12] He scored his first European goal on 1 August 2013 in the first leg of third qualifying round versus Metalurh Donetsk to lead Kukësi into a 2–0 home win.[13] Kukësi then become the first Albanian club to reach play-off of an UEFA club competition after losing 1–0 in the second leg.[14] At play-off round, Malota couldn't avoid the elimination at the hands of Trabzonspor as Süper Lig club reached group stage by winning 5–1 on aggregate.[15]

On 8 August 2016, Malota completed a move to Partizani Tirana for an undisclosed fee, returning at Red Bulls for the first time after seven years.[16] He was presented on the same day, where he penned a two-year contract, stating: "This is the right year to win the title",[17] while refused to show the reasons why he left Kukësi where he was the captain.[16] He had to wait until matchday 8 to made his debut as he entered as a second-half substitute in Partizani's 0–1 defeat of Korabi Peshkopi at Selman Stërmasi Stadium.[18] In the beginning of 2017, Malota finally won his place at the starting lineup, making four full-90 minutes appearances in February. He scored his first goal of the season on 20 February in the Capital derby against Tirana, heading home a Lorenc Trashi cross in an eventual 2–1 win at Selman Stërmasi Stadium.[19]

Malota left the club in the first days of January 2018 after being excluded from winter training camp in Antalya.[20] He finished his second stint at capital club by playing 35 appearances in all competitions.

On 10 January 2017, Vllaznia Shkodër completed the signing of Malota on a free transfer.[21] The player penned a contract running until the end of the season with an option to renew for another season.[22]

Malota has represented Albania in under-19, -20 and -21 levels, but is yet to make his senior debut.

Under-20

In June 2009, Malota was called up by manager of under-20 side Artan Bushati to be part of the team at 2009 Mediterranean Games.[23] He captained his side in both matches of Group D; the first, a 1–2 loss to Tunisia,[24] and the second, a 0–3 loss to Spain which brought the elimination from the tournament.[25]

Under-21

Malota become part of under-21 squad for the remaining three matches of Group 1 qualifying campaign.[26] He played his first match on 20 August 2008 as Albania drew 1–1 against Greece at Ruzhdi Bizhuta Stadium.[27] Malota also played in the final two matches, receiving two yellow cards as Albania lost 0–4 to Croatia and drew 0–0 against Azerbaijan.[28][29] Albania finished Group 1 in 4th place with 12 points.[30]

Malota continued to be part of under-21 squad for the next European qualifying campaign where Albania was placed in Group 10.[31] He started in the team's opening match on 28 March 2009, a late loss home to Scotland.[32] He appeared in the next three matches as Albania finished 5th in their group, leaving behind only Azerbaijan.[33] Malota concluded his under-21 career by playing 7 matches and scoring no goals.