Elis Bakaj

Elis Flamur Bakaj (born 25 June 1987) is an Albanian former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder or a forward.[2]

Elis Bakaj
Personal information
Full name Elis Flamur Bakaj
Date of birth (1987-06-25) 25 June 1987
Place of birth Tirana, Albania
Height 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)[1]
Position(s) Attacking midfielder
Youth career
1996 KF Kristali
1997–2002 Partizani Tirana
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2002–2009 Partizani Tirana 136 (23)
2009–2011 Dinamo Tirana 58 (30)
2011–2012 Dinamo București 27 (5)
2012–2014 Chornomorets Odesa 33 (9)
2014–2015 Tirana 27 (13)
2015 Hapoel Ra'anana 1 (0)
2015–2016 Tirana 27 (14)
2016 RNK Split 10 (1)
2017 Vllaznia Shkodër 14 (6)
2017–2018 Kukësi 20 (12)
2018–2019 Shakhtyor Soligorsk 49 (19)
2020 Dinamo Brest 4 (0)
2021 Rukh Brest 15 (2)
International career
2005 Albania U19 3 (0)
2005–2007 Albania U21 8 (2)
2008–2013 Albania 27 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 31 December 2021

Bakaj began his career as a youth player for KF Kristali, before moving to Partizani Tirana. In 2002, he started his professional career with Partizani, playing until 2009 before moving to rivals of Dinamo Tirana.[3] After playing with them for two years, he moved outside of Albania and signed with the Romanian club Dinamo București. After one season with White and Reds, he moved in Ukraine and signed with Chornomorets Odesa.[4] Due to the civil unrest caused by the 2014 Ukrainian revolution, Bakaj returned to Albania and signed with KF Tirana, his third club inside of Tirana.[5]

An international footballer for Albania since 2008, Bakaj has earned over 25 caps for his country. He debuted in 2008 and scored his first goal with Red and Blacks four years later.

Club career

Early career

Born in Tirana, Bakaj joined his first club KF Kristali in May 1996 at the age of eight, where he would only remain until October. Despite only playing for the club for less than six months, he still managed to be named the player of the year in the youth league.[6]

For the next six months, Elis was trained personally by former Albanian international and Dinamo Tirana player Andrea Marko. In June 1997 he joined Partizani Tirana under the guidance of coach Gazmend Kraja, where he worked his way up the ranks of the club. He amazed the club, including its president Albert Xhani, who in January 2002 sent Bakaj into the club's senior side.[6]

Partizani Tirana

He joined Partizani's first team at the age of 15 in January 2002 on a seven-year contract with a minimal wage of just 150,000 Lekë a season. His official Partizani debut came in the 2003 Intertoto Cup against Israeli side Maccabi Netanya, where coach Perlat Musta played Bakaj in the final seven minutes of the game.[6]

In September 2003, Partizani's new coach Ilir Spahiu sent Bakaj on loan to FC Nacionali, a Partizani feeder team playing in the Albanian Second Division. The Nacionali coach Genci Tomorri gave Bakaj the opportunity of regular first team football, allowing the youngster to show his talent and score goals. In January 2004 his loan was ended and he returned to Partizani where the previous coach Spahiu had left and Sulejman Mema had now taken charge.[6]

Bakaj scored his maiden Partizani goal on 1 October 2003 in an Albanian Cup match against Fushë Mbreti, netting the fourth in an eventual 6–0 win in the second leg of second round.[7] He made his first ever Albanian Superliga appearance later on 22 February of the following year as a substitute in the 1–2 away defeat to Teuta Durrës.[8] Bakaj's scored again in cup on 24 March 2004 in the quarter-finals against Elbasani; netting the winning goal in the 74th minute to send his side through to the semi-finals.[7] Partizani eventually reached the final when they beat Dinamo 0–1, in a match where Bakaj was an unused substitute.[7] This win constituted his first senior trophy.[7]

Dinamo Tirana

On 8 January 2009, Bakaj completed a move to Dinamo Tirana for €100,000, becoming the most expensive player in the club's history.[3] He was presented one day later, where he signed a three-year contract, and was given the squad number 19 for the second part of the 2008–09 season.[9]

Following his performances with Dinamo Tirana throughout the 2009–10 season, Bakaj was named Albanian Footballer of the Year for the second consecutive year, becoming the first player to win it twice.[10]

Dinamo București

In January 2011, in the last hours before the expiration of the winter transfer window, Bakaj moved to Dinamo București.[11] He signed a contract for five years with the Romanian team. The Albanian squad accepted the offer of €200,000[12] because he entered the final six months of his contract. He was recommended to Dinamo București by their former glory, the Albanian star Sulejman Demollari, who played for the Bucharest team between 1991 and 1995 and scored 36 goals in 100 games.

Bakaj made his debut for Dinamo on 26 February 2011, when he played in the last 17 minutes in a Liga I game against Sportul Studenţesc.[13] He opened his scoring account later on 12 April, scoring the third and final goal of the 3–1 home win against Unirea Urziceni.[14]

During the 2011 Cupa României Final Bakaj had a firecracker thrown at him by a Steaua București fan, which he managed to dodge.[15]

Chornomorets Odesa

On 27 February 2012, he joined Ukrainian club Chornomorets Odesa on loan.[4] He then signed a permanent contract for Chornomorets Odesa outright on a three-year contract in May.

Kukësi

Due to the civil unrest caused by the 2014 Ukrainian revolution, Bakaj agreed to be released from his contract with Chornomorets Odesa as he looked for a return to Albania. He was reportedly close to signing with his first club Partizani Tirana, but a deal was not agreed to, so he joined Kukësi on 12 March 2014, pending FIFA clearance.[16] He signed a contract until the end of the 2013–14 season, as well as any European games the club would be involved in, should they qualify. His wage was reported to be €40,000, making him one of the highest paid players in the league's history.[17] However, FIFA did not give him the permit to play, so Bakaj terminated the contract and left the club only two weeks following his arrival.[18]

Skënderbeu Korçë

After his departure from Kukësi, Bakaj joined fellow Albanian Superliga side Skënderbeu Korçë on 9 June 2014 for the club's European campaign.[19][20] However, he was released by the club after only one month.[21]

Tirana

Without playing a single minute for Skënderbeu Korçë, Bakaj signed for Tirana on 19 July 2014, a one-year contract, where he was considered as a reinforcement for the club managed by Gugash Magani.[5] He was assigned the vacant number 19 for the upcoming 2014–15 season.

Bakaj made his competitive debut on 24 August 2014, a debut which brought his first goal as well. He played as a starter in the opening match of the 2014–15 season against Apolonia Fier and scored the opening goal in the 24th minute of the match which finished in the 3–0 victory.[22][23] In the second match of the season against Flamurtari Vlorë, he delivered the cross that forced goalkeeper Ilion Lika to make a mistake which resulted in an own goal, helping Tirana to prevail 1–0 at Qemal Stafa Stadium.[24]

In the matchday 4 against the newcomers of Elbasani, Bakaj was sent off in the 91st minute after he insulted the referee Klajdi Kola,[25] resulting in a two-match ban for him.[26] On 18 October, he scored his first goal for the club, a spectacular overhead kick in a 3–1 win against Kukësi at Qemal Stafa Stadium, helping the club to take the league lead temporarily.[27] Later in October, Bakaj scored the only goal of his team against Sopoti Librazhd in the second leg of the Albanian Cup's second round, securing a 4–1 aggregate victory and progression to the quarter-finals.[28] He was the Albanian Superliga Player of the Month for October 2015 after playing four matches and scoring three goals.[29]

On 23 November, in the matchday 13 against Elbasani, Bakaj made a splendid performance by first providing the Gentian Muça's goal from a set-piece and also scoring a set-piece himself as Tirana bounced back to win the match 3–2 in the very last moments.[30] In the last match of 2015, Bakaj netted twice against Teuta Durrës in an eventual 4–2 home success.[31]

He started the new year by providing the Ndikumana's winner against Flamurtari Vlorë on 30 January,[32] and scored a winner himself against Vllaznia Shkodër in the last moments of the match.[33] On 18 April, Bakaj scored his tenth league goal of the season in a 3–1 away success against Elbasani.[34] In the last derby of the season against Partizani Tirana on 4 May, Bakaj scored a brace in a 2–2 draw as Tirana lost further ground in the title race.[35]

On 11 May, it was reported that Bakaj would leave Tirana at the end of the season to sign with the Israeli side Hapoel Ra'anana.[36] In the last match of the season, he scored the winner as Tirana won at home against Teuta Durrës to end the season with honour, despite failing to win the title and to qualify in the European competitions.[37] Bakaj finished the season as the team's top goal scorer with 15 goals between league and cup in 32 appearances.

Hapoel Ra'anana

Bakaj signed a three-year contract with Israelian club Hapoel Ra'anana and was allocated squad number 80.[38] He made his competitive debut with the club on 1 August in the goalless draw against Maccabi Netanya for the 2015–16 Toto Cup Al, playing for 62 minutes.[39] He netted his first goal eight days later in a 1–1 home draw against Hapoel Be'er Sheva, another match valid for Toto Cup Al.[40] Later, on 22 August, Bakaj debuted in Israeli Premier League by playing 61 minutes in a 2–2 home draw against Hapoel Kfar Saba, which would be his last league appearance for the club.[41] However, Bakaj suddenly terminated his contract with the club and become a free agent. The main reason for this, according to the Israeli media, was his fiancée, who wanted to return to Albania.[42][43]

Return to Tirana
Bakaj during a league match versus Skënderbeu Korçë.

After only three months in Israel, on 29 August, Bakaj returned to Tirana by signing a one-year contract with an option of a further one, taking his squad number 19.[44] He was presented to the media one day later.[45] He made his return debut on 12 September in the matchday 3 against Bylis Ballsh which ended in a goalless draw at home.[46] He scored his first goal of the season in returning leg of 2015–16 Albanian Cup's first round against Erzeni Shijak, which ended in a 2–0, securing a 3–0 aggregate victory and progression to the second round.[47]

Bakaj scored his first league goal on 7 November against the newcomers of Tërbuni Pukë which ended in a 3–0 home win, enduring a 581-minute scoreless run.[48] Two weeks later, he scored a spectacular volley against Bylis Ballsh, just like "van Basten goal" in the UEFA Euro 1988 Final against Soviet Union, giving his team a 1–0 away win.[49] On 30 November, in the first match at the newly renovated Selman Stërmasi Stadium, Bakaj scored the only goal of his team in a 2–1 defeat to Skënderbeu Korçë.[50] He scored his brace of the season on 13 December in the 2–0 away win to Flamurtari Vlorë, taking his tally up to 5 goals.[51] He started the new year by scoring in the team's 3–1 away win against Tërbuni Pukë.[52] He was named the Albanian Superliga Player of the Month for January 2016, becoming the third player to win the award twice.[53]

One week later, Bakaj scored a sublime free-kick in the 3–0 away win against Laçi,[54] giving Tirana its first win at Laçi Stadium since 5 May 2012 where Tirana won thanks to a winner of Bekim Balaj.[55] However, he was booked during the meaning that he would miss the following league match against Bylis Ballsh at home.[56] On 4 March 2016, he got sent off after receiving two yellow cards after insulting the referee Lorenc Jemini in the 2–0 derby defeat against Partizani Tirana despite being on the pitch for less than 10 minutes after coming on at half time.[57] For his behaviour, Bakaj was banned for four league matches by the Disciplinary Committee of AFA.[58]

Bakaj scored his first league hat-trick in a 3–0 home win against Tërbuni Pukë, returning Tirana in the winning ways after six consecutive league matches without a win.[59] Bakaj become the first player to score a hat-trick for Tirana since Bekim Balaj on 23 October 2011. He followed that by scoring the winner against Laçi to keep the European chances alive.[60]

Bakaj begun May by scoring in the 2–2 home draw against Partizani Tirana in the "Tirana derby".[61] In the last match at home, he scored the winner Vllaznia Shkodër, which was his 13th league strike, equaling his previous season.[62] On final day of the season, he scored the lone goal of his team in a 2–1 away defeat to Kukësi.[63] He ended his second season with Tirana by scoring 15 goals, including 14 in league, being the top goalscorer of the team for the second consecutive season.

RNK Split

On 9 June 2016, he signed a two-year contract for the Croatian Prva HNL team RNK Split, following in the footsteps of Sokol Cikalleshi and Amir Rrahmani.[64] Upon signing, Bakaj said, "I'm very happy for the signing, I know Split very well, thanks to Rrahmani and i hope to reward the trust on me. I don't want to disappoint the club directors and I'll try to reward them with my goals.[65] Bakaj made his debut on 16 July in the matchday 1 against HNK Rijeka, playing full-90 minutes in a 3–0 home defeat.[66] He scored his first goal of campaign later on 12 August against HNK Cibalia, scoring via a free kick in an eventual 2–2 home draw.[67] Bakaj left the club on 14 November after claiming that was not paid during his five months at the club, sending the issue to FIFA, ending his RNK Split career with only 10 appearances and one goal, becoming a free agent in the process.[68]

Blocked move to Tirana and Vllaznia Shkodër

After leaving RNK Split in November 2016, Bakaj returned in Albania and begun training with Tirana in order to maintain his form.[69] He said in an interview that his intentions were to play outside, but if not he would play in Albania only with Tirana.[70] He continued to train with Tirana in January,[71] and on 26th, he reached an argument with the club for a contract until the end of 2016–17 season.[72] However, a day later, FIFA blocked the transfer due to Tirana's unpaid debts, forcing the club not to transfer any player during January transfer window, leaving Bakaj still without a team.[73]

Then Bakaj joined fellow Albanian Superliga club Vllaznia Shkodër on a four-month contract, with a reported salary of €20,000.[74] He was presented on 29 January, where he made his first training session with the team, stating that he "would give his best to help the club reach its goals."[75] Bakaj made his competitive debut on 1 February in the first leg of 2016–17 Albanian Cup quarter-final against Teuta Durrës, playing for 82 minutes and receiving positive reviews from the fans as Vllaznia won 1–0.[76] During the match, he was involved in a brawl with Teuta's Bruno Dita, which continued even after the end of the match.[77] Then Bakaj made his league debut four days later against Partizani Tirana at Selman Stërmasi Stadium, opening the score with a first-half volley in an eventual 2–1 defeat.[78]

Later on his second league appearance against Flamurtari Vlorë, Bakaj was on the scoresheet again, netting a 90th-minute goal which was equalizer two minutes later, but nevertheless, Vllaznia won by scoring in the last seconds of added time.[79] One month later, Bakaj scored the lone goal via penalty kick in the match against Laçi to give the team three important points in the race for a spot in Europa League next season.[80] In the matchday 32 against Skënderbeu in Korçë, Bakaj came off the bench and scored his team 3rd goal (his 5th of the season) to put the visitors ahead, but the home team bounced back and scored 2 goals in added time to win 4–3.[81] The match was heavily contested and was considered as fixed by Federbet, the anti match fixing organisation.[82]

On 23 May, Bakaj stated that he was not going to play final matchday against his former side Tirana, as he felt "powerless" to play against Tirana, who risked relegation along with Vllaznia.[83] He asked coach Armando Cungu not to call him up for this match, which would decide which team is going to stay in top flight next season.[83] Cungu, however, didn't fulfill his request, answering that he was going to play, but Bakaj refused categorically.[83] On the same day, he was released by the club, only seven days from his contract expiration.[84] He finished his Vllaznia Shkodër career by making 13 league appearances, in addition two cup matches, scoring six goals in the process, being the joint top goalscorer of the team along with captain Ndriçim Shtubina.

Kukësi return

On 9 August 2017, Bakaj completed a transfer to reigning Albanian Superliga champions Kukësi as a free transfer.[85] He was presented on the same day, where he penned a one-year contract worth €70,000 a season.[85] In addition, Bakaj would also earn €2,000 bonus for each goal scored and €500 for every assist provided in competitive matches.[86] He made his debut later on 6 September 2017 in the 2017 Albanian Supercup against his former side Tirana which ended in a 0–1 defeat.[87] His league debut occurred three days later in the opening match of championship against newbie Kamza, netting the winner via e penalty kick.[88]

He scored his first brace of the season on 21 October in a controversial fashion in the 3–0 win at Luftëtari Gjirokastër;[89] the first goal was scored in 19th minute with a shot outside the box after everyone stopped playing after a whistle, thinking it was offisde; the whistle came from the stands and match referee ordered players to resume playing and Bakaj profited from that to score.[90] Following the match, Luftëtari manager Hasan Lika called Bakaj a player who do not respect fair play.[91] Bakaj defended himself by stating that referee told him to resume the game, adding that the goal was a "striker instinct".[92] He finished the first phase of season 10 goals in 14 league appearances.[93]

Later on 19 February of the following year, during the league encounter against Partizani Tirana, Bakaj was sent-off in the last moments after insulting some fans in the tribune.[94] Bakaj defended himself afterwards, saying that the insults were against two-three persons, and also added that he "will not allow anyone to touch my family".[95] He was banned for the following two league matches by Albanian Football Association.[96] Bakaj finished his Kukësi career by making 25 appearances in total, including 20 in league, netting 12 goals, all of them in league.

Shakhtyor Soligorsk

On 4 March 2018, Bakaj completed a transfer to Belarusian Premier League outfit Shakhtyor Soligorsk for €120,000.[97] The transfer was made official five days later, with the player signing a contract until the end of the year.[98] During the presentation, Bakaj stated that he had studied the championship and club before coming, and also added that everything here is super.[98] Bakaj took his usual squad number 19, and made his debut for the club on 31 March in the goalless draw versus Dynamo Brest.[99] He quickly become a regular starter in the team, providing several assists in his first weeks in the club, becoming a fan favourite in the process.[100][101]

He opened his scoring account later on 12 July 2018 in the first leg of 2018–19 UEFA Europa League first qualifying round versus Wales's Connah's Quay Nomads to give his side a 3–1 away win.[102] It was his first European goal in 12 years and his second overall. Bakaj was on the score-sheet in the second leg as well by netting a penalty as Shakhtyor won 5–1 on aggregate.[103] He scored his first league goal on 16 July in the 2–0 home win against Dynamo Brest,[104] which was followed by another Europa League goal, this time against Lech Poznań in a 1–1 home draw; this meant Bakaj has scored in three consecutive Europa League games for the first time in career.[105]

On 5 November 2018, Bakaj's performances were rewarded as he was given a contract for the next season by the club.[106]

International career

Youth

Bakaj was part of Albania under-21 team in their qualifying campaign of 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, where Albania was placed in Group 1.[107] He played as a starter in team's first encounter against Italy on 1 June 2007, which finished in a 4–0 away defeat.[108] In the second match five days later, Bakaj was decisive for his team, scoring a winner via penalty kick to give his team a win against Faroe Islands.[109] In the matchday 4 against Azerbaijan on 17 October 2007, Bakaj was sent off for a second bookable offence, giving Azerbaijan a man advantage. However, Albania was able to grab a 1–1 draw at Ismat Gayibov Stadium, in Baku.[110]

Senior

Bakaj made his senior debut for Albania on 21 November 2007 against Romania in the final UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying match, replacing fellow striker Erjon Bogdani in the 83rd minute.[111]

He scored his first senior international goal against Qatar on 22 May 2012 at Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas, Madrid, Spain.[112]

Personal life

He is the cousin of Edvan Bakaj who plays as a goalkeeper for Kosovar club Drita.[113] They were also teammates at Partizani and Tirana. In June 2018, he married his Romanian girlfriend Andreea,[114] whom he meet during his time at Dinamo București.[115]

Career statistics

Club
As of 20 November 2021[1][2][116]
Club statistics
Club Season League Cup Europe Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Partizani Tirana 2003–04 Albanian Superliga 80421[lower-alpha 1]0—132
2004–05 321002[lower-alpha 2]01[lower-alpha 3]0351
2005–06 2636200—325
2006–07 295832[lower-alpha 2]1—399
2007–08 291211——3013
2008–09 122212[lower-alpha 2]0—163
Total 13623219711016531
Dinamo Tirana 2008–09 Albanian Superliga 13410——144
2009–10 2915312[lower-alpha 4]0—3416
2010–11 1611131[lower-alpha 5]01[lower-alpha 3]11915
Total 58305430116735
Dinamo București 2010–11 Liga I 16430——194
2011–12 111201[lower-alpha 4]0—141
Total 2755010—335
Chornomorets Odesa 2011–12 Ukrainian Premier League 10311——114
2012–13 19521——216
2013–14 41113[lower-alpha 4]01[lower-alpha 6]092
Total 3394330104112
Tirana 2014–15 Albanian Superliga 271352——3215
Hapoel Ra'anana 2015–16 Israeli Premier League 104[lower-alpha 7]1——51
Tirana 2015–16 Albanian Superliga 271431——3015
RNK Split 2016–17 Prva HNL 10100——101
Vllaznia Shkodër 2016–17 Albanian Superliga 14620——166
Kukësi 2017–18 Albanian Superliga 201240—1[lower-alpha 3]02512
Shakhtyor Soligorsk 2018 Belarusian Premier League 279104[lower-alpha 4]3—3212
2019 2210346[lower-alpha 4]1—3115
Total 491944104—6327
Dynamo Brest 2020 Belarusian Premier League 4020—1[lower-alpha 8]070
Rukh Brest 2021 Belarusian Premier League 15221——173
Career total 421134612524551511165
  1. All appearance(s) in UEFA Intertoto Cup
  2. All appearance(s) in UEFA Cup
  3. Appearance in Albanian Supercup
  4. All appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
  5. All appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
  6. Appearance in Ukrainian Super Cup
  7. All appearance(s) in Toto Cup Al
  8. Appearance in Belarusian Super Cup

International
As of 6 February 2013[117][118]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Albania 200710
200810
200930
201060
2011100
201251
201310
Total271

International goals
As of match played 6 February 2013. Albania score listed first, score column indicates score after each Bakaj goal.[118]
International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 22 May 2012Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas, Madrid, Spain23 Qatar1–02–1Friendly

Honours

Club
Partizani Tirana[2]
Dinamo Tirana[2]
Shakhtyor Soligorsk[2]
Dynamo Brest[2]

Individual

References
  1. "Football : Elis Bakaj". Football Database. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  2. "Albania – E. Bakaj – Profile with news, career statistics and history". Soccerway. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
  3. "Dinamo, Bakaj, blerja e shtrenjtë e kampionëve" [Dinamo, Bakaj, expensive purchase of the champions] (in Albanian). Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve. 8 January 2009. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  4. "Элис Бакай стал «моряком»". FC Choronomorets (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 14 June 2023.
  5. "Zyrtare, Elis Bakaj firmos për Tiranën" [Official, Elis Bakaj signs for Tirana] (in Albanian). The Albanian. 19 July 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  6. "Elis Bakaj Bio" (in Albanian). Bakaj19.com. Archived from the original on 31 March 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  7. "Albania Cup (Kupa e Shqipërisë) 2003/04". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 21 September 2011. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  8. "KF Teuta 2-1 KF Partizani" (in Albanian). FSHF.org. 9 January 2009. Archived from the original on 24 December 2017. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  9. "Bakaj, një prezantim prej lideri" [Bakaj, a presentation of a leader] (in Albanian). Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve. 9 January 2009. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  10. "Elis Bakaj, futbollisti më i mirë i vitit 2010" [Elis Bakaj, the best footballer of 2010] (in Albanian). Arkiva Lajmeve. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
  11. "TRANSFER. Elis Bakaj la Dinamo!" [TRANSFER. Elis Bakaj at Dinamo!] (in Romanian). fcdinamo.ro. Archived from the original on 15 March 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  12. "Bakaj te Dinamo Bukuresht per 200 mije euro" [Bakaj at Dinamo București for €200,000] (in Albanian). Partizani.net. Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
  13. "Sportul Studenţesc vs. Dinamo București 0 – 1". Soccerway. 26 February 2011. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  14. "Dinamo București vs. Unirea Urziceni 3 – 1". Soccerway. 12 April 2011. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  15. Massimo Marioni (26 May 2011). "Elis Bakaj dodges flying firecracker during Romanian cup final". Metro. UK. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  16. Ilir Cara; Leonard Karaj (12 March 2014). "Flet babai i Bakajt: Partizani u vonua, Elisi do të shkonte atje edhe për 2 mijë euro më pak" [Bakaj's father talks: Partizani were late, Elis was gonna go there even for 2 thousand euro less] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 12 March 2014.
  17. "Elis Bakaj te Kukësi, përfiton 40 mijë euro" [Elis Bakaj at Kukësi, profits 40 thousand euro] (in Albanian). Bota Sot. 10 March 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  18. Panorama Sport (10 March 2014). "Bakaj prish kontraten dhe iken nga Kukesi" [Bakaj undo the contract and leaves Kukësi] (in Albanian). Shqipëria.com. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  19. "LIVE : Elis Bakaj lojtari më i ri i Skënderbeut" [LIVE : Elis Bakaj the newest Skënderbeu player] (in Albanian). KF Skënderbeu Korçë. 9 June 2014. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  20. "Elis Bakaj te Skënderbeu" [Elis Bakaj to Skënderbeu] (in Albanian). Borozani.com. 10 June 2014. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  21. "Zyrtare: Elis Bakaj largohet nga Skënderbeu pas problemeve me disa lojtarë" [Official: Elis Bakaj leaves Skënderbeu after have issues with some players] (in Albanian). Ora Sport. 9 July 2014. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  22. "Tirana vs. Apolonia Fier 3 – 0". Soccerway. 24 August 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  23. Adela Merko (25 August 2014). ""Fluturon" Tirana, gola dhe spektakël ndaj Apolonisë. Magani: S'duhet të shpërdoronim" [Tirana "flies", goals and show against on Apolonia. Magani: We shouldn't have wasted] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  24. Adela Merko (31 August 2014). "Grushte kartonë të kuq, Ilion Lika "nderon" Tiranën. Magani: Po, ishte një fitore me fat" [Fists red cards, Ilion Lika "honours" Tirana. Magani: Yes, it was a lucky win] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  25. "Elis Bakaj doli me të kuqe, ofendoi gjyqtarin" [Elis Bakaj was sent-off, insulted the refeere] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 15 September 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  26. "Disiplina gjobit dhe pezullon 2 ndeshje Elis Bakajn" [Disciplinary fines and given a 2-match suspension, Elis Bakaj] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 17 September 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
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