Vedat Muriqi

Vedat Muriqi (born 24 April 1994) is a Kosovan professional footballer who plays as a striker for La Liga club Mallorca and the Kosovo national team.

For the Brazilian footballer, see Muriqui (footballer).

Vedat Muriqi
Muriqi with Çaykur Rizespor in 2018
Personal information
Date of birth (1994-04-24) 24 April 1994
Place of birth Prizren, FR Yugoslavia
Height 1.94 m (6 ft 4 in)
Position(s) Striker
Team information
Current team
 Mallorca
Number 7
Youth career
2005–2010 Liria Prizren
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2010–2013 Liria Prizren 10 (3)
2013–2014 Teuta Durrës 18 (1)
2014 → Besa Kavajë (loan) 13 (3)
2014–2016 Giresunspor 57 (21)
2016–2018 Gençlerbirliği 46 (5)
2018–2019 Çaykur Rizespor 50 (25)
2019–2020 Fenerbahçe 32 (15)
2020–2022 Lazio 38 (1)
2022 → Mallorca (loan) 16 (5)
2022– Mallorca 43 (19)
International career‡
2013 Albania U19 1 (1)
2013–2014 Albania U21 4 (1)
2016– Kosovo 50 (26)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 30 September 2023 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:49, 12 September 2023 (UTC)

Club career

Teuta Durrës

On 14 January 2013, Muriqi had a trial at Kategoria Superiore club Teuta Durrës and after impressing in a friendly match signed a one-and-a-half year contract with the club.[1] On 4 February 2013, he made his debut with Teuta Durrës in the 2012–13 Albanian Cup quarter-finals against Bylis after being named in the starting line-up.[2] On 23 February 2013, he made his league debut in a 1–1 away draw against Tirana after coming on as a substitute in the 46th minute in place of Daniel Xhafaj.[3]

Loan at Besa Kavajë

On 5 January 2014, Muriqi was loaned out to Kategoria Superiore club Besa Kavajë until the end of the 2013–14 season.[4] On 1 February 2014, he made his debut against Laçi after coming on as a substitute at 46th minute in place of Shaqir Stafa and scored his side's second goal during a 2–2 home draw.[5]

Giresunspor

On 18 August 2014, Muriqi signed a two-year contract with TFF First League club Giresunspor.[6] On 14 September 2014, he made his debut in a 0–1 home defeat against Adana Demirspor after coming on as a substitute at 78th minute in place of David Solomon Abwo.[7]

Gençlerbirliği

On 31 May 2016, Muriqi signed a three-year contract with Süper Lig club Gençlerbirliği.[8] On 21 August 2016, he made his debut against Gaziantepspor after coming on as a substitute at 64th minute in place of Cosmin Matei and scored his side's second goal during a 2–0 home win.[9]

Çaykur Rizespor

On 11 January 2018, Muriqi signed to TFF First League side Çaykur Rizespor.[10][11] Ten days later, he made his debut in a match against Manisaspor after being named in the starting line-up and scoring two goals during a 0–3 away win.[12]

Fenerbahçe

On 7 July 2019, Muriqi completed a transfer to Süper Lig side Fenerbahçe by signing for the next four seasons.[13] One day later, the club confirmed that Muriqi had joined on a permanent transfer.[14] On 19 August 2019, he made his debut against Gaziantep after being named in the starting line-up and scored his side's second goal during a 5–0 home win.[15]

Lazio

On 15 September 2020, Muriqi signed a five-year deal with Serie A club Lazio.[16] On 17 October 2020, he made his debut in a 3–0 away defeat against Sampdoria after coming on as a substitute at 59th minute in place of Felipe Caicedo.[17] Three days after debut, Muriqi played against Borussia Dortmund in the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League to become the first player of the Kosovo national team to feature in the competition.[18]

Mallorca

On 31 January 2022, Muriqi was loaned out to La Liga club Mallorca until the end of the 2021–22 season.[19] Mallorca reportedly paid a €1 million loan fee.[20] His debut with Mallorca came two days later in the 2021–22 Copa del Rey quarter-finals against Rayo Vallecano after being named in the starting line-up.[21] Three days after debut, he made his league debut against Cádiz after being named in the starting line-up and scored his side's second goal during a 2–1 home win.[22]

On 22 July 2022, the clubs agreed on a permanent transfer and Muriqi signed a five-year contract with Mallorca.[23]

International career

Kosovo

In June 2013, Muriqi was named as part of the Kosovo U21 squad for 2013 Valais Youth Cup.[24] On 12 June 2013, he made his debut with Kosovo U21 in 2013 Valais Youth Cup semi-final against Ghana U20 after being named in the starting line-up and scored the draw goal in the 41st minute.[25]

Albania

On 15 October 2013, Muriqi made his debut with Albania U21 in a 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification match against Bosnia and Herzegovina U21 after coming on as a substitute at 46th minute in place of Herolind Shala.[26]

Senior

On 30 August 2016, Muriqi received a call-up from Kosovo for a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Finland.[27] On 9 October 2016, he made his debut with Kosovo in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Ukraine after being named in the starting line-up.[28]

Style of play

Muriqi is a classic target man, known for his aerial ability, hold up play, and strength inside of the penalty area. Former Turkish international and World Cup semi-finalist Rüştü Reçber described Muriqi as an "ideal centre forward", praising his speed in confined spaces in field, aerial dominance, and his team play capabilities, in 2019.[29]

Former Turkish international and World Cup semi-finalist Hakan Ünsal underlined his strength, ball containing and shooting abilities, in 2019.[29] Okan Buruk, former Turkish international, World Cup semi-finalist and former Çaykur Rizespor manager who coached Muriqi stated that Muriqi dramatically improved during his latter season at club, due to his extra trainings, describing him reliable and labelling him "best forward in Turkey in that period".[30]

Former Turkish international and pundit Rıdvan Dilmen praised Muriqi, stating: "There are some forwards. They might be short and quick. Some are powerful. Some are tall, like Peter Crouch, who can get the ball on ground. Muriqi possesses all [of these]. If he could play alongside Alex, he could have scored 25 goals [in a season]", on 21 September 2019.[31]

Personal life

Muriqi was born in Prizren, FR Yugoslavia (now Kosovo) to Kosovo Albanian parents. In addition to his Kosovan and Albanian citizenship, he acquired Turkish citizenship in July 2015 under the naturalized name Vedat Muriç. He is nicknamed El Pirata ('The Pirate') for his habitual goal celebration covering one eye.[32]

Career statistics

Club
As of match played 30 September 2023[33]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[lower-alpha 1] Continental Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Liria Prizren 2011–12 BKT Superliga e Kosovës 20——20
Teuta Durrës 2012–13 Kategoria Superiore 6000—60
2013–14 12132—153
Total 18132—213
Besa Kavajë (loan) 2013–14 Kategoria Superiore 13300—133
Giresunspor 2014–15 TFF First League 24482—326
2015–16 331740—3717
Total 5721122—6923
Gençlerbirliği 2016–17 Süper Lig 33373—406
2017–18 13222—154
Total 46595—5510
Çaykur Rizespor 2017–18 TFF First League 16800—168
2018–19 Süper Lig 341720—3617
Total 502520—5225
Fenerbahçe 2019–20 Süper Lig 321542—3617
Lazio 2020–21 Serie A 271215[lower-alpha 2]0342
2021–22 110103[lower-alpha 3]0150
Total 3813180492
Mallorca (loan) 2021–22 La Liga 16510—175
Mallorca 2022–23 351521—3716
2023–24 8400—84
Total 592431—6225
Career total 31494351380357107
  1. Includes Albanian Cup, Turkish Cup, Coppa Italia, Copa del Rey
  2. Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  3. Appearances in UEFA Europa League

International
As of match played 12 September 2023[34][35]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Kosovo
201620
201751
201893
201974
202032
2021118
202275
202363
Total5026

Scores and results list Kosovo's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Muriqi goal.

List of international goals scored by Vedat Muriqi
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 13 November 2017 Adem Jashari Olympic Stadium, Mitrovica, Kosovo  Latvia 2–2 4–3 Friendly
2 27 March 2018 Stade Municipal Jean Rolland, Franconville, France  Burkina Faso 1–0 2–0 Friendly
3 11 October 2018 Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina, Kosovo  Malta 2–1 3–1 2018–19 UEFA Nations League D
4 17 November 2018 National Stadium, Ta' Qali, Malta  Malta 1–0 5–0 2018–19 UEFA Nations League D
5 10 June 2019 Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia, Bulgaria  Bulgaria 2–2 3–2 UEFA Euro 2020 qualification
6 7 September 2019 Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina, Kosovo  Czech Republic 1–1 2–1 UEFA Euro 2020 qualification
7 10 September 2019 St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, England  England 3–5 3–5 UEFA Euro 2020 qualification
8 14 October 2019 Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina, Kosovo  Montenegro 2–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 2020 qualification
9 11 November 2020 Elbasan Arena, Elbasan, Albania  Albania 1–2 1–2 Friendly
10 15 November 2020 Stožice Stadium, Ljubljana, Slovenia  Slovenia 1–0 1–2 2020–21 UEFA Nations League C
11 24 March 2021 Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina, Kosovo  Lithuania 2–0 4–0 Friendly
12 1 June 2021 Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina, Kosovo  San Marino 1–0 4–1 Friendly
13 2–0
14 3–0
15 4–0
16 2 September 2021 Batumi Stadium, Batumi, Georgia  Georgia 1–0 1–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
17 5 September 2021 Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina, Kosovo  Greece 1–1 1–1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
18 12 October 2021 Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina, Kosovo  Georgia 1–1 1–2 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
19 9 June 2022 Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina, Kosovo  Northern Ireland 1–0 3–2 2022–23 UEFA Nations League C
20 3–1
21 24 September 2022 Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland  Northern Ireland 1–0 1–2 2022–23 UEFA Nations League C
22 27 September 2022 Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina, Kosovo  Cyprus 4–0 5–1 2022–23 UEFA Nations League C
23 5–1
24 19 June 2023 Szusza Ferenc Stadion, Budapest, Hungary  Belarus 1–2 1–2 UEFA Euro 2024 qualification
25 9 September 2023 Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina, Kosovo   Switzerland 1–1 2–2
26 2–2

Honours

Individual

References
  1. "Muriqi premton: Do ju bind të gjithëve te Teuta" [Muriqi promis: I'll convince everyone at Teuta] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 15 January 2013.
  2. "Teuta Durrës vs. Bylis 2–3". Soccerway. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
  3. "Tirana e Dedes e nis me "X" kundër Teutës. Bardheblutë zbresin të pestët në renditje..." [Dede's Tirana start with "X" versus Teuta. White&blues down to fifth place in ranking...] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 24 February 2013.
  4. "Batha te Teuta, Besa merr Mancakun, Deliallisin e Muriqin" [Batha to Teuta, Besa takes Mancaku, Deliallisi and Muriqi] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 5 January 2014.
  5. "Besa Kavajë vs. Laçi 2–2". Soccerway. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  6. "Giresunspor, Vedat Muriqi ile anlaştı" [Giresunspor signed with Vedat Muriqi] (in Turkish). Milliyet. 18 August 2014.
  7. "Giresunspor vs. Adana Demirspor 0–1". Soccerway. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
  8. "Vedat Muriqi resmen Gençlerbirliği'nde" [Vedat Muriqi is officially in Gençlerbirliği]. GOAL (in Turkish). 31 May 2016.
  9. "Gençlerbirliği vs. Gaziantepspor 2–0". Soccerway. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
  10. "Vedat Muriç Çaykur Rizespor'da" [Vedat Muriç at Çaykur Rizespor] (in Turkish). Çaykur Rizespor. 11 January 2018.
  11. "Vedat Muriqi Çaykur Rizespor'da" [Vedat Muriqi at Çaykur Rizespor] (in Turkish). Milliyet. 11 January 2018.
  12. "Debutim ëndrrash për Muriqin, shënon dy gola të bukur për katër minuta te Rizespori (Video)" [Dream debut for Muriqi, scores two beautiful goals in four minutes at Rizespor (Video)] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 22 January 2018.
  13. "Vedat Muriqi Türkiye'nin En Büyük Ailesine Katıldı" [Vedat Muriqi joins with Turkey's largest family] (in Turkish). Fenerbahçe S.K. 7 July 2019.
  14. "Welcome Vedat Muriqi". Fenerbahçe S.K. 8 July 2019.
  15. "Fenerbahçe 5-0 Gazişehir Gaziantep". Fenerbahçe S.K. 19 August 2019.
  16. "Comunicato 15.09.2020" [Press release 15.09.2020]. S.S. Lazio (in Italian). 15 September 2020. Archived from the original on 15 September 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  17. "Sampdoria vs. Lazio 3–0". Soccerway. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  18. "Vedat Muriqi debuton në Ligën e Kampionëve me Lazion" [Vedat Muriqi debuts in the Champions League with Lazio] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 20 October 2020.
  19. "Vedat Muriqi joins the club on loan". RCD Mallorca. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  20. "Vedat Muriqi ka fluturuar drejt Spanjës për të kompletuar transferimin te Mallorca" [Vedat Muriqi flew to Spain to complete the transfer to Mallorca] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 29 January 2022.
  21. RCD Mallorca [@RCD_Mallorca] (2 February 2022). "Els nostres! #RayoRCDMallorca" [Ours! #RayoRCDMallorca] (Tweet) (in Catalan) – via Twitter.
  22. "Vedat Muriqi ia nis me gol në La Liga, shënon ndaj Cadiz" [Vedat Muriqi starts with a goal in La Liga, scores against Cadiz] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 5 February 2022.
  23. "Vedat Muriqi vuelve al RCD Mallorca" (in Spanish). Mallorca. 22 July 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  24. "U21 e Kosovës, në Zvicër për sensacion" [Kosovo's U21, in Switzerland for sensation]. albinfo.ch (in Albanian). 11 June 2013.
  25. "Le Ghana au bout du suspense" [Ghana at the end of the suspense] (in French). 2013 Valais Youth Cup. 12 June 2013. Archived from the original on 8 January 2014.
  26. "Under-21 2015 – History – Albania-Bosnia and Herzegovina". Uefa.com. 15 October 2013.
  27. "Bunjaki publikoi listën e lojtarëve për ndeshjen me Finlandën" [Bunjaki published the list of players for the match with Finland] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 30 August 2016.
  28. "Formacionet zyrtare, Ukrainë – Kosovë" [Official line-ups, Ukraine – Kosovo] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 9 October 2016.
  29. "Vedat Muriqi için ne dediler?" (in Turkish). Hürriyet. 8 July 2019. Archived from the original on 17 July 2019. Retrieved 17 July 2019.
  30. ""Vedat Muric, Türkiye'deki en iyi forvet oyuncusuydu"" (in Turkish). NTV Spor. 22 July 2019. Archived from the original on 22 July 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
  31. "Son dakika: Rıdvan Dilmen'den Vedat Muriç'e büyük övgü" (in Turkish). Fanatik. 21 September 2019. Archived from the original on 28 September 2019. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  32. "Vedat Muriqi artık Türk vatandaşı!" [Vedat Muriqi is now a Turkish citizen!] (in Turkish). NTV Spor. 2 July 2015. Retrieved 1 September 2020.
  33. Vedat Muriqi at Soccerway
  34. "Vedat Muriqi". EU-Football.info. 14 November 2021.
  35. Vedat Muriqi at National-Football-Teams.com
  36. "Vedat Muriqi named LaLiga Santander Player of the Month for May". La Liga. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
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