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{{Albania-footy-bio-stub}}
{{Albania-footy-bio-stub}}




==Club career==
===Vllaznia Shkodër===
Salihi started his footballing career at his home town club [[KF Vllaznia Shkodër|Vllaznia Shkodër]]. In the 2002–03 season Salihi featured for the club only two times in his first professional year. In 2003–04 season, Salihi was given a chance to show his qualities as a young player which he managed to score 14 goals in 33 games. In his third season with the club he played just half of the season of 2004–05 which he managed to score 16 goals in only 20 matches and then after an impressive season in [[Albania]]'s top division he moved to [[Greece]].

===Panionios===
In 2004, Salihi moved to [[Panionios F.C.|Panionios]] in the top division of [[Greece]]. The young [[Albanians|Albanian]] striker only managed to play in 6 games, mostly coming on as a substitute in the last few minutes. After the season was over he decided to go back to his country to play for [[KF Tirana]].

===KF Tirana===
Salihi moved back to Albania and played for [[KF Tirana]] starting from the 2005–06 season. He had a very successful season winning the National Cup and the golden boot as the highest scorer of the Albanian Superliga.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.giovanniarmillotta.it/albania/calcio/albaa06.html|title=ALBANIAN FOOTBALL SEASON 2005-06|work=Giovanni Armillotta|date=|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref> He continued with KS Tirana for another half season, again being the highest scorer in the league before he left to play in the [[Austrian Bundesliga]]. In his time with [[KF Tirana]] Salihi became known all over the world for his goalscoring abilities. He finished 8th in The [[IFFHS]] World's best Top Division Goal Scorer 2006. In one season with [[KF Tirana]] he managed to score 35 goals in 39 games altogether. Also Salihi played half of the season in 2006–07 right before getting sold to [[SV Ried]] from [[KF Tirana]] which he managed to score 16 goals in 20 games.

===SV Ried===
In the 2007 January [[transfer window]], Salihi joined [[SV Ried]] of the [[Austrian Bundesliga]]. He completed his first half season at [[SV Ried]] with 6 goals, helping his club to become vice-champions of the [[Österreichische Fußball-Bundesliga|Austrian Football Bundesliga]]. Salihi also scored 2 goals on the first round [[Uefa Cup]] qualifiers against Neftchi, one of which was scored on the second leg match in the 85th minute. Until the 85th minute the score was 2–0 for [[Neftchi PFK|Neftchi]] and if the score was kept they were going to qualify for the second round on the away goals rule 3–3 as SV Ried had won 3–1 at home. Thanks to Salihi's goal the overall score was 4–3 and SV Ried safely went through to the next round.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2008/matches/round=15116/match=300932/index.html|title=Ried 3–1 Neftçi|work=UEFA.com|date=19 July 2007|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2008/matches/round=15116/match=300969/index.html|title=Neftçi 2–1 Ried|work=UEFA.com|date=2 August 2007|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref>

In the 2007–08 season, Salihi enjoyed a decent season at the club, becoming the league's joint 4th top scorer along with [[Carsten Jancker]] of [[SV Mattersburg]] with 12 league goals. Despite this, [[SV Ried]] only finished 7th out of 10 in the league. In the 2008–09 season Salihi improved himself to 14 league goals at Ried, scoring one fourth of his team's goals.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://int.soccerway.com/national/austria/bundesliga/2008-2009/regular-season/r6696/|title=Summary - Bundesliga - Austria - Results, fixtures, tables and news|work=Soccerway|date=|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref> Ried placed fifth at the end of the season. On the 2009–10 season Salihi played 6 games which he score twist for his club but couple weeks later he was sold to [[Rapid Wien]].

===Rapid Wien===
[[File:Hamdi Salihi.JPG|thumbnail|right|Salihi playing with [[SK Rapid Wien|Rapid Wien]] in 2010]]
On 31 August 2009 Salihi signed with Austrian giants [[SK Rapid Wien]] on a 3 years contract. On his first match with [[SK Rapid Wien|Rapid]] Salihi entered into the match in second half as a substitute and scored on the 83rd minute his first goal with Rapid. The goal drew the score with [[FC Red Bull Salzburg|Salzburg]], 2–2, and saved [[SK Rapid Wien|Rapid]] from a loss.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/09/13/austria/bundesliga/sk-rapid-wien/fc-red-bull-salzburg/785035/|title=Rapid Wien vs. Salzburg|work=Soccerway|date=13 September 2009|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref>

At the end of the season Salihi scored 17 goals, 2 of which were from the previous club [[SV Ried]] making him the 5th leading goalscorer behind two of his team mates [[Steffen Hofmann]], who was in first, and [[Nikica Jelavić]] who was tied in third. At the end of the season Rapid Wien was in third place three points behind champions Red Bull Salzburg and two points behind Austria Wien. Rapid Wien qualified for the 2010–11 UEFA Europa League Second qualifying round.

Salihi score his first goal of 2010–11 season on 22 August 2010 against [[SV Mattersburg]] in 2–0 win. On 25 September 2010 he score 2 goals and helped his team to win 3–2 against [[Kapfenberger SV]]. Salihi scored one goal for [[Rapid Vienna]] on November 4, 2010 against [[CSKA Sofia]] in [[UEFA Europa League]]. On 11 November 2010, Salihi find the net 2 times against [[TSV Hartberg]] in [[Austrian Cup]]. The Bomber on 20 November 2010 against [[LASK Linz]] scored four goals in a 5 – 0 victory. One week later Salihi added one more goal against the previous champions [[Austria Vienna]] in a 1–0 win. His 9th and 10th goals of the season came against [[Innsbruck]] on 11 December 2010. Another double came against his former club [[SV Ried]] on March 6, 2011, which ended 2–0 for [[SK Rapid Wien|Rapid]]. These were his first goals of 2011. One week later on March 13, 2011, he scored in the 72nd minute the only goal of the derby against [[Austria Vienna]] in a 1–0 win.

===D.C. United===
On 2 February 2012, Salihi signed with [[Major League Soccer]] side [[D.C. United]] as a [[Designated Player Rule|designated player]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.shkodrasport.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1156:hamdi-salihi-firmos-ne-amerike-me-dc-united&catid=36:futboll&Itemid=1&lang=sq|title=Hamdi Salihi firmos në Amerikë me DC United|work=Shkodra Sport|date=2 February 2012|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref> On 25 February 2012, he scored his first goal with DC United in a preseason match.

===Jiangsu Sainty===
On 3 February 2013, [[Chinese Super League]] side [[Jiangsu Sainty]] official announced that they has signed Hamdi Salihi from D.C. United to replace injured [[Cristian Dănălache]].<ref>[http://sports.163.com/13/0204/14/8MSIC2FC00051C89.html 舜天官方宣布国脚级外援加盟 顶替达10出战亚冠] {{zh icon}}</ref> On 26 February, he scored his first goal in his debut for Jiangsu, in a 5–1 away defeat against [[K League]] champions [[FC Seoul]] in the first round of [[2013 AFC Champions League group stage]] match.<ref>[http://www.the-afc.com/en/acl-news/acl-all-news/25295-fcseoul-v-jiangsu-sainty260213.html FC Seoul 5-1 Jiangsu Sainty]</ref> On 3 March, Salihi won his first title in China in the [[2013 Chinese FA Super Cup]] which Jiangsu Sainty beat [[2012 Chinese Super League|Super League]] and [[2012 Chinese FA Cup|FA Cup]] winners [[Guangzhou Evergrande]] 2–1. He forced Guangzhou's [[Zhang Linpeng]] to score an own goal in the 18th minute. He then squeezed in his first goal in the league in another 2-1 win against the newly promoted [[Wuhan Zall]] with a low-fly header. He scored twice (a penalty kick and a last-minute equalizer) in the following home fixture, who witnessed a tough 2-2 tie of his team against [[Shanghai Shenxin]]. Hamdi Salihi scored again in [[2013 AFC Champions League group stage]] against Japan team [[Vegalta Sendai]] in last match in Group E.

===Hapoel Ironi Acre===
In January 2014 Salihi became part of [[Hapoel Ironi Acre F.C.|Hapoel Ironi Acre]].<ref name=Panorama-sport>{{cite news|last=Panorama-sport|title=Salihi ne Izrael, Cani huazohet te Bari|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/ballina/hamdi-salihi-shkon-ne-izrael-cani-huazohet-te-bari/|accessdate=1 February 2014|date=1 February 2014}}</ref> He made his first debut on 10 February 2014, by getting included in the starting line-up in the match against [[Hapoel Tel Aviv F.C.|Hapoel Tel Aviv]], finished in the 2–1 win and he substituted off in the 77th minute.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/02/10/israel/ligat-haal/hapoel-acre-fc/hapoel-tel-aviv-fc/1513845/|title=Hapoel Acre vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv - 10 February 2014 - Soccerway|work=soccerway.com}}</ref> He scored twice on 15 February 2014 against [[Ironi Ramat Hasharon]] finished in the victory 4–3 coming from behind of 1–3 in the first half, where Salihi scored goal of 2-3 in the 53rd minute and an equalizing goal to make it 3–3 in 57th minute.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/02/15/israel/ligat-haal/hapoel-acre-fc/ironi-ramat-hasharon-fc/1513846/|title=Hapoel Acre vs. Ironi Ramat HaSharon - 15 February 2014 - Soccerway|work=soccerway.com}}</ref> Salihi scored a wondergoal on 1 March 2014 against [[Maccabi Haifa F.C.|Maccabi Haifa]], finished in the 1–1 draw.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/03/01/israel/ligat-haal/hapoel-acre-fc/maccabi-haifa-fc/1513861/|title=Hapoel Acre vs. Maccabi Haifa - 1 March 2014 - Soccerway|work=soccerway.com}}</ref> After being criticized by [[Israel]]'s media for his 6 matches scoreless routine,<ref>[http://www.panorama-sport.com/legjionaret/izrael-mediat-kryqezojne-salihin-540-minuta-pa-gol/ Israel media "crucify" Izrael, mediat “kryqëzojnë” Salihin: 540 minuta pa gol – Panorama Sport — Gazeta Panorama Sport]</ref> on 26 April 2014 Salihi scored a goal against [[Hapoel Haifa F.C.|Hapoel Haifa]] giving his team the 1–0 victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/04/26/israel/ligat-haal/hapoel-acre-fc/hapoel-haifa-fc/1672655/|title=Hapoel Acre vs. Hapoel Haifa - 26 April 2014 - Soccerway|work=soccerway.com}}</ref> Salihi scored a penalty goal on 3 May 2014 against [[Beitar Jerusalem F.C.|Beitar Jerusalem]] finished in an away victory 0–2, where he scored the opening goal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/05/03/israel/ligat-haal/beitar-jerusalem-fc/hapoel-acre-fc/1672661/|title=Beitar Jerusalem vs. Hapoel Acre - 3 May 2014 - Soccerway|work=soccerway.com}}</ref> Salihi scored another penalty goal for the second consecutive match on 10 May 2014 in the home loss 1–2 against [[Ironi Ramat Hasharon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/05/10/israel/ligat-haal/hapoel-acre-fc/ironi-ramat-hasharon-fc/1672669/|title=Hapoel Acre vs. Ironi Ramat HaSharon - 10 May 2014 - Soccerway|work=soccerway.com}}</ref>

Salihi ended the season with 13 matches played on where scored in total 6 goals.

====2014–15 season====
He started another season with Hapoel Acre, the [[2014–15 Israeli Premier League|2014–15 season]] with the match valid for the [[2014–15 Israel State Cup]] against [[Maccabi Haifa F.C.|Maccabi Haifa]] on 13 August 2014, finished in the 2–1 loss, where Salihi scored a goal as well, in the 27th minute the opening goal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/08/13/israel/toto-cup-ligat-al/maccabi-haifa-fc/hapoel-acre-fc/1730095/|title=Maccabi Haifa vs. Hapoel Acre - 13 August 2014 - Soccerway|work=soccerway.com}}</ref>
On 13 September 2014 he played first league match against [[Hapoel Haifa F.C.|Hapoel Haifa]], ended as a 1–1 draw with Salihi playing the full 90-minutes match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/09/13/israel/ligat-haal/hapoel-acre-fc/hapoel-haifa-fc/1804703/|title=Hapoel Acre vs. Hapoel Haifa - 13 September 2014 - Soccerway|work=soccerway.com}}</ref> On 13 December 2014 Salihi scored two important goal in the 2–2 away draw against the top table team, [[Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona F.C.|Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona]]. When his team were losing 2–0, he scored with a precise header in the 59th minute and then scored again in the 75th minute to make equal balanced everything from behind.<ref>[http://asport.al/video-salihi-shenon-per-hapoel-e-merkaton/ (VIDEO) Salihi shënon për Hapoel e merkaton] aSport.al</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/12/13/israel/ligat-haal/hapoel-ironi-kiryat-shmona-fc/hapoel-acre-fc/1804867/|title=Ironi Kiryat Shmona vs. Hapoel Acre - 13 December 2014 - Soccerway|work=soccerway.com}}</ref>

===Hapoel Haifa===
On 2 February 2015 Salihi signed with Israeli club [[Hapoel Haifa F.C.|Hapoel Haifa]] becoming one of the highest paid players in the domestic league, with a salary of 20.000 dollars a month. He closed recent disputes between manager Niki Vaknin and club managers, who then agreed and he signed for a year and a half. Salihi scored 4 goals in 10 games helping the club to ensure survival in the Israeli Premier League.<ref>[http://www.panorama-sport.com/legjionaret/zyrtare-hamdi-salihi-kalon-te-hapoel-haifa-do-perfitoje-20-mije-dollare-ne-muaj/ Zyrtare, Hamdi Salihi kalon te Hapoel Haifa, do përfitojë 20 mijë dollarë në muaj] ''[[Panorama Sport]]''</ref>

===Skënderbeu Korçë===
[[File:Loko skndrb 12.jpg|thumb|left|220px|Salihi playing with Skënderbeu Korçë in the Europa League]]
In July 2015, it was reported that Hamdi Salihi joined [[KF Skënderbeu Korçë|Skënderbeu Korçë]] for their [[2015–16 UEFA Champions League|UEFA Champions League]] campaign, taking the vacant number 14.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/godet-skenderbeu-salihi-per-champions-ne-korce-e-quajne-te-mbyllur-transferimin/|title=Godet Skënderbeu, Salihi për Champions, në Korçë e quajnë të mbyllur transferimin|work=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=3 July 2015|accessdate=3 July 2015}}</ref> The team coach [[Mirel Josa]] said that he was happy for the signing of Salihi, adding that "Salihi would be a great value if he stayed until the end of the season. I'm more than happy for this transfer".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/josa-pres-shkembin-me-salihin-jemi-super-hamdiu-po-pershtatet-shpejt-e-dua-per-gjithe-sezonin/|title=Josa: Pres Shkëmbin, me Salihin jemi super. Po përshtatet shpejt, e dua për gjithë sezonin|work=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|author=Llazi Saro|date=5 July 2015|accessdate=5 July 2015}}</ref>

He made his debut on 14 July 2015, in the first leg of [[2015–16 UEFA Champions League qualifying phase and play-off round#Second qualifying round|second qualifying round of 2015–16 UEFA Champions League]] against [[Crusaders F.C.|Crusaders]], scoring two goals for a crucial 4–1 victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/07/14/europe/uefa-champions-league/ks-skenderbeu-korce/crusaders-fc/2049101/|title=Skënderbeu Korçë vs. Crusaders 4 – 1|publisher=Soccerway|date=14 July 2015|accessdate=21 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://telesport.al/skenderbeu-fiton-4-1-me-crusaders-korcaret-thuajse-ne-tur-iii/|title=Skënderbeu fiton 4-1 me Crusaders, korçarët thuajse në tur III|publisher=Telesport.al|language=Albanian|date=14 July 2015|accessdate=14 July 2015}}</ref> In the second leg on 21 July, Salihi assisted the second goal of his team scored by [[Liridon Latifi|Latifi]], with Skënderbeu losing 3–2 but qualifying on aggregate 6–4.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.top-channel.tv/lajme/artikull.php?id=304672&ref=ngj|title=Skënderbeu kalon në turin e tretë të Champions League|work=Top Channel|language=Albanian|date=21 July 2015|accessdate=21 July 2015}}</ref>

In the third round, the team was seeded with Moldavian side [[FC Milsami Orhei|Milsami Orhei]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://telesport.al/milsami-i-moldavise-rivali-i-skenderbeut-ne-turin-e-trete/|title=Milsami i Moldavisë, rivali i Skënderbeut në turin e tretë|publisher=Telesport.al|language=Albanian|author=Eduard Ilnica|date=21 July 2015|accessdate=6 December 2015}}</ref> In the first leg at [[Zimbru Stadium]], Salihi was again the matchwinner by scoring twice, helping the team to prevail 2–0.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fax.al/read/news/849525/10003654/skenderbeu-fiton-milsamin-shume-prane-historise|title=Skënderbeu fiton Milsamin, shumë pranë historisë|publisher=Lajmi.net|language=Albanian|date=28 July 2015|accessdate=28 July 2015}}</ref> In the returning leg at [[Elbasan Arena]], Salihi was again in the scoresheet as Skënderbeu recorded another 2–0 win, advancing in play-off round with the aggregate 4–0.<ref name="Skënderbeu">{{Cite news|url=http://www.tiranatimes.com/?p=122979|title=Skenderbeu becomes first Albanian club to reach Champions League play-off|publisher=Tirana Times|date=6 August 2015|accessdate=6 August 2015}}</ref> By doing this, Skenderbeu become first Albanian club to reach the Champions League
play-offs.<ref name="Skënderbeu"/>

In play-off, Skënderbeu was easily defeated by Croatian giants [[GNK Dinamo Zagreb|Dinamo Zagreb]] with the aggregate 6–2. Skënderbeu secured the [[2015–16 UEFA Europa League group stage|Europa League group stage]], becoming first Albanian club to reach that. After the end of the team's Champions League campaign, Salihi was second top goalscorer with five goals, two behind from [[Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.|Maccabi Tel Aviv]]'s [[Eran Zahavi]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://telesport.al/hamdi-salihi-golashenuesi-mei-mire-i-liges-se-kampioneve/|title=Hamdi Salihi, golashënuesi më i mirë i Ligës së Kampioneve|author=Alfred Lleshi|publisher=Telesport.al|language=Albanian|date=3 August 2015|accessdate=3 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2016/statistics/round=2000630/clubs/kind=goals/index.html|title=Statistics — Qualifying phase — Team statistics — Goals|publisher=UEFA.com|accessdate=26 August 2015}}</ref>

Salihi made his domestic debut on 9 September in the 1–0 away win against [[KF Vllaznia Shkodër|Vllaznia Shkodër]], suffering an early injury and was subbed off in the 19th minute.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://telesport.al/skenderbeut-i-mjafton-nje-gol-ndaj-vllaznise-demtohet-salihi/|title=Skënderbeut i mjafton një gol ndaj Vllaznisë, dëmtohet Salihi|publisher=Telesport.al|language=Albanian|author=Eduard Ilnica|date=9 September 2015|accessdate=21 May 2016}}</ref> However, he was recovered in time for the Europa League group stage match against [[Beşiktaş J.K.|Beşiktaş]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/josa-mund-te-buzeqesh-rikuperohet-salihi/|title=Josa mund të buzëqeshë, riaftësohet Salihi|publisher=Super Sport Albania|language=Albanian|author=Sotir Kora|date=14 September 2015|accessdate=21 May 2016}}</ref> where he played in the last 20 minutes of a 0–1 home defeat.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/09/17/europe/uefa-cup/ks-skenderbeu-korce/besiktas-jk/2147225/|title=Skënderbeu Korçë vs. Beşiktaş 0 – 1|publisher=Soccerway|date=17 September 2015|accessdate=21 May 2016}}</ref> Salihi scored his first league goal of the season on 26 September in a 4–1 away win against [[KF Bylis Ballsh|Bylis Ballsh]], netting the third of the match.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gazeta-shqip.com/lajme/2015/09/27/skenderbeu-dhe-partizani-nisin-duelin-per-kreun/|title=Skënderbeu dhe Partizani nisin duelin për kreun|publisher=Gazeta Shqip|language=Albanian|author=Erion Abule|date=27 September 2015|accessdate=21 May 2016}}</ref>


==International career==

Revision as of 20:20, 30 June 2016

Bruno Kepi
Personal information
Full name Bruno Kepi
Date of birth (1988-10-04) 4 October 1988 (age 35)
Place of birth Shkodër, Albania
Height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s) Defender/Left-back
Team information
Current team
 KF Tërbuni
Number 6
Youth career
Vllaznia Shkodër
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2007–2009 Vllaznia Shkodër 0 (0)
2008 → Skënderbeu (loan) 14 (0)
2008–2009 → KF Tërbuni (loan) 13 (1)
2009 → KF Ada (loan) 6 (0)
2010–2011 Bylis Ballsh 23+ (1)
2011–2012 Besëlidhja Lezhë 52 (2)
2013–2015 Tërbuni Pukë 39 (4)
2015–2016 KS Kastrioti 22 (2)
International career
Albania U12
Albania U17
Albania U21 0 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Bruno Kepi (born 4 October 1988 in Shkodër) is an Albanian professional footballer who currently plays for Tërbuni Pukë in the Albanian First Division.[1][2]

Bruno Kepi scores the winning goal

References

  1. ^ Soccerway profile
  2. ^ Footballdatabase profile
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Club career

Vllaznia Shkodër

Salihi started his footballing career at his home town club Vllaznia Shkodër. In the 2002–03 season Salihi featured for the club only two times in his first professional year. In 2003–04 season, Salihi was given a chance to show his qualities as a young player which he managed to score 14 goals in 33 games. In his third season with the club he played just half of the season of 2004–05 which he managed to score 16 goals in only 20 matches and then after an impressive season in Albania's top division he moved to Greece.

Panionios

In 2004, Salihi moved to Panionios in the top division of Greece. The young Albanian striker only managed to play in 6 games, mostly coming on as a substitute in the last few minutes. After the season was over he decided to go back to his country to play for KF Tirana.

KF Tirana

Salihi moved back to Albania and played for KF Tirana starting from the 2005–06 season. He had a very successful season winning the National Cup and the golden boot as the highest scorer of the Albanian Superliga.[1] He continued with KS Tirana for another half season, again being the highest scorer in the league before he left to play in the Austrian Bundesliga. In his time with KF Tirana Salihi became known all over the world for his goalscoring abilities. He finished 8th in The IFFHS World's best Top Division Goal Scorer 2006. In one season with KF Tirana he managed to score 35 goals in 39 games altogether. Also Salihi played half of the season in 2006–07 right before getting sold to SV Ried from KF Tirana which he managed to score 16 goals in 20 games.

SV Ried

In the 2007 January transfer window, Salihi joined SV Ried of the Austrian Bundesliga. He completed his first half season at SV Ried with 6 goals, helping his club to become vice-champions of the Austrian Football Bundesliga. Salihi also scored 2 goals on the first round Uefa Cup qualifiers against Neftchi, one of which was scored on the second leg match in the 85th minute. Until the 85th minute the score was 2–0 for Neftchi and if the score was kept they were going to qualify for the second round on the away goals rule 3–3 as SV Ried had won 3–1 at home. Thanks to Salihi's goal the overall score was 4–3 and SV Ried safely went through to the next round.[2][3]

In the 2007–08 season, Salihi enjoyed a decent season at the club, becoming the league's joint 4th top scorer along with Carsten Jancker of SV Mattersburg with 12 league goals. Despite this, SV Ried only finished 7th out of 10 in the league. In the 2008–09 season Salihi improved himself to 14 league goals at Ried, scoring one fourth of his team's goals.[4] Ried placed fifth at the end of the season. On the 2009–10 season Salihi played 6 games which he score twist for his club but couple weeks later he was sold to Rapid Wien.

Rapid Wien

Salihi playing with Rapid Wien in 2010

On 31 August 2009 Salihi signed with Austrian giants SK Rapid Wien on a 3 years contract. On his first match with Rapid Salihi entered into the match in second half as a substitute and scored on the 83rd minute his first goal with Rapid. The goal drew the score with Salzburg, 2–2, and saved Rapid from a loss.[5]

At the end of the season Salihi scored 17 goals, 2 of which were from the previous club SV Ried making him the 5th leading goalscorer behind two of his team mates Steffen Hofmann, who was in first, and Nikica Jelavić who was tied in third. At the end of the season Rapid Wien was in third place three points behind champions Red Bull Salzburg and two points behind Austria Wien. Rapid Wien qualified for the 2010–11 UEFA Europa League Second qualifying round.

Salihi score his first goal of 2010–11 season on 22 August 2010 against SV Mattersburg in 2–0 win. On 25 September 2010 he score 2 goals and helped his team to win 3–2 against Kapfenberger SV. Salihi scored one goal for Rapid Vienna on November 4, 2010 against CSKA Sofia in UEFA Europa League. On 11 November 2010, Salihi find the net 2 times against TSV Hartberg in Austrian Cup. The Bomber on 20 November 2010 against LASK Linz scored four goals in a 5 – 0 victory. One week later Salihi added one more goal against the previous champions Austria Vienna in a 1–0 win. His 9th and 10th goals of the season came against Innsbruck on 11 December 2010. Another double came against his former club SV Ried on March 6, 2011, which ended 2–0 for Rapid. These were his first goals of 2011. One week later on March 13, 2011, he scored in the 72nd minute the only goal of the derby against Austria Vienna in a 1–0 win.

D.C. United

On 2 February 2012, Salihi signed with Major League Soccer side D.C. United as a designated player.[6] On 25 February 2012, he scored his first goal with DC United in a preseason match.

Jiangsu Sainty

On 3 February 2013, Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Sainty official announced that they has signed Hamdi Salihi from D.C. United to replace injured Cristian Dănălache.[7] On 26 February, he scored his first goal in his debut for Jiangsu, in a 5–1 away defeat against K League champions FC Seoul in the first round of 2013 AFC Champions League group stage match.[8] On 3 March, Salihi won his first title in China in the 2013 Chinese FA Super Cup which Jiangsu Sainty beat Super League and FA Cup winners Guangzhou Evergrande 2–1. He forced Guangzhou's Zhang Linpeng to score an own goal in the 18th minute. He then squeezed in his first goal in the league in another 2-1 win against the newly promoted Wuhan Zall with a low-fly header. He scored twice (a penalty kick and a last-minute equalizer) in the following home fixture, who witnessed a tough 2-2 tie of his team against Shanghai Shenxin. Hamdi Salihi scored again in 2013 AFC Champions League group stage against Japan team Vegalta Sendai in last match in Group E.

Hapoel Ironi Acre

In January 2014 Salihi became part of Hapoel Ironi Acre.[9] He made his first debut on 10 February 2014, by getting included in the starting line-up in the match against Hapoel Tel Aviv, finished in the 2–1 win and he substituted off in the 77th minute.[10] He scored twice on 15 February 2014 against Ironi Ramat Hasharon finished in the victory 4–3 coming from behind of 1–3 in the first half, where Salihi scored goal of 2-3 in the 53rd minute and an equalizing goal to make it 3–3 in 57th minute.[11] Salihi scored a wondergoal on 1 March 2014 against Maccabi Haifa, finished in the 1–1 draw.[12] After being criticized by Israel's media for his 6 matches scoreless routine,[13] on 26 April 2014 Salihi scored a goal against Hapoel Haifa giving his team the 1–0 victory.[14] Salihi scored a penalty goal on 3 May 2014 against Beitar Jerusalem finished in an away victory 0–2, where he scored the opening goal.[15] Salihi scored another penalty goal for the second consecutive match on 10 May 2014 in the home loss 1–2 against Ironi Ramat Hasharon.[16]

Salihi ended the season with 13 matches played on where scored in total 6 goals.

2014–15 season

He started another season with Hapoel Acre, the 2014–15 season with the match valid for the 2014–15 Israel State Cup against Maccabi Haifa on 13 August 2014, finished in the 2–1 loss, where Salihi scored a goal as well, in the 27th minute the opening goal.[17] On 13 September 2014 he played first league match against Hapoel Haifa, ended as a 1–1 draw with Salihi playing the full 90-minutes match.[18] On 13 December 2014 Salihi scored two important goal in the 2–2 away draw against the top table team, Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona. When his team were losing 2–0, he scored with a precise header in the 59th minute and then scored again in the 75th minute to make equal balanced everything from behind.[19][20]

Hapoel Haifa

On 2 February 2015 Salihi signed with Israeli club Hapoel Haifa becoming one of the highest paid players in the domestic league, with a salary of 20.000 dollars a month. He closed recent disputes between manager Niki Vaknin and club managers, who then agreed and he signed for a year and a half. Salihi scored 4 goals in 10 games helping the club to ensure survival in the Israeli Premier League.[21]

Skënderbeu Korçë

Salihi playing with Skënderbeu Korçë in the Europa League

In July 2015, it was reported that Hamdi Salihi joined Skënderbeu Korçë for their UEFA Champions League campaign, taking the vacant number 14.[22] The team coach Mirel Josa said that he was happy for the signing of Salihi, adding that "Salihi would be a great value if he stayed until the end of the season. I'm more than happy for this transfer".[23]

He made his debut on 14 July 2015, in the first leg of second qualifying round of 2015–16 UEFA Champions League against Crusaders, scoring two goals for a crucial 4–1 victory.[24][25] In the second leg on 21 July, Salihi assisted the second goal of his team scored by Latifi, with Skënderbeu losing 3–2 but qualifying on aggregate 6–4.[26]

In the third round, the team was seeded with Moldavian side Milsami Orhei.[27] In the first leg at Zimbru Stadium, Salihi was again the matchwinner by scoring twice, helping the team to prevail 2–0.[28] In the returning leg at Elbasan Arena, Salihi was again in the scoresheet as Skënderbeu recorded another 2–0 win, advancing in play-off round with the aggregate 4–0.[29] By doing this, Skenderbeu become first Albanian club to reach the Champions League play-offs.[29]

In play-off, Skënderbeu was easily defeated by Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb with the aggregate 6–2. Skënderbeu secured the Europa League group stage, becoming first Albanian club to reach that. After the end of the team's Champions League campaign, Salihi was second top goalscorer with five goals, two behind from Maccabi Tel Aviv's Eran Zahavi.[30][31]

Salihi made his domestic debut on 9 September in the 1–0 away win against Vllaznia Shkodër, suffering an early injury and was subbed off in the 19th minute.[32] However, he was recovered in time for the Europa League group stage match against Beşiktaş,[33] where he played in the last 20 minutes of a 0–1 home defeat.[34] Salihi scored his first league goal of the season on 26 September in a 4–1 away win against Bylis Ballsh, netting the third of the match.[35]


International career

  1. ^ "ALBANIAN FOOTBALL SEASON 2005-06". Giovanni Armillotta. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  2. ^ "Ried 3–1 Neftçi". UEFA.com. 19 July 2007. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  3. ^ "Neftçi 2–1 Ried". UEFA.com. 2 August 2007. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  4. ^ "Summary - Bundesliga - Austria - Results, fixtures, tables and news". Soccerway. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  5. ^ "Rapid Wien vs. Salzburg". Soccerway. 13 September 2009. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  6. ^ "Hamdi Salihi firmos në Amerikë me DC United". Shkodra Sport. 2 February 2012. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  7. ^ 舜天官方宣布国脚级外援加盟 顶替达10出战亚冠 Template:Zh icon
  8. ^ FC Seoul 5-1 Jiangsu Sainty
  9. ^ Panorama-sport (1 February 2014). "Salihi ne Izrael, Cani huazohet te Bari". Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  10. ^ "Hapoel Acre vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv - 10 February 2014 - Soccerway". soccerway.com.
  11. ^ "Hapoel Acre vs. Ironi Ramat HaSharon - 15 February 2014 - Soccerway". soccerway.com.
  12. ^ "Hapoel Acre vs. Maccabi Haifa - 1 March 2014 - Soccerway". soccerway.com.
  13. ^ Israel media "crucify" Izrael, mediat “kryqëzojnë” Salihin: 540 minuta pa gol – Panorama Sport — Gazeta Panorama Sport
  14. ^ "Hapoel Acre vs. Hapoel Haifa - 26 April 2014 - Soccerway". soccerway.com.
  15. ^ "Beitar Jerusalem vs. Hapoel Acre - 3 May 2014 - Soccerway". soccerway.com.
  16. ^ "Hapoel Acre vs. Ironi Ramat HaSharon - 10 May 2014 - Soccerway". soccerway.com.
  17. ^ "Maccabi Haifa vs. Hapoel Acre - 13 August 2014 - Soccerway". soccerway.com.
  18. ^ "Hapoel Acre vs. Hapoel Haifa - 13 September 2014 - Soccerway". soccerway.com.
  19. ^ (VIDEO) Salihi shënon për Hapoel e merkaton aSport.al
  20. ^ "Ironi Kiryat Shmona vs. Hapoel Acre - 13 December 2014 - Soccerway". soccerway.com.
  21. ^ Zyrtare, Hamdi Salihi kalon te Hapoel Haifa, do përfitojë 20 mijë dollarë në muaj Panorama Sport
  22. ^ "Godet Skënderbeu, Salihi për Champions, në Korçë e quajnë të mbyllur transferimin". Panorama Sport (in Albanian). 3 July 2015. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
  23. ^ Llazi Saro (5 July 2015). "Josa: Pres Shkëmbin, me Salihin jemi super. Po përshtatet shpejt, e dua për gjithë sezonin". Panorama Sport (in Albanian). Retrieved 5 July 2015.
  24. ^ "Skënderbeu Korçë vs. Crusaders 4 – 1". Soccerway. 14 July 2015. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
  25. ^ "Skënderbeu fiton 4-1 me Crusaders, korçarët thuajse në tur III" (in Albanian). Telesport.al. 14 July 2015. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  26. ^ "Skënderbeu kalon në turin e tretë të Champions League". Top Channel (in Albanian). 21 July 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
  27. ^ Eduard Ilnica (21 July 2015). "Milsami i Moldavisë, rivali i Skënderbeut në turin e tretë" (in Albanian). Telesport.al. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
  28. ^ "Skënderbeu fiton Milsamin, shumë pranë historisë" (in Albanian). Lajmi.net. 28 July 2015. Retrieved 28 July 2015.
  29. ^ a b "Skenderbeu becomes first Albanian club to reach Champions League play-off". Tirana Times. 6 August 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
  30. ^ Alfred Lleshi (3 August 2015). "Hamdi Salihi, golashënuesi më i mirë i Ligës së Kampioneve" (in Albanian). Telesport.al. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  31. ^ "Statistics — Qualifying phase — Team statistics — Goals". UEFA.com. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
  32. ^ Eduard Ilnica (9 September 2015). "Skënderbeut i mjafton një gol ndaj Vllaznisë, dëmtohet Salihi" (in Albanian). Telesport.al. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
  33. ^ Sotir Kora (14 September 2015). "Josa mund të buzëqeshë, riaftësohet Salihi" (in Albanian). Super Sport Albania. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
  34. ^ "Skënderbeu Korçë vs. Beşiktaş 0 – 1". Soccerway. 17 September 2015. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
  35. ^ Erion Abule (27 September 2015). "Skënderbeu dhe Partizani nisin duelin për kreun" (in Albanian). Gazeta Shqip. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
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