22 Facts About Bekim Balaj

Bekim Balaj was born on 11 January 1991 and is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Albanian club Vllaznia Shkoder.

Bekim Balaj begun his international career with under-19 squad in 2008, and two years later represented the under-21 squad.

Bekim Balaj made his international senior debut in 2012 and played an important role in Albania's successful UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, notably scoring the winner with a volley in the opening day against Portugal.

Bekim Balaj was selected in the 23-man squad for UEFA Euro 2016, making his debut against Romania in the final group match.

Bekim Balaj joined his hometown club Vllaznia as an 11-year-old in 2002, and his father had told the youth team coach Astrit Premci to initially test the player as a goalkeeper as he was tall for his age.

However, after only a few training sessions with Bekim Balaj, the coach Premci realised the player was an able outfield player as he was good with his feet, so he then played him as a centre forward.

Bekim Balaj became a first team regular the following season, and he scored his first senior goal on his first appearances of the campaign in an Albanian Cup tie against Sopoti, before going on to make 12 appearances in all competition, 7 of which were in the league and 10 of which were substitute appearances.

Bekim Balaj was part of the Vllaznia team that finished runners-up in the Kategoria Superiore, finishing 4 points behind the eventual winners Tirana.

Bekim Balaj signed a four-year contract with Genclerbirligi on 17 June 2010.

Bekim Balaj scored the winning goal in the 2011 Albanian Supercup against the league winners Skenderbeu, in a match delayed and disrupted by crowd trouble.

Bekim Balaj scored in the 36th minute, a penalty in the 52nd minute and finally rounded off his hattrick in the 67th minute, before Julian Rubio being forced to replace the player following a strong challenge which left him with an ankle injury.

Bekim Balaj joined Sparta Prague on trial in July 2012 in order for the manager Vitezslav Lavicka to get a closer look at the player before the deal to join the club was finalised.

Bekim Balaj started a new season with Rijeka retaining his starting place on 10 July 2015 in a goalless draw against Inter Zapresic, but got substituted off for Roman Bezjak in the 58th minute.

Bekim Balaj was presented on the same day, where he was handed squad number 18.

On 27 May 2019, Akhmat confirmed that Bekim Balaj left the club as a free agent upon the expiration of his contract.

On 30 January 2022, Bekim Balaj returned to Turkey and signed with Boluspor.

Bekim Balaj was called up at Albania national under-20 side by coach Artan Bushati to participate in the 2009 Mediterranean Games football tournament, which began on 25 June in Pescara, Italy.

Bekim Balaj was part of the under-21 side in their 2011 and the 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification campaigns, scoring four goals in 13 matches.

Bekim Balaj made his debut for Albania national football team on 17 February 2010 in the unofficial match against Kosovo, where he scored a goal.

Bekim Balaj received his first official call up by coach Gianni De Biasi for the friendly match against Cameroon on 14 November 2012.

Bekim Balaj was called up for the first time in competitive matches for Albania for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification two closing games against Switzerland and Cyprus on 11 and 15 October 2013.

On 21 May 2016, Bekim Balaj was named in Albania's preliminary 27-man squad for UEFA Euro 2016, and in Albania's final 23-man UEFA Euro 2016 squad on 31 May.