38 Facts About Elis Bakaj

Elis Flamur Bakaj was born on 25 June 1987 and is an Albanian former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder or a forward.

An international footballer for Albania since 2008, Elis Bakaj has earned over 25 caps for his country.

Elis Bakaj debuted in 2008 and scored his first goal with Red and Blacks four years later.

Elis Bakaj 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 Leke a season.

Elis 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.

In January 2011, in the last hours before the expiration of the winter transfer window, Elis Bakaj moved to Dinamo Bucuresti.

Elis Bakaj signed a contract for five years with the Romanian team.

Elis Bakaj was recommended to Dinamo Bucuresti 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.

Elis 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 Studentesc.

Elis Bakaj was reportedly close to signing with his first club Partizani Tirana, but a deal was not agreed to, so he joined Kukesi on 12 March 2014, pending FIFA clearance.

However, FIFA did not give him the permit to play, so Elis Bakaj terminated the contract and left the club only two weeks following his arrival.

Elis Bakaj made his competitive debut on 24 August 2014, a debut which brought his first goal as well.

Elis Bakaj was the Albanian Superliga Player of the Month for October 2015 after playing four matches and scoring three goals.

Elis Bakaj finished the season as the team's top goal scorer with 15 goals between league and cup in 32 appearances.

Elis Bakaj signed a three-year contract with Israelian club Hapoel Ra'anana and was allocated squad number 80.

However, Elis Bakaj suddenly terminated his contract with the club and become a free agent.

Elis Bakaj was presented to the media one day later.

Elis Bakaj was named the Albanian Superliga Player of the Month for January 2016, becoming the third player to win the award twice.

Elis Bakaj become the first player to score a hat-trick for Tirana since Bekim Balaj on 23 October 2011.

Elis Bakaj followed that by scoring the winner against Laci to keep the European chances alive.

Elis Bakaj 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.

Elis Bakaj said in an interview that his intentions were to play outside, but if not he would play in Albania only with Tirana.

Later on his second league appearance against Flamurtari Vlore, Elis 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.

One month later, Elis Bakaj scored the lone goal via penalty kick in the match against Laci to give the team three important points in the race for a spot in Europa League next season.

Elis Bakaj 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.

Elis Bakaj finished his Vllaznia Shkoder 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 Ndricim Shtubina.

On 9 August 2017, Elis Bakaj completed a transfer to reigning Albanian Superliga champions Kukesi as a free transfer.

Elis Bakaj defended himself by stating that referee told him to resume the game, adding that the goal was a "striker instinct".

Elis Bakaj finished the first phase of season 10 goals in 14 league appearances.

Elis Bakaj defended himself afterwards, saying that the insults were against two-three persons, and added that he "will not allow anyone to touch my family".

Elis Bakaj was banned for the following two league matches by Albanian Football Association.

Elis Bakaj finished his Kukesi career by making 25 appearances in total, including 20 in league, netting 12 goals, all of them in league.

Elis Bakaj 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.

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

Elis 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.

Elis 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.

Elis Bakaj scored his first senior international goal against Qatar on 22 May 2012 at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas, Madrid, Spain.

Elis Bakaj is the cousin of Edvan Bakaj who plays as a goalkeeper for Kosovar club Drita.