Vedat Muriqi
Vedat Muriqi is a Kosovan professional footballer who plays as a striker for Turkish club Fenerbahçe and the Kosovo national team. He is known for his headers and strength.
Early life
Muriqi was born in Prizren, FR Yugoslavia. He holds Kosovan, Albanian and Turkish passports.Club career
Teuta Durrës
On 14 January 2013, after impressing in a friendly match, Muriqi was given a one-and-a-half year contract by Albanian Superliga side Teuta Durrës which he agreed. On 23 February, he made his competitive debut later by entering in the second half of the 1–1 draw at Tirana in the round 16 of Albanian Superliga.Loan at Besa Kavajë
On 4 January 2014, Muriqi was loaned for five months to Albanian Superliga side Besa Kavajë. He played his first match for the new club on 1 February in the championship match versus Laçi, entering in the 46th minute and netting a last-minute equaliser to rescue his side a 2–2 draw.Giresunspor
On 18 August 2014, Muriqi signed to TFF First League side Giresunspor. 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.Gençlerbirliği
On 31 May 2016, Muriqi signed to Süper Lig side Gençlerbirliği. On 21 August 2016, he made his debut in a 2–0 home win against Gaziantepspor after coming on as a substitute at 64th minute in place of Cosmin Matei.Çaykur Rizespor
On 11 January 2018, Muriqi signed to TFF First League side Çaykur Rizespor. On 21 January 2018, 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.Fenerbahçe
On 7 July 2019, Muriqi completed a transfer to Süper Lig side Fenerbahçe by signing for the next four seasons. One day later, the club confirmed that Muriqi had joined on a permanent transfer.International career
Albania
Under-21
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.Kosovo
Under-21
In June 2013, Muriqi was named as part of the Kosovo U21 squad for 2013 Valais Youth Cup. On 12 June 2013, he made his debut with Kosovo U21 in a match against Ghana U20 after being named in the starting line-up and scored the draw goal in the 41st minute.Senior
On 30 August 2016, Muriqi received a call-up from Kosovo for a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Finland. On 11 June 2017, he made his debut with Kosovo in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Ukraine after being named in the starting line-up.On 10 September 2019, Muriqi provided 2 assists and scored a goal in the 5-3 loss against the England national football team in the 2020 Euros. He is the current top scorer of the Kosovan national football team with 8 goals.Style of play and reception
Former Turkish international and World Cup semi-finalist Rüştü Reçber identified Muriqi as an ideal centre forward, praising his speed in confined spaces in field, aerial dominance, and his team play capabilities, in 2019.Former Turkish international and World Cup semi-finalist Hakan Ünsal underlined his strength, ball containing and shooting abilities, in 2019. 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.
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 '. If he could play alongside Alex, he could score 25 goals '", on 21 September 2019.
Career statistics
Club
International
International goals
| No | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
| 1. | 13 November 2017 | Olympic Stadium Adem Jashari, Mitrovica, Kosovo | 2–2 | 4–3 | Friendly | |
| 2. | 27 March 2018 | Stade Municipal Jean Rolland, Franconville, France | 1–0 | 2–0 | Friendly | |
| 3. | 11 October 2018 | Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina, Kosovo | 2–1 | 3–1 | 2018–19 UEFA Nations League D | |
| 4. | 17 November 2018 | National Stadium, Ta' Qali, Malta | 1–0 | 5–0 | 2018–19 UEFA Nations League D | |
| 5. | 10 June 2019 | Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia, Bulgaria | 2–2 | 3–2 | UEFA Euro 2020 qualification | |
| 6. | 7 September 2019 | Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina, Kosovo | 1–1 | 2–1 | UEFA Euro 2020 qualification | |
| 7. | 10 September 2019 | St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, England | 3–5 | 3–5 | UEFA Euro 2020 qualification | |
| 8. | 14 October 2019 | Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina, Kosovo | 2–0 | 2–0 | UEFA Euro 2020 qualification |