Ardit Hoxhaj
{{short description|Albanian footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Ardit Hoxhaj
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| fullname =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1994|7|20|df=y}}
| birth_place = Vlorë, Albania
| height = 1.81 m
| position = Forward
| currentclub = AF Elbasani
| clubnumber = 27
| youthyears1 = 2010–2012
| youthclubs1 = Flamurtari
| years1 = 2012–2013 | clubs1 = Flamurtari | caps1 = 1 | goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2013–2014 | clubs2 = Himara | caps2 = 12 | goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2014–2016 | clubs3 = Bylis | caps3 = 56 | goals3 = 12
| years4 = 2016–2019 | clubs4 = Skënderbeu | caps4 = 10 | goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2017 | clubs5 = → Korabi (loan) | caps5 = 15 | goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2017–2018 | clubs6 = → Flamurtari (loan) | caps6 = 27 | goals6 = 2
| years7 = 2019 | clubs7 = Ferizaj | caps7 = 8 | goals7 = 1
| years8 = 2019–2020 | clubs8 = Flamurtari | caps8 = 33 | goals8 = 8
| years9 = 2020–2023 | clubs9 = Vllaznia Shkodër | caps9 = 94 | goals9 = 20
| years10= 2023– | clubs10= AF Elbasani | caps10= 23 | goals10= 6
| nationalyears1 = 2014 | nationalteam1 = Albania U19 | nationalcaps1 = 1 | nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2016 | nationalteam2 = Albania U21 | nationalcaps2 = 1 | nationalgoals2 = 0
| medaltemplates =
| club-update = 1 June 2024
| nationalteam-update =
}}
Ardit Hoxhaj (born 20 July 1994) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a striker for AF Elbasani.
Club career
Hoxhaj started his career with Flamurtari in 2011. In the 2011–12 season, he was part of under-19 squad. In the 2012–13 season as well he played for under-19 side{{cite web|url=http://www.fshf.org/garat/components/lojtar.php?player_id=221548|title=Ardit Hoxhaj profile|website=fshf.org|publisher=FSHF|language=Albanian|accessdate=31 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107031605/http://www.fshf.org/garat/components/lojtar.php?player_id=221548|archive-date=7 November 2017|url-status=dead}} but also featured in the first team under coach Julián Rubio debuting in both competition Kategoria Superiore and Cup during the October 2012 and participating also in other 3 league matches and 1 in cup as an unused substitute.
On 21 June 2016, Hoxhaj was sent on trial to PAS Giannina of Superleague Greece.{{cite web|url=http://www.supersport.al/ardit-hoxhaj-ne-prove-te-pas-janina-e-liles/|title=Ardit Hoxhaj, në provë te Pas Janina e Lilës|trans-title=Ardit Hoxhaj, on trial at Lila's Pas Giannina|publisher=SuperSport Albania|language=Albanian|author=Adi Metaliu|date=21 June 2016|accessdate=13 September 2016}} He successfully passed the trial; however, he did not sign a contract with the club due to high economic demand of Bylis.{{cite web|url=http://minuta90.com/ardit-hoxhaj-interes-edhe-nga-kroacia/|title=Ardit Hoxhaj, interes edhe nga Kroacia|trans-title=Ardit Hoxhaj, interest even from Croatia|publisher=Minuta90.al|language=Albanian|date=4 July 2016|accessdate=13 September 2016}}
On 6 September 2016, Hoxhaj completed a transfer to Skënderbeu for an undisclosed fee, signing a contract until June 2019.{{cite web|url=http://www.supersport.al/hoxhaj-zyrtarisht-te-skenderbeu-firmos-per-3-vite/|title=Hoxhaj zyrtarisht te Skënderbeu, firmos për 3 vite|trans-title=Hoxhaj officially at Skënderbeu, sign for three years|publisher=SuperSport Albania|language=Albanian|author=Sotir Kora|date=6 September 2016|accessdate=13 September 2016}} His spell at the club was marred by his lack of playing time, having appeared only five times in the first part of the season, including two appearances in league, both as substitute, failing thus to make an impact.
On 22 January 2017, Hoxhaj agreed personal terms and signed a two-year contract with Korabi, taking the vacant squad number 11.{{cite web|url=http://www.supersport.al/korabi-perforcohet-me-ardit-hoxhaj/|title=Korabi përforcohet me Ardit Hoxhaj|trans-title=Korabi reinforced with Ardit Hoxhaj|publisher=SuperSport Albania|language=Albanian|author=Erald Kodheli|date=22 January 2017|accessdate=1 February 2017}} This turned out to be a fraud, however, as Hoxhaj joined Korabi only on loan until the end of the season. He made his debut in team's 0–1 home defeat to Laçi,{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/01/28/albania/super-league/ks-korabi-peshkop-/kf-laci/2342662/|title=Korabi Peshkopi vs. Laçi 0 – 1|publisher=Soccerway|date=28 January 2017|accessdate=17 June 2017}} as he went on to play 14 more appearances, all of them as starter, failing to score, as Korabi finished the season in the last spot with only 13 points, returning to Kategoria e Parë after one season.
On 10 June 2017, Hoxhaj returned to Flamurtari after four years on a long-season loan deal.{{cite web|url=http://sportekspres.com/ardit-hoxhaj-kthehet-te-flamurtari/|title=Ardit Hoxhaj kthehet te Flamurtari|trans-title=Ardit Hoxhaj returns to Flamurtari|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=Albanian|date=10 June 2017|accessdate=17 June 2017}} He was presented six days later where his transfer was made official, stating: I'm happy to be back home. I'll give the maximum for my city's team.{{cite web|url=http://sportekspres.com/ardit-hoxhaj-me-bindi-projekti-ky-flamurtar-fiton-trofe/|title=Ardit Hoxhaj: Më bindi projekti, ky Flamurtar fiton trofe!|trans-title=Ardit Hoxhaj: The project convinced me, this Flamurtar wins trophies|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=Albanian|date=17 June 2017|accessdate=17 June 2017}} He made his first appearance of the season on 16 September in the 3–1 home win over Lushnja.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/09/16/albania/super-league/ks-flamurtari-vlore/ks-lushnja/2506178/|title=Flamurtari Vlorë vs. Lushnja 3 – 1|publisher=Soccerway|date=16 September 2017|accessdate=16 September 2017}} He opened his scoring account later on 29 October by scoring the winner at Partizani.{{cite web|url=http://sportekspres.com/partizani-flamurtariardit-hoxhaj-i-behet-makth-partizanit/|title=Partizani-Flamurtari, Ardit Hoxhaj i bëhet makth Partizanit|trans-title=Partizani-Flamurtari, Ardit Hoxhaj becomes nightmare of Partizani|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=Albanian|date=29 October 2017|accessdate=29 October 2017}} It was his fourth goal against the capital club, thus making his favourite opponent to score against. Hoxhaj played 27 league matches during the 2017–18 season, scoring twice, as Flamurtari finished in a disappointing 6th-place finish.{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/renditja-skenderbeu-kampion-vllaznia-e-lushnja-ne-gremine-shikoni-tabelen-perfundimtare/|title=RENDITJA/ Skënderbeu kampion, Vllaznia e Lushnja në "greminë". Shikoni tabelën përfundimtare|trans-title=RANKING/ Skënderbeu champion, Vllaznia and Lushnja in “abyss”. See the eventual table|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=23 May 2018|accessdate=24 June 2018}}
Hoxhaj returned to his parent club Skënderbeu in June 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/skenderbeu-konfirmohet-lojtari-i-pare-qe-rikthehet-nga-huazimi/|title=Skënderbeu, konfirmohet lojtari i parë që rikthehet nga huazimi|trans-title=Skënderbeu, the first player return from the loan confirmed|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=24 June 2018|accessdate=24 June 2018}} Having not played since May 2018, he made his first appearance of the season on 26 September by scoring in a 4–0 home win against Veleçiku in the second leg of 2018–19 Albanian Cup first round; he was forced to abandon the match once again due to another injury.{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/rikthimi-ne-fushe-zgjat-vetem-65-minuta-ardit-hoxhaj-demtohet-serish/|title=Rikthimi në fushë zgjat vetëm 65 minuta, Ardit Hoxhaj dëmtohet sërish|trans-title=The return on the field lasts only 65 minutes, Ardit Hoxhaj injured again|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|author=Llazi Saro|date=27 September 2018|accessdate=28 September 2018}} On 5 February of the following year, Hoxhaj announced his departure from the club, citing the lack of first team appearances as the main reason, thus becoming a free agent.{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/lajmi-i-fundit-hoxhaj-konfirmon-ekipin-e-ri-pas-largimit-nga-skenderbeu-por-ka-nje-problem/|title=Hoxhaj konfirmon ekipin e ri pas largimit nga Skënderbeu, por ka një problem…|trans-title=Hoxhaj confirms the new team following the departure from Skënderbeu, but there is a problem…|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=5 February 2019|accessdate=13 February 2019}} On the same day, he also announced that he has joined fellow top flight side Luftëtari. However, due to the transfer being concluded five days after the end of winter transfer market, Hoxhaj become ineligible to play for his new side for the second half of 2018–19 season, as he was registered as Skënderbeu player.{{cite web|url=http://sportekspres.com/transferimi-i-ardit-hoxhajt-blof-i-luftetarit/|title=Transferimi i Ardit Hoxhajt, "blof" i Luftëtarit?|trans-title=The transfer of Ardit Hoxhaj, “bluff” of Luftëtari?|publisher=Sport Ekpres|language=sq|date=12 February 2019|accessdate=13 February 2019}}
On 11 March 2019, Hoxhaj joined Kosovan club KF Ferizaj.[https://telegrafi.com/zyrtare-ferizaj-nenshkruan-ardit-hoxhajn/ Zyrtare: Ferizaj nënshkruan me Ardit Hoxhajn], telegrafi.com, 11 March 2019
On 17 August 2020, Vllaznia announced to have signed Hoxhaj on a one-year contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.shkodraweb.com/foto-vllaznia-mbyll-marreveshjet-dhe-firmos-me-tre-futbolliste-per-sezonin-e-ri/|title=FOTO – Vllaznia mbyll marrëveshjet dhe firmos me tre futbollistë për sezonin e ri…|trans-title=Vllaznia finishes the deals and signs with three footballers for the new season|website=shkodraweb.com|language=sq|date=17 August 2020|accessdate=6 July 2022}}
International career
He was called up to the Albania under-21 team by coach Redi Jupi for the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification closing match against Israel on 10 October 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/fshf-skandal-shpresat-fshihet-lista-e-kombetares-u-21/|title=FSHF skandal me Shpresat, fshihet lista e Kombëtares U-21|trans-title=AFA scandal with hopes, list of national under-21 is hidden|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=10 October 2016|accessdate=31 October 2017}} He debuted for the under-21 national side against Israel replacing Uendi Vecaj at half time in a 4–0 loss.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/10/10/europe/uefa-u21-championship/israel-under-21/albania-under-21/2021353/|title=Israel U21 vs. Albania U21 4 – 0|publisher=Soccerway|date=10 October 2016|accessdate=31 October 2017}}
Personal life
He has cited his role model and favourite footballer the Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo, and he is also a fan of Italian club Milan.{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/makthi-i-partizanit-hoxhaj-frymezohem-nga-ronaldo-jam-milanist/|title="Makthi" i Partizanit, Hoxhaj: Frymëzohem nga Ronaldo, jam milanist|trans-title=Partizani's “nightmare”, Hoxhaj: I'm inspired by Ronaldo, I'm a Milan fan|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|author=Gentjan Alinani|date=9 May 2016|accessdate=6 June 2016}}
Career statistics
{{updated|2 February 2019}}{{Soccerway|ardit-hoxhaj/269450|accessdate=26 August 2015}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Club statistics | ||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|Cup !colspan="2"|EuropeIncluding continental competitions, such as UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan="3"|Flamurtari
|rowspan="2"| Kategoria Superiore |1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 0 | ||
| 2013–14
|0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 3 | 0 | ||
| colspan="2" valign="center"|Total
!1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 5 | 0 | ||
| rowspan="1"|Himara
|rowspan="1"|Kategoria e Parë |12 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 12 | 0 | |||
| rowspan="3"|Bylis
|rowspan="2"|Kategoria e Parë |25 | 5 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 28 | 5 | ||
| 2015–16
|31 | 7 | 4 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 35 | 7 | ||
| colspan="2" valign="center"|Total
!56 | 12 | 7 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 63 | 12 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Skënderbeu
|rowspan="2"|Kategoria Superiore |2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 5 | 0 | ||
| 2018–19
|8 | 1 | 2 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 10 | 2 | ||
| colspan="2" valign="center"|Total
!10 | 1 | 5 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 15 | 2 | ||
| rowspan="1"|Korabi (loan)
|rowspan="1"|Kategoria Superiore |15 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 15 | 0 | |||
| rowspan="1"|Flamurtari (loan)
|rowspan="1"|Kategoria Superiore |27 | 2 | 7 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | 34 | 4 | ||
| rowspan="1"|Luftëtari
|rowspan="1"|Kategoria Superiore |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | ||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!121 | 15 | 22 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | 143 | 17 |
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
Honours
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
- {{FSHF player|221548}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hoxhaj, Ardit}}
Category:Footballers from Vlorë
Category:Albanian men's footballers
Category:Albania men's youth international footballers
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:Flamurtari FC players
Category:KF Skënderbeu Korçë players
Category:KF Korabi Peshkopi players
Category:KF Vllaznia Shkodër players
Category:Kategoria Superiore players
Category:Kategoria e Parë players