Enco Malindi
{{short description|Albanian footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Enco Malindi
| image = Enco Malindi 2.jpg
| upright = 0.9
| full_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1988|1|15}}
| birth_place = Tirana, Albania
| height = 1.85 m
| position = Forward
| currentclub =
| youthyears1 = 2004–2006 | youthclubs1 = Partizani Tirana
| years1 = 2006–2007 | clubs1 = Partizani | caps1 = 28 | goals1 = 9
| years2 = 2007–2008 | clubs2 = Slavia Sofia | caps2 = 10 | goals2 = 2
| years3 = 2008–2009 | clubs3 = Spartak Varna | caps3 = 19 | goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2009 | clubs4 = Tirana | caps4 = 6 | goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2010 | clubs5 = Skënderbeu | caps5 = 13 | goals5 = 2
| years6 = 2010 | clubs6 = Tirana | caps6 = 4 | goals6 = 1
| years7 = 2011 | clubs7 = Akademik Sofia | caps7 = 10 | goals7 = 1
| years8 = 2011 | clubs8 = Locarno | caps8 = 11 | goals8 = 1
| years9 = 2012 | clubs9 = Kamza | caps9 = 10 | goals9 = 0
| years10= 2012–2013 | clubs10= Kukësi | caps10= 23 | goals10= 2
| years11= 2013–2014 | clubs11= Kastrioti | caps11= 22 | goals11= 3
| years12= 2014–2015 | clubs12= Elbasani | caps12= 23 | goals12= 1
| years13= 2015–2016 | clubs13= Tërbuni | caps13= 10 | goals13= 2
| years14= 2016 | clubs14= Laçi | caps14= 16 | goals14= 0
| years15= 2017 | clubs15= Kamza | caps15= 12 | goals15= 3
| years16= 2017–2018 | clubs16= Kastrioti | caps16= 21 | goals16= 1
| nationalyears1 = 2004 | nationalteam1 = Albania U-17 | nationalcaps1 = 3 | nationalgoals1 = 1
| nationalyears2 = 2006 | nationalteam2 = Albania U-19 | nationalcaps2 = 3 | nationalgoals2 = 2
| nationalyears3 = 2007–2008 | nationalteam3 = Albania U-21 | nationalcaps3 = 12| nationalgoals3 = 1
}}
Enco Malindi (born 15 January 1988) is an Albanian former professional footballer who played as a forward.
Early life
Malindi was born on 15 January 1988.{{cite news|url=http://www.fkpartizani.al/index.php?fq=lojtbrenda&m=lojtare&id=21|publisher=F.K. Partizani|language=sq|accessdate=10 March 2010|title=Profili – Enco Malindi|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515221928/http://www.fkpartizani.al/index.php?fq=lojtbrenda&m=lojtare&id=21|url-status=dead}} Malindi is not a common surname among Albanian people, though it's more common among black Africans.{{citation|url=http://forebears.io/surnames/malindi|title=Origin of Malindi surname}} Enco Malindi was being born to a foreign mother (presumably Italian or Bulgarian) and Albanian father.
Club career
=Early career=
Malindi started his career in his home town of Tirana with local team Partizani Tirana. After playing well in Albania he was spotted by the Bulgarian club Slavia Sofia. Malindi completed a move to Slavia Sofia in early 2008 for a total fee of €80,000.
=Slavia Sofia=
He joined Slavia Sofia in March 2008{{cite news|publisher=7sport.net|title=Славия" уреди албанеца Малинди|url=http://www.7sport.net/archive7ds/2008/03/19/a_grupa/d4984_6.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417120323/http://www.7sport.net/archive7ds/2008/03/19/a_grupa/d4984_6.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=17 April 2008|date=19 March 2008|accessdate=13 August 2015|language=Bulgarian}} and made his official debut for the club in a match against Chernomorets Burgas on 30 March 2008, playing 60 minutes, with the match finishing 1–1. During his spell at the club, Malindi wore the number 99 shirt.
=Spartak Varna=
On 29 July 2008, Malindi signed with PFC Spartak Varna for a fee of €50,000. He made his unofficial debut for the falcons one day later in a match against Chernomorets Balchik by playing 45 minutes and scoring one goal. The result of the match was 2–0. During the 2008–09 season, he appeared in 20 matches.
=Kukësi=
On 6 July 2012, Malindi joined Kukësi on a free transfer for the upcoming 2012–13 season, the club's first ever Albanian Superliga season, signing a one-year contract.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/kukesi-nuk-ndalet-firmos-edhe-enzo-malindi/|title=Kukësi nuk ndalet, firmos edhe Enzo Malindi|trans-title=Kukësi doesn't stop, Enco Malindi signs|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|author=Januz Hallaçi|date=7 July 2012|accessdate=20 April 2016}}
=Kastrioti Krujë=
On 2 September 2013, Malindi signed a one-year contract with Kastrioti Krujë, his sixth Albanian club.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/malindi-te-kastrioti-zemren-e-kam-te-kukesi/|title=Malindi te Kastrioti: Zemrën e kam te Kukësi|trans-title=Malindi at Kastrioti: My heart is at Kukësi|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|author=Murat Aruçi|date=3 September 2013|accessdate=20 April 2016}} The team struggled for results and was relegated back to Albanian First Division at the end of the season, which led Malindi to terminate his contract by mutual consensus.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/vazhdon-eksodi-malindi-shpall-divorcin-me-kastriotin/|title=Vazhdon eksodi, Malindi shpall divorcin me Kastriotin|trans-title=The exodus continues, Malindi announces divorce with Kastrioti|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|author=Murat Aruçi|date=6 June 2014|accessdate=20 April 2016}}
=Elbasani=
At the end of the season, Elbasani was relegated back to Albanian First Division which led Malindi to terminate his cooperating with the club on 29 May 2015.{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/malindi-dhe-lamcja-lene-elbasanin-per-superligen/|title=Malindi dhe Lamçja lënë Elbasanin për Superligën|trans-title=Malini and Lamçja leaves Elbasani for Superliga|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=Albanian|author=Mariglen Miraka|date=29 May 2015|accessdate=20 April 2016}}
=Tërbuni Pukë=
On 22 July 2015, Malindi signed a contract with the newly promoted side Tërbuni Pukë in its first ever Albanian Superliga season.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/zyrtarizohen-peqini-e-malindi-ne-bisedime-edhe-me-dibren/|title=Zyrtarizohen Peqini e Malindi, në bisedime edhe me Dibrën|trans-title=Peqini and Malindi formalizes, in talks also with Dibra|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|author=Ditmir Pema|date=23 July 2015|accessdate=30 July 2015}} He made his debut on 23 August in team's opening league match of the season against Tirana, scoring the club's first ever Albanian Superliga goal in an eventual 2–1 home defeat.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/kategoria-superiore-live-terbuni-tirana-1-1-barazon-gilman-lika-mbyllet-pjesa-e-pare/|title=Tirana i prish festën Tërbunit, bardheblutë fitojnë me përmbysje|trans-title=Tirana ruins Tërbuni's celebration, white&blues wins with comeback|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=24 August 2015|accessdate=23 September 2015}}
=Laçi=
On 4 January 2016, Malindi agreed personal terms and signed a contract until the end of 2015–16 season with Laçi, taking the squad number 17.{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/laci-nica-kryen-stervitjen-e-pare-vjen-enco-malindi/|title=Laci, Nica kryen stërvitjen e parë, vjen Enco Malindi|trans-title=Laçi performs the first training, Enco Malindi arrives|publisher=SuperSport Albania|author=Sotir Kora|language=Albanian|date=4 February 2016|accessdate=11 February 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317032006/http://www.supersport.al/laci-nica-kryen-stervitjen-e-pare-vjen-enco-malindi/|archivedate=17 March 2016}} He was called up to the team for the first time on 23 January for the first leg of quarter-final of 2015–16 Albanian Cup against Partizani Tirana, where he was an unused substitute in a 2–0 home win.{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/28919-2/|title=K. Shqipërisë, Laçi e nis me fitore vitin e ri, mposht 2–0 Partizanin|publisher=SuperSport Albania|author=Rinald Bregasi|language=Albanian|date=23 January 2016|accessdate=20 April 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423175357/http://www.supersport.al/28919-2/|archivedate=23 April 2016}} Malindi made his competitive debut seven days later versus the same opponent at Qemal Stafa Stadium, playing 85 minutes before was sent-off.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/01/30/albania/super-league/kf-partizani-tirana/kf-laci/2074072/|title=Partizani Tirana vs. Laçi 2 – 0|publisher=Soccerway|date=30 January 2016|accessdate=20 April 2016}} He left the club in December 2016 after terminating the contract by mutual consent.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/enco-malindi-i-larguari-i-radhes-nga-ekipi-i-lacit/|title=Enco Malindi, i larguari i radhës nga ekipi i Laçit|trans-title=Enco Malindi, the next departure from Laçi squad|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=9 December 2016|accessdate=10 January 2017}}
=Return to Kamza=
On 7 January 2017, Malidi agreed personal terms and returned to Kamza, this time in Albanian First Division.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/kamza-rikthen-malindin-largohet-portieri-bytyci/|title=Kamza rikthen Malindin, largohet portieri Bytyçi|trans-title=Kamza returns Malindi, goalkeeper Bytyçi leaves|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=7 January 2017|accessdate=10 January 2017}}
=Return to Kastrioti Krujë=
On 26 July 2017, Kastrioti announced that they have acquired the services of six players, including Malindi, for the 2017–18 season.{{cite news|url=http://newsport.al/2017/07/kastrioti-zyrtarizon-marreveshjen-gjashte-lojtare-surprize-afrimet-nga-superliga/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126194938/https://newsport.al/2017/07/kastrioti-zyrtarizon-marreveshjen-gjashte-lojtare-surprize-afrimet-nga-superliga/|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 January 2025|title=Kastrioti zyrtarizon marrëveshjen me gjashtë lojtarë, surprizë afrimet nga Superliga|trans-title=Kastrioti formalizes the agreement with six players, surprise the approaches from Superliga|publisher=Newsport.al|language=Albanian|date=26 July 2017|accessdate=18 December 2017}}
International career
Career statistics
{{updated|17 December 2017}}{{Soccerway|enco-malindi/41092|accessdate=18 December 2017}}{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition | ||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|Cup !colspan="2"|Europe !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan="4"|Partizani Tirana
|rowspan="3"|Albanian Superliga |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2006–07
|11 | 2 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 11 | 2 | ||
| 2007–08
|17 | 0 | 1 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 18 | 1 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!28 | 2 | 1 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 29 | 3 | ||
| Slavia Sofia
|10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 10 | 2 | ||
| Spartak Varna
|Bulgarian First League |19 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 20 | 0 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Tirana
|rowspan="2"|Albanian Superliga |6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 7 | 0 | ||
| 2010–11
|4 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4{{efn|name=UEL|Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League}} | 0 | 11 | 3 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!10 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 18 | 3 | |
| Skënderbeu Korçë (loan)
|Albanian Superliga |13 | 3 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 16 | 2 | ||
| Akademik Sofia
|Bulgarian First League |11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 11 | 1 | ||
| Locarno
|11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 11 | 1 | ||
| Kamza
|Albanian Superliga |11{{efn|Including one appearance in Albanian Superliga relegation play-off}} | 0 | 6 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 17 | 0 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Kukësi
|rowspan="2"|Albanian Superliga |23 | 2 | 7 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 30 | 2 | ||
| 2013–14
|colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 7{{efn|name=UEL}} | 0 | 7 | 0 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!23 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 37 | 2 | |
| Kastrioti Krujë
|Albanian Superliga |22 | 3 | 3 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | 25 | 5 | ||
| Elbasani
|Albanian Superliga |23 | 1 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 26 | 1 | ||
| Tërbuni Pukë
|Albanian Superliga |10 | 2 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 12 | 2 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Laçi
|rowspan="2"|Albanian Superliga |10 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 12 | 0 | ||
| 2016–17
|6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 7 | 1 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!16 | 0 | 3 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 19 | 1 | ||
| Kamza
|12 | 3 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 12 | 3 | ||
| Kastrioti Krujë
|Albanian First Division |11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 11 | 1 | ||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!230 | 21 | 35 | 6 | 11 | 0 | 276 | 27 |
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{UEFA player|97345}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20081001001214/http://www.fshf.org/lojtaret.html FSHF]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Malindi, Enco}}
Category:Footballers from Tirana
Category:Albanian men's footballers
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:Albania men's youth international footballers
Category:Albania men's under-21 international footballers
Category:FK Partizani Tirana players
Category:PFC Slavia Sofia players
Category:FC Spartak Varna players
Category:KF Skënderbeu Korçë players
Category:PFC Akademik Sofia players
Category:KF Kastrioti Krujë players
Category:KF Tërbuni Pukë players
Category:Kategoria Superiore players
Category:First Professional Football League (Bulgaria) players
Category:Albanian expatriate men's footballers
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Bulgaria
Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Bulgaria
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Switzerland