Endrit Vrapi

Vrapi began his career while still a teenager, playing for Partizani Tirana. Regarded as one of the best young Albanian talents at the time, he was also captain of the Albania under-19 team. He worked his way up through the ranks at Partizani Tirana and joined the first team during the 2001–02 season, though he did not feature in any league game that season. This prompted Vrapi to sign with Lushnja, a weaker team in the Albanian Superliga, to gain some experience.

At Lushnja he quickly established himself in the first team. He played seventy-six games and scored four goals for the club between 2002 and 2005. His impressive displays prompted one of the best teams in the country, Elbasani, to sign the left back in 2005. His most successful season came at Elbasani during his first spell there in the 2005–06 season. He played thirty-four games and scored two goals that season and was one reason Elbasani won the Albanian championship. After his triumph with Elbasani, in 2006 Vrapi moved to Teuta Durrës, where he almost repeated his success with Elbasani, when Teuta Durrës finished second behind KF Tirana in the Albanian Superliga. During the 2006–07 season he played twenty-nine games and scored two goals. After spending only one season in Durrës, Vrapi changed teams again, moving back to KF Tirana. This turned out to be a mistake. KF Tirana struggled all season, finishing a disappointing sixth place in the Albanian Superliga, the team's lowest league position in years. During that poor season Vrapi played twenty-seven games without scoring a goal. The Albanian international defender decided to go back and play where he had spent the best years of his career, Elbasani. He was greeted by his former team with open arms as they had paid a fee believed to be in the region of $140,000 for re-signing the left back.

On 30 June 2009, Vrapi signed a temporary deal with Dinamo Tirana for the club European campaign. He played entire match on 2 July 2009 in the Europa League first qualifying round against Lahti as Dinamo was defeated 4–1.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/07/02/europe/uefa-cup/football-club-lahti/ks-dinamo-tirana/786445/|title=Lahti vs. Dinamo Tirana 4 – 1|publisher=Soccerway|date=2 July 2009|accessdate=11 July 2015}} He was replaced after 78 minutes in the returning leg as Dinamo managed to win 2–0 which was not enough as Lahti progressed 4–3 on aggregate.[http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/fixturesresults/round=2000033/match=2000515/index.html KS Dinamo Tirana 2 – 0 FC Lahti] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121174457/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/fixturesresults/round%3D2000033/match%3D2000515/index.html |date=21 January 2016 }} UEFA, 12 June 2015

On 30 June 2010, Vrapi was transferred to Skënderbeu Korçë, and was given the number 4 shirt for the 2010–11 season.{{cite news|url=http://www.sportishqiptar.com.al/68610/ |title=Vrapi: Në Korçë, për të fituar titullin kampion |trans-title=Vrapi: In Korçë, to win the championship title |author=Leonard Trebicka |language=sq |publisher=Sporti Shqiptar |accessdate=10 July 2010|date=3 July 2010}}{{dead link|date=July 2015}} He made his debut in team's opening match of 2010–11 season against his former team Besa Kavajë, but the match was suspended after 88th minute at 0–1 due to riots on the terraces. Skënderbeu was awarded by the FSHF 0–2.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/08/23/albania/super-league/ks-besa-kavaje/ks-skenderbeu-korce/976614/|title=Besa Kavajë vs. Skënderbeu Korçë 0 – 2|publisher=Soccerway|date=23 August 2010|accessdate=11 July 2015}} One week later, Vrapi played for the first time at Skënderbeu Stadium in a 2–0 defeat of Teuta Durrës.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/08/29/albania/super-league/ks-skenderbeu-korce/ks-teuta-durres/977728/|title=Skënderbeu Korçë vs. Teuta Durrës 2 – 0|publisher=Soccerway|date=29 August 2010|accessdate=11 July 2015}}

On 29 August 2013, Vrapi left Skënderbeu after three seasons to return to Tirana by penning a one-year contract, taking squad number 44 for the upcoming season.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/firmosin-vrapi-e-vashaku-vijne-edhe-2-nigeriane-dede-dhe-tirana-gjejne-qetesine/|title=Firmosin Vrapi e Vashaku, vijnë edhe dy nigerianë. Dede dhe Tirana gjejnë qetësinë|trans-title=Vrapi and Vashaku sign, two Nigerians arrive as well. Dede and Tirana find peace|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|author=Adela Merko|date=1 September 2013|accessdate=10 July 2015}} He debuted in team's opening match of the 2013–14 season against KF Laçi, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a goalless home draw.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/09/01/albania/super-league/kf-tirana/kf-laci/1543884/|title=Tirana vs. Laçi 0 – 0|publisher=Soccerway|date=1 September 2013|accessdate=1 September 2013}} Vrapi, however, was one of the best players on the field.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/barazim-ndaj-lacit-tirana-sbind-ne-start-dede-ka-rezerva-prisja-me-shume-nga-ekipi/|title=Barazim ndaj Laçit, Tirana s'bind në start. Dede ka rezerva: Prisja më shumë nga ekipi|trans-title=A draw against Laçi, Tirana doesn't convince in start. Dede has reserves. I expected more from the team|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|author=Adela Merko|date=2 September 2013|accessdate=18 September 2016}}

In December, Tirana suffered a surprise elimination from Lushnja in the 2013–14 Albanian Cup second round, with Vrapi appearing in both legs unable to avoid the elimination.{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/kupa-e-shqiperise-tirana-dhe-partizani-jashte/|title=Kupa e Shqipërisë / Tirana dhe Partizani jashtë|trans-title=Albanian Cup / Tirana and Partizani out|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=sq|accessdate=10 July 2015|date=18 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713103027/http://sportekspres.com/kupa-e-shqiperise-tirana-dhe-partizani-jashte/|archive-date=13 July 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/tirana-deshton-ne-kupe-eliminohet-nga-lushnja-magani-zhgenjyem-faji-eshte-i-imi/|title=Tirana dështon dhe në kupë, eliminohet nga Lushnja. Magani: Zhgënjyem, faji është i imi|trans-title=Tirana fails even in cup, eliminated by Lushnja. Magani: Disappointed, it's my fault|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=19 December 2014|accessdate=10 July 2015}} During the first part of the season, Tirana experienced its worst period of all time, winning 3 out of 16 league matches. Vrapi played in the back in 10 on these matches. Tirana also changed management three times, employing Nevil Dede, Alpin Gallo and later Gugash Magani.{{cite news|title=Gugash Magani emërohet trajner i Tiranës: Të vrasim frikën|trans-title=Gugash Magani named the new coach of Tirana. Let's kill the fear|url=http://www.balkanweb.com/sport/2692/gugash-magani-emerohet-trajner-i-tiranes-te-vrasim-friken-161457.html|publisher=Balkanweb.com|language=sq|date=1 December 2013|accessdate=9 March 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224054426/http://www.balkanweb.com/sport/2692/gugash-magani-emerohet-trajner-i-tiranes-te-vrasim-friken-161457.html|archive-date=24 February 2014}} In December, the team was ranked in the last position with only 10 points from 13 matches, 7 points away from the safe zone.

However, with Magani in charge, Tirana changed completely the face by winning three of four matches of February, including the derby against Partizani Tirana thanks to the winner of Gilberto.{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/?p=29666|title=Tirana fiton derbin, mjafton Gilberto|trans-title=Tirana wins the derby, Gilberto is enough|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=sq|date=7 February 2014|accessdate=8 February 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208011508/http://sportekspres.com/?p=29666|archive-date=8 February 2014}} Vrapi's first score-sheet contribution came later on 26 April by scoring in the 2–1 home win over fellow relegation strugglers Vllaznia Shkodër.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/kategoria-superiore-startuan-ndeshjet-e-javes-se-30-te/|title="Not" mbijetese, Tirana zhyt Vllazninë|trans-title=Survival "swim", Tirana plunge Vllaznia|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|author=Adela Merko|date=26 April 2014|accessdate=26 April 2014}}

Tirana mathematically assured survival on 3 May 2014 in the penultimate week of the league after a 2–2 away draw against Flamurtari Vlorë, in a match where Vrapi played 90 minutes.{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/artikull.php?id=23040|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140504182550/http://www.supersport.al/artikull.php?id=23040|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 May 2014|title=Tirona siguron mbijetesën|trans-title=Tirona secures the survival|publisher=SuperSport Albania|language=sq|author=Sotir Kora|date=4 May 2014|accessdate=4 May 2014}}{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/barazim-ne-vlore-mbijeton-tirana-magani-ia-dolem-jam-i-gatshem-qe-te-rinovoj/|title=Barazim në Vlorë, mbijeton Tirana. Magani: Tani që ia dolëm, jam i gatshëm që të rinovoj|trans-title=A draw in Vlorë, Tirana survives. Magani: Now that we make it, i'm ready to renew|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|author=Ermal Sika|date=4 May 2014|accessdate=6 May 2014}} His finished his season by making 26 marches, including 23 in league, netting once. He left the club as a free agent in mid-August after failing to find a way with club directors for the new contract.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/nuk-gjeti-akordin-endri-vrapi-largohet-nga-tirana/|title=Nuk gjeti akordin, Endri Vrapi largohet nga Tirana|trans-title=Didn't find agreement, Endri Vrapi leaves Tirana|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=14 August 2014|accessdate=10 July 2015}}

Vrapi completed a transfer to his first professional team Partizani Tirana on 1 September 2014 as a free agent, penning a one-year contract with an option of a further one. His presentation was made the same day, where he was given squad number 44 for 2014–15 season.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/partizani-merr-edhe-vrapin-duro-shkarkon-nexhipin/|title=Partizani merr edhe Vrapin, Duro …"shkarkon" Nexhipin|trans-title=Partizani takes even Vrapi, Duro …"sackes" Nexhipi|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|author=Ilir Cara|date=3 September 2014|accessdate=14 January 2016}} His competitive debut occurred on 10 September in the matchday 3 against Skënderbeu Korçë, playing full-90 minutes in a 1–0.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/partizani-i-falet-penalltise-se-viles-merr-fitoren-e-pare-ne-kampionat/|title=Partizani i falet penalltisë së Vilës në fund, merr edhe fitoren e parë në kampionat|trans-title=Partizani win thanks to Vila's penalty at the end, takes the first win in championship|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=12 September 2014|accessdate=20 September 2014}}

During the first part of the season, Vrapi, alongside his defence partners Rrahmani, Fejzullahu and Cululi helped Hoxha to go 1,084 minutes without conceding a goal in Albanian Superliga to break the 30-year-old record set by the goalkeeper of KS Labinoti Elbasan (modern day called KF Elbasani), Bujar Gogunja, who kept intact net goal for 1037 minutes.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/hoxha-thyen-rekordin-ia-dedikoj-gruas-dhe-djalit-emocion-i-papershkrueshem/|title=Hoxha thyen rekordin: Ia dedikoj gruas dhe djalit, emocion i papërshkrueshëm|trans-title=Hoxha breaks the record: I dedicate to my wife and son, an indescribable emotion|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=14 December 2014|accessdate=14 December 2014}}

He concluded 2014–15 with 26 appearances, all in league, as Partizani finished 3rd in championship, returning in European competitions after seven years.{{cite news|url=http://sportal.al/shqiperi/superiore/item/5011-te-kuqte-pas-7-vitesh-ne-europe.html|title=Të kuqtë, pas 7 vitesh në Europë!|trans-title=The reds, on Europe after 7 years!|publisher=Sport.al|language=sq|accessdate=10 July 2015|date=23 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711081531/http://sportal.al/shqiperi/superiore/item/5011-te-kuqte-pas-7-vitesh-ne-europe.html|archive-date=11 July 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.gazetadita.al/partizani-ne-europe-pas-7-vitesh/|title=Partizani në Europë pas 7 vitesh|trans-title=Partizani in Europe after 7 years|publisher=Gazeta Dita|language=sq|accessdate=10 July 2015|date=24 May 2015|archive-date=12 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712204011/http://www.gazetadita.al/partizani-ne-europe-pas-7-vitesh/|url-status=dead}} During the season, Vrapi played mainly as left-back, but in several times he was used also as a centre-back.

Vrapi started the 2015–16 by playing full-90 minutes in the 1–3 away defeat at Strømsgodset in the 2015–16 UEFA Europa League first qualifying round.{{cite news|url=http://www.telegrafi.com/sport/europa-league-partizani-mposhtet-ne-norvegji-5-0-69040.html|title=Europa League: Partizani mposhtet në Norvegji|trans-title=Europa League: Partizani defeated in Norway|publisher=Telegrafi.com|language=sq|accessdate=10 July 2015|date=2 July 2015}} He also played full match in the returning leg by Partizani lost 0–1 at the last moments and was eventually eliminated 1–4 on aggregate.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/partizani-nuk-ia-del-mundet-serish-nga-stromsgodset-dhe-eleminohet/|title=Partizani nuk ia del, mundet sërish nga Stromsgodset dhe eleminohet|trans-title=Partizani doesn't make it, gets beaten again by Strømsgodset and eliminated|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|accessdate=10 July 2015|date=9 July 2015}}

On 13 January 2016, Partizani confirmed via their Facebook page that they have terminated the contract with Vrapi by mutual consensus.{{cite news|url=https://www.facebook.com/partizaniclub/photos/a.180026368858434.1073741828.179774752216929/464196477108087/?type=3|title=ZYRTARE: Klubi njofton se Endri Vrapi nuk është më pjesë e skuadrës së Partizanit në pjesën e mbetur të Kampionatit|publisher=FK Partizani Albania|language=sq|accessdate=13 January 2016|date=14 January 2016}}

Three days after becoming free agent, Vrapi agreed terms and joined Albanian Superliga strugglers Vllaznia Shkodër until the end of the season.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/vllaznia-e-ben-sefte-firmos-endri-vrapi/|title=Vllaznia e bën "sefte", firmos Endri Vrapi|trans-title=Vllaznia makes the first, Endri Vrapi signs|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|author=Admir Uruçi|accessdate=17 January 2016|date=16 January 2016}}

Vrapi has been an Albanian international for four years, collecting 10 appearances.{{cite news|url=http://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=24487|title=Football PLAYER: Endrit Vrapi|publisher=EU-Football.info|accessdate=9 July 2015}} He debuted with Albania on 1 March 2006, playing the last 11 minutes of the 2–1 home defeat against Lithuania.{{cite news|url=http://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=267|title=Football MATCH: 01.03.2006 Albania v Lithuania|date=1 March 2006|publisher=EU-Football.info|accessdate=9 July 2015}}

{{updated|17 January 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/endrit-vrapi/57302/|title=Albania - E. Vrapi - Profile with news, career statistics and history|publisher=Soccerway|accessdate=31 December 2014}}{{cite news|url=http://www.footballdatabase.eu/football.joueurs.endrit.vrapi.20117.en.html|title=Football : Endrit Vrapi|publisher=Football DataBase|accessdate=31 December 2014}}{{cite news|url=http://www.scoresway.com/?sport=soccer&page=person&id=57302|title=Profile of Endrit Vrapi at Scoresway.com|publisher=Scoresway.com|accessdate=31 December 2014}}

{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

{{updated|21 October 2014}}{{NFT player|id=13537}}

;Elbasani

• Albanian Superliga: 2005–06

;Besa

• Albanian Cup: 2009–10

;Skënderbeu

• Albanian Superliga: 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13

• Albania Superliga Footballer of the Year: 2005–06

{{reflist}}

• {{NFT player|id=13537}}
• {{Cite web |url=http://www.fshf.org/lojtaret.html |title=FSHF |access-date=28 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081001001214/http://www.fshf.org/lojtaret.html |archive-date=1 October 2008 |url-status=dead }}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Vrapi, Endrit}}

Category:1982 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from Tirana

Category:Albanian men's footballers

Category:Men's association football defenders

Category:Albania men's international footballers

Category:FK Partizani Tirana players

Category:KF Lushnja players

Category:KF Elbasani players

Category:KF Teuta players

Category:KF Tirana players

Category:FC Dinamo City players

Category:KF Besa Kavajë players

Category:KF Skënderbeu Korçë players

Category:KF Vllaznia Shkodër players

Category:KF Liria Prizren players

Category:Kategoria Superiore players

Category:Kategoria e Parë players

Category:Football Superleague of Kosovo players

Category:Albanian expatriate men's footballers

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Kosovo

Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Kosovo

Category:21st-century Albanian sportsmen