Goran Pandev
{{short description|Macedonian association football player (born 1983)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Goran Pandev
| image = Goran Pandev.JPG
| caption = Pandev with Inter Milan in 2010
| fullname = Goran Pandev{{cite web |url=https://www.tff.org/Default.aspx?pageId=526&kisiId=1727481 |title=Goran Pandev |publisher=Turkish Football Federation |access-date=23 January 2020}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|7|27|df=y}}{{cite web|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/goran-pandev.html |title=Goran Pandev|website=Yahoo Sport|location=United Kingdom|publisher=Yahoo|date=27 July 1983 |access-date=31 March 2014}}{{Cite web|last=UEFA.com|title=Goran Pandev - Macedonia - European Qualifiers|url=https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/teams/players/52148--goran-pandev/|access-date=12 November 2020|website=UEFA}}
| birth_place = Strumica, SR Macedonia, Yugoslavia
| height = 1.84 m
| position = Forward
| currentclub =
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}
| youthclubs1 = Belasica
| years1 = 1999–2001
| clubs1 = Belasica
| caps1 = 18
| goals1 = 6
| years2 = 2001–2004
| clubs2 = Inter Milan
| caps2 = 0
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2002–2003
| clubs3 = → Spezia (loan)
| caps3 = 22
| goals3 = 4
| years4 = 2003–2004
| clubs4 = → Ancona (loan)
| caps4 = 20
| goals4 = 1
| years5 = 2004–2009
| clubs5 = Lazio
| caps5 = 159
| goals5 = 48
| years6 = 2009–2012
| clubs6 = Inter Milan
| caps6 = 47
| goals6 = 5
| years7 = 2011–2012
| clubs7 = → Napoli (loan)
| caps7 = 30
| goals7 = 6
| years8 = 2012–2014
| clubs8 = Napoli
| caps8 = 62
| goals8 = 13
| years9 = 2014–2015
| clubs9 = Galatasaray
| caps9 = 4
| goals9 = 0
| years10 = 2015–2022
| clubs10 = Genoa
| caps10 = 254
| goals10 = 28
| years11 = 2022
| clubs11 = Parma
| caps11 = 11
| goals11 = 1
| totalcaps = 549
| totalgoals = 112
| nationalyears1 = 1999
| nationalteam1 = Macedonia U16
| nationalcaps1 = 2
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2000–2001
| nationalteam2 = Macedonia U19
| nationalcaps2 = 3
| nationalgoals2 = 2
| nationalyears3 = 2001–2002
| nationalteam3 = Macedonia U21
| nationalcaps3 = 7
| nationalgoals3 = 2
| nationalyears4 = 2001–2021
| nationalteam4 = North Macedonia
| nationalcaps4 = 122
| nationalgoals4 = 38
| club-update =
}}
Goran Pandev ({{langx|mk|Горан Пандев}}, {{IPA|mk|ˈɡɔran ˈpandɛf|pron|Mk-Goran Pandev.ogg}}; born 27 July 1983) is a Macedonian former professional footballer who played as a forward. Known for his goal-scoring ability, consistency, and intelligence, he is regarded as one of the best Macedonian footballers of all time.
After a stint at Lazio, Pandev moved to Inter Milan in early 2010. While playing for the Nerazzurri, Pandev collected a host of honours including winning the Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Champions League in 2010 as part of a treble for the club. On 22 April 2021, he became the first Macedonian to score 100 goals in one of the top five European football leagues.{{Cite web |last=Zullo |first=Leo |date=2021-04-21 |title=Pandev 100 gol in Serie A: che numeri per l'attaccante del Genoa |url=https://www.calciotoday.it/2021/04/21/genoa-benevento-pandev-record-100-gol-serie-a/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=CalcioToday.it |language=it}} He was the captain of the North Macedonia national team until deciding to retire from international football in 2021, following the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament. He is the country's all-time top scorer with 38 goals.
Club career
=Early career=
Pandev was born in Strumica, SR Macedonia, which was part of Yugoslavia at the time, and began his football career with FK Belasica, the club with which he progressed through the youth academy.{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/05/19/no-headline-115875-21372372/|title=Goran Pandev profile: 10 things you need to know about the Tottenham target|newspaper=The Daily Mirror|publisher=Reach plc|first=Oliver|last=Pickup|date=19 May 2009|access-date=27 June 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090528083311/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/05/19/no-headline-115875-21372372/|archive-date=28 May 2009}} He only spent one season in the local Prva Liga, however, before being signed by Serie A giants Inter Milan in the summer of 2001 when he was just 18 years old.
Inter loaned Pandev to feeder club Spezia in July 2002,{{cite press release |title=Cinque Ragazzi Del Vivaio Nerazzurro In Prestito Allo Spezia |date=22 July 2002 |publisher=FC Internazionale Milano |url=http://www.inter.it/it/news/9992/cinque-ragazzi-del-vivaio-nerazzurro-in-prestito-allo-spezia |language=it |access-date=31 July 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801003526/http://www.inter.it/it/news/9992/cinque-ragazzi-del-vivaio-nerazzurro-in-prestito-allo-spezia |archive-date=1 August 2017 |trans-title=Five youngsters from the Nerazzurri youth academy loaned to Spezia}} where he was a regular in Serie C1.{{cite news|url=http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/6284/50/|title=Hard to forget your first love, Pandev tied to Inter|website=Macedonia Online|date=8 April 2009|access-date=27 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100912173840/http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/6284/50|archive-date=12 September 2010|url-status=dead}} The following year, he was again sent on loan, this time to newly promoted Serie A club Ancona. During his time at Ancona, the team had the worst season of any club in Serie A history.
=Lazio=
In January 2004, Serbian player Dejan Stanković was signed by Inter from Lazio and Pandev was sent to the capital in exchange on a co-ownership deal, for a nominal fee of €500, but he remained at Ancona until the end of the 2003–04 season. Pandev impressed in his first year at Lazio, as he made 29 appearances, scoring three goals, which included a memorable effort away to Juventus where he beat Fabio Cannavaro, Lilian Thuram and Gianluca Zambrotta before beating Gianluigi Buffon with an angled shot. In July 2005, 50 percent of his player registration rights were transferred to Udinese in exchange for David Pizarro's transfer to the Milanese club.
The following season, Delio Rossi was appointed manager of Lazio and Pandev began to form a deadly strike partnership with Tommaso Rocchi. In June 2006, Lazio bought the remaining 50 percent of his registration rights from Udinese for €4 million.
On 11 January 2009, Pandev scored his first hat-trick in Serie A against Reggina.{{cite news |author=Guida, Guido |date=11 January 2009 |title=Pandev rilancia la Lazio |trans-title=Pandev revives Lazio. |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Squadre/Reggina/Primo_Piano/2009/01/11/regginalazio.shtml |access-date=20 October 2017 |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it}}{{Cite news |last=Bailey |first=Richard |date=11 January 2009 |title=Serie A round-up |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/4780945/serie-a-round-up |access-date=7 May 2025|website=Sky Sports}} On 24 March 2009, Pandev was awarded the Medal for Service to the Country by the then-President Branko Crvenkovski in acknowledgement of his sporting achievements and his contribution to developing and popularizing sport in Macedonia as well as promoting the country abroad.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mia.com.mk/cgi-sys/suspendedpage.cgi?vId=63100329&lId=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906003122/http://www.mia.com.mk/default.aspx?vId=63100329&lId=2|url-status=dead|title=Suspendiran hosting račun|archive-date=6 September 2009|website=www.mia.com.mk}}
==Contract dispute with Lazio==
In 2009, a dispute between Pandev and Lazio chairman Claudio Lotito erupted, resulting in a legal battle between Pandev and his club. The ruling was announced on 23 December 2009.{{Cite news |last=Bandini |first=Nicky |date=23 December 2009|title=Lazio ordered to release Goran Pandev by Italy's Lega Calcio |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/dec/23/lazio-ordered-release-goran-pandev |access-date=7 May 2025|newspaper=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077}}{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/09/25/1522882/official-goran-pandev-applies-for-immediate-termination-of-lazio-|title=Pandev applies for contract termination|website=Goal|publisher=Platform Group|first=Adam|last=Scime|date=25 September 2009|access-date=27 July 2018}}
The dispute started with Pandev indicating his desire to leave Lazio during the summer of 2009. Chairman Lotito, apparently unhappy with Pandev's decision, froze him out of the squad.{{Cite news |last=Landolina |first=Salvatore |title=Goran Pandev & Cristian Ledesma Are In The Lazio Squad - Claudio Lotito|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2009/09/03/1478190/goran-pandev-cristian-ledesma-are-in-the-lazio-squad-claudio|url-status=dead|website=Goal|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220425072255/https://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2009/09/03/1478190/goran-pandev-cristian-ledesma-are-in-the-lazio-squad-claudio |archive-date=25 April 2022|access-date=7 May 2025}} As a result, Pandev spent the remaining four months training on his own, without making a single appearance for his club. During this period, various clubs had indicated their interest in buying Pandev, most notably Zenit Saint Petersburg, which made an offer of €13 million for the player.{{cite web |first=Salvatore|last=Landolina |date=7 July 2009 |title=Lazio Reject Zenit St Petersburg Offer For Goran Pandev |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2009/07/07/1369123/lazio-reject-zenit-st-petersburg-offer-for-goran-pandev |url-status=dead |access-date=27 July 2018|website=Goal|publisher=Platform Group}} Lazio chairman Lotito rejected the offer, demanding €15 million instead. The deal eventually fell through after both parties failed to agree on price.{{Cite news |title=Lazio Star Goran Pandev Nearing Zenit Switch|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2009/07/07/1368029/lazio-star-goran-pandev-nearing-zenit-switch-report|url-status=dead|website=Goal|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220808005327/https://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2009/07/07/1368029/lazio-star-goran-pandev-nearing-zenit-switch-report |archive-date=8 August 2022|access-date=7 May 2025}}
On 26 September, Pandev officially filed for a termination of his contract with Lazio, having been frozen out of the squad and labelled a "rebel" by the club.{{cite web|url=http://m.goal.com/e/en-india/news/222/transfer-zone/2009/10/22/1575621/lazio-rebel-goran-pandev-will-sign-for-inter-in-january|title=Lazio 'Rebel' Goran Pandev Will Sign For Inter In January - Claudio Pasqualin|website=Goal|publisher=Platform Group|first=Anthony|last=Wright|date=29 October 2009|access-date=27 July 2018|archive-date=27 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727145927/http://m.goal.com/e/en-india/news/222/transfer-zone/2009/10/22/1575621/lazio-rebel-goran-pandev-will-sign-for-inter-in-january|url-status=dead}} Pandev argued that by freezing him out of the squad, Lazio had violated the terms of their contract with him. On 23 December 2009, the Lega Nazionale Professionisti ruled in Pandev's favor, ordering Lazio to release Pandev from his contract and pay him €170,000 for emotional distress. Lotito indicated his desire to appeal the decision.
=Inter Milan=
On 4 January 2010, Pandev signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Inter Milan,{{cite news|url=http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=32976&L=en|title=Goran Pandev signs until 2014|publisher=inter.it|date=4 January 2010|access-date=21 December 2010|archive-date=15 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815032134/http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=32976&L=en|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01e1-0e73a04e8367-723ee7ad75dd-1000--pandev-settles-on-inter-return/|title=Pandev settles on Inter return|publisher=UEFA|date=4 January 2010|access-date=27 July 2018}} wearing the number 27 shirt. He made his Inter debut as a starter in the 1–0 away win against Chievo on 6 January.{{cite news|url=https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/2010/1/7/3211326/chievo-0-inter-1|title=Chievo 0 - Inter 1|publisher=Serprents of Madonnina|date=7 January 2010|access-date=27 July 2018}} His first two games for the Nerazzurri resulted in him contributing to both winners — setting up Mario Balotelli against Chievo and setting up Walter Samuel to score a last minute winner against Siena.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italian-football/2010/01/09/1735489/inter-43-siena-late-samuel-strike-sinks-robur|title=Inter 4–3 Siena: Late Samuel Strike Sinks Robur|website=Goal|publisher=Platform Group|first=Stefano|last=Federici|date=9 January 2010|access-date=27 July 2018}} He opened his scoring account in his third appearance for the club, pulling a goal back for Inter in an eventual 2–2 draw at Bari.{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/report/inter-rally-to-claim-2-2-draw-at-bari-serie-a/20100117.htm|title=Inter rally to claim 2-2 draw at Bari|work=Rediff.com|date=17 January 2010|access-date=27 July 2018}} Pandev was the main protagonist in the 2–0 victory against local rivals Milan as he first assisted Diego Milito with an overhead cross and scored a curling freekick to complete the win.{{cite news|url=https://www.inter.it/en/news/33106|title=Serie A: Inter 2–0 AC Milan|publisher=Inter Milan|date=24 January 2010|access-date=27 July 2018|archive-date=23 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323143632/http://www.inter.it/en/news/33106|url-status=dead}} He continued with his solid performances throughout the season, being an important player in Inter's winning of the first treble in the history of Italian football. Inter won their fifth consecutive Serie A title by defeating Siena in the final match,{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/7730828/Siena-0-Inter-Milan-1-match-report.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/7730828/Siena-0-Inter-Milan-1-match-report.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Siena 0 Inter Milan 1: match report|newspaper=The Telegraph|publisher=Future plc|date=16 May 2010|access-date=29 June 2018}}{{cbignore}} and also defeated Roma at Stadio Olimpico to win the Coppa Italia.{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/football/05/05/football.roma.inter.milan/|title=Inter claim first leg of possible treble|work=CNN|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System|date=5 May 2010|access-date=6 May 2010}} On 22 May 2010, Inter won the UEFA Champions League in the final against Bayern Munich, with Pandev playing for 79 minutes and becoming the third Macedonian football player in history to ever win this championship.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8697017.stm|title=Bayern Munich 0–2 Inter Milan|website=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|first=Sam|last=Lyon|date=22 May 2010|access-date=24 May 2010}}{{cite news|url=http://macedonianfootball.com/pandev-wins-the-champions-league/|title=Pandev wins the Champions League|publisher=Macedonian Football|first=Filip|last=Zdraveski|date=23 May 2010|access-date=24 May 2010}}
He began the new season on 21 August by winning the 2010 Supercoppa Italiana under Rafael Benítez, scoring the equalizer versus Roma in an eventual 3–1 home win for the first silverware of the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=ita/news/newsid=1516658.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823002856/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=ita/news/newsid=1516658.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 August 2010|title=Two-goal Eto'o fires Inter to more glory|publisher=UEFA|date=22 August 2010|access-date=27 July 2018}} Six days later, he made an appearance as substitute as Inter lost the 2010 UEFA Super Cup to Atlético Madrid.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/7968572/Inter-Milan-0-Atletico-Madrid-2-match-report.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/7968572/Inter-Milan-0-Atletico-Madrid-2-match-report.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Inter Milan 0–2 Atletico Madrid : match report|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Henry|last=Winter|date=27 August 2010|access-date=27 July 2018}}{{cbignore}} Later in December 2010, Pandev was part of the team that competed at 2010 FIFA Club World Cup.{{cite news|url=https://www.inter.it/en/news/35146|title=Inter squad for FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010|publisher=Inter Milan|date=29 November 2010|access-date=27 July 2018|archive-date=27 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727145755/https://www.inter.it/en/news/35146|url-status=dead}} He made his debut in the competition by playing full-90 minutes in the 3–0 victory against Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma in the semi-final.{{Cite news|date=16 December 2010|title=Internazionale ease past Seongnam Ilhwa to reach Club World Cup final |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/dec/15/seongnam-ilhwa-internazionale-club-world-cup|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=7 May 2025|via=Association Press|issn=0261-3077}} On 18 December, in the final against Congo's TP Mazembe, Pandev netted inside 13 minutes to make it his first goal in a major final as Inter won 3–0 to lift the trophy.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round=254488/match=300140542/summary.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222013234/http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round=254488/match=300140542/summary.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 December 2010|title=Internazionale on top of the world|publisher=FIFA|date=18 December 2010|access-date=18 December 2010}} On 15 March 2011, in the second leg of 2010–11 UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie against Bayern Munich, Pandev resulted decisive by scoring in the 88th minute following a Samuel Eto'o pass to make it 3–2 for Inter.{{Cite news |last=Starcevic |first=Nesha |date=15 March 2011|title=Goran Pandev strikes late as Inter leave Bayern Munich devastated again |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/mar/15/bayern-munich-internazionale-champions-league |access-date=7 May 2025|newspaper=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077}} Inter progressed to the quarter-finals on away goals rule, with Pandev describing his goal as the "most important" of his career.{{cite web |first=Rick|last=D'Andrea |date=15 March 2011 |title=Inter Striker Goran Pandev: Scoring Against Bayern Munich Was The Most Important Goal Of My Career |url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/174/uefa-champions-league/2011/03/15/2396627/inter-striker-goran-pandev-scoring-against-bayern-munich-was-the- |url-status=dead |access-date=27 July 2018 |website=Goal|publisher=Platform Group}}{{cite web|url=http://sempreinter.com/2018/02/17/former-inter-striker-pandev-ill-never-forget-goal-bayern-munich/|title=Former Inter Striker Pandev: "I'll Never Forget My Goal Against Bayern Munich"|website=Sempre Inter|date=17 February 2018|access-date=27 July 2018}} Later on 29 May 2011, in the 2011 Coppa Italia final match against Palermo, Pandev entered in the second half and provided the assist of Diego Milito goal in the 92nd minute for a 3–1 success.{{Cite news|date=29 May 2011|title=Samuel Eto'o fires Internazionale to Coppa Italia win over Palermo |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/may/29/samuel-etoo-internazionale-palermo |access-date=7 May 2025|newspaper=The Guardian|via=Associated Press|issn=0261-3077}} This turned out to be his last appearance for the club as he was removed during the summer transfer window.
=Napoli=
On 26 August 2011, Pandev joined Napoli on a season-long loan.{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11860/7127813/Napoli-clinch-Pandev-loan|title=Napoli clinch Pandev loan|date=27 August 2011|website=Sky Sports|publisher=Sky Group}} On 10 September, Pandev came on as a substitute to make his Napoli debut against Cesena in the 66th minute with the score tied at 1–1. Despite Napoli making it 2–1 in their favour right after the Macedonian striker came on, Pandev missed an open goal in the 85th minute, hitting the crossbar from six yards out after a square pass across the face of goal was played to him; Napoli managed to win the match 3–1. On 29 November, Pandev came in for an injured Edinson Cavani and started a home match against rivals Juventus. He scored two goals, the first of which was his first for Napoli, and the second was a volley goal. The two goals put Napoli up 3–1 but Juventus came back to tie the game at 3–3, the final score.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=327100&cc=5901 |title=Gamecast: Napoli v Juventus - Italian Serie A|website=ESPN FC|publisher=ESPN|via=Serie A|date=29 November 2011 |access-date=31 March 2014 |archive-date=26 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111226010725/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=327100 |url-status=dead }} Pandev then went on to score his third Serie A goal for Napoli in their 6–1 pummeling of Genoa on 21 December.{{Cite web |last=Yarmolenko |first=Andriy |date=22 April 2024|title=69VN |url=https://69vncasino.org/ |access-date=7 May 2025|website=69vncasino.org}}{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/63849/napoli-vs-genoa/report |title=Napoli 6-1 Genoa: Cavani at the double |website=Goal|publisher=Platform Group|date=21 December 2011 |access-date=31 March 2014}} Following the winter break, Pandev netted his side's opening goal in a 1–3 victory in Sicily against Palermo on 8 January 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/match/64012/palermo-vs-napoli/report |title=Palermo 1-3 Napoli: Resounding win |website=Goal|publisher=Platform Group|date=8 January 2012 |access-date=31 March 2014}} On 20 May 2012, Pandev won another Coppa Italia, setting up Marek Hamšík's goal in a 2–0 win over Juventus in Rome, meaning that he had been on the tournament's winning side for the past four consecutive years.{{cite news|url=http://www.macedonianfootball.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4599:goran-pandev-my-most-beautiful-coppa-italia&catid=13:international&Itemid=64|title=Goran Pandev: My most beautiful Coppa Italia|website=Macedonian Football|first=Filip|last=Zdraveski|date=20 May 2012|access-date=21 May 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/match/78417/juventus-vs-ssc-napoli/report |title=Match Report: Juventus 0–2 Napoli |website=Goal|publisher=Platform Group|date = 20 May 2012|access-date=26 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823225306/http://www.goal.com/en/match/78417/juventus-vs-ssc-napoli/report|archive-date=23 August 2012}} On 6 June 2012, Pandev made a permanent switch from Inter to Napoli.{{cite web|url=http://football-italia.net/19652/napoli-sign-pandev-inter|url-status=dead|title=Napoli sign Pandev from Inter |website=Football Italia |date=6 June 2012 |access-date=31 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230015429/http://football-italia.net/19652/napoli-sign-pandev-inter|archive-date=30 December 2014}} Later, Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis noted on a radio interview that Pandev had taken a pay cut to join the Neapolitans, with the President noting this as a sign of commitment to the club and fans.{{cite web|url=http://football-italia.net/19654/pandev-cut-pay-join-napoli|url-status=dead|title=Pandev cut pay to join Napoli |website=Football Italia |date=6 June 2012 |access-date=31 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230015303/https://football-italia.net/19654/pandev-cut-pay-join-napoli|archive-date=30 December 2014}}
On 28 September 2013, Pandev scored both goals in Napoli's win over Genoa, sending the Neapolitans to the top of the league table.{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/us/en/report/377256/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901 |title=Pandev bags brace for Napoli|website=ESPN FC|publisher=ESPN|date=28 September 2013 |access-date=28 September 2013 }} Pandev came on in place of Gonzalo Higuaín for the last 20 minutes of the 2014 Coppa Italia final, which Napoli won 3–1 against Fiorentina.{{cite web|url =http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/130949/fiorentina-vs-napoli/report|url-status=dead|title= Partenopei come out on top in Coppa Italia final|date=3 May 2014|website=Goal|publisher=Platform Group|access-date=20 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226033943/http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/fiorentina-vs-napoli/1648200/report|archive-date=26 February 2015}}
=Galatasaray=
On 1 September 2014, Pandev signed a two-year contract with Turkish club Galatasaray{{cite web|url =https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/galatasaray/transfer-talk/news/pandev-signs-for-galatasaray_174201.html|title= Goran Pandev signs for Galatasaray|date=31 August 2014|website=Sportsmole|access-date=18 October 2016}} worth €2.4 million a year.{{cite web |date=1 September 2014 |title=Profesyonel Futbolcu Goran Pandev'in Transferi Hakkında |trans-title=About the Transfer of Professional Footballer Goran Pandev |url=https://www.kap.org.tr/tr/Bildirim/382338 |access-date=7 May 2017 |website=Galatasaray |publisher=KAP |language=tr}} Pandev struggled for game time at Galatasaray and he was mainly used as a cup player.{{cite web|url=https://the18.com/en/soccer-entertainment/goran-pandev-profile-and-path-to-first-ever-euros|first=Liam|last=Hanley|title=The People's Captain: Goran Pandev And His Pivotal Role In North Macedonia's Footballing Resurgence|website=The 18|date=9 June 2021|access-date=15 June 2021}}
=Genoa=
Pandev signed a two-year contract with Italian club Genoa in 2015 after failing to get playing time at Galatasaray.{{cite web|url =http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2528698/goran-pandev-jumped-at-chance-to-sign-for-genoa|title= Goran Pandev jumped at chance to sign for Genoa from Galatasaray|website=ESPN FC|publisher=ESPN|date=20 July 2015|access-date=18 October 2016}} He planned on retiring at the end of the 2019–20 season, but extended his contract following the postponement of UEFA Euro 2020 to 2021.{{Cite news |last=Ames |first=Nick |date=12 June 2021|title=Goran Pandev: leader of a nation, not just the North Macedonia team |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jun/12/goran-pandev-north-macedonia-euro-2020 |access-date=7 May 2025|newspaper=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077}}
With a brace against Benevento on 21 April 2021,{{cite web|url=https://football-italia.net/genoa-2-2-benevento-pandev-brace-decisive/|first=Susy|last=Campanale|title=Genoa 22 Benevento: Pandev brace decisive|website=Football Italia|date=21 April 2021|access-date=15 June 2021}} Pandev reached the 100-goal mark in his Serie A career. He became the first Macedonian to reach the century mark in one of the "Big 5" European leagues.{{cite web|url=https://macedonianfootball.com/pandev-scores-100th-serie-a-goal-video/|title=Pandev scores 100th Serie A goal|website=Macedonian Football|date=21 April 2021|access-date=15 June 2021}} He ended the 2020–21 season with his highest goals plus assists per 90 minutes since 2013–14.
On 13 August 2021, Pandev signed a contract with Genoa to stay in Serie A until 30 June 2022.{{Cite web|first=Simone|last=Lorini|title=Ufficiale: Genoa, Pandev ha rinnovato. Accordo fino al 30 giugno 2022 |url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/ufficiale-genoa-pandev-ha-rinnovato-accordo-fino-al-30-giugno-2022-1570455|website=TuttoMercatoWeb|date=13 August 2021|access-date=7 May 2025|language=it}}
=Parma and retirement=
On 31 January 2022, Pandev moved to Serie B club Parma.{{cite press release|publisher=Parma|url=https://parmacalcio1913.com/2022/01/31/goran-pandev-is-a-crociati-player/?lang=en|title=Goran Pandev Joins the Crociati|date=31 January 2022|access-date=31 January 2022|archive-date=18 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418065607/https://parmacalcio1913.com/2022/01/31/goran-pandev-is-a-crociati-player/?lang=en|url-status=dead}} On 22 September, at the age of 39, Pandev retired from professional football, ending his 22-year career with over 600 caps and 120 goals for club and country.{{Cite web |date=22 September 2022 |title=Parma midfielder Goran Pandev announces retirement |url=https://onefootball.com/en/news/parma-midfielder-goran-pandev-announces-retirement-35892124 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://onefootball.com/ |archive-date=22 September 2022 |access-date=24 September 2022 |website=OneFootball}}{{Cite web |last=Campanale |first=Susy |date=22 September 2022 |title=Serie A veteran Pandev announces retirement |url=https://football-italia.net/serie-a-veteran-pandev-announces-retirement/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://football-italia.net/ |archive-date=22 September 2022 |access-date=22 September 2022 |website=Football Italia}}
International career
File:Горан Пандев.jpg in 2017]]
In June 2001, Pandev made his senior debut for North Macedonia during an away FIFA World Cup qualification match against Turkey.{{Cite web|first1=Brian|last1=Homewood|first2=Toby|last2=Davis|title=After 19 years and 14 coaches, Pandev's persistence rewarded with North Macedonia|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/after-19-years-and-14-coaches-pandevs-persistence-rewarded-with-north-macedoni-idUSKBN27T1GT/|website=Reuters|date=13 November 2020|access-date=7 May 2025}} With two goals against Spain on 12 August 2009, he became the national team's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Georgi Hristov.{{Cite web|last=Lyttleton|first=Ben|date=26 March 2011|title=Pandev's shot at redemption|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-20149467.html|access-date=11 June 2021|website=Irish Examiner}}
Pandev intended to retire from international football in 2015, but was persuaded to keep playing by national manager Igor Angelovski.{{Cite news|date=12 June 2021|title=Soccer-Euro 2020 the pinnacle of Pandev's career, says coach|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-euro-aut-mkd-preview-idUKL5N2NT56E|website=Reuters|access-date=14 June 2021}} Pandev earned his 100th cap in a 3–1 home victory against Latvia in UEFA Euro 2020 qualification in March 2019.{{cite news |title=North Macedonia 3–1 Latvia |url=https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/match/2026022--north-macedonia-vs-latvia/lineups/?iv=true&referrer=%2Feuropean-qualifiers%2Fseason%3D2020%2Fmatches%2Fround%3D2001086%2Fmatch%3D2026022%2Flineups%2Findex |access-date=6 May 2020 |publisher=UEFA |date=21 March 2019}} He scored the team's only goal in North Macedonia's 1–0 Euro 2020 play-off victory over Georgia in November 2020, which saw his nation qualify for a major international tournament for the very first time.{{cite news |title=North Macedonia qualify for Euro 2020, their first major tournament |url=https://www.beinsports.com/en/uefa-euro-2020-qualifying/news/north-macedonia-qualify-for-euro-2020-their-f/1582065/amp|url-status=dead|access-date=12 November 2020|website=BeIN Sports|publisher=BeIN Media Group|date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415162344/https://www.beinsports.com/en/uefa-euro-2020-qualifying/video/north-macedonia-qualify-for-euro-2020-their-f/1582065|archive-date=15 April 2021}} In the tournament he scored North Macedonia's first ever goal at a major tournament, pouncing on a mistake to score in an open net in a 3–1 defeat to Austria at Euro 2020 in the nation's competition debut,{{cite web |last=Poole |first=Harry |date=13 June 2021 |title=Austria v North Macedonia|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51197742 |access-date=22 May 2025|website=BBC Sport}} making him the second-oldest scorer in the finals of a European Championship, only behind Ivica Vastić.{{Cite web|script-title=el:Στα ίσα με Πάντεφ η Βόρεια Μακεδονία: Δεύτερος γηραιότερος σκόρερ στην ιστορία του Euro!|trans-title=North Macedonia equalized with Pandev: 2nd oldest scorer in the history of Euro!|language=el|url=https://www.sport-fm.gr/article/podosfairo/highlights/austria-boreia-makedonia-to-1-0-me-ton-37xrono-padef/4184554|website=sport-fm.gr|date=13 June 2021|access-date=13 June 2021}} On 21 June 2021, he played his last match for his national team against the Netherlands in the last group stage match of the Euro 2020.{{cite web |last=Vrablík|first=Lukáš|date=21 June 2021 |title=Euro 2020: A final hurrah for North Macedonia 'legend' Goran Pandev |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57334322 |website=BBC Sport}}
Style of play
Famed as one of the most skilled Macedonian forwards ever,{{cite web |url=https://www.calcionapoli24.it/zoom/anteprima-dalla-macedonia-pandev-sfida-uno-dei-pi-forti-della-storia-n62319.html |title=Anteprima Dalla Macedonia: "Pandev sfida uno dei più forti della storia: Ronaldo" |trans-title=Preview From Macedonia: "Pandeve challenges one of the greatest players of all time: Ronaldo"|website=CalcioNapoli24|language=it |date=26 May 2012 |access-date=4 November 2019 }} Pandev was a quick, creative, and hard-working left-footed forward with good technique, who was capable both of creating and scoring goals, due to his opportunism and shooting accuracy, as well as his vision and passing ability.{{cite web |title=Pandev, Punta o esterno. Può essere anche il vice-Hamsik e ottima visione di gioco |trans-title=Pandev, Striker or winger. He can also be Hamsik's backup and has excellent vision of the game. |url=http://www.ilnapolionline.com/pandev-punta-o-esterno-puo-essere-anche-il-vice-hamsik-e-ottima-visione-di-gioco/|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150121230240/http://www.ilnapolionline.com/pandev-punta-o-esterno-puo-essere-anche-il-vice-hamsik-e-ottima-visione-di-gioco/ |archive-date=21 January 2015 |access-date=21 January 2015 |website=Il Napoli Online|language=it}}{{cite web|url=http://www.areanapoli.it/squadra/goran_pandev.html|title=Goran Pandev|website=Arena Napoli|language=it|access-date=21 January 2015}}{{cite web |title=Napoli-Parma 3–1, Cavani, Pandev e Insigne: gli azzurri in vetta rispondono a Juventus e Lazio |trans-title=Napoli-Parma 3–1, Cavani, Pandev and Insigne: the Azzurri at the top respond to Juventus and Lazio |url=http://sport.ilmattino.it/sscnapoli/napoli_parma_3_1_cavani_pandev_e_insigne_gli_azzurri_in_vetta_rispondono_a_juventus_e_lazio/notizie/219767.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220163824/http://sport.ilmattino.it/sscnapoli/napoli_parma_3_1_cavani_pandev_e_insigne_gli_azzurri_in_vetta_rispondono_a_juventus_e_lazio/notizie/219767.shtml |archive-date=20 February 2015 |access-date=21 January 2015 |newspaper=Il Mattino|publisher=Caltagirone Editore|language=it}} He was capable of playing in several offensive positions, either on the right or through the centre of the pitch, and was usually deployed in a supporting role, as a winger, as a second striker, or as an attacking midfielder, although he had also been fielded as a striker or as a false nine.{{cite web |date=1 August 2013 |title=Pandev, da trequartista a 'falso nueve': Goran pronto a riprendersi il Napoli |trans-title=Pandev, from attacking midfielder to 'false nine': Goran ready to reclaim his place at Napoli. |url=http://www.iamnaples.it/notizie-calcio-napoli/pandev-da-trequartista-a-falso-nueve-goran-pronto-a-riprendersi-il-napoli/ |access-date=21 January 2015 |website=I Am Naples|language=it |last1=Iamnaples. It |first1=Redazione }}{{cite web |date=28 September 2013|first=Filippo|last=Grimaldi|title=Genoa 0–2 Napoli, doppietta di Pandev: notte in vetta per Benitez, Liverani rischia |trans-title=Genoa-Napoli 0-2, Pandev's brace: night at the top for Benitez, Liverani at risk |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Squadre/Genoa/28-09-2013/genoa-napoli-0-2-doppietta-pandev-notte-vetta-benitez-liverani-rischia-201252211543.shtml |access-date=21 January 2015 |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|publisher=RCS MediaGroup|language=it}}
Personal life
Pandev's younger brother Sashko is also a footballer. In 2019, Pandev obtained Italian citizenship in Naples.{{cite tweet |user=GenoaCFC |number=1100031232157597696 |date=25 February 2019 |title=🔴🔵 "Sono felicissimo, dopo quasi 18 anni in Italia mi sentivo da tempo italiano. 🇮🇹 Ringrazio tutti, per me è un bellissimo momento". ✍🏻 Oggi a #Napoli Goran #Pandev è diventato cittadino italiano firmando tutti i documenti dinanzi ai rappresentanti del Comune partenopeo. |language=it |access-date=23 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623161500/https://twitter.com/GenoaCFC/status/1100031232157597696 |archive-date=23 June 2019 |url-status=live }}{{User-generated source|date=May 2025}} One year later, he auctioned the shirt he wore in the match in which he gained his 100th cap for Macedonia for a hospital fighting the coronavirus pandemic.{{cite news|date=1 May 2020|title=Goran Pandev donates the jersey he wore in his 100th game for Macedonia to help fight the coronavirus|newspaper=Republika|url=https://english.republika.mk/sport/goran-pandev-donates-the-jersey-he-wore-in-his-100th-game-for-macedonia-to-help-fight-the-coronavirus/|access-date=6 May 2020}} In 2010, Pandev founded a football academy in his native Macedonia, named Akademija Pandev.{{cite web|url=http://macedonianfootball.com/team/akademija-pandev/|title=Akademia Pandev|date=5 May 2017 |publisher=Football Federation of Macedonia|access-date=19 March 2018}}
Career statistics
= Club =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes Coppa Italia, Turkish Cup}} !colspan="2"|Europe !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Belasica
|18 | 6 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 18 | 6 | ||||
| Inter Milan
|colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | |||||
| Spezia (loan)
|22 | 4 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 22 | 4 | ||||
| Ancona (loan)
|Serie A |20 | 1 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 21 | 1 | |||
| rowspan="6"|Lazio
|Serie A |25 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 4{{efn|name=UC|Appearances in UEFA Cup}} | 1 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 4 | |
| 2005–06
|Serie A |35 | 11 | 3 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 38 | 12 | |||
| 2006–07
|Serie A |36 | 11 | 3 | 3 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 39 | 14 | |||
| 2007–08
|Serie A |32 | 14 | 5 | 0 | 8{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in UEFA Champions League}} | 5 | colspan="2"|— | 45 | 19 | ||
| 2008–09
|Serie A |31 | 9 | 6 | 6 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 37 | 15 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!159 | 48 | 18 | 10 | 12 | 6 | colspan="2"|— | 189 | 64 | ||
| rowspan="4"|Inter Milan
|Serie A |19 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 6{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 27 | 3 | ||
| 2010–11
|Serie A |27 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 7{{efn|name=UCL}} | 1 | 4{{efn|One appearance and one goal in Supercoppa Italiana, one appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances and one goal in FIFA Club World Cup}} | 2 | 42 | 5 | |
| 2011–12
|Serie A |1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!47 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 70 | 8 | |
| Napoli (loan)
|Serie A |30 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 7{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 42 | 7 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Napoli
|Serie A |33 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 6{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}} | 0 | 1{{efn|Appearance in Supercoppa Italiana}} | 1 | 41 | 7 | |
| 2013–14
|Serie A |29 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 9{{efn|Five appearances in UEFA Champions League, four appearances and one goal in UEFA Europa League}} | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 41 | 8 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!92 | 19 | 9 | 1 | 22 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 124 | 22 | |
| Galatasaray
|4 | 0 | 10 | 7 | 3{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 7 | |
| rowspan="8"|Genoa
|Serie A |15 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 16 | 0 | |||
| 2016–17
|Serie A |20 | 3 | 3 | 4 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 23 | 7 | |||
| 2017–18
|Serie A |32 | 5 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 33 | 5 | |||
| 2018–19
|Serie A |26 | 4 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 28 | 4 | |||
| 2019–20
|Serie A |34 | 9 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 35 | 9 | |||
| 2020–21
|Serie A |29 | 7 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 30 | 7 | |||
| 2021–22
|Serie A |20 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 22 | 0 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!176 | 28 | 11 | 4 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 187 | 32 | |||
| Parma
|11 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 11 | 1 | ||||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!549 | 112 | 55 | 22 | 50 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 659 | 145 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year{{NFT player|id=3992|name=Goran Pandev|access-date=27 July 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=15934|title=Goran Pandev - national football team player|website=EU-Football.info|access-date=27 July 2018}} | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="21"|North Macedonia{{efn|North Macedonia was known as Macedonia until 2019}}
|2001 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2002 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2003 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2004 | 8 | 4 | |
| 2005 | 7 | 3 | |
| 2006 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2007 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2008 | 8 | 3 | |
| 2009 | 10 | 8 | |
| 2010 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2011 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2012 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2013 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 8 | 1 | |
| 2017 | 9 | 4 | |
| 2018 | 7 | 2 | |
| 2019 | 9 | 1 | |
| 2020 | 6 | 2 | |
| 2021 | 8 | 2 | |
| colspan="2"|Total | 122 | 38 |
{{noteslist}}
:Scores and results list North Macedonia's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Pandev goal{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/goran-pandev/4072/|title=G. Pandev|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=5 September 2017}}
Honours
Lazio
- Serie A: 2009–10
- Coppa Italia: 2009–10, 2010–11
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2010
- UEFA Champions League: 2009–10
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2010
Napoli
Individual
- Macedonian Footballer of the Year: 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01ec-0e76bfb2569a-6697ba30a9d0-1000--pandev-and-bogatinov-take-fyrom-awards/ |title=Pandev and Bogatinov take FYROM awards |publisher=UEFA |last=Gasevski |first=Emil |date=26 December 2010 |access-date=4 November 2019 }}
- Coppa Italia top scorer: 2008–09, 2016–17{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/italcuptops.html |title=Italy - Coppa Italia Top Scorers |first1=Roberto|last1=Di Maggio |first2=Davide|last2=Rota |date=4 June 2015 |website=RSSSF |access-date=15 June 2015 }}
See also
{{portal bar|Biography|Association football|North Macedonia}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{NFT player}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20100126084815/http://pandev.ning.com/ Goran Pandev Fans Community] (archived 26 October 2010)
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20070912141538/http://www.goranpandev.com/index.htm Official website (GoranPandev.com)] (archived 12 September 2007)
{{North Macedonia squad UEFA Euro 2020}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
| fg = navy
| list1 =
{{Coppa Italia top scorers}}
{{Macedonian Footballer of the Year}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Pandev, Goran}}
Category:Footballers from Strumica
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:Macedonian men's footballers
Category:21st-century Macedonian sportsmen
Category:North Macedonia men's youth international footballers
Category:North Macedonia men's under-21 international footballers
Category:North Macedonia men's international footballers
Category:FIFA Men's Century Club
Category:Spezia Calcio players
Category:Galatasaray S.K. footballers
Category:Parma Calcio 1913 players
Category:Macedonian First Football League players
Category:UEFA Euro 2020 players
Category:Macedonian expatriate men's footballers
Category:Macedonian expatriate sportspeople in Italy
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Turkey
Category:Macedonian expatriate sportspeople in Turkey