Mërgim Mavraj
{{Short description|Albanian footballer (born 1986)}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{expand German|date=June 2022|topic=bio}}
{{expand Albanian|date=June 2022|topic=bio}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Mërgim Mavraj
| image = AUT vs. ALB 2016-03-26 (004) (Mavraj).jpg
| upright = 1.1
| caption = Mavraj with Albania in 2016
| fullname = Mërgim Mustafë Mavraj[http://www.gazetaexpress.com/sport/kush-ishte-babai-i-mergim-mavrajt-91514/?archive=1 Kush ishte babai i Mërgim Mavrajt? - Lajmet e fundit nga sporti] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926042425/http://www.gazetaexpress.com/sport/kush-ishte-babai-i-mergim-mavrajt-91514/?archive=1 |date=26 September 2017 }} Gazeta Express
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1986|6|9|df=y}}
| birth_place = Hanau, West Germany
| height = 1.89 m
| position = Centre-back
| currentclub =
| youthyears1 = 1996–1997 | youthclubs1 = Sportfreunde Seligenstadt
| youthyears2 = 1997–2003 | youthclubs2 = Kickers Offenbach
| youthyears3 = 2003–2004 | youthclubs3 = SG Rosenhöhe Offenbach
| youthyears4 = 2004–2005 | youthclubs4 = Darmstadt 98
| years1 = 2005–2007 | clubs1 = Darmstadt 98 | caps1 = 38 | goals1 = 2
| years2 = 2007–2008 | clubs2 = VfL Bochum II | caps2 = 8 | goals2 = 1
| years3 = 2007–2010 | clubs3 = VfL Bochum | caps3 = 65 | goals3 = 1
| years4 = 2011–2014 | clubs4 = Greuther Fürth | caps4 = 105 | goals4 = 3
| years5 = 2014–2016 | clubs5 = 1. FC Köln | caps5 = 43 | goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2015 | clubs6 = 1. FC Köln II | caps6 = 4 | goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2017–2018 | clubs7 = Hamburger SV | caps7 = 31 | goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2018 | clubs8 = Aris | caps8 = 5 | goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2019 | clubs9 = FC Ingolstadt | caps9 = 12 | goals9 = 0
| years10 = 2019–2021 | clubs10 = Greuther Fürth | caps10 = 42 | goals10 = 0
| years11 = 2021–2022 | clubs11 = Türkgücü München | caps11 = 13 | goals11 = 0
| totalcaps = 366
| totalgoals = 7
| nationalyears1 = 2007 | nationalteam1 = Germany U20 | nationalcaps1 = 1 | nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2007–2009 | nationalteam2 = Germany U21 | nationalcaps2 = 2 | nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2012–2020 | nationalteam3 = Albania | nationalcaps3 = 50 | nationalgoals3 = 3
| medaltemplates =
}}
Mërgim Mustafë Mavraj (born 9 June 1986) is a former professional footballer who played as a centre-back. Born in Germany, he represented the Albania national team from 2012 until 2020. Mavraj previously played for Germany U21 team, as well as spending his professional career in Germany, his place of birth, from 2005 to 2018 and again from 2019.
Club career
=Early career=
Mavraj was born in Hanau, West Germany to ethnic Albanian parents from Istok, Kosovo.[http://www.kfistogu.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=393&Itemid=48 Yjet e Istogut] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914124827/http://www.kfistogu.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=393&Itemid=48 |date=14 September 2017 }} K.F. Istogu "Mërgim Mavraj - Greuther Fürth: Mërgim Mavraj është lojtarë me origjinë nga Istogu, prindërit i ka nga Starodrane i Istokut. U lind më 9 Qershor 1986 në Hanau." He started playing football aged 10{{cite web|title=Mërgim Mavraj – Euro 2016 profile|url=http://euro.fshf.org/mergim-mavraj/|publisher=FSHF.org|access-date=29 November 2017|language=sq|quote=Kur i keni patur fillesat me futbollin? Kur keni filluar të luani si futbollist profesionist? Kam filluar të luaj kur isha rreth 10 vjec.|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201051442/http://euro.fshf.org/mergim-mavraj/|url-status=live}} at his first club Sportfreunde Seligenstadt in 1996. Then he joined Kickers Offenbach in 1997, where he stayed for six years until 2003. He spent the 2003–04 season at SG Rosenhöhe Offenbach before joining SV Darmstadt 98, where he played for the under-19 side for the 2004–05 campaign. He became a key member of the U-19s, starting in 23 league games and scoring three goals in the process, but his side finished bottom of the table with just four wins in 26 games all season.
=Darmstadt 98=
Mavraj was promoted to the senior SV Darmstadt 98 side during the 2005–06 season, making his professional debut on 18 March 2006 against SC Pfullendorf in the Regionalliga Süd. He started the game in defence, but was sent off in the 51st minute after receiving his second yellow card in the 3–1 away loss. In total during the 2005–06 season he made 13 appearances and scored two goals, helping his side finish fifth in the league. The next season would be his first as a professional footballer, where he played in 25 league games without scoring. His strong performances in the first half of the season did not go unnoticed as he was called up by Germany U21 coach Dieter Eilts for a friendly against Italy in February 2007. The 2006–07 season was a memorable one for Mavraj despite his side finished the campaign 16th in the table.
=VfL Bochum=
On 1 August 2007, signed to VfL Bochum for €350,000 and joined to reserve team that then played at Oberliga Westfalen. On 10 May 2008, he made his debut in the first at the 3–1 victory against Karlsruhe. A week later, managed to record another show of which also scored the team in his debut at the 2–1 loss to Hansa Rostock, at the reserve is made seven appearances and scored one and promoted with the club to Regionalliga West. At 2008–09 season, his status at the first team improved and he made 23 appearances and helped his team to stay in the Bundesliga.
=Greuther Fürth=
File:Mergim Mavraj.jpg in 2012.|200 px]]
On 23 January 2011, Mavraj signed to SpVgg Greuther Fürth for €200,000 . On 29 January 2011 he made his debut at the 2–2 draw against Alemannia Aachen at New Tivoli stadium, coming on as a substitute for Stephan Schröck in the 90th minute. He scored his first goal on 31 July 2011 in a DFB-Pokal game against Eimsbütteler TV finished in a 10–0 victory with Mavraj scoring the opening goal in the 17th minute.[http://albaniasoccer.com/lajme/shqiperi/kombetarja/5098-dfb-pokal--17-shqiptare-kalojne-turin-3-eliminohen-3-shenojne-13-nuk-aktivizohen-fare.html DFB Pokal / 17 shqiptare kalojne turin, 3 eliminohen, 3 shenojne, 13 nuk aktivizohen fare] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924225017/http://albaniasoccer.com/lajme/shqiperi/kombetarja/5098-dfb-pokal--17-shqiptare-kalojne-turin-3-eliminohen-3-shenojne-13-nuk-aktivizohen-fare.html |date=24 September 2017 }} AlbaniaSoccer On 2 October 2011, he scored his second goal for Greuther Fürth at the 2–2 draw against Karlsruher SC at the 91st of the game. At the 2011–12 season's end, Greuther Fürth got promoted to the Bundesliga.
On 7 August 2012, Mavraj took over from central defensive partner Thomas Kleine as the team captain for the 2012–13 Bundesliga season.{{cite web | url = http://www.focus.de/sport/fussball/bundesliga1/bundesliga-fuerth-erfolgreiche-premiere-fuer-kapitaen-mavraj_aid_796311.html | title = Erfolgreiche Premiere für Kapitän Mavraj | work = FOCUS Online | language = de | publisher = focus.de | date = 8 August 2012 | access-date = 25 August 2012 | archive-date = 8 January 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200108111716/https://www.focus.de/sport/fussball/bundesliga1/bundesliga-fuerth-erfolgreiche-premiere-fuer-kapitaen-mavraj_aid_796311.html | url-status = live }} He was elected captain by his teammates in a secret ballot, finishing ahead of Thomas Kleine, Gerald Asamoah, Stephan Fürstner and Milorad Peković.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}
On 3 March 2014, Mavraj scored the victory goal for his team against FSV Frankfurt and Greuther Fürth managed to win three gold points that keep the race for the return to the Bundesliga. The match came from behind two times, as the home team managed to score the opening goal in the tenth minute with Niko Gießelmann, then Frankfurt jumped in attack and managed to overthrow Greuther Fürth in the final minutes of the first-half, where it was Denis Epstein, who scored the equalizer with a penalty, and later was the fellow Albania national striker Edmond Kapllani who managed to stop the ball in the net. Over minutes Greuther Fürth managed to make balance exactly from the penalty, and then Mavraj managed to score in the 87th minute the winning goal for his team.{{cite news|url=http://www.sportishqiptar.com.al/newsite/2014/03/03/shenon-serish-kapllani-mavraj-rremben-festen/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306180655/http://www.sportishqiptar.com.al/newsite/2014/03/03/shenon-serish-kapllani-mavraj-rremben-festen/|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 March 2014|title=Shënon sërish Kapllani, Mavraj i rrëmben festën|publisher=Sporti Shqiptar|language=sq|date=3 March 2014|access-date=31 March 2016}}
Greuther Fürth finished third in the 2013–14 2. Bundesliga, advancing to the play-off promotion with Hamburger SV as the 16th position of the Bundesliga.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/national/germany/2-bundesliga/20132014/regular-season/r21345/|title=Summary - 2. Bundesliga - Germany - Results, fixtures, tables and news|publisher=Soccerway|date=31 March 2016|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-date=7 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407151822/http://int.soccerway.com/national/germany/2-bundesliga/20132014/regular-season/r21345/|url-status=live}} They played in a two-legged game, were the first leg match played in Hamburg ended in a goalless draw with Mavraj playing the full 90-minutes{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/05/15/germany/play-offs-12/hamburger-sv/spvgg-greuther-furth/1667522/|title=Hamburger SV vs. Greuther Fürth 0 – 0|publisher=Soccerway|date=15 May 2014|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-date=14 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414154555/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/05/15/germany/play-offs-12/hamburger-sv/spvgg-greuther-furth/1667522/|url-status=live}} and the second-leg match finishing in the 1–1 draw with Mavraj playing another full 90-minute match, as the two-legged match finished 1–1 on aggregate with Greuther Fürth losing on the away goals rule.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/05/18/germany/play-offs-12/spvgg-greuther-furth/hamburger-sv/1667523/|title=Greuther Fürth vs. Hamburger SV 1 – 1|publisher=Soccerway|date=18 May 2014|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-date=14 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414161655/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/05/18/germany/play-offs-12/spvgg-greuther-furth/hamburger-sv/1667523/|url-status=live}} Mavraj finished the season with a total of 30 appearances including one match played in the DFB-Pokal.
=1. FC Köln=
Mavraj had declared early that if Greuther Fürth didn't win promotion to the Bundesliga for the next season, he would leave the club after his contract expired on 30 June 2014{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/mavraj-kjo-ndeshja-e-fundit-me-furthin/|title=Mavraj: Kjo, ndeshja ime e fundit me Furth|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=19 May 2014|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-date=17 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417182318/http://www.panorama-sport.com/mavraj-kjo-ndeshja-e-fundit-me-furthin/|url-status=live}} and on 19 May 2014, 2. Bundesliga winners and thus just recently promoted to the Bundesliga, 1. FC Köln announced to have signed Mavraj on a three-year contract until 30 June 2017.{{cite news|url=http://www.fc-koeln.de/news/detailansicht/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=7745&cHash=ec5c776643d98f63d76937de382e9dd4|title=Mergim Mavraj wechselt zum FC|trans-title=Mergim Mavraj moves to the FC|date=19 May 2014|access-date=14 January 2015|language=de|publisher=1. FC Köln|archive-date=21 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521204124/http://www.fc-koeln.de/news/detailansicht/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=7745&cHash=ec5c776643d98f63d76937de382e9dd4|url-status=live}}
On 19 December 2015, Mavraj returned to the football fields after seven months absence, playing the last minutes in the 2–1 triumph over Borussia Dortmund in Bundesliga.{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/shenojne-memushaj-dhe-berisha-rikthehet-mavraj/|title=Shënojnë Memushaj dhe Berisha, rikthehet Mavraj|date=19 December 2014|access-date=20 December 2015|language=sq|publisher=Panorama Sport|archive-date=20 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220224218/http://www.panorama-sport.com/shenojne-memushaj-dhe-berisha-rikthehet-mavraj/|url-status=live}} That was his 100th Bundesliga appearance.
=Hamburger SV=
On 27 December 2016, Mavraj signed with fellow Bundesliga team Hamburger SV until 30 June 2019 for a transfer fee of reportedly €1.8 million.[https://www.hsv.de/news/meldungen/saison-2016-17/dezember2016/hsv-neuzugang-mergim-mavraj-ich-identifiziere-mich-voll-mit-dieser-aufgabe/ HSV-Neuzugang Mergim Mavraj: "Ich identifiziere mich voll mit dieser Aufgabe!":] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228033024/https://www.hsv.de/news/meldungen/saison-2016-17/dezember2016/hsv-neuzugang-mergim-mavraj-ich-identifiziere-mich-voll-mit-dieser-aufgabe/ |date=28 December 2016 }} HSV.de[http://www.supersport.al/mavraj-te-hamburgu-jam-ne-nje-klub-me-histori/ Mavraj te Hamburgu: Jam në një klub me histori] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806182039/http://www.supersport.al/mavraj-te-hamburgu-jam-ne-nje-klub-me-histori/ |date=6 August 2017 }} SuperSport Following an impressive performance in his 5th match for Hamburger SV on 12 February 2017 which helped his team to take a clear 3–0 victory against the eventual runners-up of the 2016–17 Bundesliga RB Leipzig, Mavraj was selected for the team of the weak by kicker.{{cite news|author1=Olsi Karagjozi|title=Mavraj në formacionin e javës së "Kicker"|url=http://www.supersport.al/mavraj-ne-formacionin-e-javes-se-kicker/|access-date=11 September 2017|publisher=SuperSport Albania|date=13 February 2017|language=sq|archive-date=12 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912055811/http://www.supersport.al/mavraj-ne-formacionin-e-javes-se-kicker/|url-status=live}}[http://sportekspres.com/mavraj-pa-defekte-ne-11-shen-e-javes/ Mavraj pa defekte, në 11-shen e javës] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805141958/http://sportekspres.com/mavraj-pa-defekte-ne-11-shen-e-javes/ |date=5 August 2017 }} Sport Ekspres{{cite news|url=https://www.kicker.de/bundesliga/elf-des-tages/2016-17/20|title=1. Bundesliga - Elf des Tages|trans-title=1. Bundesliga - Team of the Matchday|access-date=6 August 2017|language=de|publisher=kicker|archive-date=2 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902051500/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/spieltag/1-bundesliga/2016-17/20/elf-des-tages-am-spieltag.html|url-status=live}}
On 31 January 2017, Mavraj was selected in the best eleven of the first half of the 2016–17 Bundesliga in a voting competition where he took 26% of total votes, one percent less than Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Borussia Dortmund, leaving behind centre-backs such as Bayern Munich duo Mats Hummels and Jérôme Boateng.{{cite web|title=Mavraj, në top11 të fazës së parë|url=http://sportekspres.com/mavraj-ne-top11-te-fazes-se-pare/|publisher=Sport Ekspres|access-date=10 September 2017|archive-date=10 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910130032/http://sportekspres.com/mavraj-ne-top11-te-fazes-se-pare/|url-status=live}}
In the start of the 2017–18 season, on 10 August 2017 Mavraj was named Vice-captain of Hamburger SV among fellow defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos.[http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/hamburgu-gradon-mavrajn-mbrojtesi-shqiptar-behet-zevendeskapiten/ Hamburgu gradon Mavrajn, mbrojtësi shqiptar bëhet zëvendëskapiten] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811055339/http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/hamburgu-gradon-mavrajn-mbrojtesi-shqiptar-behet-zevendeskapiten/ |date=11 August 2017 }} Panorama Sport
=Aris=
On 5 September 2018, Aris announced the signing of Mavraj, on a two-year contract. On 2 January 2019, after a rather mediocre season, he resolved his contract with the club, ahead of a move to 2. Bundesliga club FC Ingolstadt.{{cite news|url=https://www.alsat-m.tv/mavraj-firmos-me-ingolstadt/|title=Mavraj firmos me Ingolstadt|date=2 January 2019|access-date=2 January 2019|website=alsat-m.tv|language=sq|archive-date=3 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103055725/https://www.alsat-m.tv/mavraj-firmos-me-ingolstadt/|url-status=live}} On 12 October 2018, Mavraj announced that he had obtained a Greek passport.{{Cite web |url=http://www.gazzetta.gr/football/superleague/article/1280302/o-mavrai-apektise-elliniko-diavatirio |title=gazzetta.gr Ο Μάβραϊ απέκτησε ελληνικό διαβατήριο! |access-date=12 October 2018 |archive-date=13 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013014352/http://www.gazzetta.gr/football/superleague/article/1280302/o-mavrai-apektise-elliniko-diavatirio |url-status=live }}
=FC Ingolstadt=
On 3 January 2019, FC Ingolstadt 04 announced the signing of Mavraj, on a 1.5-year contract.{{cite news|url=https://www.kicker.de/absoluter-siegertyp_ingolstadt-holt-sich-mavraj-739262/artikel|title="Absoluter Siegertyp": Ingolstadt holt sich Mavraj|date=3 January 2019|access-date=3 January 2019|website=Kicker|language=de|archive-date=3 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103211636/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/2bundesliga/startseite/739262/artikel_absoluter-siegertyp_ingolstadt-holt-sich-mavraj.html|url-status=live}}
International career
=Germany youth national teams=
Mavraj represented Germany at various youth levels.
=Albania=
Mavraj was eligible to play for Albania because his parents are ethnic Albanians from Kosovo. He started applying for the Albanian citizenship in September 2006 along with Besart Berisha, Genc Mehmeti and Alban Dragusha, following the recommendations of Hans-Peter Briegel before he resigned from his role as the manager of the Albania national team. Mavraj got involved for the first time with Albania in 2006 at the age of 19 in a crowding with young talent players by FSHF and the Albania national football team's coach Otto Barić which rated him well and asked to give him the Albanian passport. Mavraj received the Albanian citizenship on 27 September 2006 along with Berisha.{{cite web|url=https://qbz.gov.al/eli/dekret/2006/09/27/5037|title=PËR DHËNIE TË SHTETËSISË SHQIPTARE|trans-title=FOR GIVING THE ALBANIAN CITIZENSHIP|publisher=Qendra e Botimeve Zyrtare|language=sq|date=27 September 2006|access-date=3 January 2023|archive-date=3 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103210901/https://qbz.gov.al/eli/dekret/2006/09/27/5037|url-status=live}} Then he called up from Albania national under-21 football team but he refused as he wanted directly the senior team., feeling undervalued by the FSHF.{{cite news|url=http://www.gazetatema.net/web/2014/05/27/mavraj-e-verteta-e-refuzimit-shqiperise-me-2007/|title=Mavraj: E vërteta e refuzimit Shqipërisë më 2007|publisher=Gazeta Tema|language=sq|date=27 May 2014|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202184536/http://www.gazetatema.net/web/2014/05/27/mavraj-e-verteta-e-refuzimit-shqiperise-me-2007/|archive-date=2 December 2014|url-status=dead}}
=Germany U21=
Following his refusal to represent Albania in February 2007, he received German citizenship later the same month and immediately joined the German U21 national team.{{cite web |url=https://www.dfb.de/index.php?id=504316&spielid=266&action=schema&teama=Deutschland&teamb=Italien |title=U21 Statistik: Deutschland – Italien |date=21 February 2007 |language=de |publisher=Deutscher Fußball-Bund |access-date=26 December 2009 |archive-date=8 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608115359/http://www.dfb.de/index.php?id=504316&spielid=266&action=schema&teama=Deutschland&teamb=Italien |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.dfb.de/index.php?id=504316&spielid=309&action=schema&teama=Deutschland&teamb=Wei%26%23223%3Brussland |title=U21 Statistik: Deutschland – Weißrussland |date=31 March 2009 |language=de |publisher=Deutscher Fußball-Bund |access-date=26 December 2009 |archive-date=4 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090404031602/http://www.dfb.de/index.php?id=504316&spielid=309&action=schema&teama=Deutschland&teamb=Wei%26%23223;russland |url-status=live }}[http://datencenter.dfb.de/profil/28 Christian Horcher Personenprofil] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202063013/http://datencenter.dfb.de/profil/28 |date=2 February 2017 }} DFB - Deutscher Fußball-Bund e.V. He made his debut for the U21 side on 21 February 2007 against Italy in a friendly, coming on as a 67th-minute substitute for Torben Joneleit in the goalless draw. Following his debut for Germany U21, he had trouble breaking into the team and did not feature again for over two years. His next and final game for Germany U21 came on 31 March 2012 against Belarus in 1–1 draw, with Mavraj playing the full game at centre back.
=Albania national team=
FSHF gave Mavraj a chance to play international football at a senior level by permitting the Albanian manager at the time Josip Kuže to call him up for a friendly in Tirana against Northern Ireland on 3 March 2010.{{cite news|url=http://www.yllpress.com/8065/mergim-mavraj-ne-kombetare-kunder-irlandes-se-veriut.html|title=Mergim Mavraj në Kombëtare kundër Irlandës së Veriut|publisher=Yll Press|language=sq|date=12 February 2010|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025112/http://www.yllpress.com/8065/mergim-mavraj-ne-kombetare-kunder-irlandes-se-veriut.html|url-status=live}} This was his first senior international call up, and one which he accepted. However, just one day prior to the team meeting up to begin preparing for the game Mavraj backed down and did not show up, much to the dislike of the FSHF and the Albanian fans, who accused him of being a traitor for rejecting Albania twice.{{cite news|url=http://www.partizani.net/files/news.php?readmore=2043 |title=Lajme: Mavraj i habitur per irritimin e tifozeve shqiptare |publisher=FutbolliShqiptar.net |language=sq |date=12 March 2010 |access-date=31 March 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911001658/http://www.partizani.net/files/news.php?readmore=2043 |archive-date=11 September 2014 }} Mavraj himself however rejected this notion of rejecting Albania, stating that he asked for more time to decide on his international future, nonetheless the FSHF admitted that Mavraj would never be allowed to play for Albania in the future.{{cite news |url=http://asport.al/fshf-me-rregull-te-ri-kush-refuzon-nje-here-perjashtohet-nga-kombetarja/ |title=FSHF me rregull të ri: Kush refuzon një herë, përjashtohet nga Kombëtarja! |publisher=aSport.al |language=sq |date=25 March 2010 |access-date=31 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514012647/http://asport.al/fshf-me-rregull-te-ri-kush-refuzon-nje-here-perjashtohet-nga-kombetarja/ |archive-date=14 May 2016 |url-status=dead }} The sudden change of mind regarding his international call up was reportedly due to a conversation he had on the phone with Matthias Sammer, who was technical director of the German Football Association at the time. Sammer told Mavraj that he may have a future with the Germany national team and that he would be considered for an invitation to the senior side after the 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, following difficulties at club level with VfL Bochum and relegation to the 2. Bundesliga at the end of the 2009–10 season, his dream of playing for Germany had become highly unrealistic.[http://zeri.info/sport/57398/a-e-dini-pse-mergim-mavraj-nuk-luan-per-gjermanine-por-per-shqiperine/ A e dini pse Mërgim Mavraj nuk luan për Gjermaninë por për Shqipërinë? - Sport] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303130953/http://zeri.info/sport/57398/a-e-dini-pse-mergim-mavraj-nuk-luan-per-gjermanine-por-per-shqiperine/ |date=3 March 2017 }} Zeri
Following good performances with new club Greuther Fürth he grabbed the attention of the FSHF for a third time, this time more reluctantly as Albania were in need of a quality defender. Despite making it clear that he would never play for Albania, the FSHF opened the door to Mavraj once again. He publicly announced in 2012 that he would make himself available for selection by the national team, which Gianni De Biasi did for friendlies against Qatar and Iran.{{cite news|url=http://gazeta-shqip.com/lajme/2012/05/18/shpallet-lista-e-kombetares-de-biazi-sjell-pese-surpriza/|title=Shpallet lista e Kombëtares, De Biazi sjell pesë surpriza|publisher=Gazeta SHQIP|language=sq|author=Altin Manallari|date=18 May 2012|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-date=14 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414000504/http://www.gazeta-shqip.com/lajme/2012/05/18/shpallet-lista-e-kombetares-de-biazi-sjell-pese-surpriza/|url-status=live}}
He made his senior international debut against Qatar on 22 May 2012 at Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas, Madrid, Spain in a game which ended in a 2–1 victory for Albania.
==2014 FIFA World Cup qualification==
He made it his first official debut for Albania on 7 September 2012 in the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification Group E against Cyprus, playing the full 90 minutes, which finished in the home 3–1 victory.{{cite news|url=http://time.ikub.al/803fecf610/1e9ddd6d52f12595050af607dc29b928/Lajm_Shqiperia-e-nis-mbare-golat-vijne-nga-stoli.aspx|title=Shqipëria e nis mbarë, golat vijnë nga stoli|publisher=Time.al|language=sq|date=7 September 2012|access-date=28 December 2014|archive-date=28 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028181356/http://time.ikub.al/803fecf610/1e9ddd6d52f12595050af607dc29b928/Lajm_Shqiperia-e-nis-mbare-golat-vijne-nga-stoli.aspx|url-status=live}} Mavraj missed out 7th and 8th matches in September 2013 due to the injury but recovered in time for two last games against Switzerland and Cyprus on 11 and 15 October 2013.[http://www.sportishqiptar.com.al/newsite/2013/10/07/rikthehen-mavraj-e-meha-de-biazi-harron-kapllanin/ Rikthehen Mavraj e Meha, De Biazi harron Kapllanin] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729055215/http://www.sportishqiptar.com.al/newsite/2013/10/07/rikthehen-mavraj-e-meha-de-biazi-harron-kapllanin/ |date=29 July 2017 }} Sporti Shqiptar For his performances during the qualifiers, Mavraj among Ervin Bulku were rated as impenetrable and very actives on the field.[http://www.sportishqiptar.com.al/newsite/2013/06/08/rama-i-frikshem-mavraj-dhe-bulku-te-pakalueshem/ Rama i frikshëm, Mavraj dhe Bulku të pakalueshëm] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729052716/http://www.sportishqiptar.com.al/newsite/2013/06/08/rama-i-frikshem-mavraj-dhe-bulku-te-pakalueshem/ |date=29 July 2017 }} Sporti Shqiptar
Mavraj scored the first goal for the Albania team on 8 June 2014 against San Marino, where he played as a starter and scored in the 28th minute the opening goal of a 3–0 victory.{{cite news|url=http://www.gazetaexpress.com/sport/shqiperia-ia-gjen-hallin-san-marinos-e-mposht-30-video-20183/?archive=1|title=Shqipëria ia gjen hallin San Marinos, e mposht 3:0 (VIDEO)|publisher=Gazeta Express|language=sq|date=8 June 2014|access-date=25 March 2016|archive-date=7 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407214835/http://www.gazetaexpress.com/sport/shqiperia-ia-gjen-hallin-san-marinos-e-mposht-30-video-20183/?archive=1|url-status=live}}
==UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers==
Mavraj started another qualification campaign, the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers, as on 7 September 2014 he played a full 90-minutes match in the 1–0 away victory against Portugal.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/239815/|title="Bekim" kuqezi në Aveiro, Shqipëria shokon Portugalinë|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=7 September 2014|access-date=7 September 2014|archive-date=13 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413155256/http://www.panorama-sport.com/239815/|url-status=live}} He made it a good performance in this opening match of the qualifiers and was included in the best eleven team of the first round matches of the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2014/09/10/5094843/euro-2016-team-of-the-week-lewandowski-and-muller-unstoppable-as-|title=Euro 2016 Team of the Week: Lewandowski & Muller unstoppable as Albania make their mark|publisher=Goal.com|date=10 September 2014|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-date=21 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321221715/http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2014/09/10/5094843/euro-2016-team-of-the-week-lewandowski-and-muller-unstoppable-as-|url-status=live}}
On 14 November 2014, Mavraj scored his second goal for Albania during the "Group I" centralised friendly against the Euro 2016 hosts France. Mavraj scored the opening goal in the 40th minute after an assist by Elseid Hysaj. Its goal was equaled and the match finished in the 1–1 draw.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/11/14/world/friendlies/france/albania/1665139/|title=France vs. Albania 1 – 1|publisher=Soccerway|date=14 November 2014|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-date=16 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316151228/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/11/14/world/friendlies/france/albania/1665139/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/cfare-shqiperie-e-bukur-flirton-me-fitoren-brenda-ne-france/|title=Çfarë Shqipërie e bukur, "flirton" me fitoren brenda në Francë|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=15 November 2014|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-date=18 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418065341/http://www.panorama-sport.com/cfare-shqiperie-e-bukur-flirton-me-fitoren-brenda-ne-france/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/kombetarja/vleresimi-i-medias-franceze-mavraj-e-lenjani-me-te-miret/|title=Vlerësimi i medias franceze: Mavraj e Lenjani, më të mirët|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=15 November 2014|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141203140422/http://www.panorama-sport.com/kombetarja/vleresimi-i-medias-franceze-mavraj-e-lenjani-me-te-miret/|archive-date=3 December 2014|url-status=dead}}
==Euro 2016==
On 21 May 2016, Mavraj was named in Albania's preliminary 27-man squad for UEFA Euro 2016,{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d813edc940a-8dc9dd59ba20-1000--de-biasi-leaves-out-albanian-top-scorer-salihi/|title=De Biasi leaves out Albanian top scorer Salihi|publisher=UEFA|author=Fatjon Pandovski|date=21 May 2016|access-date=30 May 2016|archive-date=17 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217112246/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d813edc940a-8dc9dd59ba20-1000--de-biasi-leaves-out-albanian-top-scorer-salihi/|url-status=live}} and in Albania's final 23-man UEFA Euro squad on 31 May.{{cite news|url=http://euro.fshf.org/de-biasi-shpall-listen-zyrtare-te-euro-2016/|title=De Biasi shpall listën zyrtare të Euro 2016|publisher=FSHF.org|date=31 May 2016|access-date=31 May 2016|archive-date=3 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603000429/http://euro.fshf.org/de-biasi-shpall-listen-zyrtare-te-euro-2016/|url-status=live}} On 28 May, he captained his side for the first time during the Euro 2016 warm-up match against Qatar, which ended in a 3–1 win, becoming the youngest ever captain.{{cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/friendlies/season=2016/matches/round=2000582/match=2019730/postmatch/report/index.html|title=Albania rally to quell Qatar|publisher=UEFA|date=29 May 2016|access-date=30 May 2016|archive-date=1 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601025402/http://www.uefa.com/friendlies/season=2016/matches/round=2000582/match=2019730/postmatch/report/index.html|url-status=dead}}
Mavraj played every minute of all Group A matches as Albania were eliminated by ranking in the third place behind hosts France against which they lost 2–0 and Switzerland against which they also lost 1–0 in the opening match and ahead of Romania by beating them 1–0 in the closing match with a goal by Armando Sadiku.[https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/teams/2--albania/ UEFA EURO 2016 - Albania - Matches] UEFA.com Albania finished the group in the third position with three points and with a goal difference –2, and was ranked last in the third-placed teams, which eventually eliminated them.{{cite news|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/albania-out-euro-2016-after-portugal-draw-hungary|title=Albania out of Euro 2016 after Portugal draw with Hungary|publisher=Fourfourtwo.com|date=22 June 2016|access-date=9 October 2016|archive-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009193113/http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/albania-out-euro-2016-after-portugal-draw-hungary|url-status=live}}
Personal life
His first name Mërgim means 'migration' in Albanian.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
Career statistics
=Club=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition{{Soccerway|mergim-mavraj/16475|accessdate=12 December 2017}}{{NFT|47669|accessdate=1 December 2017}} | ||||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|Cup !colspan="2"|Europe{{efn|Includes UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League}} !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan="3"|Darmstadt 98 | rowspan="2"|Regionalliga Süd | 13 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 13 | 2 | ||
| 2006–07
|25 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 25 | 0 | ||||
| colspan="2"|Total
!38 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 2 | |
| rowspan="3"|VfL Bochum II
|7 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 7 | 1 | ||||
| 2008–09
|1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | ||||
| colspan="2"|Total
!8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | |
| rowspan="5"|VfL Bochum
|rowspan="3"|Bundesliga |2 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 1 | ||||
| 2008–09
|23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 23 | 0 | |||
| 2009–10
|27 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 28 | 0 | |||
| 2010–11
|13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 14 | 0 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!65 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 67 | 1 | |
| rowspan="5"|Greuther Fürth
|rowspan="2"|2. Bundesliga |13 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 13 | 0 | ||||
| 2011–12
|31 | 2 | 5 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 36 | 3 | |||
| 2012–13
|Bundesliga |32 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 33 | 0 | |||
| 2013–14
|2. Bundesliga |29 | 1 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 2{{efn|Appearances in 2013–14 Bundesliga relegation play-offs}} | 0 | 32 | 1 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!105 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 114 | 4 | |
| 1. FC Köln II
|Regionalliga West |4 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 4 | 0 | ||||
| rowspan="4"|1. FC Köln
|rowspan="3"|Bundesliga |15 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 17 | 0 | |||
| 2015–16
|12 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 12 | 0 | ||||
| 2016–17
|16 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 17 | 0 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!43 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 46 | 0 | |
| rowspan="3"|Hamburger SV
|rowspan="2"|Bundesliga | 14 | 0 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 17 | 0 | ||
| |2017–18
|17 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 18 | 0 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!31 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 0 | |
| Aris
|5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 7 | 0 | |||
| FC Ingolstadt
|2. Bundesliga |12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 2{{efn|Appearances in league play-offs}} | 0 | 14 | 0 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Greuther Fürth
|rowspan="2"|2. Bundesliga |23 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 24 | 0 | |||
| 2020–21
|19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 19 | 0 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!42 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 0 | |
| Türkgücü München
|3. Liga |13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 14 | 0 | |||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!366 | 7 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 390 | 8 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year{{cite news|url=http://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=27738|title=Mergim Mavraj - national football team player|publisher=EU-Football.info|date=31 March 2016|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-date=6 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406072857/http://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=27738|url-status=live}} | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="8"|Albania
|2012 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 8 | 2 | |
| 2015 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2016 | 11 | 0 | |
| 2017 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2018 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 2 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total | 50 | 3 |
:Scores and results list Albania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Mavraj goal.
Honours
Greuther Fürth
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerway|mergim-mavraj/16475}}
- {{Fussballdaten|mavrajmergim}}
- {{NFT|47669}}
- {{FSHF|227570}}
- [http://euro.fshf.org/mergim-mavraj/ Mërgim Mavraj – Euro 2016 profile] at FSHF.org
{{Albania squad UEFA Euro 2016}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mavraj, Mergim}}
Category:Footballers from Hanau
Category:German people of Albanian descent
Category:Sportspeople of Albanian descent
Category:German people of Kosovan descent
Category:Albanian people of Kosovan descent
Category:Albanian people of German descent
Category:Men's association football central defenders
Category:Albanian men's footballers
Category:21st-century Albanian sportsmen
Category:Albania men's international footballers
Category:German men's footballers
Category:Germany men's under-21 international footballers
Category:Germany men's youth international footballers
Category:SV Darmstadt 98 players
Category:VfL Bochum II players
Category:SpVgg Greuther Fürth players
Category:1. FC Köln II players
Category:Aris Thessaloniki F.C. players
Category:FC Ingolstadt 04 players
Category:Türkgücü München players
Category:2. Bundesliga players
Category:Oberliga (football) players
Category:UEFA Euro 2016 players
Category:Albanian expatriate men's footballers
Category:German expatriate men's footballers
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Greece
Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Greece