Xhevahir Sukaj
{{short description|Albanian footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2019}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Xhevahir Sukaj
| fullname =
| image =
| caption =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1987|10|5}}
| birth_place = Shkodër, Albania
| height = {{height|m=1.84}}
| position = Striker
| currentclub =
| clubnumber =
| youthclubs1 = Vllaznia Shkodër
| youthyears1 = 2002–2004
| years1 = 2004–2008
| clubs1 = Vllaznia Shkodër
| caps1 = 75
| goals1 = 19
| years2 = 2005–2006
| clubs2 = → Elbasani (loan)
| caps2 = 10
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2008–2010
| clubs3 = Gençlerbirliği
| caps3 = 0
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2008–2009
| clubs4 = → Hacettepe (loan)
| caps4 = 11
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2009
| clubs5 = → Vllaznia Shkodër (loan)
| caps5 = 14
| goals5 = 11
| years6 = 2009–2010
| clubs6 = → Orduspor (loan)
| caps6 = 10
| goals6 = 2
| years7 = 2010
| clubs7 = → Ismaily (loan)
| caps7 = 3
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2010–2011
| clubs8 = NK Zagreb
| caps8 = 5
| goals8 = 1
| years9 = 2011–2012
| clubs9 = Vllaznia Shkodër
| caps9 = 20
| goals9 = 15
| years10 = 2012–2015
| clubs10 = Sepahan
| caps10 = 70
| goals10 = 15
| years11 = 2015–2016
| clubs11 = Partizani Tirana
| caps11 = 31
| goals11 = 21
| years12 = 2016
| clubs12 = Perak FA
| caps12 = 4
| goals12 = 2
| years13 = 2017
| clubs13 = Partizani Tirana
| caps13 = 16
| goals13 = 4
| years14 = 2018
| clubs14 = Vllaznia Shkodër
| caps14 = 18
| goals14 = 8
| years15 = 2018
| clubs15 = Laçi
| caps15 = 2
| goals15 = 0
| years16 = 2019–2020
| clubs16 = Flamurtari Vlorë
| caps16 = 21
| goals16 = 4
| nationalteam1 = Albania U21
| nationalteam2 = Albania
| nationalyears1 = 2005–2009
| nationalyears2 = 2008
| nationalcaps1 = 15
| nationalcaps2 = 1
| nationalgoals1 = 5
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| pcupdate =
| ntupdate =
}}
Xhevahir Sukaj (born 5 October 1987) is an Albanian former professional footballer who played as a striker.
He has played for Vllaznia Shkodër and Elbasani in Albania, Hacettepe and Orduspor in Turkey, Ismaily in Egypt, NK Zagreb in Croatia and most recently Sepahan in Iran.
Club career
=Early career=
Sukaj is a product of the Vllaznia academy and in 2004 he was promoted to the first team at the age of just 16. The 2004–05 season was his first in professional football and he made 15 league appearances scoring 1 goal along the way helping Vllaznia finish 4th in the table. In the Albanian Cup, Sukaj managed to grab 2 goals in the 8–0 thrashing of Tërbuni Pukë in the 2nd round of the cup. Vllaznia reached the semi-finals that season but were eventually knocked out by Tirana after a 3–2 aggregate loss.{{cite news|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/albacup05.html|title=Albania Cup 2004/05|author=Giovanni Nappi|website=RSSSF|access-date=10 September 2009}}
He was then loaned out to Elbasani for the 2005–06 season in order to gain some more first team experience, but Sukaj found it difficult to compete with the more experienced strikers at the club and only managed to feature in 4 league games without scoring, but he did win the Albanian Superliga that season with Elbasani. He reached the Albanian Cup semi-finals again but did not score in any game during his loan.
Sukaj returned to Vllaznia in 2006 and immediately established himself in the first team and was instrumental in helping Vllaznia finish 3rd in the league with 8 goals in 31 games. He also scored 3 goals in the cup where Vllaznia were narrowly knocked out in the quarter-finals through the away goal rule against Partizani Tirana.{{cite news|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/albacup07.html|title=Albania Cup 2006/07|author=Giovanni Nappi|website=RSSSF|access-date=21 August 2015}} Overall, he scored 11 goals in the 2006–07 season.
During the 2007–08 season Vllaznia played in the Intertoto Cup where Sukaj made his first European appearance in the return leg of the 1st round against NK Zagreb, but after wasting chances he was substituted by the coach Mirel Josa for Vioresin Sinani in the 69th minute. Vllaznia were then drawn against Turkish club Trabzonspor in the next round where Vllaznia were beaten 10–0 on aggregate, with Sukaj only playing the first leg, as he was dropped to the bench by Josa for the return leg.{{cite news|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesu/uic07det.html |title=UEFA Intertoto Cup 2007 |date=21 September 2007 |access-date=10 September 2009 |work=RSSSF |author=Marcel Haisma |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924181526/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesu/uic07det.html |archive-date=24 September 2009 }} In the league Vllaznia had a difficult season finishing only 7th, despite Sukaj scoring 10 goals in 28 games. His side did however manage to win the Albanian Cup with the help of 3 goals by Sukaj, including the winning goal in the final against KF Tirana.{{cite news|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/albacup08.html |title=Albania Cup 2007/08 |date=4 September 2007 |access-date=10 September 2009 |work=RSSSF |author=Giovanni Nappi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090818172822/http://rsssf.com/tablesa/albacup08.html |archive-date=18 August 2009 }} His goal tally reached 13 for the 2007–08 season and he won his first trophy with Vllaznia.
In the 2008–09 UEFA Cup qualification Sukaj scored 2 away goals against Slovenian side NK Koper in the first half of the 2–1 win.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/303529--koper-vs-vllaznia/|title=Koper 1-2 Vllaznia|date=17 July 2008|access-date=10 September 2009|work=UEFA}} His goals put Vllaznia through to the second round as the 2nd leg finished goal less and his side were drawn against Italian giants Napoli. Sukaj's double in Slovenia earned his team their first win the competition in their 7 games played and Sukaj gained the record of becoming the first ever Vllaznia player to score more than one goal in a European game.{{cite news|url=http://www.zemrashqiptare.net/article/Sporti/3961/|title=Sukaj, rekord unikal me Vllazninë|trans-title=Sukaj, the unique record with Vllaznia|publisher=Zemra Shqiptare|language=sq|date=20 July 2008|access-date=10 September 2010}} He played his last game for the club before moving abroad in the first leg of the next round against Napoli, where Vllaznia were outclassed and beaten 3–0 at home.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/303852--vllaznia-vs-napoli/|title=Vllaznia 0-3 Napoli|publisher=UEFA|date=14 August 2008|access-date=10 September 2011}}
=Gençlerbirliği=
His departure from Vllaznia Shkodër was announced on 4 August 2008. The club who actually secured his signature was Gençlerbirliği, who are the parent club of Hacettepe. He was loaned to Hacettepe, until the end of the season. After being unable to break into the first team he was loaned back to his homeland of Albania. He only started 2 games, but made other appearances off the bench.
;Vllaznia Shkodër
On his first match back he was able to get a hat-trick in the match against Besa Kavajë, helping the team to win the match 4–1.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/02/04/albania/super-league/ks-vllaznia-shkoder/ks-besa-kavaje/685590/?ICID=PL_MS_05|title=Vllaznia Shkodër vs. Besa Kavajë 4 – 1|publisher=Soccerway|date=4 February 2009|access-date=29 April 2017}} In the other 14 matches that season he scored another 7 goals.
;Orduspor
After an uneventful spell in Turkish top flight, Sukaj joined fellow Turkish side Orduspor by signing a two-year contract.{{cite news|url=http://www.fanatik.com.tr/2009/08/21/xhevahir-sukaj-ordusporda-142804|title=Xhevahir Sukaj Orduspor'da|trans-title=Xhevahir Sukaj in Orduspor|publisher=Fanatik.com.tr|language=tr|date=21 August 2009|access-date=29 April 2017}} He made his club debut on 30 August by appearing as a second-half substitute in the 2–0 home defeat to Altay.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/08/30/turkey/1-lig/orduspor/altay-sk-izmir/811655/|title=Orduspor vs. Altay 4 – 1|publisher=Soccerway|date=4 February 2009|access-date=29 April 2017}} Two goals in nine appearances were not enough to impress the club directors, who terminated his contract in January 2010.
;Ismaily
In January 2010, Sukaj signed a contract with Ismaily for the second part of 2009–10 season.{{cite news|url=http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/Sukaj-nje-faraon-shqiptar-ne-Egjipt.421032/|title=Sukaj, një "faraon" shqiptar në Egjipt|trans-title=Sukaj, an Albanian "pharaon" in Egypt|publisher=Arkiva Lajmeve|language=sq|date=5 March 2010|access-date=29 April 2017}}
=NK Zagreb=
Sukaj signed a three-year contract with Croatian side NK Zagreb on 15 July 2010, after it was widely believed that he would join Vllaznia once again.{{cite news|url=http://sport.gazetastart.com/lajm.php?kategoria=sport&nr=21442|title=Sukaj firmos për 3 vjet me NK Zagreb|trans-title=Sukaj signs for 3 years with NK Zagreb|publisher=Gazeta Start|language=sq|date=15 July 2010|access-date=20 June 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.yllpress.com/13617/xhevahir-sukaj-kontrate-3-vjecare-me-nk-zagreb.html|title=Xhevahir Sukaj, kontratë 3 vjeçare me NK Zagreb|trans-title=Xhevahir Sukaj, 3-year contract with NK Zagreb|publisher=Yll Press|author=Gjergji Mima|language=sq|date=15 July 2010|access-date=20 June 2011}} He only made five league appearances and scored one goal before terminating his contract in January.{{cite web|url=http://hrvsoccer.blogspot.com/2011/01/sivonjic-and-rodic-available.html|title=NK Zagreb release Sukaj|publisher=HRV Soccer|date=28 January 2011|access-date=20 June 2011}}
=Vllaznia Shkodër=
Sukaj returned to his first club Vllaznia Shkodër by signing a two-year contract in June 2013. On the opening day of the 2011–12 Albanian Superliga, he scored a hat-trick against Laçi to secure a win for his side, despite Vllaznia trailing the game after 43 minutes. Sukaj's goals came in the 73rd, 80th and 92nd minute of the game.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/09/10/albania/super-league/ks-vllaznia-shkoder/kf-laci/1212406/|title=Vllaznia Shkodër vs. Laçi 3 – 1|publisher=Soccerway|date=10 September 2011|access-date=10 September 2011}}
=Sepahan=
In January 2012, Sukaj completed his transfer to Iran Pro League side Sepahan by signing an 18-month deal.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/xhevahir-sukaj-zyrtarizon-kalimin-te-sepahan-ne-iran/|title=Xhevahir Sukaj zyrtarizon transferimin tek Sepahan në Iran|trans-title=Xhevahir Sukaj formalizes the transfer to Sepahan in Iran|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=17 January 2012|access-date=21 August 2015}} During the second part of 2011–12 season, he managed to score only two goals in ten appearances.
Sukaj won his third trophy with Sepahan in May 2015 after his club secured the league title in the very last week after beating 2–0 Saipa, where Sukaj featured in the last 14 minutes.{{cite news|url=http://albaniansport.net/new/legjionaret-xhevahir-sukaj-shpallet-kampion-ne-iran-me-sepahanin/|title=Legjionarët / Xhevahir Sukaj shpallet "kampion" në Iran me Sepahanin|trans-title=Legionaries / Xhevahir Sukaj is "champion" in Iran with Sepahan|publisher=Albanian Sport|language=sq|date=16 May 2015|access-date=21 August 2015}} After the end of the season, the club's directors decided not to renew his contract, leaving him as a free agent.{{cite news|url=http://sportal.al/shqiperi/kuqezi/item/5853-sukaj-largohet-nga-sepahan-i.html|title=Sukaj largohet nga Sepahan-i|trans-title=Sukaj leaves Sepahan|publisher=Sportal.al|language=sq|date=3 June 2015|access-date=21 August 2015}}
=Partizani Tirana=
He returned to Albania in the summer of 2015 and after being linked with a host of Albanian Superliga sides including his former club Vllaznia Shkodër he signed a one-year contract with Partizani Tirana on 21 July.{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/partizani-zyrtarizon-goditjen-e-madhe-xhevahir-sukaj/|title=Partizani zyrtarizon goditjen e madhe, Xhevahir Sukaj|trans-title=Partizani officialized the big move, Xhevahir Sukaj|publisher=Super Sport Albania|language=sq|author=Andi Deçka|date=21 July 2015|access-date=21 August 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.sot.com.al/sport/partizani-b%C3%ABn-supergoditje-n%C3%AB-sulm-vjen-xhevahir-sukaj|title=Partizani bën supergoditje në sulm, vjen Xhevahir Sukaj|trans-title=Partizani makes supermove in attack, Xhevahir Sukaj arrives|publisher=Sot.com.al|language=sq|date=21 July 2015|access-date=21 August 2015}} In the opening match of 2015–16 Albanian Superliga against Laçi at Qemal Stafa Stadium, Sukaj scored a goal with free-kick in the 64th minute to secure his side one point.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/kategoria-superiore-live-partizani-laci-0-0-po-luhet-pjesa-e-dyte/|title=Partizani dhe Laçi e nisin me "paqe", në "Qemal Stafa" mbyllet 1-1|trans-title=Partizani and Laçi begins with "peace", it finished 1-1 in "Qemal Stafa"|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=21 August 2015|access-date=21 August 2015}}
Sukaj was one of the top form players in the league as he scored a goal in each of his first seven matches for the team. For his performances, he was awarded Albanian Superliga Player of the Month for October 2015.{{cite news|url=http://telesport.al/xhevahir-sukaj-shpallet-lojtari-i-muajit-ne-superiore/|title=Xhevahir Sukaj shpallet "Lojtari i Muajit" në Superiore|trans-title=Xhevahir Sukaj is announced "Player of the month" in Superleague|publisher=Telesport.al|language=sq|author=Afred Lleshi|date=4 November 2015|access-date=4 November 2015}} After that, he suffered a goal drought as only netted once after 17 October 2015, which was against Tërbuni Pukë on 2 December 2015.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/partizani-shkaterron-terbunin-4-0-shperthejne-racic-dhe-sukaj/|title=Partizani shkatërron Tërbunin 4-0, shpërthejnë Raçiç dhe Sukaj|trans-title=Partizani destroys Tërbuni 4-0, Račić and Sukaj explodes|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=2 December 2015|access-date=29 April 2017}}
On 19 December 2015, he immediately got sent off against Skënderbeu Korçë for an altercation with Renato Arapi only seconds after coming into the pitch.{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/rrefet-sukaj-jam-penduar-per-veprimin-ndaj-arapit/|title=Sukaj: Jam penduar për veprimin ndaj Arapit|trans-title=Sukaj: I regret for the action against Arapi|publisher=Super Sport Albania|language=sq|author=Gjergji Stefa|date=20 December 2015|access-date=30 June 2016}} It was his first ever red card career. He was banned for 5 matches by the Disciplinary Committee of AFA.{{cite news|url=http://javanews.al/video-i-gjuajti-me-grusht-arapit-sukaj-pezullohet-me-5-ndeshje-partizani-luan-pa-tifoze/|title=I gjuajti me grusht Arapit, Sukaj pezullohet me 5 ndeshje, Partizani luan pa tifozë|trans-title=Video/ Punched Arapi, Sukaj banned for 5 matches, Partizani plays without fans|publisher=Java News|language=sq|date=21 December 2015|access-date=30 June 2016}}
He played his first match in 2016, coming off the bench to score in the 89th minute against Flamurtari Vlorë on 6 February 2016.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/02/06/albania/super-league/kf-partizani-tirana/ks-flamurtari-vlore/2074077/|title=Partizani Tirana vs. Flamurtari Vlorë 1 – 1|publisher=Soccerway|date=6 February 2016|access-date=30 June 2016}} With 21 league goals, Sukaj was the second highest scorer in the Albanian Superliga for the 2015–16 season, only six goals behind Golden Boot winner Hamdi Salihi.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/national/albania/super-league/20152016/regular-season/r31891/|title=Summary - Superliga - Albania - Results, fixtures, tables and news|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=30 June 2016}}
On 21 June 2016, Sukaj signed a new contract with Partizani Tirana, keeping him at the club until 2017.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/zyrtare-xhevahir-sukaj-edhe-nje-vit-pjese-e-partizanit/|title=Zyrtare / Xhevahir Sukaj, edhe një vit pjesë e Partizanit|trans-title=Official / Xhevahir Sukaj, one more year part of Partizani|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=21 June 2016|access-date=21 June 2016}} However, he announced his departure from the club eight days later after being told that he was not on the new coach's plans for the new season.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/xhevahir-sukaj-shpjegon-arsyet-e-lamtumires-nga-partizani/|title=Xhevahir Sukaj shpjegon arsyet e lamtumirës nga Partizani|trans-title=Xhevahir Sukaj explains the reasons of farewell from Partizani|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=29 June 2016|access-date=30 June 2016}}
=Perak FA=
On 28 June 2016, Sukaj joined Malaysia Super League club Perak FA on an 18-month contract, worth $500,000 per season.{{cite news|url=http://telesport.al/sukaj-firmos-perak-te-luaje-ne-stadiumin-44-mije-vendesh/|title=Sukaj firmos me Perak, do të luajë në stadiumin prej 44 mijë vendesh|trans-title=Sukaj signs with Perak, is going to play at 44,000 seat stadium|publisher=Telesport.al|language=sq|author=Alfred Lleshi|date=28 June 2016|access-date=29 April 2017}} He made his competitive debut with the team in the matchday 14 against FELDA United on 16 July, playing 83 minutes in a 1–1 away draw.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2016/07/16/malaysia/super-league/felda-united-fc/perak/2192328/|title=Felda United vs. Perak 1 – 1|publisher=Soccerway|date=16 July 2016|access-date=29 April 2017}} Three days later, Sukaj opened his scoring account in a Malaysian Cup Group C match against PDRM, which ended in a 2–1 home defeat.{{cite news|url=https://www.pengurusanbolasepakfam.org.my/livescore/index_game5?game_no=140|title=SPMB|language=ms|access-date=29 April 2017}} Then he scored his first goals in the league in his third appearance, netting a brace in a 2–1 win at Pahang.{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/sukaj-dygolesh-dhe-fitore-me-perak/|title=Sukaj dygolësh dhe fitore me Perak|trans-title=Sukaj brace and win with Perak|publisher=Super Sport Albania|language=sq|author=Andi Deçka|date=26 July 2016|access-date=29 April 2017}} Four days later, during the next cup match against Johor Darul Ta'zim in which Sukaj opened the score in the 12th minute, he suffered a major injury which forced him to leave the match.{{cite news|url=http://sport.oranews.tv/kupa-e-malajzise-xhevahir-sukaj-shenon-dhe-demtohet/|title=Kupa e Malajzisë, Xhevahir Sukaj shënon dhe dëmtohet|trans-title=Malaysian Cup, Xhevahir Sukaj scores and gets injured|publisher=Ora Sport|language=sq|date=31 July 2016|access-date=29 April 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-my/news/3896/malaysia/2016/08/07/26286422/perak-miss-elias-and-sukaj-gomez-happy-with-three-points|title=Perak miss Elias and Sukaj, Gomez happy with three points|publisher=Goal.com|author=Nik Afiq|date=7 August 2016|access-date=29 April 2017}}
=Partizani Tirana return=
Following his departure from Perak, Sukaj returned to Partizani Tirana in January 2017 to train with the squad in order to maintain his form. On 5 January, sporting director Genc Tomorri stated that Sukaj will be part of the team.{{cite news|url=http://telesport.al/rikthehet-sukaj-sulmuesi-del-ne-stervitje-partizanin/|title=Rikthehet Sukaj, sulmuesi del në stërvitje me Partizanin|trans-title=Sukaj the returns, striker out on training with Partizani|publisher=Telesport.al|language=sq|date=5 January 2017|access-date=27 January 2017}} The transfer was made official on 30 January with the player signing until the end of the season.{{cite news|url=http://www.partizani.al/sq/zyrtare-xhevahir-sukaj-ne-kontrate-partizanin/|title=ZYRTARE: XHEVAHIR SUKAJ NE KONTRATE ME PARTIZANIN|trans-title=Official: Xhevahir Sukaj in contract with Partizani|publisher=Partizani.al|language=sq|date=30 January 2017|access-date=30 January 2017}} Due to injury, Sukaj missed February and half of March.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/vjen-konfirmimi-xhevahir-sukaj-eshte-zyrtarisht-i-partizanit/|title=Vjen konfirmimi: Xhevahir Sukaj është zyrtarisht i Partizanit|trans-title=The confirmation has arrived: Sukaj is officially of Partizani|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=30 January 2017|access-date=30 January 2017}} He made his return debut later on 18 March by entering as a second-half substitute for Realdo Fili in a 2–0 win over Korabi Peshkopi.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/03/18/albania/super-league/ks-korabi-peshkop-/kf-partizani-tirana/2342697/|title=Korabi Peshkopi vs. Partizani Tirana 0 – 2|publisher=Soccerway|date=18 March 2017|access-date=18 March 2017}} His first score-sheet contributions came on 23 April in the matchday 30 against Teuta Durrës where he scored in the last moments to seal the win 5–1.{{cite news|url=http://www.balkanweb.com/site/partizani-mposht-frikshem-teuten-nuk-i-ndahet-kukesit-video/|title=Partizani mposht frikshëm Teutën, nuk i ndahet Kukësit (Video)|trans-title=Partizan overwhelmingly defeats Teuta, doesn't leave Kukësi|publisher=BalkanWeb.com|language=sq|date=23 April 2017|access-date=23 April 2017}} Sukaj was again decisive for the team five days later where he entered as a substitute against the city rivals Tirana, netting a late header for a 2–1 win which kept Partizani's title hopes alive.{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/sukaj-thyen-tiranen-partizani-nuk-ndalet-me/|title=Sukaj thyen Tiranën, Partizani nuk ndalet më|trans-title=Sukaj breaks Tirana, Partizani doesn't stop anymore|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=sq|date=28 April 2017|access-date=28 April 2017}} It was his fourth Tirana derby goal.{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/nga-malajzia-ne-tirane-vrasesi-sukaj-nuk-e-kishte-harruar-te-njejtin-film/|title=Nga Malajzia në Tiranë, "vrasësi" Sukaj nuk e kishte harruar të njëjtin film|trans-title=From Malaysia in Tirana, “killer” Sukaj had not forgotten the same film|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=sq|author=Anton Cicani|date=29 April 2017|access-date=28 April 2017}} Sukaj finished the second part of 2016–17 season by making 8 appearances, all of them as substitute, collecting 131 minutes as Partizani failed to win the championship once again, finishing runner-up to Kukësi.{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/partizani-i-dyti-barazoi-me-skenderbeun/|title=Partizani i dyti, barazoi 2-2 me Skënderbeun|trans-title=Partizani second, drew 2-2 with Skënderbeu|publisher=Super Sport Albania|language=sq|author=Andi Deçka|date=27 May 2017|access-date=18 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703011935/http://www.supersport.al/partizani-i-dyti-barazoi-me-skenderbeun/|archive-date=3 July 2017|url-status=dead}} On 17 June 2017, Sukaj signed a new one-year contract.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/bomberi-sukaj-dhe-tre-mbrojtes-te-partizani-poker-rinovimesh/|title=Bomberi Sukaj dhe tre mbrojtës, te Partizani "poker" rinovimesh|trans-title=The bomber Sukaj and three defenders, “poker” renewals at Partizani|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=18 June 2017|access-date=18 June 2017}}
Sukaj continued his cooperation with Partizani for another season,{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/bomberi-sukaj-dhe-tre-mbrojtes-te-partizani-poker-rinovimesh/|title=Bomberi Sukaj dhe tre mbrojtës, te Partizani "poker" rinovimesh|trans-title=The bomber Sukaj and three defenders, four renewals at Partizani|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=18 June 2017|access-date=18 June 2017}} and despite suffering an injury in June,{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/moment-i-zi-per-sukajn-demtim-e-debate/|title=Moment i zi për Sukajn, dëmtim e debate|trans-title=Black moment for Sukaj, injury and debats|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=sq|date=22 June 2017|access-date=22 June 2017}} he was still included in the team for the 2017–18 UEFA Europa League first qualifying round against Botev Plovdiv.{{cite news|url=http://telesport.al/partizani-zyrtarizon-ne-uefa-listen-per-botev-plovdiv/|title=Partizani zyrtarizon në UEFA listën për Botev Plovdiv|trans-title=Partizani officializes at UEFA the list for Botev Plovdiv|publisher=Telesport.al|language=sq|author=Alfred Lleshi|date=26 June 2017|access-date=26 June 2017}} He started in the first leg at Selman Stërmasi Stadium on 29 June, netting inside 4 minutes with a shoot outside the zone in an eventual 1–3 loss.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/06/29/europe/uefa-cup/kf-partizani-tirana/fk-botev-plovdiv/2466329/|title=Partizani Tirana vs. Botev Plovdiv 1 – 3|publisher=Soccerway|date=29 June 2017|access-date=29 June 2017}} Then he played in the final 9 minutes in the second leg as Partizani lost 0–1 and was eliminated from the competition.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/07/06/europe/uefa-cup/fk-botev-plovdiv/kf-partizani-tirana/2466330/|title=Botev Plovdiv vs. Partizani Tirana 1 – 0|publisher=Soccerway|date=6 July 2017|access-date=6 July 2017}}
Sukaj chances to play were reduced under new manager Mark Iuliano, as the Italian preferred the 4–3–3 lineup with one center-forward, meaning that Sukaj would make space to newly acquired Edgar Çani.{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/skema-me-nje-sulmues-penalizon-sukajn/|title=Skema me një sulmues penalizon Sukajn|trans-title=Lineup with one striker penalizes Sukaj|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=sq|date=21 September 2017|access-date=26 June 2017}} Even with the injury of Çani, Sukaj was forced to make space for the youngster Bardhi.{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/bardhi-djeg-sukajn-progni-si-mbrojtes/|title=Bardhi "djeg" Sukajn, Progni si mbrojtës|trans-title=Bardhi “buries” Sukaj, Progni as defender|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=sq|date=2 October 2017|access-date=2 October 2017}} He scored his first domestic goal of the season on 12 October at Teuta Durrës, netting a penalty kick to give his side the first league win of 2017–18 season.{{cite news|url=http://top-channel.tv/2017/10/12/partizani-gjen-golin-dhe-fitoren-e-pare-skenderbeu-mposht-lacin/|title=Partizani gjen golin dhe fitoren e parë. Skënderbeu mposht Laçin|trans-title=Partizani finds the first goal and victory. Skënderbeu defeats Laçi|publisher=Top-Channel.tv|language=sq|date=12 October 2017|access-date=8 November 2017}} Sukaj found the net again four days later where he scored the opener in a 2–0 home win versus Luftëtari Gjirokastër;{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/10/16/albania/super-league/kf-partizani-tirana/ks-luftetari-gjirokaster/2506196/|title=Partizani Tirana vs. Luftëtari Gjirokastër 2 – 0|publisher=Soccerway|date=16 October 2017|access-date=16 October 2017}} he was however replaced in the 60th minute due to an injury.{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/tremb-sukaj-del-duke-caluar-analizat-sot/|title=Tremb Sukaj, del duke çaluar. Analizat sot|trans-title=Sukaj scares, out while limping. Today the analysis|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=sq|date=17 October 2017|access-date=25 December 2017}} Following the examinations, it was confirmed that Sukaj would be sidelined for 1 month.{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/sukaj-kryen-analizat-rrezikon-1-muaj-jashte/|title=Sukaj kryen analizat, rrezikon 1 muaj jashtë|trans-title=Sukaj does the analysis, risks 1 month out|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=sq|date=18 October 2017|access-date=25 December 2017}}
He returned on action a month later as a late substitute in a 0–1 loss at Laçi.{{cite news|url=http://sport.com.al/2017/11/16/laci-leksion-partizanit-rexhinaldo-i-jep-tre-piket/|title=Laçi leksion Partizanit, Rexhinaldo i jep tre pikët|trans-title=Laçi lecture to Partizani, Reginaldo gives the three points|publisher=Sport.com.al|language=sq|date=16 November 2017|access-date=25 December 2017}} Sukaj returned to the score-sheet after more than a month{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/rikthehet-sukaj-gjen-golin-pas-1-muaji-e-gjysme/|title=Rikthehet Sukaj, gjen golin pas një muaji e gjysmë|trans-title=Sukaj returns, finds the goal after a month and a half|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=sq|date=1 December 2017|access-date=25 December 2017}} on 30 November where he netted the lone goal in the match versus Pogradeci valid for the first leg of 2017–18 Albanian Cup second round.{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/mjafton-sukaj-partizani-kalon-pa-u-lodhur-ne-pogradec/|title=Mjafton Sukaj, Partizani kalon pa u lodhur në Pogradec|trans-title=Sukaj is enough, Partizani passes without getting tired at Pogradec|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=sq|date=30 November 2017|access-date=25 December 2017}} Sukaj left the club in late December due to limited playing time.{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/merr-fund-sukaj-iken-nga-partizani/|title=Merr fund, Sukaj ikën nga Partizani|trans-title=It's over, Sukaj flees from Partizani|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=sq|date=12 December 2017|access-date=12 December 2017}}
=Vllaznia Shkodër return=
On 5 January 2018, Vllaznia Shkodër announced to have acquired Sukaj's services on a contract until May 2018.{{cite web|url=http://vllaznia.al/index.php/component/content/article/3-newsflash/1333-2018-01-05-12-29-26/|title=Xhevahir Sukaj Rikthehet Në Shtëpi. Sulmuesi Firmos Për Vllazninë|trans-title=Xhevahir Sukaj returns home. The striker signs for Vllaznia|publisher=Vllaznia.al|language=sq|date=5 January 2018|access-date=5 January 2018}} Upon signing the contract, he flew out to Ulqin to link up with the rest of the squad on their winter training camp. His first goals came on 10 February in form of a brace in the 0–2 win at Abdurrahman Roza Haxhiu Stadium versus the fellow relegation strugglers Lushnja.{{cite web|url=http://supersport.al/sukaj-zgjon-vllaznine-kamza-pushton-kukesin/|title=Sukaj "zgjon" Vllazninë, Kamza "pushton" Kukësin, Laçi i merr pikë Partizanit|trans-title=Sukaj “awakens” Vllaznia, Kamza “invades” Kukësi, Laçi takes a point from Partizani|publisher=SuperSport Albania|language=sq|author=Erjon Halili|date=10 February 2018|access-date=10 February 2018}} Sukaj ended the second part of the season by scoring 8 goals in 18 appearances, a respectable amount which was not enough for Vllaznia who was relegated for the first time in 60 years.{{cite web|url=http://top-channel.tv/2018/05/23/goleada-me-e-hidhur-ne-histori-vllaznia-bie-nga-kategoria/|title=Goleada më e hidhur në histori, Vllaznia bie nga kategoria!|trans-title=The most bitter goal fest in history, Vllaznia relegated|publisher=Top-Channel.tv|language=sq|date=23 May 2018|access-date=12 September 2018}}
=Flamurtari Vlorë=
International career
Sukaj was well established in the Albania under-21 team during the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification campaign.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/under21/history/teams/200002--albania/|title=Under-21 2009 - History - Albania|publisher=UEFA|access-date=12 September 2018}} On 17 November 2007, he scored a hat-trick in Albania 5–0 defeat of Faroe Islands which marked the Eagles largest win in a UEFA European Championship qualifying match.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/0257-0de7494785f5-7a955a0c7513-1000--sukaj-spurs-on-albania/|title=Sukaj spurs on Albania|publisher=UEFA|date=17 November 2007|access-date=12 September 2018}} He eventually finished the campaign by bagging 5 goals in 10 matches as Albania finished Group 1 in 4th place.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/under21/season=2009/standings/round=15084/group=700384/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322074240/http://www.uefa.com/under21/season=2009/standings/round=15084/group=700384/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 March 2014|title=Qualifying round – UEFA.com|publisher=UEFA|access-date=12 September 2018}}
After enjoying a successful under-21 career, Sukaj was called up by then coach Arie Haan for the friendly against Azerbaijan in Baku on 19 November 2008. He made his senior debut in this match by appearing as a substitute in the last minutes of the match, which finished in a 1–1 draw.{{cite news|url=http://www.oranews.tv/uncategorized/shqipria-barazon-n-azerbajxhan/|title=Shqipëria barazon në Azerbajxhan|trans-title=Albania draws at Azerbaijan|publisher=Ora News|language=sq|date=20 November 2008|access-date=30 June 2016}}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|23 May 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/xhevair-sukaj/41119/|title=Albania - X. Sukaj - Profile with news, career statistics and history|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=27 November 2017}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Club statistics | ||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|Cup !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan="5"|Vllaznia Shkodër
|rowspan="4"|Albanian Superliga |15 | 1 | 2 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | 17 | 3 | ||
| 2006–07
|31 | 8 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 31 | 8 | ||
| 2007–08
|28 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 2All appearance(s) in UEFA Intertoto Cup | 0 | 30 | 10 | |
| 2008–09
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3All appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League | 2 | 3 | 2 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!75 | 19 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 82 | 23 | |
| rowspan="1"|Elbasani (loan)
|rowspan="1"|Albanian Superliga |4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 4 | 0 | ||
| rowspan="1"|Gençlerbirliği
|rowspan="1"|Süper Lig |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | ||
| rowspan="1"|Hacettepe (loan)
|rowspan="1"|Süper Lig |11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 12 | 0 | ||
| rowspan="1"|Vllaznia Shkodër (loan)
|rowspan="1"|Albanian Superliga |14 | 11 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 14 | 11 | ||
| rowspan="1"|Orduspor (loan)
|rowspan="1"|TFF First League |10 | 2 | 1 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 11 | 3 | ||
| rowspan="1"|Ismaily (loan)
|rowspan="1"|Egyptian Premier League |3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 5 | 0 | ||
| rowspan="1"|NK Zagreb
|rowspan="1"|Prva HNL |5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 5 | 1 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Vllaznia Shkodër
|rowspan="2"|Albanian Superliga |11 | 6 | 4 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 15 | 6 | ||
| 2011–12
|9 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 15 | 13 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!20 | 15 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 30 | 19 | |
| rowspan="5"|Sepahan
|rowspan="4"|Iran Pro League |10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8All appearance(s) in AFC Champions League | 2 | 18 | 4 | |
| 2012–13
|32 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 37 | 14 | |
| 2013–14
|7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 13 | 2 | |
| 2014–15
|21 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 2 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!70 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 7 | 89 | 22 | |
| rowspan="1"|Partizani Tirana
|rowspan="1"|Albanian Superliga |31 | 21 | 1 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 32 | 22 | ||
| rowspan="1"|Perak
|2016 |rowspan="1"|Malaysia Super League |4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | 6 | 4 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Partizani Tirana
|rowspan="2"|Albanian Superliga |8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 8 | 2 | ||
| 2017–18
|10 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 13 | 4 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!18 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 21 | 6 | |
| rowspan="1"|Vllaznia Shkodër
|rowspan="1"|Albanian Superliga |18 | 8 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 18 | 8 | |||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!280 | 97 | 16 | 9 | 30 | 12 | 326 | 118 |
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
=International=
{{updated|19 November 2008}}{{NFT player|id=20822|name=Xhevahir Sukaj|access-date=27 November 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=24501|title=Xhevahir Sukaj - national football team player|publisher=EU-Football.info|access-date=17 October 2015}}
| class=wikitable style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="1"|Albania
|2008 | 1 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total | 1 | 0 |
Honours
=Club=
=Individual=
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{NFT player|20822}}
- {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621194526/http://www.persianleague.com/teams.html?id=2337&view=player&sid=24 |date=21 June 2016 |title=Xhevahir Sukaj at PersianLeague.com}}
- {{UEFA player|103268}}
- {{WorldFootball.net|xhevair-sukaj}}
- {{TFF player|1170723}}
{{2015–16 Albanian Superliga Team of the Year}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sukaj, Xhevahir}}
Category:Footballers from Shkodër
Category:Albanian men's footballers
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:Albania men's international footballers
Category:KF Vllaznia Shkodër players
Category:Hacettepe S.K. footballers
Category:Sepahan S.C. footballers
Category:FK Partizani Tirana players
Category:Flamurtari FC players
Category:Kategoria Superiore players
Category:Croatian Football League players
Category:Egyptian Premier League players
Category:Persian Gulf Pro League players
Category:Malaysia Super League players
Category:Albanian expatriate men's footballers
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Turkey
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Egypt
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Croatia
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Iran
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Malaysia
Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Turkey
Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Egypt
Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Croatia
Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Iran