Hamdi Salihi Explained

Hamdi Salihi
Full Name:Hamdi Abdullah Salihi
Birth Date:19 January 1984
Birth Place:Shkodër, Albania
Height:1.85 m
Position:Forward
Currentclub:Albania (assistant)
Youthyears1:2000–2002
Youthclubs1:Vllaznia Shkodër
Years1:2002–2004
Caps1:55
Goals1:30
Years2:2004–2005
Clubs2:Panionios
Caps2:6
Goals2:0
Years3:2005–2007
Clubs3:Tirana
Caps3:52
Goals3:42
Years4:2007–2009
Clubs4:Ried
Caps4:82
Goals4:34
Years5:2009–2012
Clubs5:Rapid Wien
Caps5:67
Goals5:36
Years6:2012–2013
Clubs6:D.C. United
Caps6:23
Goals6:6
Years7:2013–2014
Caps7:28
Goals7:9
Years8:2014–2015
Caps8:33
Goals8:14
Years9:2015
Caps9:10
Goals9:4
Years10:2015–2017
Caps10:63
Goals10:42
Years11:2017–2019
Caps11:49
Goals11:27
Totalcaps:468
Totalgoals:244
Nationalyears1:2002–2003
Nationalcaps1:2
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2003–2005
Nationalcaps2:12
Nationalgoals2:1
Nationalyears3:2006–2015
Nationalteam3:Albania
Nationalcaps3:50
Nationalgoals3:11
Manageryears1:2019
Managerclubs1:Wiener Neustadt (assistant)
Manageryears2:2019–
Managerclubs2:Albania (assistant)

Hamdi Abdullah Salihi (born 19 January 1984) is an Albanian retired professional footballer who played as a forward. He is the assistant manager of Albania.

Nicknamed 'The Bomber' by his former international coach Otto Barić who would compare him to Gerd Müller,[1] Salihi is known for being a prolific goalscorer both in Albania and Austria, the two countries where he has spent the majority of his career.

An Albania international player, Salihi won 50 caps and was a regular starter between 2009 and 2013.

Club career

Early years

Salihi begun his professional career at his boyhood club Vllaznia Shkodër, where he was promoted in the first team by coach Artan Bushati in the 2002–03 season; he made two appearances as the team finished runner-up to eventual champions Tirana.[2] He had his breakthrough season in the 2003–04 season, netting his first Albanian Superliga goal in the opening week, a 4–1 away loss to Partizani Tirana.[3] In cup, he notably scored four goals in a 9–0 away win versus Ada Velipojë in the second leg of second round.[3] Salihi finished his first full-season by netting 14 goals in 33 league appearances, with Vllaznia finishing third.[3]

Salihi scored his first top-flight hat-trick on 23 October 2004 in Vllaznia's 7–0 hammering of Laçi.[4] He was the most in-from striker during the first part of 2004–05 season in which he managed to score 16 goals in only 20 matches which ensured him a transfer to Greece.

In January 2005, Salihi moved for the first time outside the country by joining Panionios in then Alpha Ethniki on a three-year contract.[5] The young Albanian striker managed to play in 6 games, mostly coming on as a substitute in the last few minutes. He left the club following the end of the season and came back to Albania. Many years later he stated that the transfer was a mistake, adding that he was not ready to leave the country at such young age.[6]

Tirana

Salihi moved back to Albania and played for Tirana starting from the 2005–06 season. In his first match since returning in Albania, Salihi scored as Tirana started the Albanian Superliga with a 2–1 away win at Vllaznia Shkodër.[7] Later on 16 September in the match day 4 against city rivals Dinamo, Salihi scored a brace, including a last-minute winner, to rescue his side a point.[7] His was followed by another brace one week later against Skënderbeu Korçë.[7] He had a very successful season winning the Albanian Cup and the Golden Boot as the highest scorer of the Albanian Superliga.[8]

He continued with Tirana for another half season, again being the highest scorer in the league before he left to purchase a career outside Albania. During his time at Tirana, Salihi became well-known all over the world for his goalscoring abilities. He finished eighth in The IFFHS World's best Top Division Goal Scorer 2006.[9] Salihi later would go on to say that the transfer to Tirana was the best choice of his career, adding that at Tirana he matured as a player and person.[6]

SV Ried

In January 2007, Salihi completed a transfer to SV Ried of the Austrian Bundesliga. In the remaining part of 2006–07, Salihi scored 6 goals in 15 league appearances as Ried finished runner-up in championship. By finishing second in the league, Ried won the right to play European football. On 19 July 2007, in the first leg of 2007–08 UEFA Cup first qualifying round, Salihi netted in the last minute of regular time as Ried won 3–1 against Neftchi Baku.[10] He also scored his team's only goal in the returning leg as Ried was defeated 1–2 but progressed 4–3 on aggregate.[11]

In the 2007–08 season, Salihi enjoyed a decent season at the club, becoming the league's joint fourth top scorer along with Carsten Jancker of SV Mattersburg with 12 league goals. Despite this, SV Ried only finished seventh out of 10 in the league. In the 2008–09 season Salihi improved himself to 14 league goals at Ried, scoring one fourth of his team's goals.[12] Ried placed fifth at the end of the season. On the 2009–10 season Salihi played 6 games which he score twist for his club but couple weeks later he was sold to Rapid Wien.

Rapid Wien

On 31 August 2009, Salihi completed a transfer to Austrian giants SK Rapid Wien by penning a three-year contract. On his debut match, brought from the bench and netted in the 83rd minute in the match against Red Bull Salzburg which saved Rapid from the loss as the match ended 2–2.[13]

At the end of the season Salihi scored 17 goals, 2 of which were from the previous club Ried making him the fifth leading goalscorer behind two of his teammates Steffen Hofmann, who was in first, and Nikica Jelavić who was tied in third. At the end of the season Rapid Wien was in third place three points behind champions Red Bull Salzburg and two points behind Austria Wien. Rapid Wien qualified for the 2010–11 UEFA Europa League Second qualifying round.

Salihi opened his scoring account in the 2010–11 season in the match versus SV Mattersburg on 22 August 2010.[14] It was followed by a brace in the 3–2 home win against Kapfenberger SV on 25 September.[15] Then he scored in the match day 4 of UEFA Europa League Group L against CSKA Sofia as the match was lost.[16] Salihi produced a splendid performance later that month by netting four goals in the 5–0 home win against LASK Linz which lifted his tally to 7 seven goals. The goals were followed by the winner against Austria Wien which lifted the team in sixth position, 5 points short of "European zone".[17]

D.C. United

On 2 February 2012, Salihi signed with Major League Soccer side D.C. United as a designated player.[18] On 25 February 2012, he scored his first goal with DC United in a preseason match.

Jiangsu Sainty

On 3 February 2013, Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Sainty official announced that they had signed Hamdi Salihi from D.C. United to replace injured Cristian Dănălache.[19] On 26 February, he scored his first goal in his debut for Jiangsu, in a 5–1 away defeat against K League champions FC Seoul in the first round of 2013 AFC Champions League group stage match.[20] On 3 March, Salihi won his first title in China in the 2013 Chinese FA Super Cup which Jiangsu Sainty beat Super League and FA Cup winners Guangzhou Evergrande 2–1. He forced Guangzhou's Zhang Linpeng to score an own goal in the 18th minute. He then squeezed in his first goal in the league in another 2–1 win against the newly promoted Wuhan Zall with a low-fly header. He scored twice (a penalty kick and a last-minute equalizer) in the following home fixture, who witnessed a tough 2–2 tie of his team against Shanghai Shenxin. Hamdi Salihi scored again in 2013 AFC Champions League group stage against Japan team Vegalta Sendai in last match in Group E.

Hapoel Ironi Acre

On 1 February 2014, Salihi joined Hapoel Ironi Acre on a free transfer by penning an 18-month contract.[21] He took squad number 14, and made his debut nine days later in the 2–1 home win over Hapoel Tel Aviv.[22] He opened his scoring account on 15 February by scoring twice against Ironi Ramat Hasharon finished in the victory 4–3 coming from behind of 1–3 in the first half, where Salihi scored goal of 2–3 in the 53rd minute and an equalizing goal to make it 3–3 in 57th minute.[23] Later on 1 March 2014, Salihi scored an overhead bicycle kick inside the zone to beat goalkeeper Amir Edri for his side only goal in the home draw against Maccabi Haifa.[24] The goal took international notoriety.[25]

Then, he endured a 540-minute scoreless run across 6 matches, receiving critics from Israel's media.[26] He returned to scoring on 26 April by netting the matchwinner against Hapoel Haifa.[27] Following that, on 3 May, Salihi netted the opener via penalty kick against Beitar Jerusalem finished in an away victory 0–2.[28] This was followed by another penalty goal in the next match against Ironi Ramat Hasharon which ended in a 1–2 home loss.[29] Salihi ended the season with 13 matches played on where scored in total 6 goals.

He started another season with Hapoel Acre, the 2014–15 season with the match valid for the 2014–15 Israel State Cup against Maccabi Haifa on 13 August 2014, finished in the 2–1 loss, where Salihi scored a goal as well, in the 27th minute the opening goal.[30] On 13 September 2014, he played his first league match in the 1–1 draw against Hapoel Haifa.[31] On 13 December 2014, Salihi scored two important goals in the 2–2 away draw against the top table team, Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona. When his team were losing 2–0, he scored with a precise header in the 59th minute and then scored again in the 75th minute to make equal balanced everything from behind.[32] [33]

Hapoel Haifa

On 2 February 2015, Salihi signed with Israeli club Hapoel Haifa becoming one of the highest paid players in the domestic league, with a salary of $20,000 per month.[34] He closed recent disputes between manager Niki Vaknin and club managers, who then agreed and he signed for a year and a half.[34] Salihi scored 4 goals in 10 games helping the club to ensure survival in the Israeli Premier League.

Skënderbeu Korçë

In July 2015, it was reported that Salihi joined Skënderbeu Korçë for their UEFA Champions League campaign, taking the vacant number 14.[35] The team coach Mirel Josa said that he was happy for the signing of Salihi, adding that "Salihi would be a great value if he stayed until the end of the season. I'm more than happy for this transfer".[36]

2015–16 season

He made his debut on 14 July 2015, in the first leg of second qualifying round of 2015–16 UEFA Champions League against Crusaders, scoring two goals for a crucial 4–1 victory.[37] [38] In the second leg on 21 July, Salihi assisted the second goal of his team scored by Latifi, with Skënderbeu losing 3–2 but qualifying on aggregate 6–4.[39]

In the third round, the team was seeded with Moldavian side Milsami Orhei.[40] In the first leg at Zimbru Stadium, Salihi was again the matchwinner by scoring twice, helping the team to prevail 2–0.[41] In the returning leg at Elbasan Arena, Salihi was again in the scoresheet as Skënderbeu recorded another 2–0 win, advancing in play-off round with the aggregate 4–0.[42] By doing this, Skenderbeu become first Albanian club to reach the Champions League play-offs.[42]

On 12 August, in the 2015 Albanian Supercup match against Laçi at Qemal Stafa Stadium, Salihi came on the field in place of the injured Arbër Abilaliaj and scored twice in an eventual 2–2 draw; Laçi, however, won the trophy after beating Skënderbeu 8–7 in the penalty shootouts, Salihi himself scored his attempt.[43]

In play-off, Skënderbeu was easily defeated by Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb with the aggregate 6–2. Skënderbeu secured the Europa League group stage, becoming first Albanian club to reach that. After the end of the team's Champions League campaign, Salihi was second top goalscorer with five goals, two behind from Maccabi Tel Aviv's Eran Zahavi.[44] [45] After the end of the club's UEFA Champions League campaign, the club itself confirmed via its official Facebook page that Salihi would remain in the club for the rest of 2015–16 season.[46]

Salihi made his league debut on 9 September in the 1–0 away win against Vllaznia Shkodër, suffering an early injury and was subbed off in the 19th minute.[47] However, he was recovered in time for the Europa League group stage match against Beşiktaş,[48] where he played in the last 20 minutes of a 0–1 home defeat.[49] Salihi scored his first league goal of the season on 26 September in a 4–1 away win against Bylis Ballsh, netting the third of the match.[50]

Later on 5 October, Salihi scored a brace in Skënderbeu's 3–0 defeat of Laçi, including one goal with penalty.[51] Twenty days later, in the 2–1 away defeat to Partizani Tirana, Salihi scored with a bicycle kick from the penalty area in the eighth minute, gaining international notoriety.[52] [53] Salihi started November with a brace in team's 3–1 home victory against his former side Vllaznia Shkodër on eighth, taking his tally up to 8 goals, overtaking Xhevahir Sukaj in the process.[54] On the last day of November, Salihi scored his tenth league goal in the 2–1 away win against Tirana in the inaugural match in the newly renovated Selman Stërmasi Stadium.[55]

On 20 December, during the league match against the title rivals of Partizani Tirana, Salihi broke his hand in a collision with the goalkeeper Alban Hoxha in the 53rd minute of the match.[56] It was later reported that Salihi would go to Austria for further examinations and he would be out for one month.[56] Salihi kicked off 2016 on 7 February by scoring twice in the 3–1 home win against the rivals Kukësi, placing Skënderbeu two points clear at the top.[57] This was followed by another brace six days later against Tërbuni Pukë in a 3–1 away win.[58] On 22 February, Salihi scored the matchwinner via e penalty kick against Tirana, keeping the team in the first place in the league.[59]

On 20 March, Salihi scored his sixth Albanian Superliga hat-trick in team's 5–1 home defeat of Flamurtari Vlorë, taking his tally up to 23 league goals.[60] In April and May, Salihi went to score three more goals, concluding the season with 27 league goals, as Skënderbeu won the title for the sixth year in a row.[61] He finished the season with 35 goals from 42 match across all competitions, setting a new personal best. Salihi ended the season winning the Albanian Superliga Golden Boot for the second time, finishing six goals ahead of Xhevahir Sukaj with 21 goals.[62]

2016–17 season

Salihi did not play any European football match due to Skënderbeu ban over match-fixing allegations.[63] He started the season by playing full-90 minutes in the 2016 Albanian Supercup match against Kukësi which ended in a 3–1 defeat at Selman Stërmasi Stadium.[64] Salihi started the league by scoring a brace in the opening match day against Flamurtari Vlorë as Skënderbeu won 2–1 at home.[65] This was followed by another strike in the second match day at newly promoted Korabi Peshkopi for a 2–0 win.[66] On 1 October, Salihi scored another brace to take his tally up to 5 goals as Skënderbeu won against Vllaznia Shkodër to extend the league lead to 5 points.[67]

In December 2016, Salihi was named Albanian Footballer of the Year, becoming the third Skënderbeu player to win it.[68]

On 20 May 2017, during the decisive match against Kukësi for the championship, Salihi along with other teammates were included in a massive brawl with referee Enea Jorgji.[69] Salihi notably was caught tearing the referee's red card and insulting him in the process, however, he was not seen by the referee.[70] Everything started in the 59th minute when the referee didn't give a clear penalty to Skënderbeu after a foul inside the zone on Liridon Latifi, instead booking him for diving.[69] Skënderbeu eventually were defeated 2–0 at Zeqir Ymeri Stadium, meaning that they have failed to win the championship for the first time in six years.[71] Disciplinary Committee of AFA handed him a ten-game ban for all domestic competitions.[72]

On 30 June 2017, following a season full of ups and down on individual aspect, also adding the ban, Salihi officially left Skënderbeu after two seasons.[73] During his time in Korçë, he played 80 matches, including 63 in league, 5 in cup, 2 in supercup and 10 in European competitions, scoring 51 goals, including 42 in league, 2 in cup, 2 in supercup and 5 in European competitions.

Wiener Neustadt

On 30 June 2017, Salihi completed a transfer to Austrian First League club Wiener Neustadt for an undisclosed fee.[74] The transfer was made official by the club only on 21 July, after he was cleared from his 10-match ban, which could have been a factor to cancel the agreement between the parties.[75] [76]

Salihi made his first appearance on the same day by playing 70 minutes in a 1–0 away win against Ried, making a good overall appearance.[77] His first score-sheet contributions came in his second ever appearance for the club seven days later, scoring a header just inside the zone as Wiener Neustadt recorded a 4–0 home win over Blau-Weiß Linz to take the championship lead.[78] Later on 20 October, Salihi scored all four goals as Wiener Neustadt recorded a 4–2 home win over Kapfenberger SV to stay top of league tied on points with Ried.[79] Salihi reached double figures and took the lead of goalscoring table with 13 goals; it was his second "poker" in career, first being in November 2010.[80] The feat was followed by the winner against Wattens in the next match day which put Wiener Neustadt top of the table.[81]

The team, however, couldn't keep up the good results in the second part of the season, eventually falling to fourth place. On 4 May 2018, Salihi netted his 20th goal of the season with a 96th minute free-kick to give Neustadt the win over Floridsdorfer AC and to keep their hopes for a top flight spot alive.[82] He finished the regular campaign as joint-top scorer along with Ried's Seifedin Chabbi, bagging 22 goals from 33 appearances, all of them as starter, as Wiener Neustadt achieved a play-off spot by finishing third in the championship with 62 points.[83]

Salihi was named club captain ahead of 2018–19 season.[84] On 28 March 2019, Salihi announced that the league game against Wacker Innsbruck two days later would be the last of his career, adding that he would retire afterwards.[85] He played as starter for 52 minutes, unable to prevent a 2–1 home loss.[86]

International career

Salihi scored his first goal for the Albania national team in a 3–0 win over Malta on 23 August 2007.[87] He was sent in the game on the 22nd minute replacing Erjon Bogdani. Only after 12 minutes played, The Bomber took advantage of a mistake made by the Maltese goalie and scored. Salihi also scored the advantage goal in the unofficial friendly against Milan for the Taçi Oil Cup; the match eventually ended 3–3 with Albania losing on penalty shootouts.[88]

The second international goal of Salihi came against Sweden, when he scored for Albania in the last match of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, where Albania lost 4–1 at Råsunda Stadium.[89] Neither Sweden or Albania qualified for the 2010 World Cup.

For the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, new coach Gianni De Biasi had introduced young forwards into the senior national team to create more competition for places in the first team. Young players forwards such as Edgar Çani, Armando Sadiku and Bekim Balaj provided competition for the established and mature internationals which were Salihi and Erjon Bogdani. In opening group game of the qualifiers, Albania took on Cyprus at the Qemal Stafa Stadium in Tirana, Salihi started the game upfront alongside 21-year-old Armando Sadiku who was making his competitive debut, having featured in three friendly games prior to the game against Cyprus. The pair combined well in the early stages and Salihi had a good chance to score in the first half, before Sadiku opened the scoring in the 36th minute. The game ended in a 3–1 win for Albania following goals from substitutes Edgar Çani and Erjon Bogdani.[90] [91]

On 23 March 2013, Albania played against Norway away at a freezing Ullevaal Stadion in a crucial encounter for both sides. Salihi started the game upfront with Çani and immediately created problems for the Norwegians with a shot on target from an overhead kick in the third minute. He scored the only goal of the game in the 67th minute following a clever run inside the box to put the ball in the right hand corner of the net. The win stunned the hosts to the delight of the away fans who almost outnumbered the home fans. This moved Albania into joint second place in the group 9 points, ahead of Norway who were left on 7 points.[92] [93] [94] Salihi scored his second goal of the campaign on 11 October 2013 in the penultimate match against Switzerland in the 89th minute with a penalty to send the score 2–1, where the game ended with the same score as well.[95] Albania were eliminated from the qualifiers ranking in the fifth place with 11 points, 1 less than Norway, 2 less than Slovenia.[96] [97]

Salihi was called up regularly by the coach Gianni De Biasi in the team's successful UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. He was, however, used only once in the whole qualifiers, playing the last 21 minutes of the 2–1 home win against Armenia in Elbasan Arena.[98] He was not called up in the provisional 27-man UEFA Euro 2016 squad.[99] [100] This led him to consider the retirement from international football.[101]

Coaching career

On 2 May 2019, Salihi was appointed assistant manager of SC Wiener Neustadt, where he at the time also was playing for.[102] Ahead of the 2019–20 season, he was appointed assistant manager of Edoardo Reja at the Albania national team.[103]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[104]
ClubSeasonLeagueCupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Vllaznia Shkodër2002–03Albanian Superliga201030
2003–043314242[105] 03718
2004–052016444[106] 22822
Total553078626840
Panionios2004–05Alpha Ethniki601171
Tirana2005–06Albanian Superliga3529424[107] 11[108] 04432
2006–0717132142112417
Total52426383216849
Ried2006–07Austrian Football Bundesliga15620176
2007–08331222423916
2008–092814323116
2009–10621274
Total823486429442
Rapid Wien2009–10Austrian Football Bundesliga2315315[109] 13117
2010–11321856714425
2011–12123381511
Total673611151229053
D.C. United2012Major League Soccer23621257
Jiangsu Sainty2013Chinese Super League289215[110] 21[111] 03612
Hapoel Acre2013–14Israeli Premier League136136
2014–1520851259
Total3314513815
Hapoel Haifa2014–15Israeli Premier League104104
Skënderbeu Korçë2015–16Albanian Superliga30271110[112] 5124235
2016–17331541103816
Total634252105228051
Wiener Neustadt2017–18Austrian Football Second League33222[113] 13523
2018–1916531196
Total492731215429
Career total4682445039451674570303

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year[114]
National teamYearAppsGoals
Albania200610
200751
200840
200981
201094
2011103
201240
201362
201420
201510
Total5011

Scores and results list Albania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Salihi goal.

List of international goals scored by Hamdi Salihi
No.DateVenueCapOpponentScoreResultCompetition
122 August 2007 Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania 4 2–0 3–0 Friendly
214 October 2009 Råsunda Stadium, Stockholm, Sweden 17 1–4 1–4 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
325 May 2010 Podgorica City Stadium, Podgorica, Montenegro 20 1–0 1–0 Friendly
42 June 2010 Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania 21 1–0 1–0 Friendly
511 August 2010 Niko Dovana Stadium, Durrës, Albania 22 1–0 1–0 Friendly
67 September 2010 Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania 24 1–0 1–0 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
726 March 2011 Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania 29 1–0 1–0 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
810 August 2011 Loro Boriçi Stadium, Shkoder, Albania 31 3–2 3–2 Friendly
911 October 2011 Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania 35 1–0 1–1 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
1023 March 2013 Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway 42 1–0 1–1 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
1111 October 2013 Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania 46 1–2 1–2 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours

Vllaznia Shkodër

Tirana

SV Ried

Jiangsu Sainty

Skënderbeu Korçë

Individual

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Salihi: People think we can make it. https://web.archive.org/web/20110515212840/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=1432870.html. dead. 15 May 2011. FIFA.com. 11 May 2011.
  2. Web site: Albania 2002/03. RSSSF. 19 May 2018.
  3. Web site: Albania 2003/04. RSSSF. 19 May 2018.
  4. Web site: Vllaznia Shkodër vs. Laçi 7 – 0. Soccerway. 23 October 2004. 17 August 2018.
  5. Web site: Nga dita e parë te e fundit, "Mr. 322 golëshi" Salihi: Më ndihmoi një tragjedi, askund si te Skënderbeu. From the first day to the last, “Mr. 322 goals” Salihi: A tragedy helped me, no one like Skënderbeu. VipSport.al. sq. 30 March 2019. 31 March 2019.
  6. Web site: EKSKLUZIVE/ Një jetë bomber, Salihi rrëfen "roveshatën" e fundit: Tirana më maturoi, ja keqardhja e karrierës. Exclusive/ A life like bomber, Salihi confesses the last “overhead kick”: Tirana matured me, here's my career regret. Panorama Sport. sq. Olsi Tujani. 30 March 2019. 31 March 2019.
  7. News: Albania 2005/06. RSSF.com. 20 May 2016.
  8. News: Albanian Football Season 2005-06. Giovanni Armillotta. 17 October 2015. 24 September 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924022427/http://www.giovanniarmillotta.it/albania/calcio/albaa06.html. dead.
  9. News: IFFHS' World's Best Top Division Goal Scorer of the Year 2006. RSSSF. 20 October 2017.
  10. News: Ried 3-1 Neftçi. UEFA.com. 19 July 2007. 20 October 2017.
  11. News: Neftçi 2-1 Ried . UEFA.com. 2 August 2007. 20 October 2017.
  12. News: Summary - Bundesliga - Austria - Results, fixtures, tables and news. Soccerway. 17 October 2015.
  13. Web site: Rapid Wien vs. Salzburg 2 – 2. Soccerway. 13 September 2009. 17 October 2015.
  14. Web site: Rapid Wien vs. Mattersburg 2 – 0. Soccerway. 22 August 2010. 5 May 2018.
  15. Web site: Rapid Wien vs. Kapfenberger 3 – 2. Soccerway. 25 September 2010. 5 May 2018.
  16. Web site: Rapid Wien 1-2 CSKA Sofia. UEFA.com. 4 November 2010. 5 May 2018.
  17. Web site: Austria Wien vs. Rapid Wien 0 – 1. Soccerway. 28 November 2010. 5 May 2018.
  18. News: Hamdi Salihi firmos në Amerikë me DC United. Hamdi Salihi signs in America with DC United. Shkodra Sport. sq. 2 February 2012. 17 October 2015.
  19. http://sports.163.com/13/0204/14/8MSIC2FC00051C89.html 舜天官方宣布国脚级外援加盟 顶替达10出战亚冠
  20. http://www.the-afc.com/en/acl-news/acl-all-news/25295-fcseoul-v-jiangsu-sainty260213.html FC Seoul 5-1 Jiangsu Sainty
  21. News: Merkatoja e kuqezinjve: Hamdi Salihi shkon në Izrael, kurse Edgar Çani huazohet te Bari. Red&black's market: Hamdi Salihi goes in Israel, while Edgar Çani loaned at Bari. Panorama Sport. sq. Jorgis Memo. 1 February 2014. 1 February 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140221020646/http://www.panorama-sport.com/ballina/hamdi-salihi-shkon-ne-izrael-cani-huazohet-te-bari/. 21 February 2014.
  22. News: Salihi debuton me fitore, fatsjellës për Hapoel Akre. Salihi debuts with a win, lucky for Hapoel Acre. Panorama Sport. sq. 11 February 2014. 11 February 2014.
  23. News: "Çmendet" Hamdi Salihi, dopietë në Izrael. Perlë e Kapllanit, tjetër sinjal për De Biazin. "Crazy" Hamdi Salihi, brace in Israel. A pearl from Kapllani, another signal for De Biasi. Panorama Sport. sq. Leonard Karaj. 16 February 2014. 16 February 2014.
  24. News: Hapoel Acre vs. Maccabi Haifa - 1 March 2014. Soccerway. 1 March 2014. 30 July 2017.
  25. News: Perla e Hamdi Salihit në Izrael bën xhiron e botës. Hamdi Salihi's pearl in Israel takes the world's tour. Panorama Sport. sq. 3 March 2014. 3 March 2014.
  26. News: Izrael, mediat "kryqëzojnë" Salihin: 540 minuta pa gol. Israel, media "crucify" Salihi: 540 minutes without goal. Panorama Sport. sq. 23 April 2014. 30 July 2017.
  27. News: Hapoel Acre vs. Hapoel Haifa 1 – 0. Soccerway. 26 April 2014. 30 July 2017.
  28. News: Beitar Jerusalem vs. Hapoel Acre 0 – 2. Soccerway. 3 May 2014. 3 May 2014.
  29. Web site: Hapoel Acre vs. Ironi Ramat HaSharon 1 – 2. Soccerway. 10 May 2014. 10 May 2014.
  30. Web site: Maccabi Haifa vs. Hapoel Acre 2 – 1. Soccerway. 13 August 2014. 29 October 2017.
  31. Web site: Hapoel Acre vs. Hapoel Haifa 1 – 1. Soccerway. 13 September 2014. 29 October 2017.
  32. Web site: (Video) Salihi shënon për Hapoel e merkaton. (Video) Salihi scores for Hapoel and transfer market. aSport.al. sq. 13 December 2014. 29 October 2017.
  33. Web site: Ironi Kiryat Shmona vs. Hapoel Acre 2 – 2. Soccerway. 13 December 2014. 29 October 2017.
  34. News: Zyrtare, Hamdi Salihi kalon te Hapoel Haifa, do përfitojë 20 mijë dollarë në muaj. Official, Hamdi Salihi passes to Hapoel Haifa, will earn $20,000 per month. Panorama Sport. sq. 3 February 2015. 3 February 2015.
  35. Web site: Godet Skënderbeu, Salihi për Champions, në Korçë e quajnë të mbyllur transferimin. Skënderbeu strikes, Salihi for Champions, in Korçë the transfer is done. Panorama Sport. sq. 3 July 2015. 3 July 2015.
  36. Web site: Josa: Pres Shkëmbin, me Salihin jemi super. Po përshtatet shpejt, e dua për gjithë sezonin. Josa: I'm waiting Shkëmbi, with Salihi we are super. He's fitting well, I want him for the whole season. Panorama Sport. sq. Llazi Saro. 5 July 2015. 5 July 2015.
  37. Web site: Skënderbeu Korçë vs. Crusaders 4 – 1. Soccerway. 14 July 2015. 21 May 2016.
  38. Web site: Skënderbeu fiton 4-1 me Crusaders, korçarët thuajse në tur III. Skënderbeu win 4-1 with Crusaders, almost in round III. Telesport.al. sq. 14 July 2015. 14 July 2015. 15 July 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150715015600/http://telesport.al/skenderbeu-fiton-4-1-me-crusaders-korcaret-thuajse-ne-tur-iii/. dead.
  39. Web site: Skënderbeu kalon në turin e tretë të Champions League. Skënderbeu passes in the third round of Champions League. Top Channel. sq. 21 July 2015. 21 July 2015.
  40. News: Milsami i Moldavisë, rivali i Skënderbeut në turin e tretë. Moldova's Milsam, the rival of Skënderbeu in the third round. Telesport.al. sq. Eduard Ilnica. 21 July 2015. 6 December 2015. 4 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304072607/http://telesport.al/milsami-i-moldavise-rivali-i-skenderbeut-ne-turin-e-trete/. dead.
  41. News: Skënderbeu fiton Milsamin, shumë pranë historisë. Skënderbeu wins Milsami, very close to history. Lajmi.net. sq. 28 July 2015. 28 July 2015.
  42. News: Skenderbeu becomes first Albanian club to reach Champions League play-off. Tirana Times. 6 August 2015. 6 August 2015.
  43. News: Laçi fiton Superkupën e Shqipërisë, kurbinasit mundin Skënderbeun me penallti. Laçi wins Albanian Supercup, "kurbinasit" defeats Skënderbeu on penalties. Panorama Sport. sq. 12 August 2015. 15 August 2015.
  44. News: Hamdi Salihi, golashënuesi më i mirë i Ligës së Kampioneve. Hamdi Salihi, top goalscorer of Champions League. Telesport.al. sq. Alfred Lleshi. 3 August 2015. 3 August 2015. 4 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074857/http://telesport.al/hamdi-salihi-golashenuesi-mei-mire-i-liges-se-kampioneve/. dead.
  45. Web site: Statistics — Qualifying phase — Team statistics — Goals. UEFA.com. 26 August 2015.
  46. News: Zyrtare/ Hamdi Salihi qëndron në Korçë. Official/ Hamdi Salihi stays in Korçë. Lapsi.al. sq. 31 August 2015. 31 August 2015.
  47. News: Skënderbeut i mjafton një gol ndaj Vllaznisë, dëmtohet Salihi. Skënderbeu it suffices a goal against Vllaznia, Salihi injured. Telesport.al. sq. Eduard Ilnica. 9 September 2015. 21 May 2016.
  48. News: Josa mund të buzëqeshë, riaftësohet Salihi. Josa can smile, Salihi recurepared. SuperSport Albania. sq. Sotir Kora. 14 September 2015. 21 May 2016.
  49. News: Skënderbeu Korçë vs. Beşiktaş 0 – 1. Soccerway. 17 September 2015. 21 May 2016.
  50. News: Skënderbeu dhe Partizani nisin duelin për kreun. Skënderbeu and Partizani starts the duel for the lead. Gazeta Shqip. sq. Erion Abule. 27 September 2015. 21 May 2016.
  51. News: Video / Skënderbeu nuk njeh rivalë, mposht 3-0 Laçin. Video / Skënderbeu doesn't know rivals, defeats 3-0 Laçi. Panorama.com.al. sq. 5 October 2015. 5 October 2015.
  52. News: Partizani mposht Skënderbeun, tani i vetëm në krye. Partizani defeats Skënderbeu, now lonely on the lead. Telesport.al. sq. Alfred Lleshi. 25 October 2015. 25 October 2015.
  53. News: "La Gazzeta Dello Sport": "Ai është Hamdi Salihi, supergol në Superligën Shqiptare". "La Gazzeta Dello Sport": "He is Hamdi Salihi, supergoal in Albanian Superliga". Opinion.al. sq. 25 October 2015. 25 October 2015.
  54. News: Skënderbeu fiton 3-1 ndaj Vllaznisë. Salihi kalon Sukajn si golashënues. Skënderbeu win 3-0 over Vllaznia. Salihi overtakes Sukaj as goalscorer. Telesport.al. sq. Gjergj Kola. 8 November 2015. 8 November 2015.
  55. News: Skënderbeu i prish festën Tiranës. Skënderbeu runs Tirana's party. Sport Ekspres. sq. 1 December 2015. 15 December 2015. 22 December 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151222163206/http://sportekspres.com/skenderbeu-i-prish-festen-tiranes/. dead.
  56. News: Dëmtohet Salihi, golashënuesi më i mirë thyen dorën. Salihi injured, top goalscorer breaks the hand. Ora Sport. sq. 20 December 2015. 20 December 2015.
  57. News: Salihi dhe Xhejms likujdojnë Kukësin, kampionët rikthehen në krye. Salihi and James liquidate Kukësi, champions back on lead. Telesport.al. sq. Alfred Lleshi. 7 February 2016. 7 February 2016. 29 July 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170729191731/http://telesport.al/salihi-dhe-xhejms-likujdojne-kukesin-kampionet-rikthehen-ne-krye/. dead.
  58. News: Skënderbeu bën detyrën, mund Tërbunin. Skënderbeu does the task, defeats Tërbuni. Botasot.info. sq. 13 February 2016. 13 February 2016.
  59. News: Video / Vendos një penallti në Korçë, Skënderbeu thyen Tiranën. Video / A penalty decides in Korçë, Skënderbeu breaks Tirana. Panorama Sport. sq. 22 February 2016. 24 February 2016.
  60. News: Super Salihi, Skënderbeu shkatërron Flamurtarin. Super Salihi, Skënderbeu destroys Flamurtari. SuperSport Albania. sq. Sotir Kora. 20 March 2016. 20 March 2016. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160323180124/http://www.supersport.al/super-salihi-skenderbeu-shkaterron-flamurtarin/. 23 March 2016.
  61. News: Skënderbeu kampion! Dhimbje e lotë për Partizanin. Skënderbeu champion! Pain and tears for Partizani. SuperSport Albania. sq. Olsi Karagjozi. 18 May 2016. 17 July 2016.
  62. News: Këpuca e Artë, "pronë" e Hamdi Salihit. Golden Boot, "property" of Hamdi Salihi. SuperSport Albania. sq. Elvis Rexha. 16 May 2016. 16 May 2016. 21 May 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160521105128/http://www.supersport.al/kepuca-e-arte-prone-e-hamdi-salihit/. dead.
  63. Web site: Albania's KF Skenderbeu banned from Europe for match-fixing. ESPN FC. Associated Press. 6 June 2016. 10 March 2017.
  64. News: Kukësi fiton Superkupën e Shqipërisë. https://web.archive.org/web/20160826013058/http://www.supersport.al/kukesi-fiton-superkupen-e-shaqiperise/. dead. 26 August 2016. Kukësi wins Albanian Supercup. SuperSport Albania. sq. Rinald Bregasi. 24 August 2016. 25 August 2016.
  65. News: Skënderbeu, start nën shenjën e Salihit. Skënderbeu, start on Salihi's mark. SuperSport Albania. sq. Erald Kodheli. 7 September 2016. 7 September 2016. 10 September 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160910073514/http://www.supersport.al/skenderbeu-e-nis-me-fitore-nen-shenjen-e-salihit/. dead.
  66. News: Korabi Peshkopi vs. Skënderbeu Korçë 0 – 2. Soccerway. 11 September 2016. 29 July 2017.
  67. News: Skënderbeu fiton lehtësisht 3-0 në Korçë. Skënderbeu easily wins 3-0 in Korçë. Ora Sport. sq. 1 October 2016. 1 October 2016. 20 February 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190220080801/http://sport.oranews.tv/skenderbeu-fiton-lehtesisht-3-0-ne-korce/. dead.
  68. News: Hamdi Salihi zgjidhet lojtari i vitit. Hamdi Salihi chosen player of the year. Telesport.al. sq. Eduard Ilnica. 19 December 2016. 29 January 2017. 2 February 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170202070317/http://telesport.al/hamdi-salihi-zgjidhet-lojtari-vitit/. dead.
  69. News: Kur fatin e vendos arbitri. When the referee decides the fate. SuperSport Albania. sq. Rinald Bregasi. 21 May 2017. 6 July 2017. 29 July 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170729174727/http://www.supersport.al/kur-fatin-e-vendos-arbitri/. dead.
  70. News: Skandal në gjykimin te Kukësi-Skënderbeu. Salihi gris kartonin e kuq (Shikoni videon). Scandal in the judgement of Kukësi-Skënderbeu. Salihi torn the red card (Watch the video). Gazeta Panorama. sq. 21 May 2017. 21 May 2017.
  71. News: Kukësi, kampion për herë të parë në histori. Kukësi, champion for the first time in history. SuperSport Albania. sq. 20 May 2017. 6 July 2017. 23 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170523021051/http://www.supersport.al/75736-2/. dead.
  72. News: Salihi pezullohet me 10 ndeshje, Osmani me 8. Salihi suspended with 10 matches, Osmani with 8. Kosova Press. sq. 20 May 2017. 6 July 2017.
  73. News: Nënshkruan me klubin e ri, Salihi largohet nga Skënderbeu. Signs with the new club, Salihi leaves Skënderbeu. Koha Jone. sq. 30 June 2017. 29 July 2017.
  74. News: Hamdi Salihi rikthehet në Austri, firmos me Viener Nojshtad. Hamdi Salihi returns in Austria, signs for Wiener Neustadt. Gazeta Tema. sq. 30 June 2017. 30 July 2017.
  75. News: Salihi zyrtarizohet në Austri, debuton kundër ish-ekipit të vet. Hamdi Salihi formalized in Austria, will debut against his former-team. Sport Ekspres. sq. 21 July 2017. 30 July 2017.
  76. News: Salihit i ulet dënimi, por në Austri i hapen probleme!. Salihi's ban is reduced, but there are new problems in Austria!. Sport Ekspres. sq. 4 July 2017. 30 July 2017.
  77. News: Ried vs. Wiener Neustadt 0 – 1. Soccerway. 21 July 2017. 30 July 2017.
  78. News: Hamdi Salihi protagonist në fitoren e Wiener Neustadt. Hamdi Salihi protagonist in Wiener Neustadt's win. SuperSport Albania. sq. Andi Deçka. 29 July 2017. 30 July 2017.
  79. News: Salihi për "Oskar", 4 gola dhe kryesim në Austri. Salihi for “Oscar”, 4 goals and lead in Austria. Sport Ekspres. sq. 20 October 2017. 21 October 2017.
  80. News: Salihi i ruan rekordet për në Austri: Katër gola, thjesht madhështore. Salihi saves the records for Austria: Four goals, just magnificent. Sport Ekspres. sq. 21 October 2017. 21 October 2017.
  81. Web site: Salihi nuk ndalet, Nojshtadi në krye!. Salihi doesn't stop, Neustadt on lead. Sport Ekspres. sq. 31 October 2017. 31 October 2017.
  82. Web site: Video / Salihi "hero" në Austri, shënon super gol nga goditja e dënimit në minutën e 96-të. Video / Salihi “hero” in Austria, scores a super goal from free-kick in 96th minute. Panorama Sport. sq. 4 May 2018. 5 May 2018.
  83. Web site: Salihi arrin objektivin minimal, një ndeshje larg ëndrrës. Salihi reaches the minimal goal, one match away from the dream. Sport Ekspres. sq. 25 May 2018. 26 May 2018.
  84. Web site: Hamdi Salihi "gradohet" kapiten në Austri. E nis me dy gola që në ndeshjen e parë. Hamdi Salihi “promoted” captain in Austria. Starts with two goals in the first match. Shkodra Sport. sq. 17 July 2018. 17 August 2018. 28 August 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180828065232/http://www.shkodrasport.com/2018/07/17/hamdi-salihi-gradohet-kapiten-ne-austri-e-nis-me-dy-gola-qe-ne-ndeshjen-e-pare/. dead.
  85. Web site: Salihi përshpejton fundin e karrierës, të shtunën var këpucët në gozhdë!. Hamdi Salihi accelerates the end of his career, on saturday will hang the boots in nail!. SuperSport Albania. sq. Sotir Kora. 28 March 2019. 30 March 2019.
  86. Web site: Wiener Neustadt vs. Wacker Innsbruck II 1 – 2. Soccerway. 30 March 2019. 30 March 2019.
  87. News: Football Match: 22.08.2007 Albania v Malta. EU-Football.info. 23 August 2007. 25 October 2015.
  88. News: Trofeu "Taçi Oil", Milan mund Shqipërinë vetëm me penallti. Trophy "Taci Oil", Milan defeats Albania only on penalties. Noa.al. sq. 13 May 2009. 27 December 2016.
  89. News: Sweden vs. Albania 4 – 1. Soccerway. 14 October 2009. 25 October 2015.
  90. Web site: FIFA World Cup 2014 - Albania-Cyprus – UEFA.com. UEFA.com.
  91. Web site: WCQ Group E round-up. Sky Sports.
  92. Web site: Norway stunned by Albania. Eurosport Australia. 23 March 2013. 23 March 2013.
  93. Web site: Ice-cold Albanians stun 'Drillos'. newsinenglish.no. 23 March 2013. 23 March 2013.
  94. Web site: FIFA World Cup 2014 - Norway-Albania – UEFA.com. UEFA.com.
  95. Web site: 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™: Albania-Switzerland - Report. https://web.archive.org/web/20140519014711/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258374/match=300182254/report.html. dead. 19 May 2014. FIFA.com. FIFA. 30 October 2017.
  96. https://web.archive.org/web/20111205013154/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/europe/matches/group=258386/index.html Results and schedule for UEFA Group E (FIFA.com version)
  97. http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/season=2014/standings/round=2000294/group=2001660/index.html Results and schedule for UEFA Group E (UEFA.com version)
  98. News: Albania head off Armenia threat. UEFA.com. 29 March 2015. 9 July 2015.
  99. News: De Biasi leaves out Albanian top scorer Salihi. UEFA.com. Fatjon Pandovski. 21 May 2016. 19 July 2015.
  100. News: No place for Hamdi Salihi in Albania's preliminary Euro 2016 squad. Hindustan Times. Fatjon Pandovski. 22 May 2016. 19 July 2015.
  101. News: Hamdi Salihi kërcënon: Do tërhiqem nga Kombëtarja. Hamdi Salihi threatens: I'm gonna retire from the national team. Syri.net. sq. 24 May 2015. 9 July 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20160527072549/http://www.syri.net/2016/05/24/hamdi-salihi-kercenon-do-terhiqem-nga-kombetarja/. 27 May 2016. dead.
  102. https://www.90minuten.at/de/red/presseschau/kurzmeldungen-vereine-verbaende-sportler/2019/mai/sc-wiener-neustadt-hat-ein-neues-trainerteam/ SC Wiener Neustadt hat ein neues Trainerteam
  103. http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/fat-te-punoj-me-rejan-hamdi-salihi-ju-tregoj-trajnerin-e-ri-te-kombetares/ “Fat të punoj me Rejan”, Hamdi Salihi: Ju tregoj trajnerin e ri të Kombëtares
  104. News: Football : Hamdi Salihi. Football Database. 19 July 2016.
  105. All appearance(s) in UEFA Cup
  106. All appearance(s) in UEFA Intertoto Cup
  107. All appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
  108. Appearance in Albanian Supercup
  109. All appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
  110. All appearance(s) in AFC Champions League
  111. Appearance in Chinese FA Super Cup
  112. Five appearances and five goals in UEFA Champions League, five appearances in UEFA Europa League
  113. All appearance(s) in Austrian Football First League promotion play-offs
  114. Web site: Hamdi Salihi - national football team player. EU-Football.info. 19 July 2016.