Sokol Cikalleshi (Albanian pronunciation: ['sɔkɔl 'tsikaɫɛʃi]; born 27 July 1990) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as forward for Iranian club Tractor S.C. and the Albania national team.
![]() Cikalleshi with Albania in 2016 | |||
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Date of birth | 27 July 1990 | ||
Place of birth | Kavajë, Albania | ||
Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) | ||
Position(s) | Forward | ||
Team information | |||
Current team | Tractor S.C. | ||
Number | 37 | ||
Youth career | |||
2002–2008 | Besa | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2007–2013 | Besa | 57 | (11) |
2011 | → Skënderbeu (loan) | 4 | (0) |
2012 | → Tirana (loan) | 13 | (2) |
2012 | → Incheon United (loan) | 6 | (0) |
2013–2014 | Kukësi | 30 | (17) |
2014–2015 | Split | 32 | (10) |
2015–2017 | İstanbul Başakşehir | 31 | (3) |
2017 | → Akhisar Belediyespor (loan) | 14 | (7) |
2017–2019 | Osmanlıspor | 26 | (9) |
2018–2019 | → Göztepe (loan) | 7 | (2) |
2019–2020 | Akhisar Belediyespor | 39 | (9) |
2020– | Konyaspor | 104 | (30) |
2022–2023 | → Al-Khaleej (loan) | 29 | (10) |
International career‡ | |||
2008 | Albania U19 | 2 | (0) |
2009 | Albania U20 | 2 | (0) |
2009–2011 | Albania U21 | 3 | (1) |
2014–2024 | Albania | 60 | (13) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 26 June 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:47, 17 November 2023 (UTC) |
He made his professional debut in 2007 as a 17-year-old with his hometown club Besa, and would then go on loan to Skënderbeu, Tirana and South Korean side Incheon United between 2011 and 2012. He joined Kukësi in 2013 and scored 22 goals in all competitions during the 2013–14 campaign, where he gained the attention of the Albania national team setup as well as Croatian side RNK Split who signed the player in 2014 for a reported fee of €100,000. He was the club's top goalscorer during the 2014–15 campaign, netting 13 times in all competitions before joining Turkish club İstanbul Başakşehir for a €1.8 million fee in 2015.
An Albanian international, Cikalleshi with 12 goals scored, is his country's joint active player top goalscorer along Armando Sadiku and 4th in the overall ranking. At youth level, he represented Albania under-21 with whom he made 4 appearances and scored 1 goal. He was first called up to the Albania national team by Gianni De Biasi and he made his debut on 31 May 2014 against Romania and he has been a regular member of the national side, earning over 50 caps and was also part of UEFA Euro 2016 squad.
Club career
editBesa
editCikalleshi joined his hometown club Besa in 2002 as a 12-year-old and he progressed through the youth ranks at the club,[1] until he made his professional debut at the age of 17 on the final day of the 2007–08 Kategoria Superiore against local rivals Teuta, a match in which he came on as a half time substitute in a 5–3 win.[2] In the following season he was an important member of the club's under-19s, as he captained the side to the national championship title in a season where he also made 10 league appearances for the senior side, including 2 starts. Under Shpëtim Duro, Cikalleshi became a regular first team member during the 2009–10 campaign, where he was part of strike force that included Daniel Xhafaj and Vioresin Sinani, who are two of the most prolific strikers in Albanian football history. He made 27 league appearances and scored twice, with his first professional goal coming against Shkumbini on 29 August 2011 in the Kategoria Superiore,[3] and he also went on to score against Vllaznia later in the season.[4] The 2009–10 campaign proved to be one of the club's most successful ever season, as they finished runners-up in the Kategoria Superiore behind Dinamo Tirana and won the Albanian Cup for only the second time in history. Cikalleshi played a significant role in the club's cup winning run, as he made 8 appearances and scored twice, including the winning goal in the semi-final against Shkumbini.[5] that sent Besa to the final, which was won against Vllaznia.
Loan to Skënderbeu
editHe agreed to join Skënderbeu on a 6-month loan deal ahead of the opening of the January 1transfer window, and travelled with the rest of the squad to Antalya, Turkey for their mid season training camp.[6]
Loan to Tirana
editCikalleshi joined Tirana on loan until the end of the 2011–12 season on 27 January 2012 following a successful trial at the club, claiming it to be the "chance of a lifetime" to have the chance to play for the club.[7][8] He made his debut for the club in the Albanian Cup against Bylis on 29 January, where he came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute for Klodian Duro in the goalless draw.[9]
Loan to Incheon United
editIn July 2012, Cikalleshi joined South Korean K-League club Incheon United FC on a 6-month loan deal.[10] During his time at Blue-Blacks, Cikalleshi made six appearances, only two of them as a starter, collecting 193 minutes in the process.
Kukësi
editIn August 2013, Cikalleshi joined FK Kukësi club on a one-year contract. He made his debut with the club on 4 September 2013 during the 1–0 shock lose against the newcomers of Lushnja.[11] He opened his scoring account eight weeks later where he scored during the 2–1 away lose against Flamurtari, which was followed by another goal in the next week at Laçi, where Kukësi won in the very last seconds thanks to a penalty.[12] On 6 November 2013, in the returning leg of the first round of 2013–14 Albanian Cup, Cikalleshi scored in a 5–0 thrashing of Naftëtari, helping Kukësi to advance in the next round with the aggregate 6–0.[13] He scored for the fourth consecutive match, this time against his former side KF Tirana helping Kukësi to prevail 2–1 at Zeqir Ymeri Stadium; he was later selected "Man of the Match".[14]
RNK Split
editFollowing FK Kukësi's elimination in the Europa League, on 16 July 2014 Cikalleshi signed for Croatian side RNK Split on a three-year contract for a fee of €100,000.[15] He was presented on the same day where he choose the squad number 99.[15] However, Kukësi claimed that they would not give Cikalleshi permission to play, as his documents were still at the club. The club also added that the player has still a year remaining in his contract, and that they would send the case to FIFA and UEFA.[16]
On 19 August he scored his first goal with RNK Split in a match against NK Hrvace, valid for the 2014–15 Croatian Football Cup.[17]
İstanbul Başakşehir
editOn 6 June 2015, RNK Split accepted the €1.8 million bid of Turkish side İstanbul Başakşehir to transfer Cikalleshi to the Süper Lig club.[18] Ten days later Cikalleshi was presented to the club where he signed a 4-years contract.[19]
Loan at Akhisar Belediyespor
editIn January 2017 Cikalleshi was loaned to fellow Süper Lig side Akhisar Belediyespor until the end of the season. He made his debut few days later against Gümüşhanespor valid for the Turkish Cup playing as a starter in a 3–1 win with Akhisar Belediyespor progressing through the quarter-finals.[20] He scored his first goal on 13 March 2017 against Trabzonspor in the 11th minute for the opening goal of the match which eventually finished in the 1–3 loss as opponent overturned in the second-half.[21][22] On 1 April 2017 Cikalleshi scored 1 goal against his owning team İstanbul Başakşehir in the 90'+4-minute to give his side the 2–1 victory.[23] On 23 April 2017 Cikalleshi scored 1 goal and provided 1 assist against Bursaspor in a 5–1 victory.[24] In the next game week Cikalleshi gave 2 assist for all team's goals scored against Kasımpaşa in a 2–0 victory, which made Akhisar Belediyespor to secure standing in the Süper Lig for next season.[25] On 8 May 2017 Cikalleshi scored two fast goals between 3 minutes and made also a shoot which caused an own goal by a Gaziantepspor defender. Akhisar Belediyespor took a glorious 6–0 victory.[26] Cikalleshi scored his 6th goal on 22 May 2017 against Alanyaspor in a 3–0 victory.[27]
Return
editCikalleshi was included in the squad list to participate in the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League Third qualifying round.[28]
Osmanlıspor
editOn 28 August 2017 Cikalleshi signed for fellow Süper Lig side Osmanlıspor a 3-years contract, transferring from İstanbul Başakşehir for a fee of €2 million and will earn €2.5 million per season.[29] He made his debut in the 4th game week against Göztepe on 10 September 2017 coming on as a substitute at half-time in a 0–2 loss.[30] Cikalleshi started the 2018 in a phenomenal way as he was given a starting place in the 2017–18 Turkish Cup round of 16 second Leg match against Beşiktaş in which he managed to score twice respectively in the 86th minute to balance the score only 3 minutes after disadvantage and in the 88th minute to give his side the 2–1 victory; however his goals weren't enough Beşiktaş advanced further after winning the first leg 4–1.[31]
Akhisar Belediyespor
editOn 16 January 2019, Cikalleshi made a surprise return to Turkish top flight by signing with Akhisar Belediyespor, whom he had a successful, albeit short spell in 2016–17 season.[32] He signed a contract until June 2022 and was given squad number 37.[33] In his first game two days later, Cikalleshi played in the second half and scored his team's lone goal in a 1–3 home defeat to Beşiktaş.[34]
Konyaspor
editOn 11 September 2020, Cikalleshi was signed by Konyaspor on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[35] He made his competitive debut eight days later in a goalless draw against Gençlerbirliği,[36] and scored his first goal later on 16 January 2021 in a 3–2 home win over Göztepe.[37]
On 3 February 2022, Cikalleshi extended his contact with the club for two more years.[38]
On 24 August 2022, Cikalleshi joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Khaleej on loan from Konyaspor.[39] He scored 10 goals in 29 league appearances as his side narrowly avoided relegation.[40][41]
In July 2023, Cikalleshi returned to his parent club ahead of the 2023–24 season.[42] He had a strong start to the season, scoring for the first time in the opening two rounds, respectively against İstanbulspor[43] and Antalyaspor.[44]
International career
editYouth
editCikalleshi has been a former Albania youth international, representing under-19, -20 and -21 levels.
He was part of Albania under-19 squad in the qualifiers of 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. His first appearance with under-19 squad occurred on 10 October 2008 in the matchday 2 of Group 5 against Serbia which finished in a 5–0 away loss.[45] He went on to make another appearance as Albania finished Group 9 in the last position.
In June 2009, Cikalleshi was called up by manager of Albania under-20 side Artan Bushati to be part of the team at 2009 Mediterranean Games.[46] He played as a starter in both matches of Group D; in the first, a 1–2 loss to Tunisia, he played for 70 minutes[47] and in the second he played the full match in a 0–3 loss to Spain which brought the elimination from the tournament.[48]
Cikalleshi then was part of under-21 squad for the qualifiers of 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship where Albania was placed in Group 10.[49] Cikalleshi made his competitive debut on 13 November 2009 in the matchday 6 against Austria, entering in the last moments as Albania drew 2–2.[50] Later on 4 September 2010, with Albania already eliminated, Cikalleshi played his first match as starter in the final matchday against Azerbaijan, scoring a goal by unable to avoid the 3–2 away loss.[51] Albania finished Group 10 in the 4th position with only 4 points from 8 matches.[52]
Senior
editAfter his good performances with Kukësi in the 2013–14 season, Cikalleshi received his first call up at the Albania senior squad by coach Gianni De Biasi for friendlies against Romania in May and Hungary & San Marino in June 2014. He made his international debut on 31 May in the 1–0 away loss to Romania, playing in the first half before leaving for Shkëlzen Gashi.[53]
On 16 November 2015, Cikalleshi came off the bench to score his first international goal for Albania in the 94th minute to give Albania the 2–2 draw in a friendly home against Georgia, in the last international match at Qemal Stafa Stadium.[54]
Cikalleshi lost his place in the starting lineup from the beginning of 2016 due to good running form of fellow striker Armando Sadiku. He was however, named in Albania's preliminary 27-man squad for UEFA Euro 2016,[55] and in Albania's final 23-man UEFA Euro 2016 squad on 31 May.[56] Cikalleshi made his first appearance against Switzerland in the opening match, entering in the last 15 minutes as Albania suffered a 1–0 loss.[57] Those were the only minutes that his played during the campaign as he was an unused substitute in the next matches against France and Romania. 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.[58]
Cikalleshi was barely used in Albania's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. He made only 3 appearances, only one as starter, collecting 132 minutes without scoring. In September 2017, he was called-up and later omitted by manager Christian Panucci for the matches against Liechtenstein and Macedonia as he asked permission to conclude his transfer at Osmanlıspor.[59][29]
Cikalleshi was Albania's main striker in their historic UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, during which they won Group E with 15 points.[60] He scored once during the campaign, a penalty in a 1–1 draw away against Moldova.[61] In May 2024, he was omitted by manager Sylvinho in Albania's preliminary list for the final tournament, a decision which created controversy within Albanian media.[62][63][64] He announced his retirement one day after the list was made public.[65]
Style of play
editCikalleshi is a versatile attacking player who is known for his goalscoring ability and his aerial prowess. He is also a very strong player on the ball who is capable with both feet. In addition to that, Cikalleshi is also a great player in the air and considered as an aerial threat.
Personal life
editOn 12 October 2017, Cikalleshi become a father for the first time when his wife gave birth to the couple's first daughter, named Rajna.[66]
Career statistics
editClub
edit- As of 31 January 2024[67]
Club | Season | League | Cup | Europe[a] | Other[b] | Total | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
Besa | 2007–08 | Kategoria Superiore | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 1 | 0 | |||
2008–09 | 10 | 0 | — | — | — | 10 | 0 | |||||
2009–10 | 27 | 2 | 6 | 2 | — | — | 33 | 4 | ||||
2010–11 | 15 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1[c] | 0 | 1[d] | 0 | 19 | 7 | ||
2012–13 | 4 | 3 | — | — | — | 4 | 3 | |||||
Total | 57 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 67 | 14 | ||
Skënderbeu (loan) | 2010–11 | Kategoria Superiore | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 5 | 0 | ||
Tirana (loan) | 2011–12 | Kategoria Superiore | 13 | 2 | 9 | 3 | — | — | 22 | 5 | ||
Incheon United (loan) | 2012 | K-League | 6 | 0 | — | — | — | 6 | 0 | |||
Kukësi | 2013–14 | Kategoria Superiore | 30 | 17 | 9 | 5 | 2[c] | 0 | — | 41 | 22 | |
2014–15 | — | — | 2[c] | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | |||||
Total | 30 | 17 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 | — | 43 | 22 | |||
RNK Split | 2014–15 | Prva Liga | 32 | 10 | 7 | 3 | — | — | 39 | 13 | ||
İstanbul Başakşehir | 2015–16 | Süper Lig | 27 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 2[c] | 0 | — | 37 | 13 | |
2016–17 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 3[c] | 0 | — | 11 | 3 | |||
2017–18 | 2 | 0 | — | 0[e] | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | ||||
Total | 31 | 6 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 0 | — | 50 | 16 | |||
Akhisar Belediyespor (loan) | 2016–17 | Süper Lig | 14 | 7 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 16 | 7 | ||
Osmanlıspor | 2017–18 | Süper Lig | 25 | 6 | 4 | 2 | — | — | 29 | 8 | ||
2018–19 | TFF First League | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0 | |||
Total | 26 | 6 | 4 | 2 | — | — | 30 | 8 | ||||
Göztepe (loan) | 2018–19 | Süper Lig | 7 | 0 | 3 | 2 | — | — | 10 | 2 | ||
Akhisar Belediyespor | 2018–19 | Süper Lig | 13 | 0 | 5 | 3 | — | — | 18 | 3 | ||
2019–20 | TFF First League | 26 | 8 | — | — | — | 26 | 8 | ||||
Total | 39 | 8 | 5 | 3 | — | — | 44 | 11 | ||||
Konyaspor | 2020–21 | Süper Lig | 35 | 8 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 37 | 8 | ||
2021–22 | 34 | 10 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 34 | 10 | ||||
2022–23 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | 5 | 0 | |||
2023–24 | 19 | 8 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 20 | 8 | ||||
Total | 90 | 26 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | 96 | 26 | |||
Al-Khaleej (loan) | 2022–23 | Saudi Pro League | 29 | 10 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 30 | 11 | ||
Career total | 378 | 103 | 65 | 32 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 457 | 135 |
- ^ Including continental competitions, such as UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League
- ^ Including other competitions, such as Albanian Supercup
- ^ a b c d e Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
- ^ Including one appearance in Albanian Supercup
- ^ Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
International caps
editNational team | Year | Apps | Goals |
---|---|---|---|
Albania | 2014 | 7 | 0 |
2015 | 8 | 1 | |
2016 | 7 | 1 | |
2017 | 4 | 0 | |
2018 | 2 | 0 | |
2019 | 6 | 4 | |
2020 | 3 | 4 | |
2021 | 8 | 2 | |
2022 | 6 | 0 | |
2023 | 7 | 1 | |
Total | 58 | 13 |
- Scores and results list Albania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Cikalleshi goal.
No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 16 November 2015 | Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania | 15 | Georgia | 2–2 | 2–2 | Friendly |
2 | 29 March 2016 | Stade Josy Barthel, Route d'Arlon, Luxembourg | 17 | Luxembourg | 2–0 | 2–0 | Friendly |
3 | 11 June 2019 | Elbasan Arena, Elbasan, Albania | 30 | Moldova | 1–0 | 2–0 | UEFA Euro 2020 qualification |
4 | 7 September 2019 | Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France | 31 | France | 1–4 | 1–4 | UEFA Euro 2020 qualification |
5 | 10 September 2019 | Elbasan Arena, Elbasan, Albania | 32 | Iceland | 4–2 | 4–2 | UEFA Euro 2020 qualification |
6 | 14 October 2019 | Zimbru Stadium, Chișinău, Moldova | 34 | Moldova | 1–0 | 4–0 | UEFA Euro 2020 qualification |
7 | 4 September 2020 | Dinamo Stadium, Minsk, Belarus | 35 | Belarus | 1–0 | 2–0 | 2020–21 UEFA Nations League C |
8 | 15 November 2020 | Arena Kombëtare, Tirana, Albania | 36 | Kazakhstan | 1–0 | 3–1 | 2020–21 UEFA Nations League C |
9 | 18 November 2020 | Arena Kombëtare, Tirana, Albania | 37 | Belarus | 1–0 | 3–2 | 2020–21 UEFA Nations League C |
10 | 2–0 | ||||||
11 | 8 June 2021 | Stadion Letná, Prague, Czech Republic | 42 | Czech Republic | 1–1 | 1–3 | Friendly |
12 | 2 September 2021 | Stadion Narodowy, Warsaw, Poland | 43 | Poland | 1–1 | 1–4 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |
13 | 17 November 2023 | Zimbru Stadium, Chișinău, Moldova | 58 | Moldova | 1–0 | 1–1 | UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying |
Honours
editBesa[70]
Skënderbeu[70]
Individual
- Turkish Cup top scorer: 2015–16, 2018-19
- Albanian Superliga Player of the Month: March 2014[71]
- UEFA Nations League C top scorer: 2020-21
References
edit- ^ Sokol Cikalleshi profile at FSHF.org
- ^ "Teuta Durrës 3–5 Besa Kavajë". Footballdatabase. Retrieved 15 August 2015.
- ^ "Shkumbini Peqin 1–2 Besa Kavajë". Footballdatabase. Retrieved 15 August 2015.
- ^ "Vllaznia Shkodër 2–3 Besa Kavajë". Soccerway. Retrieved 15 August 2015.
- ^ "Shkumbini Peqin 0–1 Besa Kavajë". Footballdatabase. Retrieved 15 August 2015.
- ^ ""Godet" Skënderbeu, Zeqo arrin akordin me Cikalleshin" [Skënderbeu "strikes", Zeqo reaches the argument with Cikalleshi] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 24 December 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
- ^ "Gjata firmos për një vit e gjysmë" (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 27 January 2012. Archived from the original on 19 July 2012. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
- ^ Feriz Ferizaj (27 January 2012). "Flamurtari largon Hysën, Cikalleshi huazohet te Tirana" (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
- ^ Bylis Ballsh 0-0 KF Tirana Soccerway
- ^ Feriz Ferizaj (25 November 2015). "Firmos në Kore Cikalleshi, ja detajet e kontratës" [Cikalleshi signs in Korea, here's the details of contract] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
- ^ Armand Nezha (4 September 2013). "Një debutues në Superiore likujdon Kukësin, Lushnja e fillon me fitore rikthimin në elitë" (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
- ^ Vladimir Prenga (3 November 2013). ""Ringjallet" dhe Kukësi, fiton me përmbysje. Laçi i Nicës pëson humbjen e parë në shtëpi". Panorama Sport (in Albanian). Retrieved 3 November 2013.
- ^ Jonuz Hallaçi (6 November 2013). "Goleadë e Kukësit ndaj kuçovarëve, dëmtohet portieri Halili". Panorama Sport (in Albanian). Retrieved 6 November 2013.
- ^ Jonuz Hallaçi; Adela Merko (10 November 2013). "Kukësi fundos Tiranën, Gallo drejt shkarkimit". Panorama Sport (in Albanian). Retrieved 10 November 2013.
- ^ a b "Cikalleshi nga Kukësi ne Split" [Cikalleshi from Kukësi to Split] (in Albanian). Borozani.com. 17 July 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
- ^ "Cikalleshi firmos tre vite te Split, Kukësi e kërcënon" [Cikalleshi signs for three years with Split, Kukësi threats] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 17 July 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
- ^ "Cikalleshi, gol dhe asist te Spliti" [Cikalleshi, goal and assist at Split] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 19 August 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
- ^ Cikalleshi, tek Istanbul në Turqi Archived 19 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine Panorama Sport
- ^ Prezantohet Sokol Cikalleshi Archived 19 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine Sportal.al
- ^ Cikalleshi e nis mbarë Sport Ekspres
- ^ Edhe Cikalleshi ia bën "bam" Sport Ekspres
- ^ Akhisar Belediyespor vs. Trabzonspor - 13 March 2017 Soccerway
- ^ Cikalleshi në formë, supergol te Akhisar SuperSport Albania
- ^ Cikalleshi gol dhe asist në fitoren e Akhisar SuperSport Albania
- ^ Cikalleshi, "floriri" i Akisarit Sport Ekspres
- ^ Sulltan Cikalleshi, gola e rekord: Nëse luaj rregullisht… Sport Ekspres
- ^ Cikalleshi, tjetër gol në fitoren e Akhisarit SuperSport Albania
- ^ Cikalleshi përfshihet në listën e Ligës së Kampioneve, Kaçe drejt rivalëve të Iraklisit Panorama Sport
- ^ a b Cikalleshi: Për kombëtaren githmonë maksimumin SuperSport Albania
- ^ "Cikalleshi debuton nga stoli, Roshit nuk i sigurojnë minuta as golat me kombëtaren" [Cikalleshi debuts from the bench, Roshi does not provide minutes even his goals with the national team] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 10 September 2017. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
- ^ "Çfarë starti Cikalleshi, 2 gola Beshiktashit!" [What a start by Cikalleshi, 2 goals against Besiktas!] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 17 January 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2018.
- ^ "Sokol Cikalleshi transferohet tek klubi turk" [Sokol Cikalleshi transferred to Turkish club] (in Albanian). Gazeta Shqip. 17 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
- ^ Adi Metaliu (17 January 2018). "Befason Sokol Cikalleshi, transferohet tek Akhisari" [Sokol Cikalleshi surprises, transferred to Akhisar] (in Albanian). Gazeta Shqip. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
- ^ "VIDEO/ Cikalleshi i pabesueshëm, shënon për Akhisarsporin në ndeshjen e parë pas rikthimit" [Video/ Cikalleshi unbelievable, scores for Akhisar in the first match after returning] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 18 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
- ^ "ZYRTARE / Sokol Cikalleshi rikthehet në Superligën e Turqisë, sulmuesi firmos me Konyaspor" [Official/ Sokol Cikalleshi return to Turkish Superliga, the striker signs with Konyaspor] (in Albanian). BalkanWeb.com. 11 September 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ^ "Gençlerbirliği vs. Konyaspor 0 – 0". Soccerway. 19 September 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ^ "Konyaspor vs. Göztepe 2 – 3". Soccerway. 16 January 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ^ "Sokol Cikalleshi rinovon kontratën me Konyaspor" [Sokol Cikalleshi renews contract with Konyaspor]. rtv21.tv (in Albanian). 3 February 2022. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ^ "سيكاليشي يُكمل أجانب الخليج". arriyadiyah.com (in Arabic).
- ^ "VIDEO/ Cikalleshi bën bomberin, vjen goli numër 10 i sezonit në kampionat" [Video/ Cikalleshi does the bomber/ here comes the 10th goal in the championship] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 22 May 2023. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ^ "Frymëmarrje e thellë për Cikalleshin, skuadra e sulmuesit shqiptar siguron mbijetesën në javën e fundit të kampionatit" [A deep breath for Cikalleshi, the team of Albanian striker secures survival in the last championship week] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 31 May 2023. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ^ "Aventura arabe është lënë pas, Cikalleshi nis stërvitjen në klubin turk" [The arab adventure has been left behind, Cikalleshi begins training with the Turkish club] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 15 July 2023. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ^ "VIDEO/ Rikthim me gol në Turqi, Cikalleshi gjen rrugën e rrjetës në javën e parë të kampionatit" [Video/ A return with a goal in Turkey, Cikalleshi finds the net the first championship week] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 12 August 2023. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ^ "VIDEO/ Cikalleshi i pandalshëm, vjen goli i dytë në dy javë në Superligën turke" [Video/ Cikalleshi unstoppable, here comes the second goal in two weeks in Turkish Superliga] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 18 August 2023. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ^ "Serbia 5-0 Albania". UEFA.com. 10 October 2008. Archived from the original on 8 July 2012. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
- ^ "Peskara 2009, Shqipëria zbardh listën e futbollistëve" [Pescara 2009, Albania unveils the list of footballers] (in Albanian). Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve. 17 June 2009. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
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- ^ ""Vetëvrasje" në fund, kuqezinjtë munden nga Rumania" ["Suicide" at the end, red&black beaten by Romania] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 31 May 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2014.
- ^ "Shqipëri-Gjeorgji mbyllet 2–2, më në fund shënon Cikalleshi". Iklub.al (in Albanian). 16 November 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
- ^ Fatjon Pandovski (21 May 2016). "De Biasi leaves out Albanian top scorer Salihi". UEFA. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
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- ^ "Trajneri Panucci shpall listën e lojtarëve për ndeshjet zyrtare eleminatore kundër Lihtenshteinit dhe Maqedonisë" [Manager Panucci announces the players list for the official qualifying matches against Liechtenstein and Macedonia] (in Albanian). FSHF. 25 August 2017. Archived from the original on 27 August 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
- ^ "Shqipëria kualifikohet në Euro 2024" (in Albanian). FSHF. 17 November 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
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- ^ "Cikalleshi, Uzuni dhe Bare jashtë Evropianit, analiza e Rrakllit: S'më duket normale, të thirrej Sherri dhe jo Aliji" (in Albanian). Shqiptarja.com. 28 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ "EKSKLUZIVE/ Prapaskenat me listën e Kombëtares, si u bë Cikalleshi "kurban" dhe pse Uzuni nuk u grumbullua nga Silvinjo" (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 28 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ ""Silvinjo ishte kontradiktor, do ta marrë faturën në fund", Astrit Hafizi komenton listën e Kombëtares: Do jetë suksesi më i madh në historinë tonë nëse…" (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 28 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ "Cikalleshi njoftoi tërheqjen nga Kombëtarja pasi Sylvinho e la jashtë Euro 2024, reagon Asani: Do mbetesh pjesë e historisë" (in Albanian). Top-Channel.tv. 28 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ "Cikalleshi bëhet baba për herë të parë: Përjetova parajsën e kësaj bote!" [Cikalleshi becomes father for the first time: I experienced the paradise of this world] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 12 October 2017. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
- ^ "Profile of Sokol Cikalleshi". Soccerway. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ^ "Sokol Cikalleshi". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
- ^ "Sokol Cikalleshi - national football team player". EU-Football.info. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
- ^ a b "Albania – S. Cikalleshi – Profile with news, career statistics and history – Soccerway".
- ^ "Sulmuesi më në formë, Cikalleshi: Nuk ndalem këtu" [In-form striker Cikalleshi: I'm not gonna stop here] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 4 April 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
External links
edit- Sokol Cikalleshi at Soccerway
- Sokol Cikalleshi at National-Football-Teams.com
- Sokol Cikalleshi – UEFA competition record (archive)
- Sokol Cikalleshi – K League stats at kleague.com (in Korean)
- Sokol Cikalleshi – Euro 2016 profile at FSHF.org