Milot Rashica
Rashica with Beşiktaş in 2023
Personal information
Full name Milot Rashica[1]
Date of birth (1996-06-28) 28 June 1996 (age 27)
Place of birth Vučitrn, FR Yugoslavia
Height 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)[2]
Position(s) Attacking midfielder, winger
Team information
Current team
 Beşiktaş
Number 11
Youth career
2008–2012 Kurda
2012–2013 Vushtrria
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2013–2015 Vushtrria 21 (9)
2015–2018 Vitesse 83 (13)
2018–2021 Werder Bremen 87 (21)
2021–2023 Norwich City 35 (1)
2022–2023 → Galatasaray (loan) 26 (4)
2023– Beşiktaş 16 (4)
International career‡
2012 Albania U17 3 (1)
2014 Albania U19 5 (0)
2015–2016 Albania U21 6 (1)
2016 Albania 2 (0)
2016– Kosovo 53 (11)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 22:19, 23 January 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 12 November 2023 (UTC)

Milot Rashica (Albanian pronunciation: [ˈmilot ɾaˈʃitsa]; born 28 June 1996) is a Kosovan professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Süper Lig club Beşiktaş and the Kosovo national team.

Club career

Early career

Rashica was born in Vučitrn, FR Yugoslavia, in present-day Kosovo to ethnic Albanian parents. He made his professional debut with local club Vushtrria, aged only 16. In August 2013, after a trial period at Gent, he refused a transfer offer from the club[3] and made his senior debut with Vushtrria.

In September 2013, after suffering an injury, Rashica moved to Hannover for treatment and only returned to his parent club in 2014.[4]

Vitesse

Rashica with Vitesse in January 2016

On 10 September 2014, Rashica moved to Vitesse on a trial basis,[5] appearing for the club's youth team. On 10 February 2015, he signed a three-year deal with the Arnhem side, being effective on 1 July,[6] for a reported €300,000 fee.[7]

On 30 July 2015, Rashica made his professional debut, coming on as a second-half substitute for Uroš Đurđević in a 3–0 away loss against Southampton for the third qualifying round of 2015–16 UEFA Europa League.[8] On 9 August, he made his Eredivisie debut, starting and assisting Denys Oliynyk in a 1–1 away draw against Willem II.

On 20 September 2015, Rashica scored his first professional goal, netting the last in a 3–0 home victory against De Graafschap. On 18 December, he scored a brace in a 5–1 routing of Twente also at the GelreDome.

He played as Vitesse won the final of the KNVB Beker 2–0 against AZ Alkmaar on 30 April 2017 to lead the club, three-time runners up, to the title for the first time in its 125-year history.[9][10]

Werder Bremen

On 31 January 2018, Rashica joined Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, reportedly signing a 4.5-year contract until 2022.[11][12][13] On 3 February 2018, he made his debut in a 2–1 away win against Schalke 04 after being named in the Werder Bremen starting eleven.[14]

Rashica started in Werder Bremen's first match of the 2019–20 season against Fortuna Düsseldorf and assisted Johannes Eggestein's goal before sustaining an injury and being subbed off.[15] He scored his first goal of the 2019–20 season on his return from an injury, on the sixth matchday of the season against Borussia Dortmund in a 2–2 draw against the black and yellows.[16][17]

Norwich City

On 22 June 2021, Rashica signed a four-year contract with the newly promoted Premier League club Norwich City,[18] and received squad number 17.[19] Norwich City reportedly paid a €11 million transfer fee plus a possible €4 million in bonuses.[20] On 14 August 2021, he made his debut in a 3–0 home defeat against Liverpool after being named in the starting line-up.[21]

Rashica scored his first goal for Norwich City in January 2022, when he netted the winning goal in an FA Cup tie at Charlton Athletic.[22] He provided an assist for Josh Sargent as Norwich City moved out of the Premier League relegation zone with a 3–0 win over Watford.[23] He scored his first Premier League goal for Norwich when he scored the first goal in a 3–1 defeat away to Liverpool at Anfield;[24] in doing so he became the first Kosovan to score in the Premier League.[25]

Loan to Galatasaray

On 8 September 2022, Rashica joined Süper Lig side Galatasaray, on a season-long loan.[26] Galatasaray will reportedly pay him a €1.5 million net fee.[27] His debut with Galatasaray came three days later in a 3–2 away win against Kasımpaşa after coming on as a substitute at 83rd minute in place of Yunus Akgün.[28] He scored his first goal against Giresunspor on 28 January 2023, after substituting in place of Dries Mertens. As of early March 2023, he scored 2 goals and gave 3 assists in 18 official games he played for Galatasaray. [29]

Rashica became the champion in the Süper Lig in the 2022–23 season with Galatasaray. Defeating Ankaragücü 4–1 away in the match played in the 36th week on 30 May 2023, Galatasaray secured the lead with two weeks before the end and won the 23rd championship in its history.[30]

Beşiktaş

On 15 August 2023, Rashica signed a four-year contract with Süper Lig club Beşiktaş.[31]

International career

Albania

Under-17

Rashica was called up to Albania's under-17 team by coach Džemal Mustedanagić for the 2013 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying round in October 2012, and made his debut for the side on the 18th, starting in a 1–0 loss against Italy.[32] Five days later, he scored the fifth in a 6–0 routing of Liechtenstein;[33] he appeared in three matches and scored once, as Albania was knocked out after finishing third in its group.

Under-19

On 7 November 2014, Rashica was called up to the under-19s by coach Altin Lala ahead of 2015 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifying round.[34] He appeared against Denmark,[35] Portugal[36] and Wales,[37] as Albania was again eliminated.

Under-21

On 28 August 2015, Rashica was included in Redi Jupi's under-21 squad for the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification matches against Israel and Portugal.[38] He made his debut on 3 September, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 home draw against the former, and also suffering a penalty which was later converted by Endri Çekiçi.[39]

Senior

Rashica made his debut for the full squad on 29 March 2016, coming on as a second-half substitute for Ledian Memushaj in a 2–0 friendly win against Luxembourg.[40] He only appeared in one further match for the national setup, a 3–1 win against Qatar on 29 May.

Kosovo

On 15 August 2016, it was announced that Rashica had switched to Kosovo.[41] On 30 August 2016, he received a call-up from Kosovo for a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Finland[42] and made his debut after being named in the starting line-up.[43]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 17 January 2024[44][45]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup Europe[a] Other[b] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Vushtrria 2013–14[46] Kosovo Superleague 5 2 — — 5 2
2014–15[47] Kosovo Superleague 16 7 — — 16 7
Total 21 9 0 0 — — 21 9
Vitesse 2015–16 Eredivisie 31 8 1 0 2 0 — 34 8
2016–17 Eredivisie 33 2 6 2 — — 39 4
2017–18 Eredivisie 19 3 1 0 6 0 1 0 27 3
Total 83 13 8 2 8 0 1 0 100 15
Werder Bremen 2017–18 Bundesliga 9 1 1 0 — — 10 1
2018–19 Bundesliga 26 9 4 3 — — 30 12
2019–20 Bundesliga 28 8 4 3 — 2 0 34 11
2020–21 Bundesliga 24 3 2 0 — — 26 3
Total 87 21 11 6 0 0 2 0 100 27
Norwich City 2021–22 Premier League 31 1 4 1 — — 35 2
2022–23 Championship 4 0 1 0 — — 5 0
Total 35 1 5 1 — — 40 2
Galatasaray (loan) 2022–23 Süper Lig 26 4 4 2 — — 30 6
Beşiktaş 2023–24 Süper Lig 14 4 1 0 6 0 — 21 4
Career total 266 52 29 11 14 0 3 0 313 63
  1. ^ Including continental competitions, such as UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League
  2. ^ Including other competitions, such as Johan Cruyff Shield and Bundesliga relegation play-offs

International

As of match played 12 November 2023[45][48]
Appearances and goals by national team, year and competition
National team Year Apps Goals
Albania 2016 2 0
Total 2 0
Kosovo 2016 4 0
2017 7 0
2018 9 2
2019 7 2
2020 1 0
2021 10 2
2022 8 2
2023 7 3
Total 53 11
As of 12 November 2023[45]
Scores and results list Kosovo's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Rashica goal.
List of international goals scored by Milot Rashica
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 14 October 2018 Tórsvøllur, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands 18  Faroe Islands 1–0 1–1 2018–19 UEFA Nations League D
2 17 November 2018 National Stadium, Ta' Qali, Malta 19  Malta 5–0 5–0 2018–19 UEFA Nations League D
3 7 June 2019 Podgorica City Stadium, Podgorica, Montenegro 23  Montenegro 1–0 1–1 UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying
4 10 June 2019 Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia, Bulgaria 24  Bulgaria 1–0 3–2 UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying
5 4 June 2021 Wörthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt, Austria 32  Malta 1–0 2–1 Friendly
6 2–1
7 24 March 2022 Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina, Kosovo 39  Burkina Faso 4–0 5–0 Friendly
8 29 March 2022 Letzigrund, Zürich, Switzerland 40   Switzerland 1–0 1–1 Friendly
9 12 October 2023 Estadi Nacional, Andorra la Vella, Andorra 52  Andorra 1–0 3–0 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying
10 2–0
11 12 November 2023 Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina, Kosovo 53  Israel 1–0 1–0 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying

Honours

Vushtrria

Vitesse

Galatasaray

References

  1. ^ "2021/22 Premier League squads confirmed". Premier League. 10 September 2021. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
  2. ^ "Milot Rashica". Norwich City F.C. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  3. ^ "Rashica refuzon ofertën e parë nga K.A.A Gent" [Rashica refuses K.A.A. Gent's first offer] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 23 August 2013. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  4. ^ "Rashica për shërim në Hannover" [Rashica recovering in Hannover] (in Albanian). Sporti1. 4 September 2013. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  5. ^ "Vitesse test Albanese middenvelder" [Vitesse trials Albanian midfielder] (in Dutch). PZC. 10 September 2014. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  6. ^ "Albanees Rashica tekent bij Vitesse" [Albanian Rashica signed by Vitesse] (in Dutch). Vitesse's official website. 10 February 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  7. ^ "Vitesse të paguajë 300 mijë euro për Rashicën?" [Vitesse to pay 300,000 € for Rashica?] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 8 September 2014. Archived from the original on 25 December 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  8. ^ "Southampton 3–0 Vitesse". BBC Sport. 30 July 2015. Retrieved 31 July 2015.
  9. ^ Said, Nick (30 April 2017). "Vitesse claim first major trophy with Cup triumph". Reuters. Retrieved 17 March 2019.
  10. ^ "AZ Alkmaar vs. Vitesse Arnhem". ESPN FC. Retrieved 17 March 2019.
  11. ^ "Rashica vertrekt naar Werder Bremen (video)" (in Dutch). SBV Vitesse. 31 January 2018.
  12. ^ "Fix: Rashica wechselt zum SV Werder" (in German). SV Werder Bremen. 31 January 2018.
  13. ^ "Werder-Wechsel perfekt: Rashica steigt sofort ein" (in German). Kicker. 31 January 2018.
  14. ^ "Rashica e fillon me fitore aventurën te Werderi, triumfojnë ndaj Schalkes" (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 3 February 2018.
  15. ^ Lübben, Karsten (20 August 2019). "Rashica fehlt Werder für mehrere Wochen". Buten und Binnen. Radio Bremen. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  16. ^ Pearson, Matt (28 September 2019). "Bundesliga: Borussia Dortmund squander lead to spirited Bremen". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  17. ^ "Borussia Dortmund 2-2 Werder Bremen: Hosts miss chance to move second in Bundesliga". BBC Sport. 28 September 2019. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  18. ^ Bailey, Michael (22 June 2021). "Milot Rashica: Norwich confirm transfer of Werder Bremen winger". The Athletic. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  19. ^ "Milot Rashica: I can't wait to get started". Norwich City F.C. 15 July 2021.
  20. ^ Knips, Björn (22 June 2021). "Rashica-Wechsel: Werder winken fette Extra-Zahlungen aus Norwich". Weser-Kurier (in German). Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  21. ^ Ames, Nick (14 August 2021). "Mohamed Salah's sublime strike seals Liverpool win over Norwich". The Observer. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
  22. ^ "Milot Rashica nets winner in Emirates FA Cup victory over Charlton Athletic". Norwich City Football Club. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  23. ^ "Stunning Sargent brace helps lift City out of relegation zone". Norwich City Football Club. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  24. ^ "Milot Rashica scores first Premier League goal in defeat at Liverpool". Norwich City. 19 February 2022. Retrieved 20 February 2022.
  25. ^ "Norwich City's Milot Rashica follows Eric Cantona and Dwight Yorke after his Liverpool strike". NorfolkLive. 21 February 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  26. ^ "Galatasaray'a hoş geldin Milot Rashica!" [Welcome to Galatasaray, Milot Rashica!] (in Turkish). Galatasaray S.K. 8 September 2022.
  27. ^ "Milot Rashica Galatasaray'da!" [Milot Rashica is in Galatasaray!] (in Turkish). Galatasaray S.K. 8 September 2022.
  28. ^ "Kasımpaşa 2–3 Galatasaray" (in Turkish). Galatasaray S.K. 11 September 2022.
  29. ^ "Milot Rashica, İstatistik, Takım Bazında". Mackolik. 10 March 2023. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  30. ^ "Turkish Super Lig: Galatasaray win title for 23rd time after beating Ankaragucu 4-1". BBC Sport. 30 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  31. ^ "Milot Rashica'nın Transferi İçin Görüşmelere Başlandı". Beşiktaş J.K. (in Turkish). Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  32. ^ "Italy 1–0 Albania". UEFA.com. 18 October 2012. Archived from the original on 19 March 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  33. ^ "Liechtenstein 0–6 Albania". UEFA.com. 23 October 2012. Archived from the original on 19 March 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  34. ^ "Barazon Kombëtarja, Lala: Kualifikohemi në Europian" [National team, Lala: drawn for the European qualifiers] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 7 November 2014. Archived from the original on 20 November 2014. Retrieved 1 August 2015.
  35. ^ "Denmark 1–0 Albania". UEFA.com. 12 November 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  36. ^ "Albania 1–4 Portugal". UEFA.com. 14 November 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  37. ^ "Wales 2–1 Albania". UEFA.com. 17 November 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  38. ^ "Grumbullohet kombetarja U-21" [National U-21 call-up] (in Albanian). Albanian Football Association. 28 August 2015. Retrieved 3 September 2015.
  39. ^ "Albania 1–1 Israel". UEFA.com. 3 September 2015. Retrieved 3 September 2015.
  40. ^ "Shqipëria fiton në Luksemburg, firmosin Sadiku dhe Cikalleshi" [Albania wins in Luxembourg, Sadiku and Cikalleshi scored]. panorama-sport.com (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 29 March 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2016.
  41. ^ "Rashica zgjedh të luajë për Kosovën" (in Albanian). Radio Television of Kosovo. 15 August 2016.
  42. ^ "Bunjaki publikoi listën e lojtarëve për ndeshjen me Finlandën" (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 30 August 2016.
  43. ^ "Finland 1–1 Kosovo". BBC Sport. 5 September 2016. Retrieved 2 October 2016.
  44. ^ Milot Rashica at Soccerway
  45. ^ a b c Milot Rashica at National-Football-Teams.com
  46. ^ "Lista e Golashenuesve 2013/14" [Goalscorers List 2013/14]. mediavision-ks.com (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. May 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
  47. ^ "Lista e Golashenuesve 2014/15" [Goalscorers List 2014/15]. mediavision-ks.com (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. May 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
  48. ^ "Milot Rashica". EU-Football.info. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  49. ^ "CUMHURİYETİN YÜZÜ, TÜRKİYE'NİN EN BÜYÜĞÜ, ŞAMPİYON GALATASARAY!". Galatasaray S.K. 30 May 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2023.

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