Alban Meha
Meha with SC Paderborn in 2013
Personal information
Full name Alban Sylë Meha
Date of birth (1986-04-26) 26 April 1986
Place of birth Mitrovica, SFR Yugoslavia
Height 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Hessen Kassel
Number 17
Youth career
0000 TV Kemnat 1890
0000–1995 SV 1845 Esslingen
1995–2005 Stuttgarter Kickers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2005 Stuttgarter Kickers II
2006–2007 VfL Kirchheim/Teck 54 (16)
2007–2010 SSV Reutlingen 79 (16)
2010–2011 Eintracht Trier 33 (15)
2011–2015 SC Paderborn 102 (26)
2015–2017 Konyaspor 39 (4)
2017–2018 Al-Faisaly 1 (0)
2018–2019 SV Elversberg 13 (2)
2019-2021 Hessen Kassel 56 (17)
2023- Hessen Kassel 15 (6)
International career‡
2012–2016 Albania 7 (2)
2016 Kosovo 2 (0)
Medal record
SC Paderborn
Runner-up2. Bundesliga2013–14
Konyaspor
WinnerTurkish Cup2016–17
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 29 August 2023
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 9 October 2016

Alban Sylë Meha (born 26 April 1986) is a Kosovar professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for German club KSV Hessen Kassel.[1]

Early life

Meha was born in Mitrovica, SFR Yugoslavia, to Kosovo Albanian parents from Prekaz. He is the grandchild of Tahir Meha, an Albanian rights activist who with his father resisted against the Yugoslav People's Army and police force until they were killed in 1981.[2][3] His older brother Feriz Meha is a semi-professional footballer who plays as a forward for the German club SV Bonlanden.[4]

Club career

Youth career

In his youth, Meha joined the local teams TV Kemnat 1890 and SV 1845 Esslingen.

Stuttgarter Kickers

When Meha was nine years old, he joined the Stuttgarter Kickers and remained in the junior side for ten years. When Meha turned 19, he officially signed for the senior team. In July 2005, Meha joined the senior team of Stuttgarter Kickers. However, he remained on the reserve squad and never made an appearance on the first team.

VfL Kirchheim

In December 2005, Meha moved to VfL Kirchheim and played one and a half seasons at Kirchheim, making 54 appearances and scoring 16 goals.

SSV Reutlingen

Meha played three seasons at Reutlingen, making 82 appearances and scoring 16 goals. He then moved to Eintracht Trier.

Eintracht Trier

Meha played one season for Eintracht Trier, making a total of 33 appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing 16 assists. He helped the club win the Rhineland Cup and helped the club come second in the 2010–11 season in the Regionalliga West.[5] He then moved to SC Paderborn.

SC Paderborn

In 2011, Meha joined 2. Bundesliga side SC Paderborn 07 and made an immediate impact on the team.

2011–12 season

He made 33 appearances for the club and scored five goals; four of which were scored from direct free kicks and one from long distance. He also made ten assists during his first season with the club. Paderborn reached fifth place, nine points fewer than the first.

2012–13 season

On 13 August 2012, Paderborn coach Stephan Schmidt declared that Meha was "an extremely important player for Paderborn".[6] Meha had begun his second season well, scoring a goal from a penalty against Hertha BSC on his first match of the season and scoring a goal from a direct free kick against VfL Bochum on his second. He returned after a break, scoring at the start of the season's second half on 10 February 2013, when Meha scored in the 87th minute from a difficult angle to the top right-hand corner of the goal in a 3–1 away victory against FC Ingolstadt.[7] A week later on 15 February 2013, Meha scored, by penalty spot, the last goal of the 2–0 victory in the 40th minute against Erzgebirge Aue. He also participated in the opening goal in a free kick that was avoided by the goalkeeper and the ball was then sent into the goal by Tobias Feisthammel in the 20th minute.[8][9] The last goal of the 2012–13 season was scored on 3 May 2013 against Dynamo Dresden in the 2–1 away loss.[10]

Meha finished the 2012–13 season with 26 appearances and six goals. Three goals were scored from penalties, two from free kicks and one goal against FC Ingolstadt. Meha also made five assists in his second season with Paderborn, which finished in 12th place on the rank table.[11]

2013–14 season

On 18 October 2013, Meha scored the first goal of the 2013–14 season; in the 54th minute he scored the last goal of the 4–2 victory against FSV Frankfurt.[12] On 8 December 2013, he scored two goals in 4–2 away victory against Aalen; Meha scored in the 12th minute and in the 72nd minute.[13] He debuted in 2014 with a goal on 9 February 2014; he scored a free-kick goal in the 47th minute, giving an away victory to Paderborn against Köln (1–0).[14] In his next fixture match on 16 February 2014 against Arminia Bielefeld, Meha scored a goal in the victory 4–0.[15] He scored again for the third consecutive game on 22 February 2014 against 1860 München, which finished in a 2–2 draw; Meha scored the second goal for 2–0 in the 18th minute.[16]

On 28 February, Meha scored two more goals in the next match against VfL Bochum to help his team win the match 4–1.[17] On 17 March 2014 Meha was honoured as "player of the month for February" for scoring five goals in four matches.[18] Meha scored on 25 March 2014 against St. Pauli in a home victory 3–0.[19] He continued his scoring form on 4 April 2014 when he scored a free kick in a 2–1 loss against Fortuna Düsseldorf.[20] Meha captained Paderborn's team for the first time on 27 April 2014 in the match against Sandhausen, which finished as a 2–0 victory in which he played the full 90 minutes.[21]

On 4 May 2014, Meha scored in the away victory 2–0 over Erzgebirge Aue; Meha scored the opening goal in the 35th minute.[22] On the last day of the second division campaign, Paderborn came from behind to win 2-1 over VfR Aalen to secure automatic promotion to the Bundesliga,[23] their first ever promotion to the Bundesliga.[24] Meha finished the 2013–14 season with 26 appearances, including one in the German Cup, scoring 12 goals during campaign where he ranked in sixth place, equal with Charlison Benschop, Patrick Helmes and Torsten Mattuschka in the 2. Bundesliga all goalscorers.[25] Meha was voted as the best player of the season for Paderborn, giving a special contribution in the team success of the promotion for the first time in their history.[26]

On 1 August 2014, Meha suffered an injury during a friendly match against Maccabi Haifa and was forced to undergo surgery, which according to doctors would keep him from playing for eight weeks.[27]

2014–15 season

Due to the injury of the previous season, Alban Meha missed out the start of the 2014–15 season for five weeks.

On 27 September 2014, Meha debuted in the Bundesliga, playing in the sixth game week against Borussia Mönchengladbach, coming on as a substitute in the 78th minute in place of Lukas Rupp in a 2–1 loss.[28] On 2 November 2014, Meha scored his first goal for Paderborn that season in a 3–1 home win against Hertha BSC. He scored from a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area.[29] On 14 December 2014, Meha scored from the penalty spot to give his team a 1–1 draw against the second-ranking team Wolfsburg at their home.[30] Meha scored a goal from a free kick against Hannover 96 on 15 February 2015 to give his team the 2–1 away victory, coming from behind at 1–0 as Hannover 96 scored in the 66th minute with Marcelo then Srdjan Lakic of Paderborn scored the equalising 1–1 goal in the 72nd minute. Meha scored in the 79th minute to secure the win. It was his first goal of 2015 and he played a full 90-minute match.[31]

Konyaspor

Following the relegation of Paderborn to the 2. Bundesliga, on 9 June 2015, Meha moved to Turkish Süper Lig side Konyaspor on a free transfer.[32] After having spent his entire career in Germany, the move to Turkey was his first abroad. He signed a one-year contract with Konyaspor that included a one-year extension option. According to media reports he earns up to €1 million per season.[33]

Meha made his Süper Lig debut on 16 August 2015 in the 2015–16 Süper Lig opening match against Akhisar Belediyespor, playing the full 90-minute match.[34] He scored his first goal in the third match on 29 August 2015 against the defending champions Galatasaray with a free-kick for the 1–1 equaliser, but it was not enough; Galatasaray scored three more goals to take the 4–1 victory.[35] In the next match on 13 September 2015 Meha scored against Osmanlıspor in the 61st minute of the match to make the score 2–1 and to sign away victory.[36][37]

Al-Faisaly

On 24 December 2017, Meha joined Jordan Premier League side Al-Faisaly.[38][39] On 15 January 2018, the club confirmed that Meha had joined the team.[40] On 24 January 2018, he made his debut in a 2–0 away win against Al-Yarmouk after being named in the starting line-up.

International career

Albania

In summer 2012, Meha expressed his desire to play for Albania and that he had been in contact with national coach Gianni de Biasi.[41] On 26 August 2012, it was reported that Meha had been invited to play for Albania in the September match against Cyprus, valid for the qualifiers of the FIFA World Cup 2014.[42] On 4 September 2012, he received Albanian citizenship alongside fellow new member of the national team Burim Kukeli to be able to play for Albania.[43] On 7 September 2012, Meha made his first international debut for Albania and led the Albanian midfield in a 3–1 victory against Cyprus, where he assisted the opening goal scored by Armando Sadiku.[44] Because of his play-making abilities and strong set-piece capabilities, he is viewed by Albanian fans as the replacement for the retired Ervin Skela.[45] On 7 October 2012, Meha assisted a goal scored by Edgar Çani in a 2–1 loss against Iceland, valid for the qualifiers of the FIFA World Cup 2014.[46] On 26 March 2013, Meha scored first goal for Albania against Lithuania in a 4–1 win.[47] The second international goal came a year later, on 5 March 2014, whene he scored a volley from 40 metres (130 ft) in a 2–0 win over Malta.[48]

Kosovo

On 30 August 2016, Meha received a call-up from Kosovo for a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Finland[49] and made his debut after coming on as a substitute at 89th minute in place of Valon Berisha.

Career statistics

Club

As of 13 September 2015[11][50]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League League Cup Europe Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
SSV Reutlingen 2007–08 Regionalliga Süd 28100–281
2008–09 29300–293
2009–10 271200–2712
Total 841600008716
Eintracht Trier 2010–11 Regionalliga West 331510–3415
SC Paderborn 2011–12 2. Bundesliga 33521–356
2012–13 26611–277
2013–14 241210–2512
2014–15 Bundesliga 18300–183
Total 10226420010628
Konyaspor 2015–16 Süper Lig 4200–42
Career total 22059520022461

International

As of 9 October 2016[51]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Albania 201230
201321
201411
201510
Total72
Kosovo 201620
Total20
Scores and results list Albania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Meha goal.
List of international goals scored by Alban Meha
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
126 March 2013Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania Lithuania1–04–1Friendly
25 March 2014Niko Dovana Stadium, Durrës, Albania Malta2–02–0

Honours

Konyaspor

References

  1. ↑ Alban Meha at Soccerway
  2. ↑ Kostovicova, Denisa (2005). Kosovo: The Politics of Identity and Space. 2 park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN: Antony Rowe Ltd. p. 155. ISBN 0-415-34806-4. Retrieved 13 October 2014.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  3. ↑ "Nipi i dëshmorit Tahir Meha, Albani, luan kundër Serbisë, në Beograd". Illyria Press (in Albanian). 9 October 2014. Archived from the original on 12 August 2018. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  4. ↑ "Feriz Meha". Soccerway.
  5. ↑ "SC Paderborn: Meha will mehr – Ex-Trierer klopft ans Tor zur Bundesliga" [SC Paderborn: Meha wants more – Former Trier Knocks at the Bundesliga's Door] (in German). 5vier.de. 7 November 2011. Archived from the original on 9 November 2011.
  6. ↑ "Trajneri Schmidt: Albani është shumë i rëndësishëm për Paderbornin" (in Albanian). portishqiptar.com.al. 13 August 2012. Archived from the original on 30 December 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  7. ↑ Meha shkëlqen edhe në kampionat, shënon në fitoren e Paderbornit Archived 13 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine Sporti Shqiptar
  8. ↑ Paderborn vs. Erzgebirge Aue - 15 February 2013 - Soccerway
  9. ↑ Alban Meha shënon sërish, konfirmohet si "arma" e kuqezinjve Archived 13 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine Sporti Shqiptar
  10. ↑ Dynamo Dresden vs. Paderborn - 3 May 2013 - Soccerway
  11. 1 2 Alban Meha at Soccerway
  12. ↑ Paderborn vs. FSV Frankfurt - 18 October 2013 - Soccerway
  13. ↑ Aalen vs. Paderborn - 8 December 2013 - Soccerway
  14. ↑ Köln vs. Paderborn - 9 February 2014 - Soccerway
  15. ↑ Paderborn vs. Arminia Bielefeld - 16 February 2014 - Soccerway
  16. ↑ 1860 München vs. Paderborn - 22 February 2014 - Soccerway
  17. ↑ "Paderborn vs. Bochum - 28 February 2014 - Soccerway". Soccerway. 28 February 2014. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
  18. ↑ Spieler des Monats Februar: Alban Meha liga2-online.de | 2. Bundesliga
  19. ↑ Paderborn vs. St. Pauli - 25 March 2014 - Soccerway
  20. ↑ Paderborn vs. Fortuna Düsseldorf - 4 April 2014 - Soccerway
  21. ↑ Paderborn vs. Sandhausen - 27 April 2014 - Soccerway
  22. ↑ Erzgebirge Aue vs. Paderborn - 4 May 2014 - Soccerway
  23. ↑ "Paderborn win promotion to Bundesliga, Greuther Fürth to face Hamburg". dw.de. deutsche welle. 11 May 2014. Retrieved 12 May 2014.
  24. ↑ "Paderborn clinch historic promotion". bundesliga.com. bundesliga. 11 May 2014. Archived from the original on 12 May 2014. Retrieved 12 May 2014.
  25. ↑ Players - 2. Bundesliga - Germany - Results, fixtures, tables and news - Soccerway
  26. ↑ Alban Meha, lojtari i sezonit te Paderborn Archived 14 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine Sporti Shqiptar
  27. ↑ Meha 8 jave larg fushave, humbet Portugaline Archived 11 September 2014 at the Wayback Machine SuperSport
  28. ↑ Paderborn vs. Borussia M'gladbach - 27 September 2014 - Soccerway
  29. ↑ "Paderborn victorious at home to Hertha". bundesliga.com. bundesliga. 11 February 2014. Archived from the original on 4 November 2014. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  30. ↑ Drejtpërdrejt/ Meha i 'akullt' shënon për Paderborn (video) Archived 1 June 2016 at the Wayback Machine aSport.al
  31. ↑ Hannover 96 vs. Paderborn - 15 February 2015 - Soccerway
  32. ↑ Edhe Meha në Turqi Archived 12 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine Sportal.al
  33. ↑ Alban Meha do përfitojë 1 mln euro në sezon te Koniaspori Archived 12 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine Superliga Shqiptare
  34. ↑ Konyaspor vs. Akhisar Belediyespor - 16 August 2015 - Soccerway
  35. ↑ Konyaspor vs. Galatasaray - 29 August 2015 - Soccerway
  36. ↑ Goli i Mehës i jep fitoren me përmbyje Konyaspor (Video) minuta90.com
  37. ↑ Goal: Osmanlispor FK 1 – 2 Konyaspor (video) | News Archived 16 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine butiwom.com
  38. ↑ "Alban Meha, new player of Al Faisaly Amman". Football Transfer Market. 24 December 2017.
  39. ↑ "Zyrtare: Meha i bashkohet kampionatit jordanez" (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 28 December 2017.
  40. ↑ الألباني ميها يوقع للفيصلي (in Arabic). Al-Faisaly SC (Amman). 15 January 2018.
  41. ↑ "Gjermani/Alban Meha shenon serish, por De Biazi s'ka ftese per te" (in Albanian). Albaniasoccer. 11 August 2012.
  42. ↑ "Zyrtare: Alban Meha merr ftesë nga Kombëtarja, debuton në shtator" (in Albanian). Sporti Shqiptar. 26 August 2012. Archived from the original on 30 August 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  43. ↑ Zyrtare: Alban Meha e Burim Kukeli marrin pasaportat shqiptare (Foto) Archived 9 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine aSport.al
  44. ↑ "Erjon Bogdani: Dua një tjetër gol të madh, ndaj Zvicrës". Panorama Sport. 7 September 2012. Archived from the original on 26 November 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  45. ↑ De Biazi: Paradoks, tashmë nuk mjafton as vendi i tretë… Archived 14 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine Panorama Sport
  46. ↑ 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ Preliminaries: Europe - Matches: Albania 1:2 (1:1) Iceland FIFA.com
  47. ↑ Albania vs. Lithuania (friendly) National-Football-Teams.com
  48. ↑ Albania vs. Malta - 5 March 2014 - Soccerway
  49. ↑ "Bunjaki publikoi listën e lojtarëve për ndeshjen me Finlandën" (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 30 August 2016.
  50. ↑ Alban Meha at National-Football-Teams.com
  51. ↑ "Alban Meha". EU-football.info.
  52. ↑ "Atiker Konyaspor win 2016-2017 Ziraat Turkish Cup". tff.org. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
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