Shkëlzen Gashi

• Full name: Shkëlzen Gashi
• Date of birth: July 6, 1988
• Place of birth: Selitë, Klos, Albania
• Nationality: Albanian (also held Swiss residency/played much of his career in Switzerland)
• Position: Forward / Attacking midfielder / Winger

Club career highlights

• Early career spent in Switzerland with clubs including Aarau, Schaffhausen, Bellinzona and Luzern.
• Breakout period at FC Zürich (2013–2014), becoming Swiss Super League top scorer in the 2013–14 season.
• Signed by Colorado Rapids (Major League Soccer) in January 2016.
• Colorado Rapids tenure: 2016–2017. Appeared in MLS regular season and U.S. Open Cup matches, contributing with goals and set-piece ability (notably free kicks).
• After MLS he returned to Switzerland, playing again for FC Aarau and later other Swiss lower-division sides before winding down his professional career.

International career

• Represented Albania at senior level. Earned caps beginning in 2013 and was part of the Albania squad during their successful UEFA Euro 2016 qualification campaign and at Euro 2016 (the country’s first major tournament appearance).
• Known for scoring ability and set-piece proficiency at club level, which translated to contributions for the national team when called upon.

Playing style

• Attacking player comfortable on either wing or through the middle.
• Technically skilled with good movement, finishing, and a notable proficiency in free kicks and dead-ball situations.

Notable facts

• Swiss Super League top scorer in 2013–14 with FC Zürich.
• Part of Albania’s squad at UEFA Euro 2016—the first major tournament appearance for Albania’s national team.
• Remembered by Colorado Rapids fans for his technical quality and free-kick goals during his MLS spell.