Jahmir Hyka

Jahmir Hyka (born 8 March 1988) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a left midfielder for Guizhou Hengfeng in China League One and the Albanian national team.

Jahmir Hyka
Hyka playing for San Jose Earthquakes
Personal information
Date of birth (1988-03-08) 8 March 1988
Place of birth Tirana, Albania
Height 1.69 m (5 ft 7 in)[1]
Playing position(s) Left midfielder
Club information
Current team
 Guizhou Hengfeng
Youth career
2000–2005 Dinamo Tirana
2005–2006 → Rosenborg (loan)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2006 → Rosenborg (loan) 0 (0)
2007 Olympiacos 0 (0)
2007–2008 → Tirana (loan) 32 (2)
2008–2010 Mainz 05 15 (0)
2010–2011 Panionios 9 (0)
2011 Tirana 11 (4)
2011–2017 Luzern 161 (17)
2017–2018 San Jose Earthquakes 49 (6)
2019–2020 Maccabi Netanya 31 (3)
2020 Sektzia Nes Tziona 11 (1)
2020– Guizhou Hengfeng 0 (0)
National team‡
2005–2006 Albania U17 3 (1)
2005–2006 Albania U19 6 (1)
2007–2009 Albania U21 7 (1)
2007– Albania 47 (2)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 1 February 2020
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 5 September 2017

A Dinamo Tirana product, Hyka started his professional career in Norway at Rosenborg where did not make a league appearance. He moved to Greek club Olympiacos in 2007, again failing to make a league appearance and who then sent him on loan to Tirana. Hyka's performances at Tirana earned him a move to 1. FSV Mainz 05 of the 2. Bundesliga in 2008 where he made his German top flight debut in 2009. He played for Panionios in the first half of 2010–11 before returning to Tirana in January 2011 and helping KF Tirana to clinch the Albanian Cup. In the summer of 2011, he left Albania again to join Luzern in Switzerland, where he made more than 150 appearances in six years. In February 2017, he signed with San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer.

In January 2019 Jahmir Hyka signed with Maccabi Netanya a contract for 1.5 years.

Hyka represented Albania at youth levels, playing for the under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels. He made his senior debut in 2007 and one year later scored Albania's fastest goal in history. Since then, he has collected 44 caps as of June 2017.[2]

Club career

Early career and Norway

Hyka joined local side Dinamo Tirana at the age of 12, where he played for the youth teams for four years, until he made it to the first team at 2004. He was being tracked by a number of European clubs despite never having made a competitive appearance for Dinamo Tirana before joining Norwegian side Rosenborg BK in 2005 on loan. At Rosenborg, Hyka did not manage to break through into the first team, failing to make a single league appearance, only featuring twice as an unused substitute in August and September 2006.

Greece and return to Albania

In 2007, Hyka left Dinamo Tirana to sign with Greek club Olympiacos for a fee of €600,000. At Olympiakos, he found opportunities in the first team limited and so he moved on loan to KF Tirana, the then champions of the 2006–07 Albanian Superliga in time for the 2007–08 season.

Back in Tirana, Hyka played 32 games, scoring two goals and his good form did not go unnoticed. Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb showed interest and Hyka was close to a move.[3]

Mainz

In June 2008, Hyka signed a three-year deal with German side 1. FSV Mainz 05.[3][4]

Panionios

In 2010, after just 13 appearances with the German team, most of them as a substitute, Hyka was once again on the move, this time back to Greece, transferring to Greek team, Panionios, for a €120,000 fee.[3]

Return to Tirana

After a difficult time in Greece, Hyka returned to Albania, re-signing with former side Tirana where he had previously had a loan spell. The deal was completed on 29 January 2011, while he was still in Greece. Tirana president Refik Halili had previously expressed his desire to sign the young national team winger at the unveiling of new signing Bekim Balaj.

Hyka made his return debut on 20 February 2011 in team's goalless draw against Shkumbini Peqin at home.[5] One month later, in a match against the same opponent, he netted his first season goal via a free-kick from 25 metres, giving his team a minimal 1–0 win.[6] He continued with his solid appearances by scoring twice in Tirana's 4–0 defeat of Laçi in April.[7] Only four days later, he scored his fourth goal of the season in the 6–1 defeat of Elbasani at Selman Stërmasi Stadium.[8] Tirana finished the season in the fifth position with 44 points, failing to secure a spot in European competitions, bringing the departure of Hyka.[9]

Luzern
Hyka warming up before a league match for Luzern

In the summer of 2011, Hyka was transferred to FC Luzern in the Swiss Super League.[10] He scored his first goal with Luzern on 6 August 2011 in a 1–1 draw against Young Boys after coming on as a substitute in the 62nd minute to score in the 86th minute for the equaliser.[11] Luzern fans named him "the Messi of Albania."[12]

Hyka scored a goal from 20 meters in a 4–1 loss against St. Gallen on 1 September 2013.[13] He scored a goal and provided several assist for Luzern in a 2–4 win against Terre Sainte in the Swiss Cup on 15 September 2013.[14]

San Jose Earthquakes

On 3 February 2017, Hyka signed with San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer.[15] He first appeared for the club on 25 February 2017 in the last San Jose Earthquakes preseason friendly against Sacramento Republic, substituting on at halftime and scoring also a goal in the 79th minute.[16] Hyka made his first MLS appearance as a 70th-minute substitute in the season home opener against Montreal Impact on 4 March 2017, finished in the 1–0 victory.[17] His first score-sheet contributions came in his second ever appearance for the club on 11 March 2017, substituting on at halftime and recording two assists to help the Earthquakes make a 3–2 comeback victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps.[18]

On 18 March 2017, Hyka made his first MLS start in a 2–1 loss at Sporting Kansas City.[19] His first goal was scored on 14 April 2017 with ten seconds remaining in stoppage time in what would be a 1–1 home draw against FC Dallas.[20] Hyka opened the scoring against the Portland Timbers in the 3–0 rout on 7 May in the 8th minute of the match.[21] He assisted the first goal scored by San Jose Designated Player Vako on 20 July against the New York Red Bulls, which finished as a 5–1 loss.[22]

Following the end of the 2018 season, Hyka was not offered a new contract, leaving the club after collecting 52 appearances.[23] Following his departure from the club, Hyka returned in Albania and begun training with his old club Tirana in order to maintain his form.[24]

Maccabi Netanya F.C.

In January 2019, Hyka joined Maccabi Netanya F.C. of the Israeli Premier League on a free transfer. [25] He scored three goals for the club in his first season.

International career

On 7 February 2007, Hyka made his debut for Albania in a friendly match against Macedonia.[26] On 20 August 2008, he scored his first goal for Albania against Liechtenstein and his goal came just 46 seconds after the game had begun, making it the quickest goal in Albanian history.[27]

Following a two-year absence, he returned to Albania national team under the same coach Gianni De Biasi, receiving a call up for the Friendly match against Morocco on 31 August 2016 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification opening match against Macedonia on 5 September 2016.[28]

Style of play

A quick, energetic, and agile player, Hyka is capable of playing either as left winger or attacking midfielder. Luzern fans have nicknamed him "the Albanian Messi" due to his short stature, dribbling, and speed.[29] Dominic Kinnear, San Jose's coach at the time of Hyka's signing with the team, praised his skills, saying, "He's really smart on the ball and confident in tight places" and adding that "he has a good first touch."[29] Both Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli and MLS senior analyst Matt Doyle have emphasized Hyka's unpredictability on the field.[30][31]

Personal life

Hyka has four siblings, two sisters and two brothers who live in his hometown of Tirane. He practices the faith of Islam, praying five times daily and fasting during the holy month of Ramadan,[32] which he has done so since the age of 12. He attends mosque when possible around his football schedule, and at his former club 1. FSV Mainz 05 he would attend with teammate Chadli Amri.[33][34]

He is fluent in Albanian, German, and English.

As of 13 March 2018, Hyka possesses a U.S. green card, which qualifies him as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes.[35]

Career statistics

Club
As of 14 April 2018[36][37][38][39]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup Continental Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Rosenborg 2006 Tippeligaen 0000——00
Olympiacos 2006–07 Superleague Greece 0000——00
Tirana 2007–08 Albanian Superliga 32210—1[lower-alpha 1]0342
1. FSV Mainz 05 2008–09 2. Bundesliga 5020——70
2009–10 Bundesliga 8010——90
Total 13030——160
Panionios 2010–11 Superleague Greece 9010——100
Tirana 2010–11 Albanian Superliga 11440——154
Luzern 2011–12 Swiss Super League 30542——347
2012–13 290101[lower-alpha 2]0—310
2013–14 30253——355
2014–15 220202[lower-alpha 2]0—260
2015–16 35453——407
2016–17 156202[lower-alpha 2]0—196
Total 1611719850—18525
San Jose 2017 Major League Soccer 303—3[lower-alpha 3]0—333
2018 11—00—11
Total 314—30—344
Career total 25727288801029435
  1. Appearance in Albanian Supercup
  2. All appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
  3. Appearances in the U.S. Open Cup

International
As of 5 September 2017 [36][2]
National teamYearAppsGoals
Albania 200740
200851
200950
201070
201171
201260
201330
201410
2015––
201640
201740
Total462

International goals
As of 10 August 2011. Albania score listed first, score column indicates score after each Hyka's goal.[2]
International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 20 August 2008Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania6 Liechtenstein1–02–0Friendly
2 10 August 2011Loro Boriçi Stadium, Shkodër, Albania23 Montenegro2–23–2Friendly

Honours

Club

Rosenborg[37]

Olympiacos[37]

  • Superleague Greece: 2006–07

Tirana[37]

Luzern[37]

Individual
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References
  1. Jahmir Hyka | San Jose Earthquakes Retrieved 15 April 2017
  2. "Jahmir Hyka – national football team player". EU-Football.info. 31 July 2016. Retrieved 31 July 2016.
  3. Sporti Shqiptar (15 August 2010). "Nga Bundesliga në Greqi" [From Bundesliga to Greece]. Sporti Shqiptar (in Albanian). Retrieved 16 August 2010.
  4. "Mainz 05 nimmt Albaner Hyka unter Vertrag". Der Tagesspiegel (in German). 3 June 2008. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  5. "Elbasani drejt "humnerës", Tirana barazon sërish pa gola" [Elbasani towards "abyss", Tirana again a goalless draw]. Lajme Parajsa (in Albanian). 20 February 2011. Archived from the original on 2 May 2015. Retrieved 2 May 2016.
  6. "Kategoria Superiore/ Tirana-Shkumbini 1-0" [Albanian Superliga/ Tirana-Shkumbini 1-0] (in Albanian). Albania Soccer. 20 March 2011. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  7. "Kategoria Superiore/ Tirana – Laci 4-0" [Albanian Superliga/ Tirana – Laci 4-0] (in Albanian). Albania Soccer. 11 April 2011. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  8. "Tirana vs. Elbasani 6 – 1". Soccerway. 15 April 2011. Retrieved 31 July 2016.
  9. "Hyka drejt Zvicrës, gati largimi nga Tirana" [Hyka towards, ready the departure from Tirana]. Facebook. 13 June 2011. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  10. "Levizjet/ Hyka firmos me Lucernen ne Zvicer" [Transfers/ Hyka signs with Luzern in Switzerland] (in Albanian). Albaniasoccer. 4 July 2011. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  11. "Legjionaret/ Shenon Hyka ne barazimin e Luzernes" [Legionaries/ Hyka scores in the draw of Luzern] (in Albanian). Albaniasoccer. 7 August 2011.
  12. "the Messi of Albania". justcantbeatthat.com.
  13. Legjionaret/ Hyka shenon nje supergol ne Zvicer AlbaniaSoccer
  14. Legjionaret/ Hyka shenon per Lucernen AlbaniaSoccer
  15. "Earthquakes Sign Albania National Team Midfielder Jahmir Hyka". San Jose Earthquakes. 3 February 2017. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  16. "RECAP: Quakes 4, Sacramento Republic FC 1: Preseason". San Jose Earthquakes. 25 February 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  17. "RECAP: Quakes take the first game of the 2017 season 1–0 vs. Montreal". San Jose Earthquakes. Retrieved 7 May 2017.
  18. "RECAP: Quakes 3, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2". San Jose Earthquakes. Retrieved 7 May 2017.
  19. "RECAP: Sporting KC 2, Quakes 1 - San Jose drop first points of 2017 in tough away loss". San Jose Earthquakes. Retrieved 7 May 2017.
  20. "RECAP: Hyka gets his first Quakes goal with seconds remaining vs. FC Dallas". San Jose Earthquakes. Retrieved 7 May 2017.
  21. Hyka, goleador te San Jose Archived 28 July 2017 at the Wayback Machine SuperSport
  22. New York RB vs. SJ Earthquakes - 20 July 2017 Soccerway
  23. "San Jose Earthquakes roster update: Hyka, Quintana declined". Major League Soccer. 29 November 2018. Retrieved 12 December 2018.
  24. "Foto/ I përfundon kontrata në "MLS", lojtari i kombëtares në stërvitje me ekipin e Kategorisë Superiore" [Photo/ His contract in the MLS runs out, the national team player trains with the Albanian Superliga team] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 12 December 2018. Retrieved 12 December 2018.
  25. https://www.instagram.com/p/BtgYGt6gPrw/
  26. "Football MATCH: 07.02.2007 Albania v Macedonia". Eu-Football.info. 7 February 2007. Retrieved 15 April 2017.
  27. "Basti i fituar i Jahmir Hykës" [Winning bet of Jahmir Hyka] (in Albanian). Super Sport Albania. 7 October 2016. Archived from the original on 16 April 2017. Retrieved 15 April 2017.
  28. "De Biasi: Duhet të japim 101 % të mundësive tona" (in Albanian). FSHF. 29 August 2016. Archived from the original on 3 October 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  29. Robert Jonas (23 February 2017). "Hyka-ramba! Albanian midfielder Jahmir Hyka dazzles in San Jose Earthquakes debut". Center Line Soccer. Retrieved 15 April 2017.
  30. Geoff Lepper (11 May 2017). "The Winger in the Inbox: How the San Jose Earthquakes landed Jahmir Hyka". mlssoccer.com. Retrieved 5 February 2018.
  31. Matt Doyle (25 May 2017). "Jahmir Hyka leads a resurgent San Jose: Analyst's Den". mlssoccer.com. Retrieved 5 February 2018.
  32. Alfred Lleshi (1 September 2009). "Futboll dhe agjërim në muajin e shenjtë të Ramazanit". Sporti Shqiptar (in Albanian). Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  33. Klotilda Harka (24 February 2009). "Futbollisti Jahmir Hyka Falet 5 Here Ne Dite!" [Footballer Jahmir Hyka prays 5 times a day]. Alba VIP News (in Albanian). Retrieved 9 June 2011.
  34. "Hyka në versionin tokësor" [Hyka in terrestrial version] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 20 December 2008. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  35. "NEWS: Jahmir Hyka Obtains Green Card, No Longer Occupies International Spot". San Jose Earthquakes. 14 March 2018. Retrieved 14 March 2018.
  36. "Jahmir Hyka". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmerman. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  37. Jahmir Hyka at Soccerway. Retrieved 23 November 2017.
  38. "Football : Jahmir Hyka". Football Database. 31 July 2016. Retrieved 31 July 2016.
  39. "Jahmir Hyka profile" (in Albanian). FSHF. Retrieved 23 November 2017.
  40. "Jahmir Hyka, lojtari i muajit në Zvicër" [Jahmir Hyka, player of the month in Switzerland]. Gazeta Dita (in Albanian). 17 May 2016. Retrieved 31 July 2016.
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