Daniel Xhafaj

Early career

A Flamurtari Vlorë product, Xhafaj made his professional debut in the 1995–96 season. He found more space to play in the next season, appearing in 11 league matches, but still went goalless. Xhafaj scored his first goal during the 1997–98 season. He went on to score two more times during that season, as Flamurtari avoided relegation for only three points. Xhafaj enjoyed his breakthrough season in 1998–98 where he netted 10 goals in 23 league appearances as Flamurtari once again barely avoided relegation. Xhafaj scored 4 times in 13 league appearances during the first part of 1999–2000 season, before was sent on loan at fellow top flight side Bylis Ballsh to win more experience. He impressed during his short spell at Ballsh, scoring 8 times in 12 league appearances. Bylis finished the league in a respectable 5th place. Xhafaj's performances earned him a transfer to capital club Dinamo Tirana. He scored 10 goals in 25 league appearances as Dinamo Tirana finished 3rd. He won his first major trophy in the 2001–02 season when Dinamo clinched the championship title for the 16th time. He also played in European competitions for the first time as Dinamo was eliminated by Dinamo București in the first qualifying round of 2001–02 UEFA Cup. Xhafaj declined in the first half of 2002–03 season where he scored only twice in 13 league appearances. In January 2003, he returned to his first club Flamurtari Vlorë where he played until autumn of 2003. Xhafaj scored only 4…

Xhafaj was called for the first time in senior team in May 2007 by manager Otto Barić for the friendly versus England B. He was the only Albania player not to play in the match as Albania lost 1–3 at Turf Moor. Xhafaj continued to be part of the team for the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying matches against Luxembourg. He made his competitive debut in the second match on 6 June, appearing in the last 13 minutes as Albania won 0–3 at Stade Josy Barthel. Xhafaj received another call-up in January 2008 for gathering between 14 and 23 January in Antalya, Turkey.

Club

As of 21 February 2015

International

As of 6 June 2007

Dinamo Tirana

Albanian Superliga: 2001–02 Teuta Durrës

Albanian Cup: 2004–05 Tirana

Albanian Superliga: 2008–09 Albanian Supercup: 2007 Besa Kavajë

Albanian Cup: 2009–10 Skënderbeu Korçë

Albanian Superliga: 2011–12 Individual

Albanian Superliga Golden Boot: 2009–10, 2010–11 Albanian Superliga Player of the Month: September 2013 Albanian Footballer of the Year: 2013