Almen Abdi

Almen Abdi
Born	(1986-10-21) October 21, 1986 Prizren, Kosovo
Occupation	Professional footballer (former)
Years active	2003–2019

Almen Abdi (born 21 October 1986) is a former Swiss professional footballer who operated primarily as an attacking midfielder. Throughout his career, he featured for clubs including Zürich, Le Mans, Udinese, Watford, and Sheffield Wednesday, and earned caps representing the Switzerland national team.

Zürich

Abdi's football journey commenced in 1993 when he joined the youth setup at Zürich. He broke into the senior team during the 2003–04 season at just seventeen years old. Initially utilized mainly as a substitute, he secured a regular starting position by the 2006–07 campaign. That same season marked his debut in the Champions League qualifying rounds against Red Bull Salzburg, and he netted his inaugural league goal on 29 July 2006 in a 2–0 triumph over Schaffhausen.

He contributed to Zürich's Swiss Championship victories in the 2005–06, 2006–07, and 2008–09 seasons. Following an impressive 2008–09 season where he led the club’s scoring charts with 19 goals and provided 12 assists, Abdi was honored as the Swiss Super League’s best midfielder and awarded Best Swiss Player. In November 2009, the club relegated him to their reserve squad as they prepared for a future without his involvement.

Le Mans

In January 2010, Abdi signed a six-month deal with Le Mans, which included an option for extension contingent on the club maintaining its Ligue 1 status. Ultimately, Le Mans faced relegation to Ligue 2 at the conclusion of that season, with Abdi having made 13 appearances during his tenure.

Udinese

By April 2010, Abdi had confirmed plans to join Udinese on a free transfer that summer. Throughout the 2010–11 season, he featured in 19 matches predominantly as a substitute. The following year saw him score his first goal for Udinese in European competition—a penalty converted during a UEFA Europa League match on 29 September 2011 to level the score against Celtic at Celtic Park. Despite speculation about a possible return to Zürich, Abdi dismissed such rumors and reaffirmed his dedication to Udinese.

Watford

In July 2012, Abdi trained with Watford before securing a loan move for the entire 2012–13 season. He opened his league account for the club by scoring on his debut against Crystal Palace on 18 August 2012. A shoulder dislocation sustained in November sidelined him briefly; however, he returned to action within weeks. By February 2013, Abdi had tallied nine league goals, including a notable free-kick against Wolverhampton Wanderers. He expressed a desire to extend his stay permanently and was subsequently awarded Watford’s Player of the Season accolade in May.

On 19 July 2013, Watford secured Abdi’s services on a three-year permanent contract. Unfortunately, from August onward he was plagued by severe plantar fasciitis which kept him out for several months. He made his comeback as a substitute in an FA Cup fixture in January 2014 and shortly thereafter returned to league action.

In April 2014, after seven months without a league start, Abdi scored during a commanding 3–0 victory over Leeds United. Later that summer, on 30 August 2014, he recorded his first career brace along with an assist in a thrilling 4–2 win against Huddersfield Town.

Sheffield Wednesday

Abdi transferred to the Championship club Sheffield Wednesday on 28 July 2016, with the transfer fee undisclosed. He departed the club following the conclusion of the 2018–19 season.

International career

Abdi earned his first cap for the senior Switzerland squad in a match against Cyprus on 20 August 2008. Although eligible to represent Albania and Kosovo, he opted to play for Switzerland.

Personal life

On 24 April 2011, Abdi was a victim of burglary during which his belongings were stolen. He shares a close friendship with fellow countryman and former Udinese teammate Gökhan Inler. Abdi hails from an ethnic Gorani-Serbian people background originating in Prizren, Kosovo, and comes from a Muslim family.

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			Cup		League Cup		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Zürich	2003–04	Swiss Super League	12	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	12	0
	2004–05	Swiss Super League	9	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	11	0
	2005–06	Swiss Super League	10	0	1	1	0	0	2	0	13	1
	2006–07	Swiss Super League	30	5	5	4	0	0	1	0	36	9
	2007–08	Swiss Super League	31	7	2	1	0	0	2	0	35	7
	2008–09	Swiss Super League	32	19	2	1	0	0	4	1	37	21
	2009–10	Swiss Super League	8	0	2	1	0	0	4	1	15	2
	Total		132	31	14	8	0	0	13	2	159	41
Le Mans	2009–10	Ligue 1	13	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	14	0
Udinese	2010–11	Serie A	19	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	21	0
	2011–12	Serie A	23	0	1	0	0	0	9	1	33	1
	Total		42	0	3	0	0	0	9	1	54	1
Watford	2012–13	Championship	38	12	0	٠	٢	٠	(3)	٠	(43)	(12)
	2013-14	Championship	13	2	2	٠	٠	٠	٠	٠	15	2
	2014-15	Championship	32	9	1	٠	٠	٠	٠	٠	33	9
	2015-16	Premier League	32	2	5	٠	١	٠	٠	٠	38	2
	Total		115	25	8	٠	3	٠	3	٠	129	25

Honours

FC Zürich

• Swiss Cup: 2004–05
• Swiss Super League (formerly Nationalliga A): 2005–06, 2006–07, 2008–09

External links

• FC Zurich Player Statistics