Goran Pandev (MK: Горан Пандев) is one of the best known Macedonian football stars. He has enjoyed a successful playing career as a professional in Italy and as a key member of the Macedonian National Team. Pandev is the current Macedonian captain and the all time leading scorer for Macedonia in international play.
In 2010 his Italian team Inter Milan won an unprecedented triple in Italian play by taking their Serie A league championship, the Italian Cup (Coppa Italia,) and the Italian Super Cup (Supercoppa Italia). A triumph in the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup and the runner-up prize in the UEFA Super Cup tournament brought his total awards for the year to five trophies, the most ever for a Macedonian footballer, and a considerable accomplishment for any player.
Early Life and Career
Pandev was born in Strumica, Macedonia, on 27 July 1983. He honed his football skills with local club FK Belasica, where he rose through their youth academy ranks. He played only one year, 2000-01, in the Macedonian first league, then was snapped up by Inter Milan in 2001. Pandev was only 18.
Early Italian Years
After one year with Inter Milan without any appearance on the pitch, e was sent on loan to Spezia, where he appeared in 22 games and scored 4 goals in the 2002-3 season. the following season he was loaned out again, appearing in 20 games and scoring 1 goal for Ancona.
In 2004 he was sent to Lazio, where he would remain for the next 6 years. As his career there developed, they eventually purchased his contract in full. Over the span of six seasons he appeared in 159 league games for Lazio and scored 48 goals. In 2009 he had a falling out with the president of the club, who sidelined Pandev and froze him out of the club. At the end of 2009 Pandev won a court decision for release from his contract.
Return to Inter Milan
Pandev signed a multi-year contract with Inter Milan on 4 January 2010 and joined the club immediately, appearing in his first match with them just two days later. He made 46 appearances for Inter in 2010, scoring five goals en route to a five trophy season.
Although Pandev played well in his first few matches for Inter, his production overall has not been up to par, and he was sent on a one season loan to Napoli for 2011.
Macedonian National Team
Pandev has played for Macedonian National Team since 2002, appearing 61 times and scoring 24 goals. In March 2009, he was awarded Macedonia’s Medal for Service by President Branko Crvenkovski, “In acknowledgement of his achievements in sport, for his contribution to developing and popularizing sport in Macedonia, and for promoting the country abroad.” He was named captain of the Macedonian National Team in 2010.
No comments yet.