View source for Erjon Bogdani

{{Short description|Albanian footballer and manager (born 1977)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name           = Erjon Bogdani
| image          = 
| full_name      = 
| birth_date     = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1977|4|14}}
| birth_place    = [[Tirana]], [[People's Socialist Republic of Albania|PSR Albania]]
| height         = 1.91 m
| position       = [[Forward (association football)|Forward]]
| currentclub    = 
| youthyears1 = 1987–1994 | youthclubs1 = [[KF Partizani Tirana|Partizani Tirana]]
| years1  = 1994–1997 | clubs1  = [[KF Partizani Tirana|Partizani Tirana]] | caps1  = 62 | goals1  = 21
| years2  = 1998      | clubs2  = [[Gençlerbirliği S.K.|Gençlerbirliği]]   | caps2  = 11 | goals2  = 1
| years3  = 1998–2000 | clubs3  = [[NK Zagreb]]                     | caps3  = 25 | goals3  = 8
| years4  = 2000–2004 | clubs4  = [[Reggina Calcio|Reggina]]               | caps4  = 67 | goals4  = 11
| years5  = 2003–2004 | clubs5  = → [[Salernitana Calcio 1919|Salernitana]] (loan) | caps5 = 38 | goals5  = 8
| years6  = 2004–2005 | clubs6  = [[Hellas Verona F.C.|Verona]]            | caps6  = 38 | goals6  = 17
| years7  = 2005–2007 | clubs7  = [[A.C. Siena|Siena]]                     | caps7  = 49 | goals7  = 13
| years8  = 2007–2010 | clubs8  = [[A.C. ChievoVerona|Chievo]]             | caps8  = 61 | goals8  = 8
| years9  = 2007–2008 | clubs9  = → [[A.S. Livorno Calcio|Livorno]] (loan) | caps9  = 17 | goals9  = 2
| years10 = 2010–2012 | clubs10 = [[A.C. Cesena|Cesena]]                   | caps10 = 49 | goals10 = 8
| years11 = 2012–2013 | clubs11 = [[A.C. Siena|Siena]]                     | caps11 = 29 | goals11 = 6
| totalcaps = 466 | totalgoals = 103
| nationalyears1 = 1996–1998 | nationalteam1 = [[Albania national under-21 football team|Albania U21]] | nationalcaps1 = 8  | nationalgoals1 = 2
| nationalyears2 = 1997      | nationalteam2 = [[Albania national under-23 football team|Albania U23]] | nationalcaps2 = 1  | nationalgoals2 = 1
| nationalyears3 = 1996–2013 | nationalteam3 = [[Albania national football team|Albania]]              | nationalcaps3 = 75 | nationalgoals3 = [[Erjon Bogdani#International goals|18]]
| medaltemplates = 
| manageryears1 = 2015–2016 | managerclubs1 = [[Albania national football team|Albania]] (assistant)
| manageryears2 = 2016–2018 | managerclubs2 = [[Albania national under-19 football team|Albania U19]]
}}

'''Erjon Bogdani''' (born 14 April 1977) is an Albanian professional [[association football|football]] coach and former player. He is nicknamed "Bogu" or "Er-Bomber".<ref>[http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/receta-e-bogdanit-ja-si-mund-ta-mundim-danimarken/ “Receta” e Bogdanit: Ja si mund ta mundim Danimarkën] ''[[Panorama Sport]]''</ref><ref name="Er-Bomber"/>

Regarded as one of the most successful Albanian players of all time,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/partizani-fton-bogdanin-eshte-nder-te-vish-te-ne-lika-lojtareve-po-u-mesojme-derbin/|title=Partizani fton Bogdanin: Është nder të vish te ne. Lika: Lojtarëve po u mësojmë derbin|trans-title=Partizani invites Bogdani: It's an honor to come to us. Lika: We are teaching the derby to players|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=5 October 2013|access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref> Bogdani began his career at [[KF Partizani Tirana|Partizani Tirana]] in 1994 where he debuted at the age of 16. He left the club in January 1998 to sign with [[Gençlerbirliği S.K.|Gençlerbirliği]].<ref name="Career">{{cite web|url=http://www.oranews.tv/article/erjon-bogdani-mund-te-lere-futbollin|title=Erjon Bogdani mund të lërë futbollin|trans-title=Erjon Bogdani can leave football|publisher=Ora News|language=sq|date=4 October 2013|access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref> That summer, Bogdani moved in Croatia to play for [[NK Zagreb|Zagreb]],<ref name="Career"/> before traveling to Italy where he enjoyed the best years of his career.<ref name="Career"/>

Bogdani played in the following years in [[Serie A]] and [[Serie B|B]], representing [[Urbs Reggina 1914|Reggina]], [[Salernitana Calcio 1919|Salernitana]], [[Hellas Verona F.C.|Verona]], [[A.C. Siena|Siena]], [[A.C. ChievoVerona|Chievo]], [[A.S. Livorno Calcio|Livorno]] and [[A.C. Cesena|Cesena]].<ref name="Career"/> He became a free agent in May 2013 after his contract with Siena ran out, and retired from the sport in February 2014.<ref name="Career"/>

Bogdani has 74 caps for [[Albania national football team|Albania national team]], making his debut in 1996 and scoring his first goal three years later.<ref name="First goal"/> With 18 goals, he is Albania's all-time top goalscorer, overtaking his former teammate [[Alban Bushi]] in 2011 by netting his 15th goal.<ref name="Record"/> He holds numerous Albanian records, including most goals as substitute and oldest goalscoring in history, and has been dubbed as the best striker to play for the ''Red and Black''.<ref name="Records"/>

Following his retirement, Bogdani was initially appointed by [[Albanian Football Association]] as a youth talents scouter, starting the job in September 2014.<ref name="Scout"/> He began his managerial career by being named [[Gianni De Biasi]] assistant in August 2015.<ref name="Assistant"/> In December 2016, he was named manager of Albania under-19 team.<ref name="U19"/>

==Club career==

===Early years===
Bogdani was discovered by local side [[FK Partizani Tirana|Partizani Tirana]] at the age of 10 in a school team competition held in [[Tirana]], where he scored 11 goals in just four games. The young Bogdani then joined Partizani Tirana's academy, where he played through the different age groups and eventually signed his first professional contract with the club in 1994.

===Partizani Tirana===
Bogdani made his professional debut with [[FK Partizani Tirana|Partizani Tirana]] in the [[Albanian Superliga]], playing seven games in the second half of the 1993–94 season. The following season, he scored his first goal in a campaign which saw him play 13 games and score 2 goals. The 1997–98 campaign would prove to be his most successful in Albanian football as he scored 13 goals in just 15 games before the winter break.

===Gençlerbirliği===
His performance at Partizani Tirana attracted the attention of several foreign clubs. Bogdani decided to move to [[Turkey]] at [[Gençlerbirliği]] in the [[Süper Lig]] playing for the second half of the 1997–98 season in 11 games and scoring 1 goal.

===NK Zagreb===
Bogdani later moved to [[Croatia]] with [[Josip Kuže]]'s (also future coach of Bogdani at the [[Albania national football team|Albania national team]] in 2009) crucial help joining the [[Prva HNL]] club [[NK Zagreb]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Halilaj |first1=Jetmir |title=Një vit pa futboll - Rrëfimi unik i Bogdanit |url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/217158/ |work=[[Panorama Sport]]|language=sq |quote=Josip Kuzhe ishte një trajner i zoti, por edhe që më kishte ndihmuar shumë. Më ndihmoi të shkoja nga Gençlebirligi te Dinamo e Zagrebit, madje pagoi edhe lekë nga xhepi që unë të shkoja atje. “Ik, se aty ke të ardhme të sigurt”. (Jospi Kuze was a great coach,he also helped me a lot moving from Gençlebirligi to Dinamo Zagreb, he even paid for me to realise my transfer)}}</ref> In his first season with [[NK Zagreb]], the [[1998–99 Prva HNL|1998–99]], he played 14 games scoring 9 goals. In the next season [[1999–2000 Prva HNL|1999–2000]] first-half, he scored 6 goals in 12 games.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pochini|first1=Danilo|title=Bologna And QPR After Bogdani|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2008/08/10/813156/bologna-and-qpr-after-bogdani|website=Goal.com|quote=The 31-year-old has been playing in Serie A since 1999, when he left Dinamo Zagreb for Reggina.}}</ref>

===Reggina===
With the first half of the 1999–2000 Prva HNL season over, Bogdani was transferred to Italy at the winter break, joining [[Reggina Calcio|Reggina]] on a three-year contract in January 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUIW1laqYhc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/fUIW1laqYhc |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Sport Erjon Bogdani tek Regina - (29 Janar 2000)|publisher=YouTube.com|work=TV Klan|language=sq|date=22 November 2019|access-date=14 March 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He made his Serie A debut on 6 February 2000 against [[Bologna F.C. 1909|Bologna]]. Overall in his first season at Reggina he played 10 Serie A games and scored 1 goal. In the [[2000–01 Serie A|2000–01 season]] he played 19 matches scoring 1 goal and Reggina were relegated in the [[Serie B]]. In the [[2001–02 Serie B]] season, Bogdani managed to score 7 goals in 31 games helping Reggina rank in the 3rd place to win promotion in the Serie A. He played overall 11 games and scored 1 goal in the [[2002–03 Serie A]]. In the 2003–04 season, he was loaned to [[Salernitana Calcio 1919|Salernitana]] in the Serie B.

===Hellas Verona===
In the 2004–05 season, Bogdani was signed by [[Hellas Verona F.C.|Verona]]. Under coach [[Massimo Ficcadenti]] Bogdani played all 38 matches where he participated as a starter completing 33 full 90-minutes and was the team top-scorer in the Serie B with 17 goals scored. He was ranked 4th in the entire goalscorers classification with 3 goals behind top-scorer [[Gionatha Spinesi]] and 2 goals behind [[Diego Milito]] and [[Francesco Tavano]]. The 2004–05 season had the highest number of goals scored in a single season.<ref name="Cesena - AlbaniaSoccer" >[http://albaniasoccer.com/lajme/shqiperi/kombetarja/2578-zyrtare-erjon-bogdani-firmos-me-cezenen.html Zyrtare/ Erjon Bogdani firmos me Cezenen!] AlbaniaSoccer</ref>

===Siena===
In the summer of 2005, Bogdani made his return to [[Serie A|Italy's top-flight]], but for [[A.C. Siena]]. He made it his debut on 28 August 2005 against [[Cagliari Calcio|Cagliari]] playing a full 90-minute match, which finished in a 2–1 victory.<ref>[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2005/08/28/italy/serie-a/ac-siena/cagliari-calcio/312152/ Siena vs. Cagliari - 28 August 2005] Soccerway</ref> Bogdani scored his first goal on 21 September 2005 against [[Ascoli Picchio F.C. 1898|Ascoli]], in a match finished in the 1–1 draw where his goal was the first of the match, scored in the 45th minute.<ref>[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2005/09/21/italy/serie-a/ascoli-calcio/ac-siena/312174/ Ascoli Picchio vs. Siena - 21 September 2005] Soccerway</ref>

On 28 January 2006 Bogdani scored a [[Hat-trick (football)|hat trick]] of 3 goals against [[U.S. Palermo|Palermo]] where the match finished in the 1–3 away victory.<ref>[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2006/01/28/italy/serie-a/us-citta-di-palermo/ac-siena/312363/ Palermo vs. Siena - 28 January 2006] Soccerway</ref> In the [[2005–06 Serie A|2005–06 season]] he registered in total 34 league appearances where he scored in total 11 goals.

He started another season with Siena as he played in the first match against [[A.C. ChievoVerona|Chievo]] on 10 September 2006, where the match finished in a victory 1–2.<ref>[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2006/09/10/italy/serie-a/ac-chievo-verona/ac-siena/403465/ Chievo vs. Siena - 10 September 2006] Soccerway</ref> He played until the end of the [[2006–07 Serie A|2006–07 season]]'s first half, where he made 15 appearances and scored 2 goals.

===Chievo Verona===
On 11 January 2007 the struggling [[A.C. ChievoVerona]] signed 29-year-old Albanian international striker Bogdani from Serie A rivals AC Siena for an undisclosed fee.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100719020236/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=496148.html Chievo snap up Siena's Bogdani] [[UEFA]].com</ref>

With Chievo, he made his debut on 14 January 2007 against [[Calcio Catania|Catania]] playing as a starter.<ref>[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2007/01/14/italy/serie-a/ac-chievo-verona/calcio-catania/403643/ Chievo vs. Catania - 14 January 2007] Soccerway</ref> He scored twice on 24 February 2007 against [[FC Torino|Torino]], in a match finished in a 3–0 victory.<ref>[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2007/02/24/italy/serie-a/ac-chievo-verona/torino-fc/403710/ Chievo vs. Torino - 24 February 2007] Soccerway</ref> He established himself as a starter under coach [[Luigi Delneri]] playing in the starting lineup in 16 out 19 matches, scoring in total 5 goals but unable to avoid relegation to Serie B.

====Loan to Livorno====
Bogdani remained in Serie A as he was loaned out to [[A.S. Livorno Calcio|Livorno]] at the start of the 2007–08 Serie A season to replace the "goal machine" [[Cristiano Lucarelli]].<ref>[http://turismoinalbania.blogspot.al/2007/10/erjon-bogdani-giocatore-del-livorno.html ERJON BOGDANI GIOCATORE DEL LIVORNO] Turismo in Albania</ref> He made his debut with Livorno on 2 September 2007 against [[U.S. Palermo|Palermo]] in a match finished in the 2–4 loss, where he came on as a substitute in the 36th minute in place of [[Francesco Tavano]].<ref>[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2007/09/02/italy/serie-a/as-livorno-calcio/us-citta-di-palermo/501100/ Livorno vs. Palermo - 2 September 2007] Soccerway</ref> Bogdani scored two goals during the second-half season, first against [[Juventus FC|Juventus]] on 27 January 2008 in a 1–3 loss<ref>[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2008/01/27/italy/serie-a/as-livorno-calcio/juventus-fc/501279/ Livorno vs. Juventus - 27 January 2008] Soccerway</ref> and against [[Reggina Calcio|Reggina]] on 19 March 2008 in the match finished in the 1–1 draw.<ref>[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2008/03/19/italy/serie-a/as-livorno-calcio/reggina-calcio/501371/ Livorno vs. Reggina - 19 March 2008] Soccerway</ref> At the end of the season Livorno were relegated to Serie B as they were ranked in the last place of the table. Bogdani registered 28 appearances and only two goals for the entire season.

====Return to Chievo====
He returned to Chievo for the [[2008–09 Serie A|2008–09 season]]. He had a bad season where he wasn't even included in 9 matches and played 12 matches as a starter and 9 as a substitute. He scored only 1 goal for the entire season against [[SS Lazio|Lazio]] on 15 March 2009 in a match finished in the 0–3 victory, where Bogdani came on as a substitute following an injury of [[Stephen Makinwa]] in the 20th minute and scored the opening goal in the 27th minute.<ref>[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/03/15/italy/serie-a/ss-lazio-roma/ac-chievo-verona/666791/ Lazio vs. Chievo - 15 March 2009] Soccerway</ref>

Almost similar was also the next [[2009–10 Serie A|2009–10 season]]. He participated in 32 matches playing 12 as a starter and 9 as a substitute where he scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist. On 20 September 2009 against [[Genoa C.F.C.|Genoa]] Bogdani played as a starter and created an immediate impact in the first minutes winning a penalty in the 4th minute converted in goal by [[Michele Marcolini]] and scoring a goal himself 2 minutes later. Chievo won by 3–1.<ref>[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/09/20/italy/serie-a/ac-chievo-verona/genoa-cfc/817307/ Chievo vs. Genoa - 20 September 2009] Soccerway</ref> Due to a dispute with coach [[Domenico Di Carlo]] he was not included in the four penultimate matches of the season.

===Cesena===
On 22 July 2010, Bogdani signed with newly promoted Serie A side [[A.C. Cesena|Cesena]] for an undisclosed fee as a free agent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.albaniasoccer.com/lajme/shqiperi/kombetarja/2578-zyrtare-erjon-bogdani-firmos-me-cezenen.html|title=Zyrtare/ Erjon Bogdani firmos me Cezenen!|trans-title=Official/ Erjon Bogdani signs for Cesena|publisher=AlbaniaSoccer|language=sq|date=22 July 2010|access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref> He signed a contract until the end of the [[2010–11 Serie A|2010–11 season]], with an option of a further season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/Bogdani-firmos-per-nje-sezon-me-skuadren-e-ezenes.1046901982/|title=Bogdani firmos për një sezon me skuadrën e Çezenës|trans-title=Bogdani signs for a season with the team of Cesena|publisher=Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve|language=sq|date=24 July 2010|access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref> Bogdani took squad number 70, and made his debut by starting in the goalless draw versus [[A.S. Roma|Roma]] in the opening matchday on 28 August.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/08/28/italy/serie-a/as-roma/ac-cesena/989956/|title=Roma vs. Cesena 0 – 0|publisher=Soccerway|date=28 August 2010|access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref> His first score-sheet contributions came in his second appearance two weeks later in the 2–0 home win over [[A.C. Milan|Milan]], netting the opener and also setting up [[Emanuele Giaccherini]] for the second.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://football-italia.net/sa1011/ces-mil.html|title=Cesena 2–0 Milan|publisher=Football Italia|date=11 September 2010|access-date=14 September 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100914062126/http://www.football-italia.net/sa1011/ces-mil.html|archive-date=14 September 2010}}</ref> He was named "Man of the match" for his performance, and he followed that up by netting the winner versus [[U.S. Lecce|Lecce]] the next week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=ita/news/newsid=1533765.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100921212909/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=ita/news/newsid=1533765.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 September 2010|title=Inter and Cesena set Serie A pace|publisher=[[UEFA]]|date=19 September 2010|access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref> He finished his first season at ''Cavallucci Marini'' by scoring 8 goals in 35 league appearances, being the second scorer of the team, only one goal less than [[Luis Antonio Jiménez|Luis Jiménez]]. It was his highest tally since the 2005–06 season.

Bogdani lost his place in the [[2011–12 Serie A|next season]], being reduced to playing only at [[2011–12 Coppa Italia|cup]] games.<ref name="Gubbio">{{cite web|url=https://www.ilrestodelcarlino.it/cesena/sport/calcio/2011/11/30/629408-coppa_italia_cesena.shtml|title=Coppa Italia, il Cesena doma il Gubbio 3-0|trans-title=Italian Cup, Cesena dominates Gubbio 3-0|publisher=Il Resto del Carlino|language=it|date=30 November 2011|access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref> He scored his first goal of the season on 21 August in the third round match of Coppa Italia's Section 8, the winner versus [[Ascoli Calcio 1898|Ascoli]] in the 119th minute, having come on as a substitute in the 106th minute.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/08/21/italy/coppa-italia/ac-cesena/ascoli-calcio/1191151/|title=Cesena vs. Ascoli 1 – 0|publisher=Soccerway|date=21 August 2011|access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref> Bogdani's second goal came in the next cup match versus [[A.S. Gubbio 1910|Gubbio]], netting the opener with a penalty kick in a 3–0 home win, which allowed Cesena to progress to round of 16.<ref name="Gubbio"/> After being used very scarcely in league during the first part of the season,<ref name="Cesena">{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/bogdani-drejt-sienes-cezena-nis-presionin/|title=Bogdani drejt Sienës, Çezena nis "presionin"|trans-title=Bogdani towards Siena, Cesena starts the “pressure”|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=sq|date=28 January 2012|access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref> he left the club in January 2012 during the winter transfer window.<ref name="Cesena"/>

===Return to Siena===
Bogdani returned to [[AC Siena]] by signing a two-year contract on the final day of the winter transfer window.<ref>[http://albaniasoccer.com/lajme/shqiperi/kombetarja/5902-zyrtare-bogdani-le-cezenen-per-sienen.html Zyrtare/ Bogdani le Cezenen per Sienen] AlbaniaSoccer</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/31012012/58/serie-inter-sell-motta-psg-window-closes.html|title=Serie A – Inter sell Motta to PSG as window closes|date=31 January 2012|access-date=1 February 2012|publisher=Eurosport}}</ref> He made his debut with the Tuscans 22 February 2012, in the home defeat against [[Calcio Catania|Catania]]. He scored his first goal in the league 26 February 2012 in the 4–1 win against [[U.S. Città di Palermo|Palermo]]. He scored again in the next two weeks against [[Cagliari Calcio|Cagliari]] and [[A.C. Cesena|Cesena]], his former team. Bogdani concluded the season with 11 appearances and 4 goals.<ref name="Soccerway matches" >[https://int.soccerway.com/players/erjon-bogdani/4334/matches/ Erjon Bogdani matches] Soccerway</ref>

The following season he began by playing from the first minute in Siena-[[Vicenza Calcio|Vicenza]] (4–2), valid for the third round of the [[Coppa Italia|Italian Cup]], going out to 33 of recovery instead of [[Michele Paolucci]]. He made his debut in the league on 26 August against [[Torino F.C.|Torino]] (0–0), scored his first goal of the season on 31 October in Cagliari-Siena (4–2). Bogdani scored his second goal against [[U.C. Sampdoria|Sampdoria]] on 20 January 2013. He came on as a substitute to score in the 63rd minute, the only goal of the match which gave Siena the 1–0 victory.<ref>[http://www.sportishqiptar.com.al/newsite/2013/01/21/bogdani-gol-fitoreje-dhe-sherr-me-portierin-romero/ Bogdani, gol fitoreje dhe sherr me portierin Romero] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810051216/http://www.sportishqiptar.com.al/newsite/2013/01/21/bogdani-gol-fitoreje-dhe-sherr-me-portierin-romero/ |date=10 August 2017 }} [[Sporti Shqiptar]]</ref>

After his contract with Siena expired at the end of the season, Bogdani didn't move to any club in the 2013 summer transfer window.<ref>[http://albaniasoccer.com/lajme/shqiperi/kombetarja/7796-levizjet-mbyllet-afati-kalimtar-er-bomber-pa-kontrate.html Levizjet/ Mbyllet afati kalimtar, Er-Bomber pa kontratë] AlbaniaSoccer</ref> On 11 February 2014 Bogdani confirmed to have [[Retirement|retired]] from football.<ref name="lamtumira" >[http://www.zathur.net/bogu-jep-lamtumiren-futbollit/ Bogu i jep lamtumirën futbollit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214141955/http://www.zathur.net/bogu-jep-lamtumiren-futbollit/ |date=14 February 2018 }} Zathur.net</ref>

==International career==
===Youth===
====Under-21====
Bogdani first became part of the [[Albania national under-21 football team|Albania U21 team]] in 1996, where he scored on his official debut in a [[1998 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualification]] match against [[Portugal national under-21 football team|Portugal]] on 9 October 1996. Following his goal however, he was sent off after receiving the first red card of his career just 4 minutes after scoring his first international goal and Albania went on to lose the game 4–2.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.11v11.com/matches/albania-v-portugal-09-october-1996-266735/|title=Albania v Portugal, 09 October 1996|publisher=11v11|date=9 October 1996|access-date=31 March 2018}}</ref> Overall he made 7 official appearances and scored 1 goal as Albania finished Group 9 in 5th place.<ref name="UEFA profile">{{UEFA player|29077}}</ref>

====Under-23====
Bogdani was called up to [[Albania national under-23 football team|Albania under-23]] by coach [[Sulejman Mema]] to participate in the [[Football at the 1997 Mediterranean Games|1997 Mediterranean Games football tournament]], which began on 8 June in [[Southern Italy]]. Albania U23 were shorted in Group B among [[Yugoslavia Olympic football team|Yugoslavia]] and [[Italy national under-21 football team|Italy]]. Bogdani played as a half-time substitute for [[Mahir Halili]] against Yugoslavia U23 and scored in the 60th minute, Albania's only goal in a 4–1 loss. In the second fixture against Italy U23 he was an unused substitute.<ref>[https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/medgames97.html Mediterranean Games 1997 (Italy)] RSSSF</ref>

===Senior===
====1996–2003: Beginnings====
Bogdani was first introduced to the [[Albania national football team|Albania senior squad]] by manager [[Neptun Bajko]] in April 1996 for the friendly match versus [[Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team|Bosnia and Herzegovina]]. He came on in the last minutes as a substitute with the match ending in a goalless draw.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=10629|title=Football MATCH: 24.04.1996 Bosnia & Herzegovina v Albania|publisher=EU-Football.info|date=24 April 1996|access-date=29 March 2018}}</ref> Later that year, in December, Bogdani was called up again for the [[1998 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)#Group 9|1998 FIFA World Cup qualification]] match against [[Northern Ireland national football team|Northern Ireland]] in which Bogdani was an unused substitute. Albania lost 2–0 at [[Windsor Park]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/1996/12/14/europe/wc-qualifying-europe/northern-ireland/albania/630279/|title=Northern Ireland vs. Albania 2 – 0|publisher=Soccerway|date=14 December 1996|access-date=29 March 2018}}</ref> His second appearance came two years later in another friendly versus [[Cyprus national football team|Cyprus]] on 19 August 1998 where he again came on as a substitute.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=11003|title=Football MATCH: 19.08.1998 Cyprus v Albania|publisher=EU-Football.info|date=19 August 1998|access-date=29 March 2018}}</ref>

Bogdani scored his first international goal on 10 February 1999 in the 2–0 friendly win over [[Macedonia national football team|Macedonia]].<ref name="First goal">{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=11419|title=Football MATCH: 10.02.1999 Albania v Macedonia|publisher=EU-Football.info|date=10 February 1999|access-date=29 March 2018}}</ref> He continued to be part of the team under [[Astrit Hafizi]] management in the [[UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying]], where Albania was placed in [[UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying Group 2|Group 2]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/teams/2--albania/|title=Albania UEFA Euro 2000|publisher=[[UEFA]]|access-date=29 March 2018}}</ref> He made 6 appearances during the qualifying phase, including one as starter, as Albania finished the group in 5th place with 7 points.<ref name="EURO 2000">{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2000/standings/round=1165/group=907/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124160700/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2000/standings/round=1165/group=907/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 November 2011|title=Preliminary round Group 2|publisher=[[UEFA]]|access-date=29 March 2018}}</ref>

Bogdani didn't find more space in the next qualifying campaign, the [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 9|2002 FIFA World Cup qualification]], in which he managed to play only four matches. He was not seen as starter by manager [[Medin Zhega]] before players such as [[Igli Tare]], [[Alban Bushi]] and [[Altin Rraklli]].<ref name="Soccerway matches"/> He scored his next international goals in form of a brace in the 3–0 home win over [[Malta national football team|Malta]] on 15 November 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=24550|title=Football MATCH: 15.11.2000 Albania v Malta|publisher=EU-Football.info|date=15 November 2000|access-date=29 March 2018}}</ref>

====2004–2005: Injury and return as protagonist====
Bogdani missed out almost the entire [[UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying Group 10|UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying]] due to injury suffered at club level, participating only one time on 7 June 2003 against [[Republic of Ireland national football team|Republic of Ireland]] where he was an unused substitute under coach [[Hans-Peter Briegel]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2003/06/07/europe/european-championship-qualification/ireland-republic/albania/49366/|title=Republic of Ireland vs. Albania 2 – 1|publisher=Soccerway|date=7 June 2003|access-date=29 March 2018}}</ref>

Having been out of the team for more than 18 months, Bogdani returned in February 2005 for the matchday 5 of [[2006 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 2|2006 FIFA World Cup qualification]] campaign against [[Ukraine national football team|Ukraine]] in which he appeared as a second-half substitute for fellow striker Tare.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=249|title=Football MATCH: 09.02.2005 Albania v Ukraine|publisher=EU-Football.info|date=9 February 2005|access-date=29 March 2018}}</ref> Then he was put as starter in the next matches after a good run on club level, notably scoring in the loss to [[Denmark national football team|Denmark]] and win versus [[Kazakhstan national football team|Kazakhstan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=262|title=Football MATCH: 08.06.2005 Denmark v Albania|publisher=EU-Football.info|date=8 June 2005|access-date=29 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=264|title=Football MATCH: 03.09.2005 Albania v Kazakhstan|publisher=EU-Football.info|date=8 June 2005|access-date=29 March 2018}}</ref> Then he scored a brace in the 2–2 draw versus Ukraine in the penultimate qualifying match which gave him four for the campaign, making him top goalscorer of the team, as Albania finished Group 2 at 5th place, leaving behind Georgia and Kazakhstan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tables/2006q.html|title=World Cup 2006 Qualifying|publisher=RSSF.com|access-date=29 March 2018}}</ref>

====2006–2009: Half-century caps and double-figures goals====

Bogdani continued to lead Albania's attacking force in the [[UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying]], playing 11 matches, all of them as starter, and was along with [[Altin Haxhi]] the most used player.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/teams/2--albania/|title=Albania UEFA Euro 2008 squad|publisher=[[UEFA]]|access-date=31 March 2018}}</ref> He scored only once during the qualifiers, the temporary equalizer in an eventual 4–2 home defeat to [[Belarus national football team|Belarus]] on 17 November 2007 in the penultimate matchday of [[UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying Group G|Group G]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7bad499f5d-0a11b7fd3a70-1000--belarus-brush-albania-aside/|title=Belarus brush Albania aside|publisher=[[UEFA]]|date=17 November 2007|access-date=31 March 2018}}</ref> Albania failed once again to qualify at a major tournament as they finished Group G in 5th position with 11 points from 12 matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2008/standings/round=2241/group=2636/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309102445/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2008/standings/round=2241/group=2636/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 March 2012|title=Qualifying round Group G|publisher=[[UEFA]]|access-date=31 March 2018}}</ref>

Bogdani played his first [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)#Group 1|2010 FIFA World Cup qualification]] match by scoring the opener against [[Malta national football team|Malta]], his 9th international goal, in an eventual 3–0 win at [[Qemal Stafa Stadium]] in the second match of [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 1|Group 1]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1646/wcq-2010-europe/2008/09/10/858461/albania-crush-malta-in-tirana|title=Albania Crush Malta In Tirana|publisher=Goal.com|date=10 September 2008|access-date=31 March 2018}}</ref> Later on 6 June 2009, Bogdani scored his 10th international goal against [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]], becoming only the fifth player to achieve the feat. His goal however was only the temporary equalizer the minute after Portugal's opener, as Albania lost 1–2 at injury time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/soccer-world-portugal/soccer-late-bruno-alves-goal-revives-portugal-qualifying-hopes-idUKL656768020090606|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401004322/https://uk.reuters.com/article/soccer-world-portugal/soccer-late-bruno-alves-goal-revives-portugal-qualifying-hopes-idUKL656768020090606|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 April 2018|title=Soccer-Late Bruno Alves goal revives Portugal qualifying hopes|publisher=Reuters|date=6 June 2009|access-date=31 March 2018}}</ref> Bogdani made his 50th international appearance in the friendly versus [[Cyprus national football team|Cyprus]] in August 2009, netting the third goal in a 6–1 home win which was Albania's largest ever victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2009/08/12/world/friendlies/albania/cyprus/826319/|title=Albania vs. Cyprus 6 – 1|publisher=Soccerway|date=12 August 2009|access-date=31 March 2018}}</ref> With this goal he overtook Igli Tare and Sokol Kushta to become Albania's 4th goalscorer of all time. Bogdani scored his next goal in the next qualifying match against Denmark to give Albania a 1–1 draw.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2009/09/10/1491349/albania-1-1-denmark-danes-retain-top-spot-despite|title=Albania 1-1 Denmark: Danes Retain Top Spot Despite Disappointing Draw|publisher=Goal.com|date=9 September 2009|access-date=31 March 2018}}</ref> It was the first time that Bogdani had scored in three consecutive matches. Albania finished Group 1 in 5th place with only 7 points and 6 goals scored, with Bogdani netting half of them.

====2010–2011: Albania top scorer, UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying====
Bogdani began his [[UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying]] by playing as a starter in the opening [[UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group D|Group D]] match versus [[Romania national football team|Romania]] as Albania drew 1–1 at [[Stadionul Ceahlăul]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7c9d111767-f7fee90c31a1-1000--albania-end-losing-streak-against-romania/|title=Albania end losing streak against Romania|publisher=[[UEFA]]|date=3 September 2010|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> It was also Albania's first draw versus ''Tricolorii'' since 1949 after 9 consecutive defeats.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.11v11.com/teams/albania/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Romania/|title=Albania national football team: record v Romania|publisher=11v11.com|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> On 9 February 2011, Bogdani played in the 1–2 friendly loss to [[Slovenia national football team|Slovenia]], entering in Albania's top 10 appearance maker list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sport.albeu.com/kryetitull/sllovenia-mposht-shqiperine/29764/|title=Sllovenia mposht Shqipërinë (VIDEO)|trans-title=Slovania defeats Albania (VIDEO)|publisher=Sport.albeu.com|date=9 February 2010|access-date=3 April 2018|archive-date=3 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403175038/http://sport.albeu.com/kryetitull/sllovenia-mposht-shqiperine/29764/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Later on 26 March 2011, Bogdani assisted [[Hamdi Salihi]]'s winner against Belarus with a header to give Albania the 1–0 win at Qemal Stafa Stadium, the first ever against them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0252-0ce21dd5e43d-05fdcc8fc5f8-1000--salihi-strike-secures-victory-for-albania/|title=Salihi strike secures victory for Albania|publisher=[[UEFA]]|date=26 March 2011|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.11v11.com/teams/albania/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Belarus/|title=Albania national football team: record v Belarus|publisher=11v11.com|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> It was also Bogdani's 60 international appearance, overtaking [[Rudi Vata]] in the process.

Bogdani scored his first goal in the qualifiers on 2 September 2011 against the [[FIFA World Cup]]-winners [[France national football team|France]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7d36960358-2c3301e386d5-1000--france-squeeze-past-albania-to-stay-top/|title=France squeeze past Albania to stay top|publisher=[[UEFA]]|date=2 September 2011|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> With this goal Bogdani leveled [[Alban Bushi]] to become joint all-time top goalscorer of Albania with 14 goals. He broke the record four days later in the next qualifying match,<ref name="Record">{{cite web|url=http://albaniasoccer.com/lajme/shqiperi/kombetarja/5274-ne-fokus-bogdani-thyen-rekordin-e-bushit-rekord-15-golesh.html|title=Ne fokus/ Bogdani thyen rekordin e Bushit, rekord 15-golesh|trans-title=In focus/ Bogdani breaks Bushi's record, a 15 goals record|publisher=AlbaniaSoccer|language=sq|date=6 September 2011|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> a 2–1 away loss versus [[Luxembourg national football team|Luxembourg]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7d22c5aca9-7fc611a11da7-1000--luxembourg-beat-albania-for-first-win/|title=Luxembourg beat Albania for first win|publisher=[[UEFA]]|author=David Babaev|date=6 September 2011|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> In the post-match interview, Bogdani stated that he was considering retirement from the national team but changed his mind following a conversation with the [[Albanian Football Association]] president [[Armand Duka]] declaring that he will stay for another qualification campaign if the Albania national team needs him and of course if he would be in a good running form.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://albaniasoccer.com/lajme/shqiperi/kombetarja/5435-kombetarja-bogdaninese-nevojitem-qendroj-per-edicionin-e-ardhshem.htm|title=Kombetarja/ Bogdani:Nese nevojitem, qendroj per edicionin e ardhshem|trans-title=National team/ Bogdani: If I'm needed, I stay for the next edition|publisher=AlbaniaSoccer|language=sq|date=9 October 2011|access-date=3 April 2018}}{{Dead link|date=December 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He also described 2011 as one of the best years of his career.<ref name="Er-Bomber">{{cite web|url=http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/Superviti-i-Erjon-Bogdanit-rekordmen-dhe-baba.1047161979/|title=Superviti i Erjon Bogdanit, rekordmen dhe baba|trans-title=Superyear of Erjon Bogdani, record man and father|publisher=Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve|language=sq|date=9 October 2011|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref>

====2012–2013: Final years under De Biasi====
Now a veteran, Bogdani continued to be a part of the national team even after the appointment of manager [[Gianni De Biasi]], who was known for having a liking for youth players. He scored his first goal under De Biasi on 22 May 2012, his 16th with a penalty, in a 2–1 friendly win over [[Qatar national football team|Qatar]] at [[Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/Shqiperia-fiton-miqesoren-me-Katarin-shenojne-Bakaj-e-Bogdani.1047240409/|title=Shqipëria fiton miqësoren me Katarin, shënojnë Bakaj e Bogdani|trans-title=Albania wins the friendly with Qatar, Bakaj and Bogdani scored|publisher=Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve|work=BalkanWeb.com|language=sq|date=22 May 2012|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref>

For the [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers]], De Biasi had introduced young forwards into the team to create more competition for the starting eleven. Young forwards such as [[Edgar Çani]], [[Armando Sadiku]] and [[Bekim Balaj]] provided competition for the established and mature internationals which were Bogdani and [[Hamdi Salihi]]. He played as a substitute in the opening [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group E|Group E]] match versus Cyprus, entering at 72nd minute in place of [[Emiljano Vila]], only to fire a 30-yard strike into the net in the 87th minute to secure a 3–1 win, a goal which many considered to be the best international goal of his career.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/news/0201-0e13a575fa29-b07b835b0cd1-1000--albania-leave-it-late-against-cyprus/|title=Albania leave it late against Cyprus|publisher=[[UEFA]]|date=7 September 2013|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> It was his 69th match for Albania, which made him the fifth player with most appearances, overtaking Igli Tare and Alban Bushi. He started in the second match against [[Switzerland national football team|Switzerland]] but was replaced in the 55th minute as Albania lost 0–2.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/season=2014/matches/round=2000294/match=2008659/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915094126/http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/season=2014/matches/round=2000294/match=2008659/postmatch/report/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 September 2012|title=Switzerland come good against Albania|publisher=[[UEFA]]|date=11 September 2013|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref>

Bogdani begun 2013 by netting his 18th international goal, a first-half header, in the friendly loss against [[Georgia national football team|Georgia]] on 6 February.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oranews.tv/article/shqiperia-e-nis-me-humbje-mposhtet-21-nga-gjeorgjia|title=Shqipëria e nis me humbje, mposhtet 2:1 nga Gjeorgjia|trans-title=Albania starts with loss, defeated 2:1 by Georgia|publisher=Ora News|language=sq|date=6 February 2013|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> He played as a late substitute in the qualifying match versus [[Norway national football team|Norway]] as Albania took their first ever win versus them thanks to Hamdi Salihi's winner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/season=2014/matches/round=2000294/match=2008649/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326004958/http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/season=2014/matches/round=2000294/match=2008649/postmatch/report/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 March 2013|title=Albania beat the freeze in Norway|publisher=[[UEFA]]|language=sq|date=22 March 2013|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> This proved to be his last competitive match. Bogdani [[Captain (association football)|captained]] Albania for the first time in his career four days later in the friendly match against [[Lithuania national football team|Lithuania]] in his 74th international appearance, playing for 70 minutes before making place for [[Lorik Cana]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/luhet-shqiperi-lituani-debuton-valdet-rama/|title=Shqipëria fiton miqësoren me Lituaninë, 4–1|trans-title=Albania wins the friendly with Lithuania 4-1|publisher=Panorama.com.al|language=sq|date=26 March 2013|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref>

====Retirement====
On 11 February 2014, Bogdani confirmed to have [[Retirement|retired]] from the played football, thus ending his 17-year international career.<ref name="lamtumira"/> At the time, he was Albania's fourth player with most appearances. He is currently the top goalscorer with 18 goals.<ref name="Records">{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/bogdani-intlg.html|title=Erion Bogdani – Goals in International Matches|author=Roberto Mamrud|website=[[RSSSF]]|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> He also hold records for most goals scored for Albania at [[FIFA World Cup qualification]] (8),<ref name="Records"/> and most goals scored as a substitute (4). In addition, Bogdani is also the oldest player at 35 years, 10 month, 23 days to score a goal for Albania.<ref name="Records"/>

==Post-playing career==
===Albania national team===
After retirement, Bogdani started working as a youth players' scout for the [[Albania national football team]], where he was named on 12 August 2014 by [[FSHF]].<ref name="Scout">{{cite web|url=http://fshf.org/en/bogdani-scout-of-red-and-black-teams/|title=Bogdani, scout of red and black teams|publisher=FSHF.org|date=16 September 2014|access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref>

On 29 August 2015, he was named as the Albania national team assistant manager by the national head coach [[Gianni De Biasi]] for replacing the departed [[Altin Lala]].<ref name="Assistant">{{cite web|url=http://klankosova.tv/bogdani-emerohet-ndihmes-i-de-biasit/|title=Bogdani emërohet ndihmës i De Biasit|trans-title=Bogdani named De Biasi's assistant|publisher=Klan Kosova|language=sq|date=29 August 2015|access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref>

===Albania under-19===
Following the appointment of [[Paolo Tramezzani]], former assistant manager of Gianni De Biasi, as the new head coach of the senior national team on 9 December 2016, Bogdani was named as the [[Albania national under-19 football team]] manager.<ref name="U19">{{cite web|url=http://fshf.org/?tv=prezantohen-trajneret-e-ekipeve-kombetare-u-21-dhe-u-19|title=Prezantohen trajnerët e ekipeve kombëtare U-21 dhe U-19|trans-title=Managers of national team U19 and U21 are presented|publisher=FSHF.org|language=sq|date=9 December 2016|access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref>

===Palermo===
In August 2022, Bogdani moved back to Italy as the new head of scouting for the youth sector of [[Palermo FC|Palermo]], working under his former teammate [[Leandro Rinaudo]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.calciorosanero.it/2022/08/10/palermo-bogdani-nuovo-responsabile-scouting-del-settore-giovanile/ |publisher=Calcio Rosanero |language=it |date=10 August 2022|accessdate=12 June 2024 |title=Palermo, Bogdani nuovo responsabile scouting del settore giovanile}}</ref> He served at this role for two years, departing by the end of the 2023–24 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stadionews.it/palermo-bogdani-saluta-sono-stati-due-anni-bellissimi-foto/ |publisher=Stadionews |language=it |date=12 June 2024|accessdate=12 June 2024 |title=Palermo, Bogdani saluta: "Sono stati due anni bellissimi"}}</ref>

==Career statistics==

===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref>{{Soccerway|erjon-bogdani/4334|accessdate=22 November 2017}}</ref><ref name="NFT profile" >{{NFT player|34|name=Bogdani, Erjon|access-date=7 July 2016}}</ref><ref name="UEFA profile" />{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|Cup
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="6"|[[FK Partizani Tirana|Partizani Tirana]]
|[[1993–94 Albanian Superliga|1993–94]]
|rowspan="5"|[[Albanian Superliga]]
|7||0||0||0||0||0||7||0
|-
|[[1994–95 Albanian Superliga|1994–95]]
|13||2||0||0||colspan="2"|—||13||2
|-
|[[1995–96 Albanian Superliga|1995–96]]
|20||2||0||0||2{{efn|Appearance(s) in [[1995–96 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]]}}||0||22||2
|-
|[[1996–97 Albanian Superliga|1996–97]]
|14||4||1||0||colspan="2"|—||15||4
|-
|[[1997–98 Albanian Superliga|1997–98]]
|15||13||0||0||colspan="2"|—||15||13
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!69!!32!!1!!0!!2!!0!!72!!21
|-
|[[Gençlerbirliği S.K.|Gençlerbirliği]]
|[[1998–99 1.Lig|1998–99]]
|[[Süper Lig]]
|11||1||0||0||colspan="2"|—||11||1
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[NK Zagreb|Zagreb]]
|[[1998–99 Croatian First Football League|1998–99]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Croatian First Football League|Prva HNL]]
|14||6||0||0||0||0||14||6
|-
|[[1999–2000 Croatian First Football League|1999–00]]
|12||2||2||3||0||0||14||5
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!26!!8!!2!!3!!0!!0!!28!!11
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[S.S.D. Reggio Calabria|Reggina]]
|[[1999–2000 Serie A|1999–2000]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Serie A]]
|10||2||0||0||colspan="2"|—||10||2
|-
|[[2000–01 Serie A|2000–01]]
|19||1||2||0||colspan="2"|—||21||1
|-
|[[2001–02 Serie B|2001–02]]
|[[Serie B]]
|31||7||1||0||colspan="2"|—||32||7
|-
|[[2002–03 Serie A|2002–03]]
|Serie A
|11||1||5||0||colspan="2"|—||16||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!71!!11!!8!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!79!!11
|-
|[[U.S. Salernitana 1919|Salernitana]] (loan)
|[[2003–04 Serie B|2003–04]]
|Serie B
|38||8||0||0||colspan="2"|—||38||8
|-
|[[Hellas Verona F.C.|Hellas Verona]]
|[[2004–05 Serie B|2004–05]]
|Serie B
|38||17||1||0||colspan="2"|—||39||17
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[S.S. Robur Siena|Siena]]
|[[2005–06 Serie A|2005–06]]
|rowspan="2"|Serie A
|34||11||0||0||colspan="2"|—||34||11
|-
|[[2006–07 Serie A|2006–07]]
|15||2||2||2||colspan="2"|—||17||4
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!49!!13!!2!!2!!colspan="2"|—!!51!!15
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[A.C. Chievo Verona|Chievo Verona]]
|[[2006–07 Serie A|2006–07]]
|Serie A
|19||5||1||0||colspan="2"|—||20||5
|-
|[[2007–08 Serie A|2007–08]]
|Serie B
|colspan="2"|—||1||0||colspan="2"|—||1||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!19!!5!!2!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!21!!5
|-
|[[A.S. Livorno Calcio|Livorno]] (loan)
|[[2007–08 Serie A|2007–08]]
|Serie B
|28||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||28||2
|-
|rowspan="3"|Chievo Verona
|[[2008–09 Serie A|2008–09]]
|rowspan="2"|Serie A
|21||1||1||0||colspan="2"|—||22||1
|-
|[[2009–10 Serie A|2009–10]]
|21||2||2||1||colspan="2"|—||23||3
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!42!!3!!3!!1!!colspan="2"|—!!45!!4
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[A.C. Cesena|Cesena]]
|[[2010–11 Serie A|2010–11]]
|rowspan="2"|Serie A
|35||8||0||0||colspan="2"|—||35||8
|-
|[[2011–12 Serie A|2011–12]]
|14||0||3||2||colspan="2"|—||17||2
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!49!!8!!3!!2!!colspan="2"|—!!52!!10
|-
|rowspan="3"|Siena
|[[2011–12 Serie A|2011–12]]
|rowspan="2"|Serie A
|11||4||2||0||colspan="2"|—||13||4
|-
|[[2012–13 Serie A|2012–13]]
|18||2||2||0||colspan="2"|—||20||2
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!29!!6!!4!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!33!!6
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!469!!103!!26!!8!!2!!0!!497!!111
|}
{{notelist}}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=2175|title = Erjon Bogdani, international footballer}}</ref>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="18"|[[Albania national football team|Albania]]
|1996||1||0
|-
|1997||0||0
|-
|1998||2||0
|-
|1999||7||1
|-
|2000||3||2
|-
|2001||3||0
|-
|2002||2||0
|-
|2003||1||0
|-
|2004||0||0
|-
|2005||9||4
|-
|2006||6||0
|-
|2007||10||1
|-
|2008||4||1
|-
|2009||5||3
|-
|2010||6||0
|-
|2011||8||3
|-
|2012||5||2
|-
|2013||3||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!75!!18
|}

:''Scores and results list Albania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Bogdani goal.''

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Erjon Bogdani<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=2175|title=Erjon Bogdani|publisher=EU-Football.info|access-date=20 September 2019}}</ref>
|-
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
|-
| style="text-align:center"|1 || 10 February 1999 || [[Qemal Stafa Stadium]], [[Tirana]], Albania || {{fb|MKD}} || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || [[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]
|-
| style="text-align:center"|2
| rowspan="2"|15 November 2000 || rowspan="2"|Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania || rowspan="2"|{{fb|MLT}} || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|3–0 || rowspan="2"|Friendly
|-
| style="text-align:center"|3
| style="text-align:center"|3–0
|-
| style="text-align:center"|4
| 8 June 2005 || [[Parken Stadium]], [[Copenhagen]], Denmark || {{fb|DEN}} || style="text-align:center"|1–3 || style="text-align:center"|1–3 || [[2006 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 2|2006 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
| style="text-align:center"|5 || 3 September 2005 || Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania || {{fb|KAZ}} || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || style="text-align:center"|2–1 || 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
| style="text-align:center"|6
| rowspan="2"|8 October 2005 || rowspan="2"|[[Meteor Stadium]], [[Dnipropetrovsk]], Ukraine || rowspan="2"|{{fb|UKR}} || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|2–2 || rowspan="2"| 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
| style="text-align:center"|7
| style="text-align:center"|2–1
|-
| style="text-align:center"|8
| 17 November 2007 || Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania || {{fb|BLR}} || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || style="text-align:center"|2–4 || [[UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying Group G|UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying]]
|-
| style="text-align:center"|9
| 10 September 2008 || Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania || {{fb|MLT}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|3–0 || [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 1|2010 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
| style="text-align:center"|10
| 6 June 2009 || Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania || {{fb|POR}} || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || style="text-align:center"|1–2 || 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
| style="text-align:center"|11
| 12 August 2009 || Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania || {{fb|CYP}} || style="text-align:center"|3–1 || style="text-align:center"|6–1 || Friendly
|-
| style="text-align:center"|12
| 9 September 2009 || Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania || {{fb|DEN}} || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
| style="text-align:center"|13
| 10 August 2011 || Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania || {{fb|MNE}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|3–2 || Friendly
|-
| style="text-align:center"|14
| 2 September 2011 || Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania || {{fb|FRA}} || style="text-align:center"|1–2 || style="text-align:center"|1–2 || [[UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group D|UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying]]
|-
| style="text-align:center"|15
| 6 September 2011 || [[Stade Josy Barthel]], [[Luxembourg City]], Luxembourg || {{fb|LUX}} || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || style="text-align:center"|1–2 || UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
|-
| style="text-align:center"|16
| 22 May 2012 || [[Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas]], [[Madrid]], Spain || {{fb|QAT}} || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || style="text-align:center"|2–1 || Friendly
|-
| style="text-align:center"|17
| 7 September 2012 || Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania || {{fb|CYP}} || style="text-align:center"|3–1 || style="text-align:center"|3–1 || [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 5|2014 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
| style="text-align:center"|18
| 6 February 2013 || Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania || {{fb|GEO}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|1–2 || Friendly
|}

==Honors==

'''Partizani Tirana'''
*[[Albanian Cup]]: [[1996–97 Albanian Cup|1996–97]]

'''Reggina'''
*[[Serie A]] Promotion: [[2001–02 Serie B|2001–02]]

'''Individual'''
*[[Serie A]] Man of the Match with Cesena (6)
*[[Serie A]] Team of the Week with Cesena: 2010
*Albanian Footballer of the Year: 2005
*Albanian Fan's Footballer of the Year: 2002, 2005, 2007

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{UEFA player|29077}}
* {{NFT player|34}}
* {{Soccerway|erjon-bogdani/4334}}
* [http://www.gazzetta.it/speciali/statistiche/2008_nw/giocatori/54454.shtml Erjon Bogdani] at La Gazzetta {{in lang|it}} {{dead link|date=March 2019}}
* {{ESPN FC|24380<!-- /erjon-bogdani -->}}
* {{Eu-Football.info|2175}}
* {{FSHF|226628}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bogdani, Erjon}}
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Albanian Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:Footballers from Tirana]]
[[Category:Albanian men's footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:FK Partizani Tirana players]]
[[Category:Gençlerbirliği S.K. footballers]]
[[Category:NK Zagreb players]]
[[Category:AS Reggina 1914 players]]
[[Category:US Salernitana 1919 players]]
[[Category:Hellas Verona FC players]]
[[Category:Siena FC SSD players]]
[[Category:AC ChievoVerona players]]
[[Category:US Livorno 1915 players]]
[[Category:AC Cesena players]]
[[Category:Kategoria Superiore players]]
[[Category:Süper Lig players]]
[[Category:Serie A players]]
[[Category:Serie B players]]
[[Category:Croatian Football League players]]
[[Category:Albania men's youth international footballers]]
[[Category:Albania men's under-21 international footballers]]
[[Category:Albania men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Competitors at the 1997 Mediterranean Games]]
[[Category:Albanian expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Turkey]]
[[Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Croatia]]
[[Category:Albanian expatriate sportspeople in Italy]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Turkey]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Croatia]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy]]
[[Category:Mediterranean Games competitors for Albania]]